Skip to main content
Topic: Grand Villa value (Read 706 times) previous topic - next topic

Grand Villa value

My father passed away approximately one year ago leaving a 36' 1988 Grand Villa diesel (ORED) that he owned for approximately 30 years. Engine is a CAT 250. Mileage 87K. The motor home has been stored in an enclosed garage for at least the last ten years. Prior to storage, he had the factory install a new fiberglass roof and new air-conditioning units. It currently runs and drives good.

We are trying to get some idea of what this motor home is worth. I checked with a couple of local dealers, but they both gave me a printout showing value of a Grand Villa with gas engine. Dealer told me "1988 Grand Villa - Gas" is the only unit listed in their pricing program. If motor homes are anything like pick up trucks, diesel power would increase overall value.

Does anyone have suggestions on how we can determine approximate value?

Thank you

Ed

Re: Grand Villa value

Reply #1
You might check with MOT (Motorhomes of Texas).  They deal with the largest number of used Foretravels; more than any other dealer.

Most "regular" RV dealers won't have a clue.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Grand Villa value

Reply #2
I assume your coach is the one forsale on Rvtrader.

Price is always based on condition, and condition is everything. While it's not the most desired foretravel it should still find a buyer.

Your price is not totally out of line, but from what I see from the past sells these sell usually for 12k-15k if real nice. Not common over that, maybe 20k would be top dollar if mint and the right buyer. I also see a lot 8-10k. Just depends how long you want it to sit.

I would have the mind set of 12k-15k, if no interest you now which way to go with the price.
John Hobbs
1995 U300 SE
M11 / Retarder
Private toilet
1 of 1
Wichita, Ks

Re: Grand Villa value

Reply #3
Starting from the motor, 3208 cat with 250 hp.
The low mileage is nice at less than 3,000 a year however if it's been parked for over 10 years then All the rubber will be suspect, tires, hoses, belts, seals etc.
Another unknown is what prompted the new roof, was it related to water damage or just preventative maintenance ?
Asking $15k and taking less is probably where you'll be.
All that being said a prospective buyer maybe getting a really great deal with a little work and $5/6k.
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: Grand Villa value

Reply #4
Pictures would help, I would agree with Olde English. All the rubber is junk. Lots of sitting moving parts. I am sure it would be worth someone's time to fix up but it would be a big price tag to get going. I would guess the 8-12k range is fair depending on condition.

Re: Grand Villa value

Reply #5
I want to thank everyone for your input. I will try to respond to the questions/concerns raised.

I was surprised to find local San Antonio area RV dealers I spoke with not familiar with Foretravel. These appear to be very well built units so I assumed everyone in the business would be familiar with the Foretravel name. Yes, this is the coach currently listed in RV Trader. At the time I posted here, I did not know my brother had already submitted the add to RV Trader. The price he included was an average of several similar units he found on line. We agree, all the rubber is suspect. It was stored in a fully enclosed garage with concrete floor. Surprisingly the Michelin tires look very good after years of storage. No visible signs of dry rot. While I cannot be sure, I suspect my father replaced the roof due to deterioration, which occurred before he built the enclosure. I do not see any water stains on headliner or any other visible signs of leakage. The interior headliner looks very good so it may have been replaced along with the roof, but I never heard my father mention headliner replacement. Again, thank you for your time and valuable insight.

Ed

Re: Grand Villa value

Reply #6
I want to thank everyone for your input. I will try to respond to the questions/concerns raised.

I was surprised to find local San Antonio area RV dealers I spoke with not familiar with Foretravel. These appear to be very well built units so I assumed everyone in the business would be familiar with the Foretravel name.

Ed
c
The RV dealers in the San Antonia area, if they are familiar with Foretravel know that if your '88 is in good condition it' better built than most of the high end stuff on their lot . . .


Foretravel always had a reputation for quality construction and the Grand Villas are pretty much top of the line.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

 

Re: Grand Villa value

Reply #7
If possible
KEEP IT.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH