Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

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Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

September 28, 2023, 01:51:57 am

I have stumbled across what I hope to be the right Foretravel coach for us. 1998 U320 36. I have done a lot of due diligence and looking for the right coach for a while. We are doing a video walk through tomorrow.

Inside is in great original condition. Aside for some clear coat issues, the current owner seemed to have taken very good care of the coach as far as keeping up on regular maintenance, updating, replacement and repairs as needed (per paperwork) etc. The coach has 3yr old tires, total stem to stern service 2 years ago, new windshield, b-up camera, new A/C, batteries, belts, 8 air bags, filters, Aqua Hot, alternator++++and so much more.

Can any of you help me with suggesting a fair price for this coach in today's current market. Really Really appreciate all input. I don't want to overpay, but I also don't want to insult them. TYIA

Re: Newby here. Just FOUND FORETRAVEL U320 tgoing to be for sale

Reply #1 – September 28, 2023, 08:03:13 am

Impossible to give any price as it's all up to the condition of the coach and what it needs

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #2 – September 28, 2023, 08:09:14 am

Agree with Ernie.

On a 25 year old coach its condition and how much preventive maintenance has/needs to been done makes a huge difference.

Tell us more about the coach or better where it is located-- someone here may know the coach.

If it belongs to a ForeForum member, you can look up their posts here to start getting a perspective on its "care and feeding".

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #3 – September 28, 2023, 09:05:05 am

Too many variables,what is the asking price,where is the coach,assuming it has a paint job to have clear coat,stem to stern service
very vauge,could mean many different things.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #4 – September 28, 2023, 11:36:30 am

All original in perfect shape, id pay up to 50k. We are talking perfect shape.
I have the same rig with huge upgrades, i would pay up to 80k for nicely upgraded in perfect condition. I consider the 36 no slide to be the perfect couples travel rig. Lovin mine

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #5 – September 28, 2023, 11:47:20 am

Quote

I consider the 36 no slide to be the perfect couples travel rig. Lovin mine

42 foot for 2 old people and a dog and cat is perfect for us

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #6 – September 28, 2023, 04:32:39 pm

$25,000, $30,000 to $35,000

Some want high dollar amounts that increase risks when purchasing a 25-year old coach.

Most of the items listed are normal maintenance and do not add value to sale price. There are still many unknows with undercarriage and drivetrain that could show their face to the current owner or the next owner.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #7 – September 28, 2023, 05:41:37 pm

When I bought my 25 year old coach it had 72,000 miles on and the generator had 32 hours of use. Just like Ernie said there's no hard and fast rule they're all different.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #8 – September 28, 2023, 07:12:29 pm

It is worth what someone is willing to pay. For me, a '98 U320 in the right color, floor plan, history, and condition could easily have me writing a check for $60-70K. Not many would qualify.
YMMV

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #9 – September 28, 2023, 08:16:51 pm

Keep in mind that today's dollar isn't worth anywhere near what it was 25 years ago.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #10 – September 28, 2023, 10:10:02 pm

Consider any appliance in the coach that is original, needs to be replaced or soon will fail. Same goes for mechanical devices like air bags or any rubber related items like bushings. A/C units unless recently replaced, will need to be shortly. Consumable items like batteries, tires, brake pads all need to be addressed.
The old rule of thumb around here is to plan on at least another $10,000 in repairs after the purchase.
Makes a huge difference if you can do repairs or will you need to hire people to do the repairs.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #11 – September 28, 2023, 10:26:31 pm

Go look at it. If you cant disqualify it have Kieth fly up and look at it. Im confident you'll save his cost and save much more in the long run. You really only want to buy a coach you actually want. Fuel is currently expensive and the coach market reflects that. Well worth the investment IMO of a prepurchase inspection. You will learn a lot and may look at others without him or see the value he brings to the table.
Scott

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #12 – September 29, 2023, 09:12:41 am

Our coach loosely fits the description you provided, other than our older paint not having any issues. We are not looking to sell.

If I were...

It seems like prices have calmed down some. I would smile at offers in the low to mid 40s, and continue the conversation. I would JUMP at an offer of $50K. I would be pretty insulted at offers under $30K.

From the other side, I would shrug off an additional $5000 to my shopping budget, if it meant getting the coach I wanted. Some dude paid (inflation adjusted) $800K for our coach, and we bought it for five cents on the dollar. Don't be irrational, but get what you want. Sometimes we just get a "vibe" about the right one - that is NOT the time to "settle" for something else, if the dollars can be forgotten, can be rationalized, or can be wrapped up into the lore of your life.

Just a lone opinion, but I hope this helps you.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #13 – September 29, 2023, 10:10:36 am

Quote from: oldmattb – September 29, 2023, 09:12:41 am

Sometimes we just get a "vibe" about the right one - that is NOT the time to "settle" for something else, if the dollars can be forgotten, can be rationalized, or can be wrapped up into the lore of your life.

Really this why I purchased when I did. Was not in market yet. Seeing mine and researching Foretravel realized it was what I wanted.
Had the "feeling" with this one after talking with previous owner. Maybe it is changing I don't know but when what you want shows up you better take advantage or you may miss out. Sometime value is not the market but what you make it. If mine showed up for 20K less than I paid I would still be happy with my purchase.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #14 – September 29, 2023, 10:39:03 am

Quote from: oldmattb – September 29, 2023, 09:12:41 am

I would smile at offers in the low to mid 40s, and continue the conversation. I would JUMP at an offer of $50K. I would be pretty insulted at offers under $30K.

This feels like a good answer if you want a true dollar amount to go by. If I could snag a nice 36' U320 for under $20k I'd be throwing hundred dollar bills at the seller as fast as I could. North of $50k and I'd start worrying that I may have overpaid. Anything in between would be fair game for negotiating.

There is nothing wrong with "overpaying" for the right coach. I probably did on my U320 and on my GV and I still have no regrets. You're ultimately trying to buy as many units of happiness as you can and only you know today's exchange rate.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #15 – September 29, 2023, 11:00:14 am

We overpaid for our coach and then sunk a ton of money into it making it suit our way of camping and our personal taste. Think of installing a lovely swimming pool in your backyard that you enjoy a great deal, but the house is located in a small, remote, dying west Texas town of 870 people.

What is that swimming pool worth? Only you will know. The more you swim in it, the happier you will be. We swim in ours year round.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #16 – September 29, 2023, 12:37:56 pm

Quote from: RvingJeff – September 29, 2023, 10:10:36 am

Really this why I purchased when I did.

We had looked a several FTs, and a bunch of other coaches. When we found our current one, from about three minutes in, we were practically squealing with excitement, in the full presence of the sellers. When you say stuff like "our blah-blah will fit perfectly here," and "I love this thing." it makes it a little tougher to suddenly act cool when it comes to the price. Every single thing worked on the coach except the tachometer - the replacement was in a box on the dashboard. I really felt like I was in an altered state - a huge rush of confidence that this was the one!

I walked up to the seller and said "We want it, and have made no secret of that... I only ask for a bit of mercy on the price if you are able." He ordered without a hint of smile or humor "I will not accept that. Go back out there, find the flaws, and make an offer."

I did just that, and asked for around $2000 off his price. He questioned my request for $20 for touch-up paint. "Will you really buy the paint?" My wife chimes in "You don't know my husband - he will." The seller sat for a long moment, and said without a smile "I accept your offer."

Then he smiled!

The lead came from a dealer we had called a few days prior, who had just heard about the coach. The story was "nice old couple, took great care of it, they just can't use it anymore, blah blah blah." My BS detect or went wild, but we U-turned, literally at the next exit to go see it. The story checked out, all true. The dealer REFUSED a finder fee offer, just saying he was glad to help.

After the absolute crap we saw for sale, spending the money for the coach felt like a gift from the gods.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #17 – November 13, 2023, 11:50:25 pm

We have a 99 270 no slide, be bought it in good condition but NO upgrades, then replaced the hoses, belts, shocks, bags, fuel lines, brakes, steering, tires etc etc. Recovered furniture, replaced captains chairs , changed all the brass to brushed nickle , Painted roof and stripes, did the lights, re did all the window seals, then the TV's radio, Silverleaf , back up camera, and the list goes on.
Yes it now looks new inside and out, you ask what is a good price, I stopped counting when my $36,000 purchase doubled itself!
Is it worth that? Would I sell it for 50,000 probably not when a piece of garbage quality travel trailer sell for more.
We love our coach, it's perfect for both of us, no aqua hot (even though it's the ultimate) no slide to mess up, it's simple compared to new rigs, no DEF, Forget looking at budget prices, we would have done better paying more up front and buying a coach which had been updated and was ready to rock and roll!
If you find one buy it and enjoy.
Good luck!

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #18 – November 14, 2023, 11:12:54 am

I'm going to give you a different way of looking at it. Ask yourself both how much per year you truly intend to use it and for how many years you expect or hope to do so. Not factoring in any other cost for annual maintenance, as annual maintenance is merely the going rate for living, regardless of whether you are talking about a primary home, a vacation home or a Recreational Vehicle (which can function as either or both, depending) calculate, or amortize, the annual cost based on the purchase/asking price. Then decide if that's acceptable or not. All of this is completely separate from what it is you're buying. Then search for the best quality available in that price range. This is what led me to my Foretravel. Before that I had a 1972 32' Airstream Landyacht Sovereign for several years and subsequent to that a Newmar 5th wheel for 14 years. I made nearly all the repairs myself as well as handling all the annual maintenance so the only costs over purchase price were either replacement parts or upgrades, and to be honest prob half of those were upgrades based on my personal desires. Still, in the end, even factoring in inflation, my amortized annual costs were on par and no more than the cost of an annual two week vacation by air at an upscale hotel with nightly nice meals out. Or less. Has it been worth it? Each and evertime, yes. And I used each of them far, far, far more than two weeks per year.

As a last note, having had a mobile RV repair business for several years (as a certified repair tech) I can also tell you that the highest number of calls I received, by far, was water leaks, most often the result of faulty roof maintenance with sealant around protrusions (i.e. skylights, vent fans, vent stacks, antennas, etc.) AND slide outs. This was a huge factor in my decision to seek out a non-slide coach. That and the better balance on the frame resulting improved driving and handling. Try as they might, manufacturers can never truly balance the weight of a coach with slides vs one without. This is not to say I am against slides, for some the desire for more floor space is paramount. But my point is that non-slide coaches are more rare, especially in later model years as most people prefer them and manufacturers respond to markets. So when you find a non-slide model that suits you, that is worth some significant additional consideration.

Hope this gives some additional useful context on "fair market value."

Good luck on your quest; may the Foretravel be with you. 😏

Bill

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #19 – November 14, 2023, 05:11:56 pm

I remember when I was thinking about buying a coach and didn't have a clue of what to pay for it. When John 44 called me to tell me about my coach being up for sale I drove a couple hours out of my way with my ex who was not too happy about it, almost walked away because the previous owner didn't want to let me in until he had it fully clean. I was 3 to 4 hours from home and was getting late and I told him then you can sell it to somebody else. I didn't care about if it was clean I was more interested in the walkthrough layout as well as some of the larger items. What I found was a coach that had been thoroughly rebuilt by previous owners with some really cool and different stuff. Like a marine refrigerator, like lithium ion batteries and complete victron install. Like a roof of solar panels that meant I could boondock which was my plan. The windows had all been replaced. There was a lot of things that I knew I would have to add or redo by getting rid of the cracked tile floor, getting new or reupholstering the old seats that were full of cat claw holes, and things like that. I don't even know how much money I put into this coach since I purchased it, and it really doesn't matter to me because it's my home and I love it. So I could go back probably and figure it out but I won't.
What would I pay today for the same coach? Probably about the same amount. What would I sell my coach for today if it was for sale, probably the same amount as I purchased it as I think that would be fairly Fair. But only if I was going to be using it. I would not buy one of these if I was going to let it sit most of the time. I know someone who bought a coach sight unseen and for less money. On the ride home he had to put in a lot of money to get it there. And of course that's what could happen when you buy something 20 years old or more. I do disagree with some of the comments about how upgrades and things don't add value. That's ridiculous of course they do. Fuel filters and the light do not of course but things like changing windows new flooring new or recovered seating etc will add value and therefore cost. Unless you just want to get rid of it and don't care what it brings.
In the end do what makes you feel good. You could see the best looking coach out there and still have lots of maintenance or upgrade issues down the road. Better to go in with your eyes wide open then eyes wide shut.
Bob

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #20 – November 16, 2023, 04:58:59 pm

Lots of good advice above. I'd just say: if it checks out (everything looks good, or nothing fatal) and you like it, pay whatever you need to pay to get it. In the long run you'll never worry too much about it if you enjoy it. In other words: don't let it get away because you don't get to dicker down as much as you would normally like. Just my opinion, but I think these coaches are worth it.

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #21 – November 16, 2023, 06:25:59 pm

Make sure you get a pro to check the drive-train. A replacement engine could cost $25000 +, same with the Allison 4000 series trans. another $25000. repair. This type of repair would make a purchase pointless.
Cooling system repairs (radiator and air cooler) $4000+.
Inverter- $1500+
Tires- $3500 +
It all adds up quickly, even if you do all the work yourself. If you don't plan on doing your own repairs it becomes mandatory to have a GOOD repair facility near you.
You must always remember how old the coach is, what do you still use that you bought in the late 90's?

Re: Fair price 1998 FORETRAVEL U320

Reply #22 – November 17, 2023, 09:33:25 am

Here is how I look at it.
I probably have 90k wrapped up in my 98 u320.
What would i buy for 90k that would serve the purpose the same or better?
Maybe a 99 with 10k tow capacity, but thats it.
Nothing else comes close.

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