1998 Foretravel U270 36'

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1998 Foretravel U270 36'

November 08, 2012, 10:00:53 pm

I finally decided to sell my Toyhauler and buy a FT. I have been looking at MOT and have found a 1998 Foretravel U270 36' #C1592. I am looking for any and all input on this FT. This will be my first Motorhome as I have had Toyhauler trailers in the past. The asking price is $39,500 which is $15,000 over Nada according to my research. Is this normal for FT to be priced above Nada?
Terry

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #1 – November 08, 2012, 10:21:30 pm

Quote from: CAPEHORN31 – November 08, 2012, 10:00:53 pm

Is this normal for FT to be priced above Nada?

Terry,

Welcome to the forum!

Some previous discussion I dredged up might help:

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15684.0

IMHO, NADA is great to help indicate pricing for high volume, many identical vehicles, sold at dealerships. It breaks down in the RV industry and particularly for low volume, almost all unique, coaches like Foretravels because there isn't a large enough sample size to make the data fit any distribution whatsoever.

Michelle

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #2 – November 08, 2012, 10:37:15 pm

Terry,

Price is correct. Foretravel's are unique. Will check MOT's web site and PM you with my thoughts if you would like me to. A few good people live in the area and am sure they would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #3 – November 08, 2012, 10:52:30 pm

C* ('C' in front of the listing) indicates the coach is consigned. It could be that the owner is upside down, or simply being unrealistic. Make an offer.

98 is the beginning of the best run of years made (98-01)

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #4 – November 08, 2012, 11:12:05 pm

Quote from: Jeff Savournin – November 08, 2012, 10:37:15 pm

Terry,

Price is correct. Foretravel's are unique. Will check MOT's web site and PM you with my thoughts if you would like me to. A few good people live in the area and am sure they would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Hi Jeff, any info would help.
Terry

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #5 – November 09, 2012, 12:01:11 am

I have been watching Foretravel prices since before we got our coach in September of 2011. Of course I don't know about the actual selling prices of the coaches that I've seen online have been, other than ours of course

, but as far as asking prices go this one looks pretty good for late 90's coaches... especially from a dealer (even if it is on consignment). in fact, I can't remember seeing one with the asking price this low that wasn't an obvious project. Of coarse, most any coach could turn out to be quite a project... Don't ask me how I know!

Don

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #6 – November 09, 2012, 12:27:16 am

Quote from: CAPEHORN31 – November 08, 2012, 10:00:53 pm

I finally decided to sell my Toyhauler and buy a FT. I have been looking at MOT and have found a 1998 Foretravel U270 36' #C1592. I am looking for any and all input on this FT. This will be my first Motorhome as I have had Toyhauler trailers in the past. The asking price is $39,500 which is $15,000 over Nada according to my research. Is this normal for FT to be priced above Nada?
Terry

You have to add every one of the options shown in nada. 7-10k easily

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #7 – November 09, 2012, 01:01:23 am

Terry, I followed up as Jeff suggested and I have sent you a private message of offer to help. I can see a few things in the photos. I could do Friday a.m. if you want. You could also call MOT, jsut as FOT, and they would give you good help over the phone. Still it would help if someone looked before you travel.

I thought given my time constraints for tomorrow, I best post this instead of just counting on the private message getting to you. I would need to do this in the morning I think unless Stewart and Stevenson does not call me to get to their shop to pick up my coach Friday. Then I could do in the afternoon.

In the pm I have given you my phone number. I am glad to help but I do not do the kind of mechanical inspections you may want to consider hiring done if you decide to pursue this coach. Again, I can go Friday but afternoon may not work for me. I cannot Saturday as they are closed then. Let me know. Mike..

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #8 – November 09, 2012, 05:42:31 am

Quote from: Caflashbob – November 09, 2012, 12:27:16 am

You have to add every one of the options shown in nada. 7-10k easily

Actually, you have to add for every option THAT IS NOT STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE COACH. Foretravels come pretty well equipped-- not that many options to add.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #9 – November 09, 2012, 06:12:36 am

Terry, as OP's have said they are spot on about Foretravels value, not enough of them sold to get an accurate value with NADA. I doubt very seriously you are going to buy a used FT that is decent looking, in running condition, and every thing working for NADA W/sale. However it doesn't hurt ot make an offer worst someone can say is no. Good luck

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #10 – November 09, 2012, 10:45:47 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – November 09, 2012, 05:42:31 am

Actually, you have to add for every option THAT IS NOT STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE COACH. Foretravels come pretty well equipped-- not that many options to add.

My buddy runs a rv sales lot in quartzite in the winter and for financing the lenders accept all the adds in the list.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #11 – November 09, 2012, 11:34:33 am

If you do some searching over on RV.net, you will find out that NADA prices are out of whack across the board. What you have found concerning Foretravel sales prices being listed higher than NADA prices also applies with Monaco, Fleetwood, National, and many other motorhomes.

NADA says "the data sources used to determine the used car values are actual auction and retail sales transactions, asking price information, as well as numerous macro- and micro-economic factors." and "NADAguides publishes regional values for use by dealers, lenders, insurance companies and taxing authorities." This data has to be submitted to NADA and if it isn't, the NADA information gets thrown out of whack. I suggest that who ever collects or submits this information isn't getting the full picture. It takes time and money for dealers to collect this information and they do not have the hourly staff to be bothered in submitting this info. Many RV dealers are not members of the Nationa Auto Dealers Association and don't have anyone to report the info to. NADA does not have the staff to collect the whole picture out there. And the only way they can get the info from the state is to pay for it. Many individual sellers give bill of sales to buyers reflecting lower prices so the buyer will have to pay less taxes. And dealer finance departments play games with the prices too. Kelly Blue Book use to carry RV information and they no longer do, probably due to the difficulty of collecting information . You kind of have to use the whole available internet market information as a guide to prices.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #12 – November 09, 2012, 11:45:43 am

Hello and welcome to the list.
I bought my 36 foot 1996 u295 a couple of years ago and I paid just under what you are looking at. It was in pretty dang good condition and only had about 40k miles on it. I did have to buy new tires, batteries, and other stuff that brought the price to about what they are asking (maybe a little more). I don't think the price is way out of line for a FT. Having said that I of course bargained with the owner at the time and that is why I have about about your asking price in mine. This was all done before I could really use it. There are some things that still need doing (new TV, and other stuff similar in nature). Love the FT, sounds like you may have a good one. Good luck and happy motorhoming.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #13 – November 09, 2012, 02:22:41 pm

Terry, I visited MOT and Stewart Canty 936-564-1112. You had spoken to Mel there yesterday about another coach, that I know quite a bit about as a friend owned it, so call if want to discuss. I will send you in an email or private message some particulars and 18 photos of this 36 ft coach you asked me to look at. I have not posted the photos due to taking up Forum space, but I will share them if any other reader wants to see them and explain why I took a particular photo, the purpose of it. Mike

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #14 – November 09, 2012, 05:59:01 pm

Quote from: Michael & Jackie – November 09, 2012, 02:22:41 pm

Terry, I visited MOT and Stewart Canty 936-564-1112. You had spoken to Mel there yesterday about another coach, that I know quite a bit about as a friend owned it, so call if want to discuss. I will send you in an email or private message some particulars and 18 photos of this 36 ft coach you asked me to look at. I have not posted the photos due to taking up Forum space, but I will share them if any other reader wants to see them and explain why I took a particular photo, the purpose of it. Mike

Talked to Mike and Stewart (of MOT) today--what a great help it was to put my mind at ease about my pending FT purchase. I have some questions as to "bulkhead" issues and repair cost vs DIY. Thanks for all the responces.
Terry

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #15 – November 09, 2012, 07:51:16 pm

Terry,
Sent you a PM, including cell phone.
We have 14+ years and 180K + miles of GREAT experience with our 1998 U270 (could be a twin to the MOT COACH). I have both DIY and Nac experience with bulkhead work.
I'm more than pleased to help with any questions you may have.
We are in transit from NH to FL, so I only check eMail in the evening. Call anytime.
The pictures show a coach that appears to be in very nice condition and incredibly original (graphics, fabrics, carpet, appliances, fixtures, etc.). The only changes I noticed in a quick "perusal" were the change to an Ekornes recliner set, a new kitchen faucet, a different mudflap, a replacement radio and something added below the instrument panel.
Let me know if I can be of help.
Neal

PS:
Thanks Mike. I was referring to the control below the radio. I'm not sure but it may be a Sirius/XM SAT radio controller added to the aftermarket SONY radio.
The CB is the original Uniden PC76XL unit - a decent, reliable unit.
The window seal creep is typical of that vintage "Creation" (out of business, now) windows and there are several repair options from inexpensive to quite expensive. We chose to move to the newer generation "Motion Windows" - fabulous by comparison, but pricey.
I'd like to see the rest of the pictures, if you can eMail them to me.
Thanks,
Neal

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #16 – November 09, 2012, 11:51:19 pm

Terry, unless you are experienced and have the right tools, and in pretty fair physical shape, I think most would not want to undertake the bulkhead repair yourself. I gave you the approximate price to hire it done. There is an excellent report on the forum of how to do this by Don Hay and we can visit with him when you come to Nacogdoches. He told me that he would not do it again if he had known how difficult it would be, and he is a good mechanic. No point in me covering herein the process and effort, we can talk on phone if you wish.

There are two ways to do the bulkhead repair, one used by FOT and one by Xtreme Graphics. The cost are about the same. It would not be an issue on the other coach we have discussed as it has been done so a moot point on that one. Also on that other coach, Stewart or Mel can give you all the details on the upgrades and repairs that were made for the owner by MOT, plus FOT did the bulkheads and alignment (about $300, good to get done on a coach you buy if you want to assure it proper.)

As to the things in the photo about the dash, there is a CB radio to the left of the driver, not sure if that is what Neal was seeing. Look in the photos I sent you of the dash, may give you some clarity. There is also a non-standard radio but I do not think that it is XM, perhaps an auxiliary tuner is below. Stewart and Mel and I did not discuss it. The recliner is the Euro style with ottoman, in good shape. As I reported to you, everything looks very nice. That dash photo is below for Neal. I did not photograph the roof, as I reported earlier to you. I can take other photos too, as you and I discussed but the 18 I sent you would be a good start along with the 20 or so observations.

Mike

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #17 – November 10, 2012, 08:51:13 am

FYI, I was at MOT and went thru ths coach. It looks to be in great shape.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #18 – November 10, 2012, 08:55:48 am

In the photo Micheal and Jackie just posted I think I see window seal creep between the panes.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #19 – November 10, 2012, 08:59:00 am

Yes there was one window with a creeping seal. It is a very well cared for and clean Coach.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #20 – November 10, 2012, 12:11:31 pm

John, I showed that to him in pm, maybe I should post those photos? But there are 18 so I thought maybe I should not post them here due to space limits and no so much interest except to him? There are apparently several ways to approach that window matter, per Stewart or Mel, he can think on that but not a big deal as I hear it. Most seem to leave that alone to a point. Hope you and Linda doing well, see you in January. Mike

Re: 1998 Foretravel U270 36'

Reply #21 – November 10, 2012, 03:23:29 pm

[quote author=Michael & Jackie link=topic=16608.msg107164#msg107164 date=1352523079

As to the things in the photo about the dash, there is a CB radio to the left of the driver, not sure if that is what Neal was seeing. Look in the photos I sent you of the dash, may give you some clarity. There is also a non-standard radio but I do not think that it is XM, perhaps an auxiliary tuner is below. Stewart and Mel and I did not discuss it. The recliner is the Euro style with ottoman, in good shape. As I reported to you, everything looks very nice. That dash photo is below for Neal. I did not photograph the roof, as I reported earlier to you. I can take other photos too, as you and I discussed but the 18 I sent you would be a good start along with the 20 or so observations.

Mike

Mike,
BUMP
See my original, for added thoughts.
Sure looks to be in very well cared for condition. Pictures can be deceiving but this one looks to be exceptional.
Neal

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