Used FT Pricing Forum Input

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Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #25 – February 05, 2016, 06:22:00 pm

We bought our 1981 Foretravel in 1994 and used it for 18 years. Never had to pay anyone else to do repairs or maintenance. Bought the Monaco Signature in 2012 and after only three years I wanted to go back to a Foretravel, just one with air suspension. The Monaco was not a bad coach just not a Foretravel. After changing the fuel lines, replacing the air conditioner compressor and receiver drier, speedometer and other small items I am still under book value and have a Foretravel again

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #26 – February 06, 2016, 05:27:14 pm

"I think that generally speaking if you can purchase from an active owner your coach will be in better shape in terms of maintenance, repair and upgrades. "

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #27 – February 06, 2016, 07:05:00 pm

There was a depreciation schedule a member posted a while ago which helped me immensely when I was shopping around. Maybe some one can find it and re post it. I was looking at 98-2000's and could have gotten several from the mid twenties to mid thirties. I hadn't sold my existing rv which forced me to pass on a 99 320 for 27000. Also saw a 2000 34' 270 for 23000 . Those were both at NADA values for what it's worth. Deals are out there for those that wait. Don't forget to ask if they've been smoked in. Good luck .

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #28 – February 06, 2016, 07:25:08 pm

Quote from: goldbehen – February 06, 2016, 07:05:00 pm

There was a depreciation schedule a member posted a while ago which helped me immensely when I was shopping around. Maybe some one can find it and re post it.

Here's a link to Elliot's great post: Coach financing chatter (split from 1996 Foretravel U270 For Sale)
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #29 – February 08, 2016, 10:20:15 am

We didn't even bother to check "book" values when we purchased our U320 a little over three years ago. We didn't need to finance it and so "book" value really didn't matter. We spent months carefully reviewing any asking and selling prices we could find and based our decisions upon those findings. We have been extremely pleased with our purchase and are quite satisfied that our purchase price was quite reasonable.

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #30 – February 08, 2016, 12:01:11 pm

We didn't look at book values when we bought our 99 U320 42 DGFE a couple years ago. It's a rare coach but amazingly one was for sale at MOT at the exact same time. The asking price was only $70K I think there and not sure what ended up settling for. That one was pretty original renovation wise. I have no idea how much wiggle MOT has but we ended up buying our coach for the same price. The dealer wanted $75K I think so there wasn't much wiggle. Our coach had been well maintained for all its life up until the previous 3 years before we bought the coach where it did a lot of sitting with no fluid changes whatsoever. We found dash a/c broken, tile problems, toilet problem, intellitec system was broken, and careful testing revealed the beginnings of a window o-ring leak but no real damage to speak of.

What convinced us though is that the previous owner had a deep wallet and basically rebuilt most of the aquahot (someone raped him on unnecessary maintenance), spent $30K at the foretravel factory on a full body paint job and cabinetry work to install a 42" samsung LCD tv. He kept having issues with the generator too. He really did his best but he was a reactive owner which can get you into trouble with these things.

The dealer was a skeezy consignment lot but we made them sign a contract indicating that they will fix all of the things wrong or we get our deposit back. Took 2 months but they pulled through and fixed every single thing. I don't think they expected us to hold them to it when we made them sign that. We got probably $2000 in repairs done. The dealer that had it was less than half hour away so we inspected the coach for several days before even writing an offer. There is a very real benefit in buying a local coach if you plan to be a pain in the butt.

What really helped us pull the trigger is that they let me do oil analysis and drive the coach to cummins Tampa for a dyno test. Not only did this allow me a full 2 hours drive time in the coach before pulling the trigger but I got to get a decent picture of engine health (which according to them was "nominal". Also got to see ecu readouts including lifetime mpg and max speed (89 mph!).

I'm not sure a larger dealership would have been so accommodating. I can only guess that they were making at LEAST $10K on our coach.

But the point I'm making is that there is a lot to coach values. You might overpay $10K for a coach and that overpayment may *really* make sense for reasons that may matter only to you.

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #31 – February 08, 2016, 01:49:27 pm

Sometimes the perfect coach for your needs/requirements and finances finds you.
I have been extremely lucky. I ended up with a wife better than any I would have selected and we ended up with a coach that met all our needs. (And we didn't even know what a Foretravel was, let alone a GV)
You just have to know when the opportunity is the right one for you.
We did and we have never been sorry.
Our 27 year old coach is still a big step above most of the used SOBs we see for sale--and for a heck of a lot less $$$.

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #32 – February 08, 2016, 02:13:05 pm

Quote from: nitehawk – February 08, 2016, 01:49:27 pm

Our 27 year old coach is still a big step above most of the used SOBs we see for sale--and for a heck of a lot less $$$.

+ ours with fresh gelcoat and stripes, people have remarked, "Is this coach brand new?"

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #33 – February 08, 2016, 06:20:07 pm

Quote from: Carol & Scott – February 05, 2016, 05:06:30 pm

Just a side note: In the 3+ years, I'm still a newbie, of my association with this forum I know only of one person that has decided that the FT they bought was a mistake. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by our machines, especially when things go wrong, but in my opinion, the Foretravel brand is solid and the folks here on this web site are tops. We could not be living our life without the support of the FoFum crew.

Bruce,

Let Susan & me echo what Carol & Scott said: it is very easy to be overwhelmed. We are super-newbies at 9 months (and we're full-timers), not 3+ years. There have been days I've wondered, "What on earth did we do?" We about $15K above our purchase price now, spent in thirds: $5K for steer tires we knew the coach needed, but also batteries we didn't; $5K for maintenance we had done to bring the coach to a "baseline" for us; $5K for discretionary upgrades.

The inconvenience of downtime in the shop, and the "unknown unknowns" that may still become gotchas, are what have caused the our anxiety. But would we do it again? Yes. The quality of these coaches compared to anything for which you would pay 2x-4x is worth the dollars, the anxiety, and temporary headaches.

Over the past 9 months, we've lived through everything from 100 degree temps to single digits. We've traveled about 5,000 miles and are about to leave for a 4,000 mile, three week round-trip to Phoenix. We've talked to owners of new high-end coaches, who have been at the factory to get things corrected TRIPLE the time we've spent in the shop. And we've had owners of some other high-dollar coaches find it hard to believe we're fine — warm and comfy, all systems working, no drafts, no problems — in a 17 year-old coach, surrounded by 12" of snow and temps in the teens.

You've gotten great guidance on this thread, and as the post quoted above says, "We could not be living our life without the support of the ForeForum crew." Thanks to all and very best wishes to you!

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #34 – February 08, 2016, 07:12:51 pm

So much has already been said on this thread, I tried to hold off adding to it.....and I hope no one, especially a newbie, misunderstands what I mean, for I am probably not quite as literal as some would try to make it......

But you cannot pay too much for a good coach. (remember, I mean find a really good one and pay extra if needed)

good luck,

mike

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #35 – February 13, 2016, 08:24:50 pm

This is a long post for others who are going down this path, this is what we did right or wrong. The following was our methodology and reasoning.

After well over 100,000 miles of bumper pulling and loving it, the gear was getting to be a bit much. We spoke with others our age, 67, at 2015s Quartzite gathering who were moving to motor homes. Steph was strongly in favor but I had this thing about assets depreciating 55 percent in the first five years. The question was not what could be afforded but rather what should be spent. I dutifully ordered the Consumer Guide like info online and began the learning process.

After hitting many shows including Hershey and Tampa we became familiar with brands, layouts and prices. But it wasn't going well because we wanted straight forward construction without unnecessary bells whistles and mirrors. We asked ourselves how we would use it...back and forth snow birding? Continuing to log thousands of miles journeying where ever? We will continue hitting the road...therefore we did not want or need a slide. We wanted good tankage, interior simplicity, mechanical integrity.

What should the budget be? We did not want to finance and preferred to find something we could spend cash for and be able to absorb the cost if the whole thing blew up and got parted out. We decided on a total budget of 75,000. After reading and reading and reading this site, I put together a spreadsheet with the costs of common repairs, renovations etc.

Back to the consumer guide. In that info I learned the most respected name in the business was one I had never heard of which of course was Foretravel. I started scouring the Internet and finding examples in various years, models and conditions. After a visit in early November to MOT, we got our first hands on look at a variety of models and years. Went after two but they moved before we did. We decided that we wanted a 270 with the CGXX floor plan. We wanted the lighter oak and simpler design etc. We then returned to VA only to have it pop up in Waco TX. The coach was a 97 270 with 78,000 miles. Stored under a shed. Now here is how I computed the price. The tires had 25 miles on them and 5 of the 6 were 2013 Michelins the other was December of 2012. I depreciated the 20% per year and valued them at 2,800. It had 2013 house batteries continuously plugged in and I allowed 750. The refrigerator was a new Norcold that still had plastic wrapping and had never been used 1200. We settled on 33,000. My apples to apples price 28,250. I might have done better but time is not my friend.

Brett Wolfe did our inspection and informed us the coach had good bones. We have broken our budget out into three phases. Phase one, mechanical, was done by Bernd and has been completed. Phase two was remodeling was done by Mitch at Infinity and repairs at Foretravel. Phase three is exterior and will begin Monday with new decals and gel coat renewal at Steves in Apache Junction and finally the light and step conversions with James in August. I will post details and pictures in the future for each phase entitled newcomers purchase phase x. We are keeping the unused funds as a holdback. We just logged our first 1700 miles on 40 through differing elevations etc. How sweet is that 8.3 / 3060 chassis. Really enjoyed it.

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #36 – February 14, 2016, 11:56:16 am

When we bought our present coach it was my 2nd FT so had some ideas on them. Just wanted air and diesel Gen next time.
Saw an ad in RVT and called owner 2000 miles away. He sent 64 pictures and within a week I was on an aircraft to Costa Mesa calif' to inspect. Had a good talk then drive. He had spent serious money on it (around $37,00) to update with paint, Banks, Back up cam, and lots of other good things, but was having Financial trouble. This coach was advertised over 2 yrs with only scam bites. I was only person to go see it?

I flew back home and told Ruth I was buying it then made a deal with them and sent the money 10 days before going back to drive home and take Title. Yes, fully paid before title, that was how I felt with them-honest folks. They had coach ready for me with a full tank of fuel, water, full propane and food in fridge with juices for my trip.
No looking at Nada or? just a good feeling that has paid off I feel and since that day the needed repair bills have been under $4000,( tires and batteries extra of course as we all need to do that at some time). My "gut feeling" was right for us.
It has been a fun ride and will continue.
JohnH

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #37 – February 14, 2016, 02:13:39 pm

Call your insurance provider for worth of your coach and /or intended buy

SURPRISE SURPRISE

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #38 – February 14, 2016, 08:46:40 pm

Wow all tanks full (well the ones you want to be full) and a fridge with food. That's how it should be

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #39 – February 15, 2016, 01:05:08 am

Yes it is, and we still comunicate by email after all those years and he is happy we are improving it and enjoying it. Nice people.
JohnH

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #40 – February 15, 2016, 10:48:07 am

Quote from: ledurb2002 – February 04, 2016, 11:26:30 am

I have searched extensively (on this site) and have found answers to questions similar to the one I wish to ask concerning on-line value guides (NADA) and asking/selling prices - so I will word my question in a manner not to rehash old discussions.

Understanding that value is in the eye of the beholder (and seller) and that guides are meant to be just that "guides", I have been discussing the purchase of a 2000 U270 with a seller that is asking double the NADA RV Guide average retail price (using online free NADA service having not checked any options and simply moved on to pricing). I am trying to determine if this unit, which appears to meet my wants/needs, is worthwhile traveling (thousands of miles) to investigate.

This is a non-slide unit (which NADA appears to discount greatly).

My question therefore is: assuming unit is in good/great condition (tires, batteries, service, miles, etc.) can one justify paying 200% of NADA average retail price? When I say "justify" I mean from an economic standpoint, assuming this coach will be sold in the future and I will then be dealing with a buyer (perhaps one using NADA to buy the unit at lower price) and have the same issue again, but in reverse!

Thanks to all in advance. Bruce.

We ran into finance issues when buying our coach as NADA had our coach undervalued and when it came to getting financing through USAA we could not get approved for actual selling price. MOT and Allied Insurance use Recreational Vehicle Blue Book which is listed under Price Digests site. It requires a fee for use. This site had our coach valued at 1.8 times the NADA value .

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #41 – March 05, 2016, 06:04:33 pm

Hi all. I was fortunate to find a 1992 Grand Villa Limited Edition with 141,000 miles on it. The exterior is in great shape with only slight fading of the stripes, has new tires, new batteries, super clean inside with minor wear, and has all manuals and records. I think I have a shot at getting it for $18K...is this a good deal for decent miles and 8/10 condition?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #42 – March 05, 2016, 08:49:26 pm

What engine does it have?

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #43 – March 05, 2016, 09:06:09 pm

You might ask yourself, how much fun can you afford to buy, or pay?

What can you do for that kind of money, and have any resale value if you were to want to get out, in a year or two? If you buy and hate and give it to charity, you are likely ahead, after enjoying some number of trips.

When I shopped the 5 state area for my 2004 Avalanche, new in 04, I paid more for that truck than either of the Foretravels. Lost $40,000 on that truck in 10 years. Does not seem like if you like the coach, and have the money, you can only lose $18,000, plus unknown repairs.

We bought our's, and feel after 5 years, they are priceless! Enjoy your adventures.

Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 16, 2025 ...

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #25 – February 05, 2016, 06:22:00 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #26 – February 06, 2016, 05:27:14 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #27 – February 06, 2016, 07:05:00 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #28 – February 06, 2016, 07:25:08 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #29 – February 08, 2016, 10:20:15 am

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #30 – February 08, 2016, 12:01:11 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #31 – February 08, 2016, 01:49:27 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #32 – February 08, 2016, 02:13:05 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #33 – February 08, 2016, 06:20:07 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #34 – February 08, 2016, 07:12:51 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #35 – February 13, 2016, 08:24:50 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #36 – February 14, 2016, 11:56:16 am

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #37 – February 14, 2016, 02:13:39 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #38 – February 14, 2016, 08:46:40 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #39 – February 15, 2016, 01:05:08 am

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #40 – February 15, 2016, 10:48:07 am

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #41 – March 05, 2016, 06:04:33 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #42 – March 05, 2016, 08:49:26 pm

Re: Used FT Pricing Forum Input

Reply #43 – March 05, 2016, 09:06:09 pm

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