New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Topic: New member with a question on values of Foretravels (Read 1901 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #25 – September 19, 2015, 05:28:11 am

Quote from: bigdog – September 19, 2015, 03:40:26 am

I'm not sure that $39K is an overly inflated price for the coaches I was looking at on MoT's web page.

39K for a 1996 U295? I bought a 1998 U270 off Ebay for 29k and passed the deal on to a friend of mine. Won the bid, but didn't hit reserve here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/291526453693?vxp=mtr and contacted by the seller, we settled on 29k. so if my comparison point is a 270 that is two model years newer for 10k less, I do believe its a bit high.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #26 – September 19, 2015, 07:12:01 am

I bought my U320 from Mel at MOT about 2 years ago. He is honest, trustworthy and a pleasure to deal with. You can trust what he tells you, not the usual used car salesman and he knows the Foretravel coaches well. If I'm ever in the market again, MOT and Mel is where I will start.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #27 – September 19, 2015, 07:59:42 am

A 295 is an upgrade really to a 320 but with the smaller engine. It cost more then a 270 did and has either walnut or cherry wood too.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #28 – September 19, 2015, 11:42:21 am

Bigdog, I have responded to your private message, left you a phone number. We can talk at your convenience, think I can answer the ideas, questions you had and then you have all of the replies on the Forum. I think they got you about all you need except the two items in you message, and as Miz Dani apparently wrote you, I will try to help with those.

Hope your weather out there great, ours good but will be warm for football game even at 6 pm here in East Texas

mike

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #29 – September 19, 2015, 11:54:26 am

There will always be the deal that defines exception... $29K for a 98' in fair or better condition is an exceptional deal in my opinion. Lucky for your friend! If we were to sell ours, I wouldn't even talk to someone offering $29K for ours...
Don

Quote from: car54 – September 19, 2015, 05:28:11 am

39K for a 1996 U295? I bought a 1998 U270 off Ebay for 29k and passed the deal on to a friend of mine. Won the bid, but didn't hit reserve here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/291526453693?vxp=mtr and contacted by the seller, we settled on 29k. so if my comparison point is a 270 that is two model years newer for 10k less, I do believe its a bit high.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #30 – September 19, 2015, 11:58:51 am

One issue my wife and I have discussed . Many times with private sales is people writing in artificial /favorable sales prices for sake of lessening tax bill. This may be where book values are skewed on comps.
Another factor on the coaches listed at beginning of this thread , all but one of them were non slide coaches. Everyone and their brother is convinced that they need a slide or two. This kills the "book" value of my 18 year old 320.
In truth non slide coaches are excellent vehicles and peopl like us have no qualms paying a fair price for Foretravel quality without added issues that accompany 20" or so more walkway.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #31 – September 19, 2015, 12:13:08 pm

We just paid $50,000.00 for a 98 320. Full body paint excellent maintenance pedigree delivered to us in Nashville from Tampa Bay Area.
We think we gat an excellent deal. Almost bought same coach minus paint with twice th miles needing fridge battery's and tires at MOT for $65,000.00 Probably would have loved that coach and lived with ourselves had that deal Gone through. These are incredibly well built vehicles, you won't regret buying older quality verses newer glitzy glam.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #32 – September 19, 2015, 01:07:51 pm

Quote from: Don & Tys (AKA acousticart) – September 19, 2015, 11:54:26 am

There will always be the deal that defines exception... $29K for a 98' in fair or better condition is an exceptional deal in my opinion. Lucky for your friend! If we were to sell ours, I wouldn't even talk to someone offering $29K for ours...
Don

Id say more than one deal. I got my 95 for a lot less than 29k. And thats after passing on a 97 u320 for $35k because the seller didnt have a lien free title or any firm info on payoff amounts from his bank that would satisfy my banks requirements.

The MOT prices that are generally accepted as good on here are high, as are the prices being asked by those selling privately on here, in my opinion. Nothing wrong with that, you often do get what you pay for. I'd argue your 270 is worth quite a bit more based on the upgrades ive seen you post about. The u270 for 29k was basically stock, although it was extremely well kept and in very good shape.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #33 – September 19, 2015, 01:52:48 pm

I'd say our 1999 40ft U320 advertised in Classifieds is not one of those that's priced too high.

As attested to by others here with no urging to do so by me.

See for yourself here:

1999 40ft U320 - $60K ($30K down, $1000/month plus interest)

best, paul

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #34 – September 19, 2015, 06:25:48 pm

Excellent deals usually mean you are going to spend some money to "tweak" it and make it right and your own. Higher prices usually mean get in it and drive away as is---- just depends on what you like to do and how much you want to spend. Just remember, NO motorhome is an appreciating asset. You will never get out of it what you put into it, but who cares, you buy it because you love it and you want to make it your own and to enjoy it!
We went the excellent deal route and then spent some money on repairs and "making it ours". I never could pass up a good deal. We have been very happy with the results.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #35 – September 19, 2015, 06:47:34 pm

Quote from: bigdog – September 18, 2015, 06:22:44 pm

I may have to enlist the help of Miz Dani to poke around those coaches.

Bigdog,

Not sure if it will help, but I will be down at MOT for a routine service appointment on October 12th. Should be there most of the week. If you need grunt work (photos, etc.) or just basic info on a coach, just let me know.

I can also second what you are hearing about Mel. Got mine from him in May of 2014 and it was one of the best transactions I have ever done. Very knowledgeable with no pressure. Will be dealing with him on any future business.

Hope this helps, and welcome to the forum!

Don

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #36 – September 20, 2015, 12:00:59 am

After a long time in the Rv biz management I have had the price/value question discussed endlessly.

The value of any used vehicle is:

Condition

Condition

Condition

Model year.

Miles.

In that order.

I am close to $20k and not done on our 97. And I knew that before I bought it.

How bad do you want it?

Does not necessarily pencil. You have to want it.

Still cheaper than new...

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #37 – September 20, 2015, 02:40:01 am

Quote from: Caflashbob – September 20, 2015, 12:00:59 am

After a long time in the Rv biz management I have had the price/value question discussed endlessly.

The value of any used vehicle is:

Condition

Condition

Condition

Model year.

Miles.

In that order.

I am close to $20k and not done on our 97. And I knew that before I bought it.

How bad do you want it?

Does not necessarily pencil. You have to want it.

Still cheaper than new...

well. Cheaper than new is certainly true & that's fine provided that you didn't pay top dollar for it because it had upgrades around a suspect foundation.

Now I hope the forum doesn't get to upset with me. But the prominent thing I have been hearing is upgrade, upgrade, upgrade. That's one of the things that worries me based on automotive experiences. I.E. To many folks that are selling a car spend most of their advert expounding on big stereos, loud exhaust, cool 20" spinner wheels. Stuff that gives no clue as to how the underlaying vehicle has been maintained.

Unfortunately, I have also seen this in various MH adverts around the net as well. I have seen very few classified MH adds with the following "i have full service history records on this coach" So in the end, Upgrades are cool and maybe even needed in some cases. But if those upgrades were paid for with systems maintenance money and the outside has also suffered. Well I'll take a documented well maintained plain Jane coach.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #38 – September 20, 2015, 06:39:52 am

Well, I think you will find that many FT owners either use the factory or MOT or do it themselves. I have seen many more sold with full service records then you would think. The reason for upgrades is simple. The chassis is no where near worn out but the insides are older and can use a modern touch. It is the same in Prevost too. Many of the coaches are upgraded with entirely new interiors as they are two million mile coaches and have lots of life left in them. FOretravels work the same way too, we have lots of life after the fridge or heater or water heater or sofa or carpeting needs to be replaced. TVs and upgrades to sound systems and adding them outside are also in the mix too.

I think the fact is that the original coach with no headlight or any other upgrades is not worth as much as one that has been taken care of and upgraded. No owner will spend the money upgrading if they already skimped on maintenance.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #39 – September 20, 2015, 12:06:38 pm

Hi Everyone

I've just signed up as a new member here in the UK.

I'm looking at purchasing a Foretravel Grand Villa Unihomme 1989 for £11,000 with MOT and 100,000 on the clock.

Intrigued to see what you think of this deal?

Emma

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #40 – September 20, 2015, 02:53:28 pm

This is a great thread.

As another newbie looking at Foretravels, I just can not get enough information on them.

I have been reading everything that I can, all of Barry's info on his site (great stuff, thank you Barry) But I am still a little confused on the basic differences between the models.
The higher the number, the more bells and whistles ? U270 versus U320?

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #41 – September 20, 2015, 04:10:19 pm

Hi Rusty..

Also a newbie. As I understand it, u270 would be GVRW of 27,000 lbs and
U320 would be GVRW of 32,000 lbs. along with other options.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #42 – September 20, 2015, 04:17:19 pm

That is it in a nutshell... also, the later the year in any given model, the more bells and whistles. For instance, a 99' U270 has an 8KW generator, and a 2001 has a 10KW generator. The big divide is between the U295 and U320 which has the bigger engine and trans combo. Trade off's exist as always... the smaller electronic 8.3 ISC (starting in 99') or C8.3 (98' and previous) will have less hill climbing grunt but get better fuel milage. They all share the same chassis with air disc brakes and transmission retarder (starting in 96' I believe as standard equipment), 8 outboard air springs, same gauge of steel in the suspension and engine carriage framing etc. Pre-Unicoach, the numbers also corresponded to the GVWR i.e; U300 had GVWR of 30,000lbs. But the U270 has a GVWR of 31,000lbs. When the U320 first appeared in 95', it had a GVWR of 32,000lbs. but that idea went out the window shortly after. Also, the tow rating changes with the year models. The 99 U270 has a 10,000lb tow rating, same as the same year U320. Prior years were 5000lbs. If I remember corectly. The U295 had Walnut cabinetry like the 320, and the U270 had oak. Later years varied and any given year could have been custom built per customer request.
Don

Quote from: Rusty Socket – September 20, 2015, 02:53:28 pm

This is a great thread.

As another newbie looking at Foretravels, I just can not get enough information on them.

I have been reading everything that I can, all of Barry's info on his site (great stuff, thank you Barry) But I am still a little confused on the basic differences between the models.
The higher the number, the more bells and whistles ? U270 versus U320?

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #43 – September 20, 2015, 05:32:15 pm

Quote from: Bob & Sue – September 20, 2015, 04:10:19 pm

Hi Rusty..

Also a newbie. As I understand it, u270 would be GVRW of 27,000 lbs and
U320 would be GVRW of 32,000 lbs. along with other options.

The GVWR correlation was pre-bus style - the U225, U240, etc.

Starting with the bus style, U270/U295/U320 are primarily "trim level" differences with some variation in powertrain.

There's an old thread around here somewhere. I'll try to find it. ETA - try this as a starting point New purchase ? (Really used)

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #44 – September 20, 2015, 06:53:12 pm

Amplifying my earlier post, here is a breakdown of the differences between the U270, the U295, and the U320 with some mention of where the U320 differs. The 99' U320 was the only model to have the Cummins 450hp ISM and Allison 4060R trans combo. This is from something I did while researching after buying our coach, just to try and induce buyer's remorse (didn't happen!). The information came from the brochures on Barry B's marvelous website. This was a post in response to a similar question on the forum from about 4 years ago. I have edited here for clarity and fixed some typos.

Quote

Funny you should ask that... Just last night I was going through some hardcopys of the 1999 U270, U295, and U320 spec sheets with a highliter. Having just bought a U270 (3602 WTFE), but now in the stage of impatiently waiting to take possesion, I was curious to see what I would be missing out on. Sounds morbid I know... but since I know the chassis and construction essential bits are the same, and we definitely bought the best we could afford just to get into a Foretravel at all, I am quite happy with the feature set of our Foretravel. Many of the differences we be negated by the time we finish tinkering... but not all.

Features not found standard on the U270 (most could have been optioned on the U270, but not all), but all are standard on the U320, and most on the U295;
In the order they are listed...

Under standard chassis features;
U295 & U320 has 6 Alcoa aluminium wheels instead of 4. The inners of the rear axle are steel on the U270.
U295 & U320 has a 160 amp vs. 130 amp alternator on the U270
U295 & U320 has chrome mirrors standard, option on the U270

Under Exterior features;
Air hose for tire service
Door bell
Keyless remote entry on door and storage bay
Parallel Storage bay doors (bus style). Not needing any clearance to open the cargo doors is a nice plus, not to mention giving more wide open access, and less head bashing as a result.
Shelf in fresh water bay and LP compartment
Slide out cargo tray standard

Under cockpit features;
Audit 8t8 system monitor with Electronic outdoor thermometer and compass, vs. Audit 9T6 system monitor on the U270 (no therm. or compass)
Cell Phone antenna & connection
Illumination on the dash panel and shifter panel (instead of just the dash as on the U270)

Under Livability Features;
Bedroom alarm clock
Bose Companion Surround Sound System (U295), Bose Lifestyle 25 Home Theater System with CD changer (U320)
Built in Safe
Chandelier at dining table
Concealed Cabinet Door Hinges
Dometic 12 cu.ft. Side-by-side refer with built-in in ice maker, or 10 cu.ft. model with separate ice maker depending on floor plans
Extra wide co-pilot seat, with electric foot rest on U320
Floor level accent lights
Generator Switch in bedroom
Gourmet kitchen faucet w/spray
Leather seats and sofa in U320
Recessed Gaggenau 2-burner cooktop (U320)
Slide out Shelf under kitchen sink
Solid Surface 2 compartment sink
Solid Surface Lavatory sink
Tip-out storage below sink
VCR eye
Window accent lighting

Under Heating/Cooling/Electrical Features;
Aqua-Hot Hydronic heating, standard on U320, optional on U295, not available on U270
Freedom 25 heart interface on U295 vs. Freedom 20 Heart Interface on U270, Freedom 25 Heart Interface on U320
Link 2000 battery monitor
10kw Powertech Diesel generator, vs 8kw in U270
22,000 BTU Automotive A/C vs 17,500 BTU in U270
42,000 BTU Automotive Heater/Defroster vs. 35,000 BTU in U270

Under Standard Weight Ratings;
GVRW U320 34,880lb., U295 33,000lb., U270 31,000lb.
GCWR is 10,000lbs higher than GVRW in each case.
Same capacities except that units with Hydronic heating have 194 gal. diesel instead of 148 gal., and they have a smaller 17 gal. Propane vs, the 42 gal standard in units with propane furnace.

The popular options look to be the same for all units, except hose and shoreline reels are not available for the U270.
I have only listed the differences from the 1999 brochures off of Barry's marvelous site.
These are the 1999 brochures and the other years may differ somewhat...
Don

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #45 – September 20, 2015, 07:07:08 pm

bigdog as you'd feel & hear from everyone here by buying a FT you will not be unhappy ... don't waste your time with a NADA.

Just because my FT is a U225 "entry level FT" I say baby FT :-) I always look and shop for bigger and/or newer FT .... mind you mine is in top shape and has done a 4500 mil round trip to Oregon and back ... probably it is the most updated U225 out there .. I don't know that for sure ... anyway .... here is what i can say .... because I am considering myself ....
The FT's for sale at MHT:
2000 Foretravel U270 36 (#P1178A) $53.5: If this one has less than 110K mil on the engine and has less than 1500 hr's on the gen I would pay the $53K for it.
2001 Foretravel U320 40' (#P1160): this one still over priced (for me) maybe $65-70K
1999 Foretravel U270 40 (#C1830) :This one could fetch $65-68K
2 U270 & 1 U295 they have for $39.5 I am sure will sell for $39.5K I would go for the U295.
I think 2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42 (#P1217) for $219.5K is the best thing they have over there
Anyway what do i know ... just what i would do / pay if I could let my Matilda go for what they have at MHT.

Most folks here will tell you this, or you can read it from previous posts. What ever model / year you pick, budget $8-10K for after purchase expenses & if you don't have to spend that money you may just have more what ever you do money extra. I've spend $20K after i purchased mine, some for needs & some for wants but thank good none was a surprise ... because of the FT build quality and some luck that PO took care of it.

Welcome to our forum & good luck.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #46 – September 20, 2015, 10:30:45 pm

I'm absorbing all the info. So keep it coming & I'll ask questions as they come to me. I especially appreciate your post propman. That's what I need. A bit of a guide-mentor. And general info about any areas to be concerned with when looking at an older FT.

My neighbor here in Walla Walla is an RVer that flies south for the winter. When I told him that we have decided to concentrate our coach shopping to FT. He said good choice, Probably the best made coach and that I won't go wrong by buying one.

I apologize if any of my views come across as a bit pointed or terse. I limit my diplomatic tone to when I'm dealing with people, all other subjects I will give my full view of how I see something. So as they say "nothing personal just business"

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #47 – September 20, 2015, 10:48:29 pm

There are many FTs out in Oregon and Washington and many FT owners traveling through. Seek them out and go see their coaches. The more you see the more you can understand what each has to offer. This will help you decide what features are important to you, what floor plans work for you and how that relates to your perception of value and price.

Keep looking, keep asking questions, keep learning. Enjoy the search.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #48 – September 21, 2015, 01:43:29 am

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – September 20, 2015, 10:48:29 pm

There are many FTs out in Oregon and Washington and many FT owners traveling through. Seek them out and go see their coaches. The more you see the more you can understand what each has to offer. This will help you decide what features are important to you, what floor plans work for you and how that relates to your perception of value and price.

Keep looking, keep asking questions, keep learning. Enjoy the search.

Thanks for the suggestion Roger
I did a members map search and found an owner 60 minutes from my location with a similar coach we are shopping for and another owner with the exact coach on the wet side in Chahalis, Wa. I sure hope they are up to helping a guy out.

Re: New member with a question on values of Foretravels

Reply #49 – September 21, 2015, 02:35:42 am

@bigdog I'm in Puyallup till the end of the month then heading up to Birch Bay, Blaine & then La Conner. Let me know if you would like a tour of our coach.

see ya
ken

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