Buying a Used FT - An Interesting Insight
I had seen a FT for sale on a dealer's website an hour or so from where we live and discovered when I spoke to them that it was a consignment unit that had just recently gone back to the owner unsold. They were kind to give me the owner's name. They also offered that they don't see many FT on their lot since most owners go back to FT to sell or trade...suggesting that as many as 70% of used FT's make their way back to FT or MOT to be re-sold.
When I spoke to the owner I discovered an elderly couple (mid 80's) who'd purchased their coach new 15 years ago. After enjoying it they gradually used it less and finally gave it to this dealer 9 months ago to sell. The dealer, it turns out, had been a FT dealer back in the days when FT sold through select dealers. The coach was listed on their website but nowhere else that I could readily find. They listed it higher than the owners needed and although they came down on price it still wasn't as low as the owner was willing to go.
What I learned when I spoke to the owner was that they had originally contacted the person they'd purchased the coach from...now apparently at MOT. When this individual called in the last week or two they discovered the coach still unsold and offered to purchase the coach directly. Someone from MOT is flying in tomorrow to buy this low mileage one-owner coach for $50k. The owner is sad to see it go so cheaply but since they're now in their 80's they figured it was better to have it off their mind.
My limited experience tells me we'll see it on the MOT site in a week or two. The inside was perfect and with a little buff and shine on the outside, my guess is the MOT will make at least 50% on their purchase.
So this tells me two things as we get closer to seriously locating our FT. First, look at everything that's close by...it may not be as widely "seen" as lots of SOB coaches folks think to ask for. Especially when they see a 15 year old coach on a lot next to newer coaches. Second, stay in touch with all of you here....as well as FT and MOT directly...with the specifics of what you want.
The other interesting observation is that if someone buys a coach at 70 and sells it at 85, like these folks, its going to be harder to find that "one owner" coach as the years go by. This unit was purchase new in 2001 sold in 2016. By 2020 a 15 year old coach will be a 2005....the last of the model years we're interested in. That seller will then be 85, assuming they bought it new at 70, Now that doesn't mean there won't still be low mileage, well cared for coaches that are 15-25 years old...in the hands of the 2nd or 3rd owner....but the years to buy the best FT's may be upon us now.
Randy
Topic: Buying a Used FT - An Interesting Insight