Trade in values

[Bob Denman]

True... But it's always fun to play with "Other peoples' money..."

[lwmcguire]

MHSRV discounts all MH's around 35% and if it sits or is being updated by a newer version then the discount approaches 40%. That is the real number you work with.

We paid 62% of the factory brochure price for ours and that seems to be the standard deal or nearly so when you are 1/2 way through a model year and need to make space for the newer models on order for the lot

The only exceptions out there is if you happen to own a rare model that is sought after and therefor will have a higher resale.

MH's all depreciate fast enough but thankfully not as fast as cars.

[Ragman]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

No matter how well we THINK that we know this game: they know it better!

[DogLovers]

Trading in your RV on a new one is the same as trading your car to the dealer for a new one. You will always do better on your own. Here is how it should work if you do your homework and put fourth a small effort.

Use NADA to get your RV's worth. Use average retail. That is the price you should be able to sell it for to anyone and in some cases more so long as it's in top shape. The dealer will give you trade allowance but then simply not discount his RV as much to you in the selling price.

Example:

Your RV NADA value. $100,000
Dealer allows you $110,000 trade in value
Dealer new RV $175,000
Less your trade -$110,000
You pay additional $ 65,000
Total paid for your new RV $165,000 plus tax, title blah blah
This is the deal most buyers get from most RV dealers.

How I do it:

Your RV NADA Value $100,000
Sold by owner for $ 90,000
Dealer new RV $175,000
Less 40% off negotiated price $105,000
Total paid for new RV $115,000 plus tax, title blah blah
Notice I counted the $10,000 lower sale price of your original RV to motivate sellers as the cost of selling it just like the cost of losing the buy discount from the dealer by trading it in.

You will nearly always do better by selling your RV and finding the 40% off the new RV you want someplace in America. Don't be afraid to visit local dealers to find exactly what you like, test drive, decide colors. Then shop "Nationwide" for the absolute best deal. You will in fact find a deal at 40% off MSRP. Doesn't matter where it's at. Just by a one way plane ticket and go pick it up when it is totally ready to go. Dealers love trades, it lets them make money on both units. They simply won't give you 40% off and top dollar for your trade too.

[rvnomads1974]

The book never bought a vehicle. The numbers are not bogus but can only be used as a very rough guide when selling or trading. You always want to work the deal by getting your clean deal price on the new motorhome and then telling them you have a trade. Then and only then will see the real number they are putting on your trade. As someone said here, WHOLESALE TO WHOLESALE. NO motorhome is ever worth more after you drive it off the lot.

[Bob Denman]

I agree: Your mileage may vary...
Make the deal that you're happy with, and forget about the numbers.
You'll be enjoying your rig for a whole lot longer than you'll be thinking about the deal...

[GMac]

Just reveived a quote for trade in on my 2015 ACE 29.3, and rather shocked/disappointed.

Dealer says the new RV is at wholesale price, so he is offering wholesale trade in value.

ACE 29.3
31,000 miles
MSRP $107,000
Purchased: $79,000
Jan 2015

Trade in offer: $37.000

NADA (retail): $48,000-$58,000

Fair value or justifiably upset?

[Bob Denman]

I'd walk away from the deal, and see if he chases you down with a sweeter offer...

Good luck!

[The Gritz Carlton]

Sell it on your own. Middle men have to eat too. Eliminate them...you get all the food. It's their option what they want to pay you for it...just like its your option what you want to pay them for the new one. List it on RV Trader.

[lwmcguire]

Gritz is right, lots of variables dealers have to allow for plus overhead

Friend with very similar coach just got nearly the same offer in central KS so probably in the ballpark

You never look back on an RV as investment property, only lifestyle or recreational

RV's tend to depreciate fairly closely percentage wise

You can always sell it for more your self, few exceptions

Good luck

[Pete'sMH]

Well you’re showing a bit over 50% depreciation in 4 years on a wholesale deal. That’s probably just the way it is. Lots of cars will do that or worse (wholesale on my 2014 Ford Focus is about $3500). As others have said you’ll do better selling it yourself. If you are trading instead of just selling I’d try to focus on the “difference” rather than just this number. In the end it’s just up to you and can you live with it given the hassle and difficulty of selling it yourself.