Hi Rich,
If you aren't thrilled by purchasing gobs of depreciation but you are turned
on by getting top value for the money you've saved/earned over the years,
then a few weeks of homework (archives are a source) and persistence in
searching (looking at a minimum of a dozen) will provide the best chances of
finding a Vintage rig in like-new condition or perhaps fully restored or
perhaps one that's been sitting in a barn for 15 years. Granted, you might
hesitate to pay top dollar for one of these, but there's a profound
difference between what a Vintage Airstream costs and what a brand new
Airstream costs. Duh - what's my point?
To my way of thinking, buyers with the two traits of knowledge and
persistence have the best chance of saving the most money AND having the
most money in their wallets to spend after they become new owners. It's
difficult for me to understand why there's so much I've got to know before I
know how little I know, but that happens.
Then - there are those buyers who want whatever it is that sparks their
fancy - right now - at whatever they think is a bargain price - without
doing the homework. That style of buying was never one of my aspirations.
Other concepts in the mix are the subtle variables that few Airstreamers
talk about in public; like the difference in skin thickness (by year of
manufacture) when it comes to damage which can be caused by hail stones; or
the difference in weight of materials (by year of manufacture) used for
cupboards, lockers and refrigerator doors; or knowing which years the
factory used particle board instead of plywood on the floor; or which years
they offered thermopane windows: or the Everpure QC2 water filter; or had
high road clearance (for off road use); and the list goes on and on. What
ever priority level a buyer has for specific features will inevitably be
factored in - by intent or not (whether they know it or don't have a clue).
When you mentioned remodel / restore, a third concept came to mind. It's
called "upgrade."
For example, a fantastic fan in one (or both) of the roof vents; a separate
coax line for the satellite receiver; an amplifier for the television
antenna; a switch to swap between the satellite signal and the local TV's
station signal (for weather reports during tornado season); an automatic
starter for the hot water heater; back up lights; a pressure bladder in the
water system so the pump doesn't come during the night; a higher grade of
carpeting (or perhaps wood floor in the kitchen); a tiny solar panel on top
of the fridge vent to operate a small cooling fan behind the fridge on those
hot sultry days when the fridge can't keep up; a catalytic heater; solar
panels; a third battery; a cube heater; a hanging toaster oven; or; or...
So what's my point? Installation of upgrades is not rocket science. I
believe the cost of upgrades wanted by most buyers doesn't even come close
to the amount of depreciation purchased by buyers of brand new Airstreams.
On top of that, the interest charged on the monthly payments is money spent
which didn't buy one single upgrade nor one piece of optional equipment.
Having said all this, if buying a new Airstream and having RV payments is
the preferred style, then it's still necessary to deal with ordinary
problems experienced by owners of new vehicles. Mechanical devices need
maintenance or repair or replacement based on their use or non-use and the
soundness of their design. I believe the best chance of getting a new
Airstream with design flaws is when new features or new models are
introduced. The only way to know when this possibility exists is to have
done the homework.
Regardless of whether I've purchased new or used, I've always had a "to do"
list of jobs requiring maintenance, repair or replacement. On those
occasions when I didn't buy depreciation (when I bought used), I've had more
money in the bank for the other things in life we enjoy. That pleases me.
Bottom line, everyone is different and my opinions belong only to me. The
real decisions are based on the buyer's needs, wants, wishes, goals, talents
and skills (developed or dormant), and perhaps - what the spouse dictates.
Terry
1967 22' Safari
1989 32' Excella