Questions to ask when buying used

[jimgolf96]

When inspecting a 2720 (1998 model) what should I be looking for? What questions should I ask the owner? Is $9,500-9,900 too much to pay for unit that is in good shape?


THANKS for the input!

 

[2bcs1jrt]

Regarding the value, I would find out what standard features/options it has. Also what you can assertain with the naked eye. (Dents, scratchs, evidence of wear, inside and out.) Then go to the NADA web site (kind of like the Blue book of RVs) and enter the info to see what the value is. Be sure that the seller does not list standard features as "options". Folks on this site can help you determine that if you aren't sure. Manuals for 1998 are hard to come by if the seller doesn't have them. If they do, a copy of the features available on that year will help you assess value on the NADA site.
Cheri

 

[jimgolf96]

NADA value is much lower

Thank you Cheri. I checked NADA and got a $6,900 high value. Is NADA $3,000 low or is $9,500 price way out of line. I know condition has a great effect but >30% higher?:new_Eyecr

 

[2bcs1jrt]

I paid $7800 for a 1996 2518 in California 1 year ago. I believe I over paid. (20/20 hind sight) I would print your NADA findings and bring it with you. Show it to the seller and ask them to explain their thinking on the price. I think it sounds high, myself but I could be wrong. Look at the TMs for sale section on this fourm and see what folks are asking for similar models and years.
Cheri

 

[janthony]

Your thoughts please . . .

After a lot of searching, we've agreed to purchase a 1996 3023 for $6,000--with a brake controller and 1,000# Draw-Tite WDH thrown in. The interior is pretty faded and worn, but the price seems to be pretty much in line with Nada guidelines, and used TMs are hard to find. The TM has roof-mount airconditioning and a fairly new awning (replaced by a TM dealer ~two years ago). The tires are a year old, and look good. It's been used a lot, and stored outside, but seems to be structurally sound. The floor is very squeaky. The seller believes it's a problem with the insulation under the floor. I've been in a few new TMs, and don't remember their having squeaking floors.

We'll need to do the following:
A lot of elbow grease/cleaning
Add two hanging cabinets (one over sink; one over stove)
Add microwave drawer & microwave
Replace all the curtains
Reupholster everything (2 beds, one couch and two occasional chairs)
Replace the floor with new linoleum (wood-look), and while we're at it, see if we can figure out why the floors squeak

I'm trying to decide if I want to make new curtains. Is it possible to buy new curtains and new beds from the factory? If so, I might prefer to get the 2007 models.

 

[rtcassel]

Do the appliances (A/C, furnace, water heater, frig, stove, toilet) work OK?

Squeaky floors in a house usually mean that the subfloor is not attached well to the joists. Is it possible that the lamination of the aluminum skin(s) of the floor are coming unglued?

 

[janthony]

They told us that everything works great. We saw it after dark in rather dim light, and didn't test anything.

I'm just worried about the floor. It's really squeaky!

 

[Bill]

janthony wrote

The TM has roof-mount airconditioning

In 1996, TMs did not have roof air, so this was a retrofit - a nice one. [Edit - see Rick Newcomb's post below.] The air conditioner is heavy, so the torsion bars for the front shell had to be adjusted, or perhaps even replaced, to compensate for the extra weight. Part of your inspection should be to open and close that shell, and make sure that it moves easily and stays in line as it moves.

Bill

 

[janthony]

They had it set up when we arrived, but closed it down while we watched/helped. It seemed to close and latch easily. This particular TM was featured on the cover of Trailer Life magazine in 1996. The seller showed us the copy. I didn't get the whole story, but it was at some kind of boat show, and they just happened on it after the show, and bought it from the dealer. It had the AC when they bought it, so it must have been added by the dealer.

 

[janthony]

We called and told the sellers not to take the '96 TM 3023 off the market just yet on our account. We really wanted something we could fit in our garage (which would have to be no longer than a 2720 w/swing hitch), plus we haven't had a chance to check everything out. The price is pretty much in line with Nada guidelines, but it needs a lot of TLC if nothing else.

We may reconsider if it's still available to inspect more thoroughly this weekend and we feel comfortable with everything. But I'm not sure our neighbors would be happy seeing it parked in our driveway 24/7.

 

[Doug W.]

Did it have the three drawer chest just inside the door to the right? I thought my floor was squeaking, but traced it to the chest. When they attached the front of the chest, they cross threaded the nuts. I fixed that and that eliminated 99% of the squeak.

 

[hal]

Whenver I am making an important purchase, there are a series of questions that everyone should ask. Then when all is done, I ask one more question. The question: "Now is there anything else I should know about it?" If the person is straight forward, he will think and then reply with a no. Or better yet, he may bring up something that needed to be discussed. It is amazin how much more I learn by asking this simple question which requires a voluntary answer.

Hal

 

[RickNewcomb]

janthony wroteIn 1996, TMs did not have roof air, so this was a retrofit - a nice one.
Bill

I believe in 1996 the 3023 had the Air Conditioner on the back shell over the bed. I know definitely it was that way in 1999.

 

[Bill]

Thanks, Rick, I was unaware of that. I know that when I bought my 2002 2720SL, roof air was a new option, and side air was still the standard. The 3023 may have been different - I do recall some discussion about needing to plug the air conditioner into an exposed cord as part of setting up the trailer.

Bill