[GMCnet] Help buying a GMC motorhome
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Gerald Work
Jun 8, 2016, 11:56:16 PM6/8/16
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This is a for the good of the order post in the hope that the next new buyer can find it. Many new buyers properly come here to see if they can learn something about values and prices that will help them make their purchase decision. Over the years I have observed that most such questions are answered here with some version of "the asking price being too high." In some cases, I agree with the assessment, but in many I don't. So, I would like to express my somewhat different point of view.
My advice to any new buyer is buy the very best coach you can possibly afford and here is why.
When you break down the costs and skills required to bring current a new to you GMC the hardest and most expensive thing to do is the interior. Yet that is where you and your family will spend their time while in the coach. It can easily cost $30,000 or more to do a first rate interior restoration including new furniture, fabrics, cabinetry or cabinetry finishes, electronics and floor, wall and ceiling coverings. Unfortunately, that is often the lowest priority for a new buyer, but the very thing that you and you family will experience every minute they are in the coach whether moving or not. And, doing the interior correctly is often beyond most people's skill level.
Paint is the second most expensive thing to restore. Since our coach bodies are made from three different materials, each requiring their own special sealers and paint prep techniques, a first rate base coat, clear coat finish with properly done edge-less graphics can easily top $15,000. And, that is most often also beyond the skill level of most new buyers.
Replacing or restoring all the appliances, electrical and plumbing systems - refer, stove, roof air, hot water, furnace, microwave, toilet, sinks, tanks, lines, converters, combiners, inverters, etc. - can easily cost more than $7500 but normally is within the skill level of most new buyers. Almost no one would purchase a 70s house without thinking seriously about replacing all these unless a PO already had, but new coach buyers and their families so often suffer far too long with all the old stuff that is unreliable and which seriously detracts from the fun of coach ownership.
We all know that tires and batteries are disposable items. Five or six years are all you can realistically expect from them if you really use your coach. Many continue to suffer with the old steel 16.5 inch wheels (most likely bent and warped after 40 years of truck service) and only having one choice of tire, but the benefits of replacing them with really round alloy 16 inch wheels with a myriad of tire choices make that a most compelling case. Cost for 7 new 16 inch alloy wheels and tires can easily approach $6000 so making that change is far from a financial no brainier. And, overlook replacing the chassis and house battery banks at your own peril as a failed battery out in the boonies somewhere can really put a damper on an otherwise fun time for you and your family.
The drive train and other mechanical bits and pieces can all be replaced for about $20,000 including a new engine, transmission, final drive, cooling system, brakes, front suspension and rear suspension. And, that can be done by any competent mechanic so it is actually the easiest and one of the least expensive things to do, yet is the focus of most of our dialog here. And, the common statement by many new buyers is they are mechanically skilled so able and willing to take on these tasks themselves.
Now, to my opening statement - buy the very best coach you can possibly afford. By that I mean the one that comes the closest to already having a fully updated interior you are willing to live with right from the get go. And, one that already has paint that will keep you and your family excited for years to come. Such coaches almost always will already have updated appliances and 16" alloy wheels. Whatever you have to pay for it, you are already $50,000 ahead of the game no matter the condition of the mechanical stuff! The final point is that the mechanical stuff will deteriorate quickly if unused while all the rest will not if properly stored.
Bottom line, pay less attention to the mechanical stuff and a lot of attention to the interior, paint, appliances and systems when considering your purchase. You will be miles ahead, and your family will be millions of smiles ahead, if you do.
Jerry
Jerry Work
1978 Royale with most everything one can do to modernize a GMC
1977 Clasco restoration done in 1994. Found five years ago in an air conditioned building in Naples, FL, with 11,000 miles on the clock since the restoration.
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My advice to any new buyer is buy the very best coach you can possibly afford and here is why.
When you break down the costs and skills required to bring current a new to you GMC the hardest and most expensive thing to do is the interior. Yet that is where you and your family will spend their time while in the coach. It can easily cost $30,000 or more to do a first rate interior restoration including new furniture, fabrics, cabinetry or cabinetry finishes, electronics and floor, wall and ceiling coverings. Unfortunately, that is often the lowest priority for a new buyer, but the very thing that you and you family will experience every minute they are in the coach whether moving or not. And, doing the interior correctly is often beyond most people's skill level.
Paint is the second most expensive thing to restore. Since our coach bodies are made from three different materials, each requiring their own special sealers and paint prep techniques, a first rate base coat, clear coat finish with properly done edge-less graphics can easily top $15,000. And, that is most often also beyond the skill level of most new buyers.
Replacing or restoring all the appliances, electrical and plumbing systems - refer, stove, roof air, hot water, furnace, microwave, toilet, sinks, tanks, lines, converters, combiners, inverters, etc. - can easily cost more than $7500 but normally is within the skill level of most new buyers. Almost no one would purchase a 70s house without thinking seriously about replacing all these unless a PO already had, but new coach buyers and their families so often suffer far too long with all the old stuff that is unreliable and which seriously detracts from the fun of coach ownership.
We all know that tires and batteries are disposable items. Five or six years are all you can realistically expect from them if you really use your coach. Many continue to suffer with the old steel 16.5 inch wheels (most likely bent and warped after 40 years of truck service) and only having one choice of tire, but the benefits of replacing them with really round alloy 16 inch wheels with a myriad of tire choices make that a most compelling case. Cost for 7 new 16 inch alloy wheels and tires can easily approach $6000 so making that change is far from a financial no brainier. And, overlook replacing the chassis and house battery banks at your own peril as a failed battery out in the boonies somewhere can really put a damper on an otherwise fun time for you and your family.
The drive train and other mechanical bits and pieces can all be replaced for about $20,000 including a new engine, transmission, final drive, cooling system, brakes, front suspension and rear suspension. And, that can be done by any competent mechanic so it is actually the easiest and one of the least expensive things to do, yet is the focus of most of our dialog here. And, the common statement by many new buyers is they are mechanically skilled so able and willing to take on these tasks themselves.
Now, to my opening statement - buy the very best coach you can possibly afford. By that I mean the one that comes the closest to already having a fully updated interior you are willing to live with right from the get go. And, one that already has paint that will keep you and your family excited for years to come. Such coaches almost always will already have updated appliances and 16" alloy wheels. Whatever you have to pay for it, you are already $50,000 ahead of the game no matter the condition of the mechanical stuff! The final point is that the mechanical stuff will deteriorate quickly if unused while all the rest will not if properly stored.
Bottom line, pay less attention to the mechanical stuff and a lot of attention to the interior, paint, appliances and systems when considering your purchase. You will be miles ahead, and your family will be millions of smiles ahead, if you do.
Jerry
Jerry Work
1978 Royale with most everything one can do to modernize a GMC
1977 Clasco restoration done in 1994. Found five years ago in an air conditioned building in Naples, FL, with 11,000 miles on the clock since the restoration.
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Hal Kading
Jun 9, 2016, 4:19:44 PM6/9/16
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Excellent post Jerry. I have watched our group and the facebook group consistently knock the asking prices of the coaches that are for sale. We are
devaluing all of the GMC motor homes when we do this. Nice coaches, that couldn't be duplicated for the asking price, seem to be treated the worst.
Comparing them to the coaches being built today shows that nice gmc's are a super bargain. I don't understand these type comments, by many, that
results in the devalueation of their own coach.
Hal Kading 78/98 Buskirk Stretch Las Cruces NM
devaluing all of the GMC motor homes when we do this. Nice coaches, that couldn't be duplicated for the asking price, seem to be treated the worst.
Comparing them to the coaches being built today shows that nice gmc's are a super bargain. I don't understand these type comments, by many, that
results in the devalueation of their own coach.
Hal Kading 78/98 Buskirk Stretch Las Cruces NM
Jon Roche
Jun 9, 2016, 4:54:53 PM6/9/16
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I think some of that is some food for thought, but I am not sure I 100% agree, other then the main point of buying as much coach as you can afford.
I also agree that a cost of a super nice GMc is well under what any SOB sells for, and I do not understand why people ever go that route, unless they
want all the size and space.
What a GMC purchaser needs to really look closely at, is how they intend to use their GMC coach, and how they will use it now, and into the future.
that determines the priorities of what you need in the coach.
As for lowering the Value, I am not sure I agree with that. The Market is, what the Market is. My goal in offering any opinions on what a coach is
worth, is to get more of these coaches being used, and not sitting loosing value. That in itself will raise the value of our coaches, and I think I
already see that as facebook is getting the word out to new buyers, and more people are buying these coaches up. I do not know many people paying more
then $10k for a coach a few years ago, now I see lots of people buying coaches 10-25k. 3 years ago, those 18-25k coaches just sat for sale for a
long long time. I remember one coach on Craigslist locally that was advertised craigslist for years. Right now I think the one's that are listed
locally on Craigslist are pretty recent, except one.. but there is no pictures of that coach.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
I also agree that a cost of a super nice GMc is well under what any SOB sells for, and I do not understand why people ever go that route, unless they
want all the size and space.
What a GMC purchaser needs to really look closely at, is how they intend to use their GMC coach, and how they will use it now, and into the future.
that determines the priorities of what you need in the coach.
As for lowering the Value, I am not sure I agree with that. The Market is, what the Market is. My goal in offering any opinions on what a coach is
worth, is to get more of these coaches being used, and not sitting loosing value. That in itself will raise the value of our coaches, and I think I
already see that as facebook is getting the word out to new buyers, and more people are buying these coaches up. I do not know many people paying more
then $10k for a coach a few years ago, now I see lots of people buying coaches 10-25k. 3 years ago, those 18-25k coaches just sat for sale for a
long long time. I remember one coach on Craigslist locally that was advertised craigslist for years. Right now I think the one's that are listed
locally on Craigslist are pretty recent, except one.. but there is no pictures of that coach.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Rob
Jun 9, 2016, 5:11:57 PM6/9/16
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The buyers (and to a lesser degree the sellers) set actual selling prices - not this group or anyone on Facebook (unless they're buying!). The GMC's will sell for what they're worth - regardless of what anybody is asking for them. Supply & demand...
When you see a coach that has been listed for months (years?!?) - it's apparent that the asking price is wrong. Having grossly exaggerated asking prices doesn't do anything to the "true" value of my GMC…
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
When you see a coach that has been listed for months (years?!?) - it's apparent that the asking price is wrong. Having grossly exaggerated asking prices doesn't do anything to the "true" value of my GMC…
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
Justin Brady
Jun 9, 2016, 6:15:53 PM6/9/16
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Rob wrote on Thu, 09 June 2016 16:11
A coach is worth what a buyer is willing to pay, but that is variable and minds are easily changed. Facebook and this site are key players in GMC
value.
When a buyer is researching a coach and they go to the facebook group that has thousands of members they expect sound advice. When everyone says "that
price is way too high" that alters their perception of what is a good price and changes in their mind what they are willing to pay because "the
experts" say it's too high.
No one wants to feel ripped off, and that's just what they feel when they look at a 25,000 dollar coach and think "hey this isn't bad for 25 grand!"
and then go on facebook and the 4 or 5 guys that always comment on prices say "I certainly would NEVER pay that much for THAT coach". They feel that
the price that they formerly thought was fair is now way too high, because "the experts" said so.
--
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
> The buyers (and to a lesser degree the sellers) set actual selling prices - not this group or anyone on Facebook (unless they're buying!). The
> GMC's will sell for what they're worth - regardless of what anybody is asking for them. Supply & demand...
>
> When you see a coach that has been listed for months (years?!?) - it's apparent that the asking price is wrong. Having grossly exaggerated asking
> prices doesn't do anything to the "true" value of my GMC...
> GMC's will sell for what they're worth - regardless of what anybody is asking for them. Supply & demand...
>
> When you see a coach that has been listed for months (years?!?) - it's apparent that the asking price is wrong. Having grossly exaggerated asking
>
> Rob
> Victoria, BC
> 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
I completely disagree.
> Rob
> Victoria, BC
> 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
A coach is worth what a buyer is willing to pay, but that is variable and minds are easily changed. Facebook and this site are key players in GMC
value.
When a buyer is researching a coach and they go to the facebook group that has thousands of members they expect sound advice. When everyone says "that
price is way too high" that alters their perception of what is a good price and changes in their mind what they are willing to pay because "the
experts" say it's too high.
No one wants to feel ripped off, and that's just what they feel when they look at a 25,000 dollar coach and think "hey this isn't bad for 25 grand!"
and then go on facebook and the 4 or 5 guys that always comment on prices say "I certainly would NEVER pay that much for THAT coach". They feel that
the price that they formerly thought was fair is now way too high, because "the experts" said so.
--
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
Jim Kanomata
Jun 9, 2016, 6:41:43 PM6/9/16
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Each coach is different.
Without looking and asking for lot of information, it is hard to know value
of that coach.
I do several appraisals for customers and the form asks lot of questions as
well as some visual inspection.
We see GMC's that look like SOB (Some Other Brand) with el crapola hanging
on the interior and exterior and feel I should appraise it higher, so I
need to tell them like it is.
Just like a house, it must cater to majority. Color of paint, roof
color,and interior.
Zip Dee awnings have considerably higher appraisal value than the CareFree
or A & E.
Burtch screen door appraises more than the Ragusa.
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
ji...@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Without looking and asking for lot of information, it is hard to know value
of that coach.
I do several appraisals for customers and the form asks lot of questions as
well as some visual inspection.
We see GMC's that look like SOB (Some Other Brand) with el crapola hanging
on the interior and exterior and feel I should appraise it higher, so I
need to tell them like it is.
Just like a house, it must cater to majority. Color of paint, roof
color,and interior.
Zip Dee awnings have considerably higher appraisal value than the CareFree
or A & E.
Burtch screen door appraises more than the Ragusa.
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
ji...@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Thomas Phipps
Jun 9, 2016, 7:00:07 PM6/9/16
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"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" = "Value is in the wallet of the buyer" I contend that the selling price is a deal between seller and buyer.
Third parties sitting on the sidelines may have unfounded opinions, not based on actual personal inspection or knowledge and they are entitled to
their uninformed opinion. They would "never pay that much for that coach" and truth being said. They did not buy it.
They really have no dog in the hunt.
Yes, the current owner may have put lots of cash, blood, sweat and tears into a coach, but the deal determines the price, again, value to the buyer.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
Third parties sitting on the sidelines may have unfounded opinions, not based on actual personal inspection or knowledge and they are entitled to
their uninformed opinion. They would "never pay that much for that coach" and truth being said. They did not buy it.
They really have no dog in the hunt.
Yes, the current owner may have put lots of cash, blood, sweat and tears into a coach, but the deal determines the price, again, value to the buyer.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
James Hupy
Jun 9, 2016, 7:26:54 PM6/9/16
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Sounds like a stock tip. Buy low, sell high. Jerry makes several valid
points. My Royale will take me anywhere I choose to go. It looks like crap
on the outside. Oxidized original paint, sun faded and crazed stripes,
rusty bumpers, and on and on. By no means a high dollar coach. I spent my
money on mechanical systems and interior upgrades, tires and wheels. It
would be hard to get high dollars for my coach in it's present shape. But,
that is not my point. I worked on two coaches in the last few years that
both have way in excess of $100,000.00 invested in them. I doubt either of
them would sell for that figure today. Value is a very subjective thing. A
marathon coach will depreciate more value than that in two years time. But,
what does that mean? Heck, I don't think I am qualified to answer value
issues. I have built too many hot rods for way too much money only to sell
them when I needed the cash for way too little.
Jim Hupy
points. My Royale will take me anywhere I choose to go. It looks like crap
on the outside. Oxidized original paint, sun faded and crazed stripes,
rusty bumpers, and on and on. By no means a high dollar coach. I spent my
money on mechanical systems and interior upgrades, tires and wheels. It
would be hard to get high dollars for my coach in it's present shape. But,
that is not my point. I worked on two coaches in the last few years that
both have way in excess of $100,000.00 invested in them. I doubt either of
them would sell for that figure today. Value is a very subjective thing. A
marathon coach will depreciate more value than that in two years time. But,
what does that mean? Heck, I don't think I am qualified to answer value
issues. I have built too many hot rods for way too much money only to sell
them when I needed the cash for way too little.
Jim Hupy
John Wright
Jun 9, 2016, 7:49:45 PM6/9/16
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I am with Thomas and Jim K on the sale of coaches. I always have the coaches that I had and have now appraised by Jim K. every 24 months. That information goes to my insurance company and is put on file along with a CD with current pictures. If you do not have a current good appraisal then you may have issues if you ever damage or have a total loss. It is good protection and the #1 person to do it Jim K.
When I sold my first coach it was a frame up restoration:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3675-topeka-gmc-paint-job.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3022-interior-restoration.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5667-77-gmc-exterior.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5665-1977-interior.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5666-1977-bath.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3373-safety-belt-shoulder-mounts.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3762-headliner.html
I had basically sold the coach to a person in Topeka Kansas at the end of November 2010 site unseen and he had looked at all the pictures and sent me a deposit. In the spring of 2011 on the way home from Tucson I stopped in Topeka for the buyer and his wife to inspect the coach and make sure that he still wanted the coach. That was a very good coach with a lot of bells and whistles and showed even better in person than in the pictures. That coach was appraised by Jim K in the Mid $30K+ and I ended selling it for the final price of $33K. This was a get in and drive coach as it had been continually updated and maintained thru out the time in my hands and it was a comfortable coach.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
When I sold my first coach it was a frame up restoration:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3675-topeka-gmc-paint-job.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3022-interior-restoration.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5667-77-gmc-exterior.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5665-1977-interior.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5666-1977-bath.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3373-safety-belt-shoulder-mounts.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3762-headliner.html
I had basically sold the coach to a person in Topeka Kansas at the end of November 2010 site unseen and he had looked at all the pictures and sent me a deposit. In the spring of 2011 on the way home from Tucson I stopped in Topeka for the buyer and his wife to inspect the coach and make sure that he still wanted the coach. That was a very good coach with a lot of bells and whistles and showed even better in person than in the pictures. That coach was appraised by Jim K in the Mid $30K+ and I ended selling it for the final price of $33K. This was a get in and drive coach as it had been continually updated and maintained thru out the time in my hands and it was a comfortable coach.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
Jack Christensen
Jun 9, 2016, 7:57:44 PM6/9/16
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I agree with Jerry on what I believe is a major point. Figure out what you're capable and want to do to fix the coach you buy, then pick one where
what you don't want to do is already in good shape. I'm a reasonable wrench, but I hate body, interior and paint work. I searched around and found a
Clasco redo that had a nice interior, good paint and a stright body. It needed mechanical work. So, it met my criteria and I purchased it.
--
Jack Christensen - K6ROW,
'76 Glenbrook/Clasco - "The Silver Bullet",
Sebastopol, CA
what you don't want to do is already in good shape. I'm a reasonable wrench, but I hate body, interior and paint work. I searched around and found a
Clasco redo that had a nice interior, good paint and a stright body. It needed mechanical work. So, it met my criteria and I purchased it.
--
Jack Christensen - K6ROW,
'76 Glenbrook/Clasco - "The Silver Bullet",
Sebastopol, CA
A.
Jun 9, 2016, 9:25:58 PM6/9/16
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Ideally you get one that only requires what you have the wherewithal to do. I don't have the equipment, or the energy, to replace an engine. Nor do I
have the disposable income to hire it done. I don't have the energy to replace a frame. Or the disposable income to by a kit, much less hire it done.
I don't have the tools to replace the front bearings. I might be able to come up with the dollars to hire it done.
Everything else, I can do. Any mechanical or house systems are achievable, given time. -> Almost three years after Kerry Pinkerton made me a frame
bracket, the Onan powered the roof AC in the Sequoia yesterday. The first time since a PO had removed the genset sometime before September 2012. Only
a couple dozen things on the todo list and it will as ready for use as it was when it came from the upfitter. I was shooting for this past April. New
deadline is next April. Unless someone will give me $8k for it as is.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Posting on the GMCnet seems to always result in a cacophony of responses which only tend to cloud the solution rather than move you closer to it."
Jim Miller
have the disposable income to hire it done. I don't have the energy to replace a frame. Or the disposable income to by a kit, much less hire it done.
I don't have the tools to replace the front bearings. I might be able to come up with the dollars to hire it done.
Everything else, I can do. Any mechanical or house systems are achievable, given time. -> Almost three years after Kerry Pinkerton made me a frame
bracket, the Onan powered the roof AC in the Sequoia yesterday. The first time since a PO had removed the genset sometime before September 2012. Only
a couple dozen things on the todo list and it will as ready for use as it was when it came from the upfitter. I was shooting for this past April. New
deadline is next April. Unless someone will give me $8k for it as is.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Posting on the GMCnet seems to always result in a cacophony of responses which only tend to cloud the solution rather than move you closer to it."
Jim Miller
Rob Mueller
Jun 9, 2016, 10:27:29 PM6/9/16
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Tom,
Opinions are like a$$holes and everybody's except MINE stinks! ;-0
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist...@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Phipps
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 8:59 AM
To: gmc...@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Help buying a GMC motorhome
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" = "Value is in the wallet of the buyer" I contend that the selling price is a deal between
seller and buyer.
Third parties sitting on the sidelines may have unfounded opinions, not based on actual personal inspection or knowledge and they
are entitled to their uninformed opinion. They would "never pay that much for that coach" and truth being said. They did not buy
it.
They really have no dog in the hunt.
Yes, the current owner may have put lots of cash, blood, sweat and tears into a coach, but the deal determines the price, again,
value to the buyer.
Tom, MS II
Opinions are like a$$holes and everybody's except MINE stinks! ;-0
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist...@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Phipps
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 8:59 AM
To: gmc...@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Help buying a GMC motorhome
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" = "Value is in the wallet of the buyer" I contend that the selling price is a deal between
seller and buyer.
Third parties sitting on the sidelines may have unfounded opinions, not based on actual personal inspection or knowledge and they
are entitled to their uninformed opinion. They would "never pay that much for that coach" and truth being said. They did not buy
it.
They really have no dog in the hunt.
Yes, the current owner may have put lots of cash, blood, sweat and tears into a coach, but the deal determines the price, again,
value to the buyer.
Tom, MS II
Rob
Jun 9, 2016, 11:03:28 PM6/9/16
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The market dictates pricing. I can laugh at people that spend $1000 on an ounce of gold, but I'm pretty sure there would be a lineup at that price. If you list an ounce of gold on Craigslist for $2000, then mention it on Facebook (or here!) - I'm sure someone would tell you your price is high…
Either way - it doesn't affect what someone down the street will sell their ounce of gold for. Their gold is worth what they'll get for it.
In our system - things sell for what they'll sell for. The only pricing commentary (high or low) that truly holds water is when it's backed up with cash.
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
Either way - it doesn't affect what someone down the street will sell their ounce of gold for. Their gold is worth what they'll get for it.
In our system - things sell for what they'll sell for. The only pricing commentary (high or low) that truly holds water is when it's backed up with cash.
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
kelly stockwell
Jun 10, 2016, 8:24:59 AM6/10/16
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I'm in the process of getting my first GMC. Sunday should be the day!
I agree with a lot of the comments; please remember us newbies have no idea what is a reasonable price/unreasonable and what we should expect for 10K,
15K, 20K etc.
Unless you're going to Cinnabar or Jim Bounds and getting exactly what you want it's all a trade off. What are you willing to accept for what amount
of money.
The coach I'm getting doesn't have the exact floor plan I was looking for, the couch isn't a bunk bed and there's not a dinette booth, there are
chairs. But, it has two awnings, looks very clean, has been run regularly in the last two years by a mechanically able gamer.
Which brings me to a point that I feel is unique to these coaches (and other older vehicles) and that's the CO of the rigs. I met and saw a handful
of coaches, and liked all of the current owners. I wouldn't necessarily buy a vehicle from them but they were nice guys. I got to see what business
they're in, what other vehicles they had in their yard, what shape they were in. I found out how they used the coach, how attached to it they were,
what sort of repairs did they do. How long the CO had the rig, what they invested in it, how they used it should be a good match for how a new owner
will use it. I wanted a runner, something safe and fairly reliable. I goto music festivals and mostly drive a few hundred miles and setup camp for a
long weekend, I want a party bus with space for hanging out and playing music (and has to fit a double bass). I'll take a 2000 mile round trip every
few years to Nashville but mostly stick to New England. So I wanted a coach that could do the distance, and had a history of doing the distance.
The CO has offered to bring it mostly to me, and continues to do some repairs while admittedly his wife rolls her eyes. It got a new fuel pump this
week. No change to the price (though I'll definitely be compensating him for his time to drive it, his gas, and whatever else I can). I feel really
good buying from him, and I think he's happy I'm buying the coach from him. I imagine we'll stay in touch long after the sale. He's shared good and
bad bout the rig, invoices, stories of the PO to him, why he's selling (they're going back to a trailer, one of those Escapes form Canada). I really
like him, he's a gamer- mechanically inclined but also went to Cinnabar for a bunch of work to make sure it was safe when he bought it.
Anyway, just though I'd add my two cents to the conversation. I think it's important to know where your rig is coming from to know where it could go.
kelly
no, not yet... soon
I agree with a lot of the comments; please remember us newbies have no idea what is a reasonable price/unreasonable and what we should expect for 10K,
15K, 20K etc.
Unless you're going to Cinnabar or Jim Bounds and getting exactly what you want it's all a trade off. What are you willing to accept for what amount
of money.
The coach I'm getting doesn't have the exact floor plan I was looking for, the couch isn't a bunk bed and there's not a dinette booth, there are
chairs. But, it has two awnings, looks very clean, has been run regularly in the last two years by a mechanically able gamer.
Which brings me to a point that I feel is unique to these coaches (and other older vehicles) and that's the CO of the rigs. I met and saw a handful
of coaches, and liked all of the current owners. I wouldn't necessarily buy a vehicle from them but they were nice guys. I got to see what business
they're in, what other vehicles they had in their yard, what shape they were in. I found out how they used the coach, how attached to it they were,
what sort of repairs did they do. How long the CO had the rig, what they invested in it, how they used it should be a good match for how a new owner
will use it. I wanted a runner, something safe and fairly reliable. I goto music festivals and mostly drive a few hundred miles and setup camp for a
long weekend, I want a party bus with space for hanging out and playing music (and has to fit a double bass). I'll take a 2000 mile round trip every
few years to Nashville but mostly stick to New England. So I wanted a coach that could do the distance, and had a history of doing the distance.
The CO has offered to bring it mostly to me, and continues to do some repairs while admittedly his wife rolls her eyes. It got a new fuel pump this
week. No change to the price (though I'll definitely be compensating him for his time to drive it, his gas, and whatever else I can). I feel really
good buying from him, and I think he's happy I'm buying the coach from him. I imagine we'll stay in touch long after the sale. He's shared good and
bad bout the rig, invoices, stories of the PO to him, why he's selling (they're going back to a trailer, one of those Escapes form Canada). I really
like him, he's a gamer- mechanically inclined but also went to Cinnabar for a bunch of work to make sure it was safe when he bought it.
Anyway, just though I'd add my two cents to the conversation. I think it's important to know where your rig is coming from to know where it could go.
kelly
no, not yet... soon
Justin Brady
Jun 10, 2016, 8:52:08 AM6/10/16
to gmc...@list.gmcnet.org
Gold and GMCs are not the same.
Gmc is a very small market, buyers will come to the community to evaluate worth. Because they don't know how.
We aren't talking about mechanically experienced motorhome enthusiasts here, were talking about average Joe with a family looking to make a first
purchase.
Do whatever you want, say whatever you want, makes me no difference :d but if every new buyer/researcher reads this forum or goes to Facebook the
overall value of all of our coaches drops.
Gmc is a very small market, buyers will come to the community to evaluate worth. Because they don't know how.
We aren't talking about mechanically experienced motorhome enthusiasts here, were talking about average Joe with a family looking to make a first
purchase.
Do whatever you want, say whatever you want, makes me no difference :d but if every new buyer/researcher reads this forum or goes to Facebook the
overall value of all of our coaches drops.
Rob
Jun 10, 2016, 11:02:23 AM6/10/16
to gmc...@list.gmcnet.org
I think that is one of the differentiators of a GMC. Most of the GMC's you see for sale are owned by enthusiasts (to varying degrees) - and most have some history within the community (even in a VERY small/slow markets like mine). Most other contemporary MH's are either just "old RV's" or have an owner base that is just too small to really help.
I spent a long time looking for mine and when I found the one I ultimately bought, I spent a long time talking with the seller to understand what the situation was…
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
I spent a long time looking for mine and when I found the one I ultimately bought, I spent a long time talking with the seller to understand what the situation was…
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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