Urgent help!! Is remodeled 1990 casita 16’ worth buying??

[EggLover]

Hello everyone, just joined today and was looking for some advice as to if this is accurate pricing for a 34 year old trailer. I know that casitas tend to hold their value so wanted to check.

This is an older trailer but has been remodeled and has all the amenities that we want, but they are asking for 12,500 for it. Seems steep for a 34 year old trailer. Wanted to get opinions on this. I am okay with buying an older trailer if you think it’ll last.

This Casita is a dream to tow and the perfect amount of space for a small family or couple. $14,000. Can send more pictures and videos upon request.

Info of trailer and things that are new

-Will include Generator
-Weighs about 2500lbs
-No Leaks
-Sleeps 3
-Electric jack
-3 way dometic fridge/brand new
-AC electric
-Bike rack included on hitch
-installed scissor jacks
-Custom Black out curtains
-Original carpeted walls
-Goose feather down comforter/+ duvet
-indirect lighting in hidden track around the whole rig and bathroom)
-Full wet bath with black teak floor mat
-New Modern bathroom sink
-Custom wood kitchen counter
-Main bed also collapses into a dining room table
-Custom grey leather cushions
-Electric/propane water heater
-Propane furnace
-Plexy glass bathroom door

Here are some photos for reference. We are supposed to go see it on Christmas Day.

[Monk]

Originally Posted by EggLover

Hello everyone, just joined today and was looking for some advice as to if this is accurate pricing for a 34 year old trailer. I know that casitas tend to hold their value so wanted to check.

This is an older trailer but has been remodeled and has all the amenities that we want, but they are asking for 12,500 for it. Seems steep for a 34 year old trailer. Wanted to get opinions on this. I am okay with buying an older trailer if you think it’ll last.

This Casita is a dream to tow and the perfect amount of space for a small family or couple. $14,000. Can send more pictures and videos upon request.

Info of trailer and things that are new

-Will include Generator
-Weighs about 2500lbs
-No Leaks
-Sleeps 3
-Electric jack
-3 way dometic fridge/brand new
-AC electric
-Bike rack included on hitch
-installed scissor jacks
-Custom Black out curtains
-Original carpeted walls
-Goose feather down comforter/+ duvet
-indirect lighting in hidden track around the whole rig and bathroom)
-Full wet bath with black teak floor mat
-New Modern bathroom sink
-Custom wood kitchen counter
-Main bed also collapses into a dining room table
-Custom grey leather cushions
-Electric/propane water heater
-Propane furnace
-Plexy glass bathroom door

Here are some photos for reference. We are supposed to go see it on Christmas Day.

This could be a reasonable price if you are comfortable with the existing condition of the trailer and the updates.

Be careful to examine items often overlooked when doing you inspection. Three big items are the axle, the frame, and the floor. We purchased an update Scamp for a fair price several years ago, the frame and floor was good but the axle suspension appeared to be in poor condition. We got it at a slight reduction but the cost to get it done brought it up over the original asking price where it was not such a great deal. After the purchase I found the exterior lighting had problems, the door seal and some window seals were bad, the frame needed to be cleaned and painted, and the ac/dc converter was not operating properly.

Except for the axle, I was able to do all the work, which kept the costs down, but at the end the trailer's final cost was closer to what I could have spent for a newer used trailer where most of this work may not have been necessary.

My opinion, had I done a more careful inspection, I would have likely got a lower purchase price or passed on the purchase.

BTW: I was a novice when I purchased (2016), I did gain a good amount of experience and am very happy with my purchase. I have accepted that I paid too much for my purchase.

[jerrybob]

Is it $12.5K or $14K.....confused? If real......seems a bit high....you can get something much newer for a few thousand more. The trailer shell will last forever.......axle status.....past leaks.....electrical.....appiances all need to be checked out if you move forward. Be aware of scams. Good luck.

[EggLover]

Thank you for all the information. There have been no past leaks that the owners are aware of. We know it’s right on the verge price wise but we love the look of it and the newer appliances. We could get a newer casita for same price but would be stock and not have the things we want, which we would then have to do ourselves…

[EggLover]

They are willing to sell to us for 12,500 but it is posted for 14,000. Thank you and we will be on the lookout!!

[Jon in AZ]

It does appear well cared for and has some nice updates and upgrades. As someone else said, make sure the bones are solid- frame, axle, and floor- and stuff actually works.

Replacing an axle or a fridge is not a big deal, but it’ll cost and should be reflected in the price. OTOH, frame and floor are major projects requiring significant disassembly and reason to pass. Casita frames are prone to rust through and break near the front of the cabin where the frame bends upward.

[mary and bob]

Note that this trailer is the 16 foot model where the axle is more centered than the 17 footer. The 16 has a lighter tongue weight than the 17, which may be an advantage depending on what tow vehicle is involved.

[mary and bob]

[QUOTE=Jon in AZ;871426]

Replacing an axle or a fridge is not a big deal,

I've heard that with some, or maybe all Casitas, that the fridge will not fit through the door and has to be removed through the rear window.

[EggLover]

Thank you all for the information!!! I will be thoroughly checking the frame, axel, and flooring as those are sounding like the most gnarly things to replace. Or at least should be reflected in the pricing if it needs it. Glad to here that if all checks out it is a solid trailer based online like I thought.

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by EggLover

Hello everyone, just joined today and was looking for some advice as to if this is accurate pricing for a 34 year old trailer. I know that casitas tend to hold their value so wanted to check.

This is an older trailer but has been remodeled and has all the amenities that we want, but they are asking for 12,500 for it. Seems steep for a 34 year old trailer. Wanted to get opinions on this. I am okay with buying an older trailer if you think it’ll last.

This Casita is a dream to tow and the perfect amount of space for a small family or couple. $14,000. Can send more pictures and videos upon request.

Info of trailer and things that are new

-Will include Generator
-Weighs about 2500lbs
-No Leaks
-Sleeps 3
-Electric jack
-3 way dometic fridge/brand new
-AC electric
-Bike rack included on hitch
-installed scissor jacks
-Custom Black out curtains
-Original carpeted walls
-Goose feather down comforter/+ duvet
-indirect lighting in hidden track around the whole rig and bathroom)
-Full wet bath with black teak floor mat
-New Modern bathroom sink
-Custom wood kitchen counter
-Main bed also collapses into a dining room table
-Custom grey leather cushions
-Electric/propane water heater
-Propane furnace
-Plexy glass bathroom door

Here are some photos for reference. We are supposed to go see it on Christmas Day.

Looks very nice. I have a question if you are willing to give me some info. Who is the person selling it? I love the bathroom sink and would like to know where they got it. I'd like to replace the one in my Casita and can't find one. Thank you in advance.

[John in Santa Cruz]

these last a couple years before UV fade sets in and the fabric weakens and they tear.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WENDUS
I figuure since my two bikes are easily worth $3000, $140 every couple years is worth it.

I use a elastic ball tie on the crank of the bike closer to the spare so the pedal doesn't jam into the spare and chew a hole in the cover.