Hi again,
We found a 17' 1984
Bigfoot for $7,000 and are trying to determine fair price. The seller is firm on the price of $7,000, as is.
Seller has owned trailer for about three years. Leaking
windows that have not been repaired have stained all the wood paneling around the
windows and ruined the laminate. Says they are not repaired because he tarps it and has not sourced parts. Seller says there appears to be no soft spots anywhere. The trim around the
windows has shrunk with age. Broken front door lock and door out of alignment but does close and seller has replacement for cracked door glass- not installed yet. Broken spring clip in the freezer door (when ours broke on our RV we immediately ordered and replaced -it was a $50.00 item). Broken
awning component so
awning has to be hand rolled (parts are difficult to source if non existent from what we have researched so more than likely a replacement is needed). Age of
tires unknown and spare tire is shot. Condition of
brakes is unknown. When bearings were last inspected and packed is unknown. Three to four inch high water staining the continuous length of the front door wall where gaucho butts up to on the left and on the right where settee is. Source unknown but once again, seller says no soft spots anywhere to be found.. All original appliances/furnace in working order. Has wet bath with hot water. Had a new
axle put on some years prior to new owner. Owner says no smells except when it is closed up for a while and then all is good when aired out (I could not reconcile the water stains under the windows and by the door with not creating mold and odor but perhaps it drys out between
leaks?). Exterior in good shape.
Is this the price we would expect to pay for that condition? It seems to me the current owner is just not replacing or repairing as needed since he enjoys the trailer as is and said he is offering it at a very fair price based on his research including this forum. Do we keep looking? Do we take on a fixer in a floor plan we like just incase another dos not come up?
We could have already purchased a 2006 for $13,500 in excellent condition except it has the rear across the back couch which we do not want. The side couch or L-shaped lounge is the only floor plan I like in the 17 or the 19 because the other feels too confined and the bed is too small for us or adult company.
The water
leaks have left us wary. And doing the work ourselves, we expect to invest about $2500.00 right away for new
tires,
awning, brake work, replacement of damaged wood, window resealing, a fantastic fan since it has none,
painting interior due to water stains. Cabinets are not real wood.
Seems to make more sense to wait for a newer one in the 90's for $10-13,000.....than take on the unknowns, knowing that the age means the appliances will more than likely need replacing or repair in the next five years. Am trying to not be compulsive or panic due to scarcity.