returning to the group

[Pete Masterson]

BB WLs are thinly traded (there just aren't that many of them) so the
NADA values are very unreliable.

The best way to estimate a value is to find as many offered for sale
of the same year and model then take an average to obtain the
"asking" price. Figure that an offer price might be 70 to 80% of the
asking price. A particularly clean unit (probably reflected in the
asking price anyway) might go for 80% of asking and a less desirable
unit might be lower -- perhaps way lower depending on the asking
price compared to the average. The value of the coach does not depend
on what an owner may have invested in it e.g. "$20,000 service just
performed!!!" is a meaningless statement.

My stepfather had just put $300 in new tires on an old Buick just
before the "gas crisis" in 1972. The Honda dealer offered $100 as
trade in value -- new tires or not, a 'gas hog' wasn't very valuable
at the time. (He kept the car as a "tanker" ... would go wait in line
to full up the 28 gallon tank ... then transfer the fuel to his new
Honda for several weeks....)

Ultimately, the "value" of a coach is the amount that a willing
seller agrees to sell for to a willing buyer. You may encounter those
who are "holding out" for a particular price. You're not likely to
make a mutually fair deal with such a seller.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Bluebird Wanderlodge WBDA 4203
El Sobrante, CA




On Jul 28, 2006, at 4:28 PM, Rich wrote:

> Hi folks,
> I'm back looking for my elusive 'Bird again.
> Have one in mind, it is a '87 38' DP with 140K on the odometer, looks
> in great shape. 475HP 8V92 Detroit Diesel, Allison 4 SP trans and all
> the usual 'Bird stuff.
> My question(s)........what is the value of this '87, the NADA guide
> only goes back to 1990, and what, if any, are the things I should be
> aware of in this model that may, or may not be of concern.
> I know there are plenty of well informed 'Bird owners here, and I
> would
> appreciate your help
> Thanks,Rich



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