Used SMB prices/mileage

[diver110]

Originally Posted by oclv

For what it's worth, we paid $2,000 less than the advertised price for a 2004 RB50, V10 gas, with 32,000 miles on it, very nice shape. I had been looking almost daily at the Sportsmobile used section and finally found one that seemed to be a decent price. It was 2WD, and we now have it at Salem Kroger for their 4X4 conversion. I used to be amazed at the used prices, but they seem to disappear off the website so I assume they sold. oclv

That is helpful. Compared to roadtreks, it seems like smb's keep more of their value. Not sure why that is. I would think in would normally make more sense to buy the roadtrek and add 4wd if you needed it, might still come out ahead. In my case, I am looking for a garageable vehicle, so an smb is my only option.

[oclv]

I think it depends on what you are going to do with it. RoadTreks seem like mini motor homes, while most people use the Sportsmobiles for off road exploring/camping. My wife and I looked at Road Treks and just felt for our needs they were too plush for what we were going to do with it. If we just stayed on black top and wanted the 4 wheel drive for snowy roads, they would be fine. for jeep roads and way off the beaten path, they just seem like a lot of things would break off. oclv

[deminimis]

Just to bring it back home, when I was shopping for a used 4x4 SMB, I contacted several of the owners of the ones listed on the SMB site. They all were willing to negotiate a little, but not much. Each of them sold to others at what I'm guessing was within a few $k of their asking prices. Now that I own one, that's a good thing. They definately hold their values. Restored VW Westy Syncros are approaching the same price as many used SMB 4x4s, so that provides some insight. Its a strong market for these rigs....out West

What worked for me was going East, young man. The market in the central states is not what it is here out West for 4x4 vans, especially when you start talking about the sourthern central and eastern states. Heck, people drive 2wd Expeditions there. Good luck. Take your time, or not. I decided I needed a Sportsmobile in mid-January, while in Baja (was drooling over one at Cabo Pulmo). Then, I looked them up on the Net. The prices blew my socks off. A mere six weeks later, I had mine, for a reasonable price.

[mmocken]

I negotiated 7% off of a reasonable asking price. The offer I made was also reasonable, not low ball.

Also, I figured that worse case, I can sell again for near what I paid. I figure in the last 9 months, I lost $1000 in resale value, or $110 month