J.D. Power Trailer values

lkc001

Hello all--I am thinking about moving up from a Tab 320S to a 400.  Have been searching used only, most likely 2018/2019.  I am seeing a few in my general area (from private sellers), but they are priced much higher than the "average retail" value as listed by J.D. Powers.  Is J.D. Powers a good estimate of what a person should expect to pay or are these sellers just pricing way too high (i.e. $5,000 above average retail).

In researching what I could expect to sell my Tab 320S for, my original $ estimates were right in line with J.D. Powers average retail.

Sharon_is_SAM

The TaBs hold their value better than the average camper.  I think many owners set a higher price expecting to lower the price depending on the demand.  You can always make an offer.  Depending on how long it has been on the market, you may be surprised what they let it go for.  Also, keep in mind, there are a lot of units that were purchased during the pandemic that owners are now selling, so, that may be to your benefit.  

lkc001

This one is a gently used 2018 Tab 400--listed for $24,900---I really do think they are @$4,000 to $5,000 too high.   I'll keep an eye on it to see if they start dropping the price--JD Powers average retail is right around $21,000 which appears more in line compared to others in that year across the country

RTWCTS

You can show the owner your researched value when you look at the trailer @lkc001. Selling should include the expectation of negotiation unless the ad states the price is firm.

tabiphile

Whatever the price guides suggest, the reality is whatever the seller is willing to accept. You can, and should, consider the JD guides as a starting point, but in the end, the seller will decide what they will accept, and you will decide your offer. To most people, a trailer (or a boat, or car) are sunk money. In most cases they will not feel pressured to sell until they have tried for quite a while without success. An amusing game to play is to learn the gap between asking and selling prices. It can be very eye-opening.
Quite often asking prices that are too high will not result in a sale. Do not presume asking prices are the same as sales prices.
That said, any large ticket purchase should be approached as a negotiation. To succeed, there are a few basic "rules" to follow. First, always be willing and ready to walk away from a specific purchase. Don't fall in love with a particular 400 to the extent that you would pursue its purchase beyond reason. Next, never be shy about offering a price that you believe is fair and affordable. If your offer is lower than the ask, or lower than book, be prepared to explain the offer and also be prepared to stick with it if it is what you believe is appropriate. The awkward moments of silence that follow a low offer are good. Let the seller break the silence with their counter. Do not negotiate against yourself and be prepared to walk away. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't buy the trailer. Being able and ready to walk is an important skill to learn. 
If you cannot pull that off, just open your wallet and make them the offer they want you to make. In the grand scheme of things, spread out over the time of ownership, what difference will a few thousand dollars really make?

lkc001

tabiphile said:

Whatever the price guides suggest, the reality is whatever the seller is willing to accept. You can, and should, consider the JD guides as a starting point, but in the end, the seller will decide what they will accept, and you will decide your offer. To most people, a trailer (or a boat, or car) are sunk money. In most cases they will not feel pressured to sell until they have tried for quite a while without success. An amusing game to play is to learn the gap between asking and selling prices. It can be very eye-opening.
Quite often asking prices that are too high will not result in a sale. Do not presume asking prices are the same as sales prices.
That said, any large ticket purchase should be approached as a negotiation. To succeed, there are a few basic "rules" to follow. First, always be willing and ready to walk away from a specific purchase. Don't fall in love with a particular 400 to the extent that you would pursue its purchase beyond reason. Next, never be shy about offering a price that you believe is fair and affordable. If your offer is lower than the ask, or lower than book, be prepared to explain the offer and also be prepared to stick with it if it is what you believe is appropriate. The awkward moments of silence that follow a low offer are good. Let the seller break the silence with their counter. Do not negotiate against yourself and be prepared to walk away. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't buy the trailer. Being able and ready to walk is an important skill to learn. 
If you cannot pull that off, just open your wallet and make them the offer they want you to make. In the grand scheme of things, spread out over the time of ownership, what difference will a few thousand dollars really make?

Thank you for the thoughts tabiphile.   While I completely agree with being able to walk away, which I have done a few times over the years with vehicles & RVs--however to me, I think $5,000  overpriced is more than a few thousand &  would make a difference over time, as I pay cash & do not plan on financing.  I have a dollar amount I plan to stick to.  I have sent an email asking for more specific information on things like tires, alde glycol flush, wheel bearing maintenance etc.  Will see what kind of response I get.  The ad placed as for sale by private party really sounds more like a dealer ad.

Sharon_is_SAM said:

The TaBs hold their value better than the average camper.  I think many owners set a higher price expecting to lower the price depending on the demand.  You can always make an offer.  Depending on how long it has been on the market, you may be surprised what they let it go for.  Also, keep in mind, there are a lot of units that were purchased during the pandemic that owners are now selling, so, that may be to your benefit.  

This one I'm looking at is a used very good shape 2018 Tab 400--only listed 8 days ago for