New here need advice September 14, 2016, 08:31:56 am I am looking for a used LD. Like most buyers I have read about here I am going to have to do a bit of driving or flying to see one in person. I have found 2 I am interested in and wondered what those with more knowledge than I thought of them. 1998 Lazy Daze 26.5, Crosby TX - - RVtrader.comI like the one above for the v10 and of course newer model and less miles.But I like the two couches in backOn this one. 1995 Lazy Daze 26.5 MID-BATH, NORTH RIVERSIDE IL - - RVtrader.comHas anyone by chance seen these in person? Thanks for helping a newbie out! 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #1 – September 14, 2016, 11:59:26 am I'm in the process of making arrangements to check out the one in IL. Depending on what I see, will have a lot of info I can share with you about that one (I've already pulled the CarFax, got the date codes from the tires, etc.).I can't speak to the one in TX, but it looks nice! I'm pretty much in the same situation as you are - this forum is full of great info and helpful folks.Best of luck! P.S. - You'll get more replies on here if you list your first name somewhere in your profile too 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #2 – September 14, 2016, 12:06:25 pm Also, here are some more photos of the 1995 MB in IL that aren't on RVTrader..Lazy Daze Photos - Google PhotosJust about everyone on the forum has weighed in on this one, and the replies weren't glowing, but I'm still going to at least go look at it, as you should too. 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #3 – September 14, 2016, 12:44:56 pm Thank you for the info. Not sure how to change my profile but my name is Melissa. How did you find the other photos? Did the owner send them?
Re: New here need advice Reply #4 – September 14, 2016, 02:03:47 pm Just a quick note. Please notice that 1998 26.5 MB has a swamp cooler which is effective in dry or low humidity areas, but less so in high humidity areas. Secondly, a buyer should see if there is a complete service record of at least major repairs, services, and upgrades. (In our case, the previous owner had kept meticulous records.) That area of Texas (Crosby) gets massive amounts of rain and very high humidity, which might not be the best situation if the roof is not in good condition. Finally, this LDO Forum has a list of prices for each LD length and it is sorted by years. For what it's worth, I've found that price information to an accurate guide. Hope this helps you in your search.P.S. If you can't find that price list, send me a message and I send you my .pdf copy ... because I haven't found it on the new forum. 2 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #5 – September 14, 2016, 02:33:49 pm Quote from: Traxless - September 14, 2016, 02:03:47 pmIf you can't find that price list ... because I haven't found it on the new forum.I haven't found a 2016 version, but there's one here based on 2015 prices: Looking for a valuation on a 2006 Anniversary Edition 30' fully loaded 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #6 – September 14, 2016, 04:28:44 pm Thank you all this is very helpful. This will be our first RV purchase although we have both spent time in friends and families various models. Last year I was diagnosed with leukemia. Which has lead us to want to travel full time while we can. We have decided the LD is for us so now the goal is to find a good used one in our price range before next spring. All advice is welcome. 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #7 – September 14, 2016, 05:53:06 pm "We have decided the LD is for us so now the goal is to find a good used one in our price range before next spring."-----The message board receives many queries from posters who are looking for a pre-loved LD, and while forum members are usually very willing to pass along any "finds" in used rigs, having some guidelines stating what you're looking for can be very helpful! For example, your price limit for initial purchase? Model years you want to consider? Engine requirements? Floor plan preferences? Mileages you're willing to accept? Quite a few times in the past, "rig search" queries have generated several leads that quickly become irrelevant when the OP finally reveals his/her bottom line budget or another critical "limiting" factor. I understand that a potential buyer wants and needs to be open to possibilities, and that it can be difficult to be specific when one is starting a search, but providing basic information/criteria can help speed the process. Keep in mind that the purchase price is just that; it's advisable to budget additional funds for repairs and replacements that may (very likely will!) be needed to make the motorhome road worthy. As always, YMMV. 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #8 – September 14, 2016, 06:56:04 pm Good points. I am interested in the 26.5 mid bath. My budget is $24k all in so including repairs needed to make it road ready hopefully including solar but that could be added later. With my budget in mind I am hoping to spend less than $18k so I have some money left for fixing it up. I think that leaves me at a 2000 or below model. I would prefer something with less that 125,000 miles. We would prefer a ford V10 which I think is 1997 or newer but I am willing to take the v8 if that's what we find.The LD in Texas meets those requirements on paper but since Texas is a long way from Tennessee it is not easy to go check it out. Perhaps someone can offer help on how to determine if one is worth making the trip for. I have spent quite sometime doing research online, reading Andy's blog, watching videos etc but still don't know when to take the leap for a trip to check one out. Thanks for your insight.Melissa
Re: New here need advice Reply #9 – September 14, 2016, 08:27:21 pm I know nothing about this rig; just saw it on Oodle, but it appears to be within your parameters.1997 Lazy Daze 26 5 MB in Shell Knob, Missouri | Stock Number R142914V 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #10 – September 14, 2016, 08:50:34 pm Melissa said "but still don't know when to take the leap for a trip to check one out." This may be the most difficult and important question. It's my opinion that during the process of communicating with the seller about the LD (or anything else for sale) that you begin to develop some kind of long-distance buyer-seller relationship which hopefully is characterized by openness and candor. The buyer should be asking questions about the completeness of the maintenance record, any leaks, any roof repairs, age of the tires, damage to the inside and outside of the Coach. Other questions include pets, smoking, and the number of previous owners. Review each of the Coach's major appliances and pieces of equipment (water heater, refrigerator, oven, stovetop, plumbing, A/C, heater, propane tank, etc.). As you collect this information, I'd suggest you try and measure the quality of the answers as compared to that of a used car salesman trying to sell a broken down wreck which was driven only on Sunday.I'd ask for lots of photo's of the roof, sides, front and back, cab area, lounge area, bathroom, dinette view, kitchen view, and some from underneath the Coach. If you're dealing with a "White Hat" they will be eager to assist you on these matters.If you'd be traveling with someone who is RV knowledgeable, then that's a very big plus for you. If not, then many folks would recommend an Independent Survey. That Survey is a Buyer's expense. Some Buyers have arranged the Survey long distance and delayed the trip pending the results. This would be similar to a long distance purchase of a house.While books have been written on this subject, my final piece of advice is to be patient and perhaps a member of this Forum will being selling in the next few months. Active members on the LDO are among the "White Hats" which could make a long distance decision a bit easier. Finally, please know that a good many member of the LDO are here to assist you during this journey. Take care and best wishes. 3 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #11 – September 14, 2016, 10:08:35 pm Thank you both for being so helpful! These are wonderful tips to help a novice like me. I greatly appreciate it.
Re: New here need advice Reply #12 – September 14, 2016, 11:18:36 pm Hello Melissa. I have one other "outside the box" suggestion for you. While LD's are #1 in my book in terms of Class C RVs, there are two (2) manufacturers that built great coaches in their day. The first is Bigfoot and an example is on RV Trader at 2001 Bigfoot 30MH29RQ, Grand Forks ND - - RVtrader.com. The second is Dynamax and an example is also on RV Trader at 2000 Dynamax M-C262RB, Casco Township MI - - RVtrader.com.There are two (2) more quality Class C builders IMO that might fall into your search criteria; Born Free and Triple E Class C. Born Free RVs really hold their value but you might find some in your price range. Triple E Class C are especially nice, very well made and they have a strong following in Canada as a 4 season RV.I might also suggest a Winnebago like this one 2002 Winnebago Itasca Sundancer 31C, Moorpark CA - - RVtrader.com. This Winnie is at a dealership that is among the most esteemed by Newmar owners across the country. In fact, buyers can call the owner (Tom Lindstrom) and according to countless Newmar owners, his pricing and ethics are exceptional. And he does NOT sell junk according to Newmar owners. At any rate, as you continue your search with your health always in the forefront of your mind, you might consider expanding your search to include a few other quality Class C RVs. 4 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #13 – September 15, 2016, 10:33:41 am Quote from: H20lovingchick - September 14, 2016, 12:44:56 pmThank you for the info. Not sure how to change my profile but my name is Melissa. How did you find the other photos? Did the owner send them?Yes, they are from the owner Paul. 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #14 – September 15, 2016, 04:55:00 pm Quote from: H20lovingchick - September 14, 2016, 12:44:56 pmThank you for the info. Not sure how to change my profile but my name is Melissa. How did you find the other photos? Did the owner send them?Melissa, your name shows up below your post. Thanks for sharing it with us.Chris 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #15 – September 15, 2016, 05:00:41 pm Quote from: Traxless - September 14, 2016, 02:03:47 pmFinally, this LDO Forum has a list of prices for each LD length and it is sorted by years. For what it's worth, I've found that price information to an accurate guide. Hope this helps you in your search.P.S. If you can't find that price list, send me a message and I send you my .pdf copy ... because I haven't found it on the new forum.Media>Group Files>Buying and Selling>scroll down to >LD Asking Prices 2015Model Years % of 2015 2015 2015Year Old New 24' 27' 30'2015 0 100.00% $85,750 $92,250 $101,000 2014 1 90.94% $77,982 $83,894 $91,851 2013 2 82.70% $70,918 $76,294 $83,531 2012 3 75.21% $64,494 $69,383 $75,964 2011 4 68.40% $58,652 $63,098 $69,083 2010 5 62.20% $53,339 $57,382 $62,825 2009 6 56.57% $48,507 $52,184 $57,134 2008 7 51.44% $44,113 $47,457 $51,959 2007 8 46.78% $40,117 $43,158 $47,252 2006 9 42.55% $36,483 $39,249 $42,972 2005 10 38.69% $33,178 $35,693 $39,079 2004 11 35.19% $30,173 $32,460 $35,539 2003 12 32.00% $27,440 $29,520 $32,320 2002 13 29.10% $24,954 $26,846 $29,392 2001 14 26.46% $22,694 $24,414 $26,730 2000 15 24.07% $20,638 $22,202 $24,308 1999 16 21.89% $18,769 $20,191 $22,106 1998 17 19.90% $17,068 $18,362 $20,104 1997 18 18.10% $15,522 $16,699 $18,283 1996 19 16.46% $14,116 $15,186 $16,627 1995 20 14.97% $12,837 $13,811 $15,121 1994 21 13.61% $11,675 $12,560 $13,751 1993 22 12.38% $10,617 $11,422 $12,505 1992 23 11.26% $9,655 $10,387 $11,372 1991 24 9.92% $8,507 $9,152 $10,020 1990 25 9.15% $7,843 $8,437 $9,237 1989 26 8.47% $7,262 $7,812 $8,553 1988 27 7.70% $6,604 $7,105 $7,779 1987 28 7.00% $6,006 $6,461 $7,074 1986 29 6.37% $5,462 $5,876 $6,433 1985 30 5.79% $4,967 $5,344 $5,850 1984 31 5.27% $4,517 $4,860 $5,320 1983 32 4.79% $4,108 $4,419 $4,839 1982 33 4.36% $3,736 $4,019 $4,400 1981 34 3.96% $3,397 $3,655 $4,002 1980 35 3.60% $3,090 $3,324 $3,639 1979 36 3.28% $2,810 $3,023 $3,310 1978 37 2.98% $2,555 $2,749 $3,010 1977 38 2.71% $2,324 $2,500 $2,737 1976 39 2.46% $2,113 $2,273 $2,489 1975 40 2.24% $1,922 $2,068 $2,264 1974 41 2.04% $1,748 $1,880 $2,059 1973 42 1.85% $1,589 $1,710 $1,872 1972 43 1.69% $1,445 $1,555 $1,703 1971 44 1.53% $1,315 $1,414 $1,548 1970 45 1.39% $1,195 $1,286 $1,408 1969 46 1.27% $1,087 $1,170 $1,281 1968 47 1.15% $989 $1,064 $1,165 1967 48 1.05% $899 $967 $1,059 Background:The estimated asking prices for LDs is based on two sets of data of LD asking prices. The first set was was by Chris Horst (chorst_2000) and published in the LD Yahoo group in the year 2001 in Message #7050. Plotting this data as asking price (as a percentage of the current asking price of a similar model) versus age of the LD at the time of asking appeared to show a smooth exponential curve. I used Excel to fit an exponential curve to this data as discussed in Message #7073. The fit indicated that the most significant factor in the price of a used LD seems to be its age more than the millage, the condition, or upgrades and accessories, as the scatter caused by these effects is much smaller than the change caused by age.The second set of data was 100 asking prices based on data gathered by group member oryoki in 2004. This data was fitted with an exponential curve as well, and the fit parameters were for all practical purposes the same as for the 2001 data. This is discussed in the group message #41091.As the value of a used LD as a % of the original asking price for a given age was essentially the same for the two sets of data, the only changes since then have been to update the current asking prices each year (as found on the LD web site). This essentially seems to take care of the effect of inflation.In April 2010 and September 2010, another comparison was made of the asking prices estimated by this exponential table (% of new price for that model vs age of the LD) compared to LDs for sale on the Yahoo LD site. The asking prices estimated from the table averaged within 1.9 % of the actual asking prices. Current economic conditions may have impacted this study to some degree, so the data should be used with caution. 3 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #16 – September 17, 2016, 10:24:26 am Melissa, I thought this listing may be of interest to you, especially as it's closer to home. This is a rear bath rather than mid bath model.Lazy Daze class C, 26.5 ft. motorhome. 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #17 – September 17, 2016, 11:23:11 am Thank you! That is very close but we have decided we want to hold out for the mid bath. Thanks for sharing!!!
Re: New here need advice Reply #18 – September 17, 2016, 11:32:06 am Melissa - If this RB is within a comfortable driving distance of your house, you might be well served to go take a look at it - from an education point of view. Myself included, you wouldn't be the first person to have your heart set on an MB only to find that a different model suited you better after you had seen each in person. And, yes, we switched our allegiance from the MB to an RB, so this advice is from personal experience. Virtual hugs, Judie Quote from: H20lovingchick - September 17, 2016, 11:23:11 amThank you! That is very close but we have decided we want to hold out for the mid bath. Thanks for sharing!!! 3 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #19 – September 17, 2016, 11:52:41 am Hello Melissa.In addition to Judie's guidance, I might suggest looking at as many LDs as you can within driving distance regardless of price and model. Each time you'd do that, you'll learn a bunch about LDs from the seller, learn what's important to inspect, and become a bit more comfortable with the RV buying experience. We've meet 4-5 LD owners in our travels and each time, we were treated to an education/seminar on Lazy Daze RVs. And IMO, that could be worth the trip. Take care and best wishes.
Re: New here need advice Reply #20 – September 17, 2016, 12:01:09 pm Quote from: Judie Ashford - September 17, 2016, 11:32:06 am"...we switched our allegiance from the MB to an RB, so this advice is from personal experience..."It has been suggested many times on LDO to "look before you leap". Perhaps you have already seen them all and have a good understanding of the differences between the differing floor plans and lengths of LD coaches. In that case...Follow your dreams .Like Judie, I thought I knew what I wanted. Ended up with the RB instead of the MB. That's just us. Never regretted our decision. May have had we stuck with our first choice. But then the RB isn't suitable for everyone. In the world of RVing, one thing remains constant-One size does not fit all. Works for me.Kent 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #21 – September 17, 2016, 12:08:13 pm I concur with the posts above. Even though I previously owned a twin/king model (same layout as the midbath), and I think that's what I want when I get ready to make a purchase, I am holding off making a decision until I talk to more owners and browse some different models for myself. Hoping to make it to the Morro Bay GTG in March to do so during their "open house" period. If you could find a LD get-together in your area, I think you would find it invaluable! 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #22 – September 17, 2016, 12:36:08 pm Even though I previously owned a twin/king model (same layout as the midbath), ******************************** While the TK (Twin King) is similar to an MB (mid-bath) in that they both have lovely wrap-around windows in the back, their only layout commonality is that there are two sofas in the rear of the coach that make into a bed (or beds). Other than that, the layouts are entirely different regarding placement of the kitchen and bathroom. Mainly the TK is a few feet shorter, the smaller bathroom is up behind the driver's seat, and there is no permanent dinette table, or other seating, apart from the driver's and passenger's seats in the driving compartment. There is a removable table between the two sofas that can serve as a dining and work table, or to facilitate the two sofas being made into a single king-sized bed, hence the term - Twin King. My first experience with Lazy Daze was in 1991, when we purchased a 1985 Twin King, in which we happily wandered all over California for ten years. It was fine for us at the time, but in our older years (now), the extra room and openness of the Rear Bath is much better suited to our needs. Needs change from time to time, so as everyone points out - it is a very personal thing about which floorplan is best. But the more floorplans that can be experienced in person, the more likelihood of a successful compatibility choice. Virtual hugs, Judie . 2 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #23 – September 17, 2016, 12:44:04 pm I am a MidBath owner and if for some reason, to terrible to imagine, I had to go out and get another RV I would strongly consider a RearBath. Mostly for the larger living space. Now that our daughter is gone we use the overhead bunk less. I would miss the panoramic views but not very much with the large side windows. When solo camping (the wife is still working, I am retired) I spend a lot of time in the galley when indoors during bad weather. If the weather is nice I am outside. I think I would actually look for a mid bath with barrel chairs. John 1 Likes
Re: New here need advice Reply #24 – September 17, 2016, 01:47:31 pm When we first started looking for a Lazy Daze over a year ago and hand not discovered LDO on Yahoo. We wanted the 26 IB, those are hard to find on craiglist etc... We finally found one here north of Seattle but took 3 months to get together with the owner to see it. We liked the layout and felt we would make modifications to the mid-Kitchen to make it larger. One problem it had Electrolysis, paint bubbling in the rear and rear sides, so we decided to pass on that one. Over the next 3 to 4 months only Mid-Baths were available to be seen with in 500 miles driving and all of the models were early 90s models. We wanted the E450 V10 setup which was 98 or later. What was our biggest discovery? We Liked the windows in the rear and if we had bought the Electrolysis IB model we would have put those windows in. But after spending time looking at 6 MBs we found out that we liked that layout best. A month later and a unit from California 98 26.5 MB showed up and we bought it. I think you have to spend some time in the unit you are looking at, maybe two to three hours and get the feel. Karen~Liam 98 - 26.5 MB 3 Likes
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