It does fall within NADA recommendations for price, but I have read that you can't always follow those guidelines. It sounds like your DH thinks NADA would at least be a good starting point.
NADA is a good starting point. With RV's, NADA is basically a "suggestion". In this economy people are getting rid of RV's by choice or by forclosure. Winnebago is our RV of choice. We've had 3, and 4 other brands. IMHO, Winnie's edge out the competition.
I would suggest you dig a little deeper as to
why the seller is giving up the unit & where they've gone with it. Ask if they've kept a journal on the MH - maintenance and otherwise. You would be surprised what people journal about their MH. Ask how long they've had it on the market and how many offers they've had.
Give the owner a day's notice that you'd like to come and see the unit and ask them to turn on the fridge. In 24 hours, the fridge should be cold & the freezer - freezing. Also ask them to turn on the water heater, and ask if the W/H is gas only or gas/electric. Have them turn on the A/C to see if it gets nice and cool. Ask if the A/C is also a heat pump or is the heating system gas only. If you live in a northern climate, question them about winterizing the MH. If it wasn't properly winterized, you can have some serious water issues. If it has a slide, make sure it works smoothly and check carefully around the slide inside the unit for any water damage due to bad gaskets. If they are not hooked up to city water, ask that the water pump be turned on and flush the toilet. If it's too stinky, either the vent is plugged up or they have not properly treated the holding tank. Some Winnie's have the electric couch that makes a bed. If the unit has that, play with the buttons and see if it works. Look carefully under the sinks for any water damage. Don't forget to check the floor around the shower & toilet to make sure there is no water damage there. If the floor feels "squishy" around shower & toilet, there is wood rot. Make sure the micro works, TV(s) work, power boost on antenna works, and if there's a satellite system, ask if they have the receiver connected so you can check that out. If there are hydraulic jacks, have the owner put them down, level the unit & then put them back into storage. All awnings should be opened and checked for any weather rot or rot from storing them when wet.
The very most important thing to do is DRIVE it. A 2005 Class C with only 34000 miles should handle fairly well on most roads. If you've ever driven a cargo van, it should be a similar experience, only a smoother ride. You should not have to "over-steer" the unit when driving it - and it should not wander on you. It will not have a lot of pep, so don't expect fast acceleration.
I know this is a lot of information, but some people get rid of units because they have had trouble with it and want to unload their problems on the next unsuspecting guy. If anyone else can add to my list of things to check, please do so.
If everything checks out, and you like the unit, counter offer with a reasonable price...say 10-20% less than what they are asking. Bartering a price is part of the thrill!!
