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You want to do whatever you can to protect yourself when making any large purchase, especially when buying a used RV. Airstreams are one of the most iconic and recognized RVs in the industry. Finding a deal on a used Airstream for sale can be like finding a needle in a haystack. However, it’s not impossible.
Today, we’re sharing with you where you can look to find a used Airstream for sale and what you can do to protect yourself from scams. Let’s get started!
Why Do Airstreams Cost So Much Money?
While many RV manufacturers primarily construct their units from wood, Airstreams are made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and steel. They then use thousands of rivets in the walls, trim, and other fixtures to create a water-tight seal for the rig. One of the advantages of a company using superior ingredients to create high-quality products is that it can charge a premium price.
Do Used Airstreams Hold Their Value?
When it comes to holding their value, no other RV manufacturers can compete with Airstream. While many RVs will lose 50% to 60% of their value in a few years, Airstreams may lose 30% over a decade or more of use. Airstream claims that 70% of all Airstreams are still on the road today. So while RVs typically aren’t good financial investments, if you’re looking to invest in making memories and exploring, Airstreams hold their value better than any other rig.
Why Are Airstreams So Popular?
Airstreams are popular because of their iconic look and high-quality construction. Many customers are willing to pay a premium price to know that their RV will last for years. The high standards set by Airstream as a company makes them a popular choice for RVers. While other companies take shortcuts, that’s not the case with Airstreams, and RVers can tell.
These RVs have been around since 1929 and have developed a positive reputation in the RV community. You hear very few complaints from Airstream owners regarding their RVs, which most RV manufacturers can’t say.
Where to Find Used Airstreams for Sale That Aren’t a Scam
There are a handful of trusted resources for finding used Airstreams for sale. While you should still proceed with caution when buying a used Airstream, using one of these can help minimize your risks of getting scammed.
RV Trader
RV Trader is a popular resource for shopping for used RVs, including Airstreams. We’ve used the filters on RV Trader to filter results when shopping. You can filter results to search within a certain distance or, to find some of the best deals, expand your search to the entire country. If you’re looking for an Airstream with a certain amount of beds, age, or within a specific budget, the search filters can help you find the perfect used Airstream for sale.
You can even mark listings as “favorites,” making them easy to find later. With a few clicks, you can contact the seller and start asking them any questions you might have about their rig. If you’re starting to shop, we recommend starting with RV Trader to help you get a feel for the market.
Pro Tip: Not sure if RV Trader is Legitimate? Click the link to learn more about this popular site and how to use it!
RVT
Another great resource for finding used Airstreams for sale is RVT. This website has over 130,000 RV listings, including over 1200+ Airstream listings. This is another website that allows you to use filters to help you find the exact RV that you need for your adventures. No matter what type of used Airstream you’re looking to find, there’s a good chance you can find it on RVT.
RVT has an advantage over RV Trader and many other RV listing sites because it allows you to search for rigs in other countries. You’ll find listings on RVT in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Having an RV imported from New Zealand or Australia may not be the cheapest of options, but it’s an option.
Airstream RV Source
Airstream RV Source is a service provided by RV USA. They’re on the premier websites regarding new and used Airstream listings. They aim to “help you find the Airstream RV that best suits your needs while in the comfort of your own home.”
When you visit Airstream RV Source, you’ll find hundreds of new and used Airstreams for sale. Use their search engine and filters to narrow down your search. You can search based on RV type, model, year, price, location, and whether it’s new or used. Browsing through their models will make you dream of future adventures in an Airstream.
Airstream Marketplace
The Airstream Marketplace is a resource for Airstream enthusiasts built by other enthusiasts. Their goal is to help make the entire experience of shopping for your future Airstream as easy as possible. They do a great job of connecting shoppers with listings that match what they’re looking for in an Airstream.
Much like the other classified sites, there are hundreds of RVs listings nationwide and in Canada. You can filter results based on length, price, year, model, and location. Doing so can help you sort through those RVs that won’t work for your unique situation. If you’re looking to sell your Airstream, they can help with that too!
Airstream Classifieds
Airstream Classified is a part of the RV LIFE product family. Here you’ll find an Airstream forum and classifieds section you can browse to shop for your future Airstream. One of the unique features of Airstream Classifieds is that it allows users to create “wanted” listings where they can share what they’re looking for while shopping for a used Airstream for sale. They also have sections for parts and appliances, which can be very useful when tracking down hard-to-find parts that may no longer be in production.
How to Avoid Used RV Scams
RV scams have become increasingly more common in the past few years as demand for RVs has increased. However, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from becoming a scammer’s victim. Let’s take a look!
Have a Healthy Dose of Skepticism
If a listing sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We recommend that you always proceed with a healthy dose of skepticism when shopping in any type of classified listings. If the seller has some long and complicated story about their listing, it’s likely a scam. Proceed with caution, especially when making initial contacts on any potential RVs that pique your interest.
Ask Questions
Anytime you make a large purchase, like an RV, you should ask plenty of questions. You want to know about maintenance, any issues the owner had, and what they will include in the sale. A trusted seller truly wanting to make a sale will have no issues answering these questions and will be forthcoming with information. If you feel the seller is hiding things or not giving you answers, walk away from the deal. No matter how good of a deal it is!
Keep in Mind: Did you know they stopped making the Airstream Nest? Take a look at why they stopped making this rig!
Get an Inspection
Despite Airstream’s high-quality and reliability, we recommend hiring an RV inspector when buying any used RV. These are trained professionals with experience in how RVs work, and they’re often able to spot signs of potential issues. Hiring an inspector may cost you several hundred dollars, but they can be money well spent if they catch any problems that could cost you more down the road.
If a seller doesn’t welcome the idea of you hiring an inspector, it should be a red flag for you as a buyer. This could mean the seller is covering up or not being entirely honest with you as a buyer. The information you gain can be extremely helpful in deciding on whether to continue with the transaction or not.
Maintain a Paper Trail
You must maintain some sort of paper trail when completing these transactions. Keep a record of all written communications and never complete a transaction in cash. You may be able to have your bank wire the money to the seller’s bank, so you don’t have to worry about coming with a briefcase full of cash.
A paper trail can be very helpful if some drama arises after completing the transaction. You want to show you’ve done your due diligence to protect yourself and your finances during the transaction for your used Airstream for sale.
Now You’re Ready to Find a Used Airstream For Sale
Now that you know where to look and some things to watch for, you’re ready to buy a used Airstream. Take your time shopping for the various used Airstreams for sale and favorite as many as possible to make it easy to find later. Buying an Airstream is a major purchase, and you should avoid rushing the process. Before you know it, you’ll be out on the open road and parking your Airstream on campsites to make memories you’ll never forget.
