1987 - what's it worth?

[gng]

Hey,

My father in law passed away and was a proud owner of a 1987 Toyota Motorhome. I don't know the miles, but I know that it was well maintained as he was a part time mechanic in his younger days. Interior is great - funky in a retro way, but good condition. Everything works, it drives well, etc. I cannot for the life of me find a blue book on this. Can someone just give me a ballpark on what this thing is worth, again assuming better than average condition? Also, I was surprised to find this forum - are these sort of collectables now, or are you guys just big fans? In other words, one one hand someone would say "it's an old Toyota, who wants that?" and on the other it might be "holy cow, Batman, when was the last time you saw one of those?" My mother in law is thinking it's worth around $5K, but I want to help her not get ripped off.

This is in Southern California, if that makes any difference.

Thanks,

gng

Edited July 2, 2008 by gng

[westcoast]

I have been looking at prices recently and you might be suprised at what its worth, but you have not given me enough info to get an accurate price, what length, what make and model, what drivetrain, will all play a big part in what its worth.

[gng]

It's 22' long, 4 cylinder, and looks just like this one - http://www.toyotamotorhome.org/classifieds...ng.php?view=314

I'm not looking for an official blue book, just an idea what it is worth so she doesn't sell it too cheap. To her it's a 20 year old motorhome, but you never know.

Thanks!

Edited July 2, 2008 by gng

[danpemby]

This is taken from the Toyota-Campers group on Yahoo: Keep in mind it was posted in 2005, gas prices have driven the pricing up somewhat. You can find the "Bluebook" at www.nadaguides.com, recreational vehicles, national-dolphin

Rule of Thumb for fair pricing of Toyota motorhomes:

Take the last digit of the year and multiply by $1000.

(Prices are based on model year, not chassis year which could be one

year previous.)

For a 4 cyl. ('83 - '89) calculate as above. For example 1987 = $7000.

[For '77 to '82 motorhomes (not poptops) the prices rarely are below

$2000. Poptop Chinooks usually are a bit less.]

Then to the base price apply the following factors.

For a V-6 engine, add $1000. Prices start at about $10,000 (1989) up to

about $15,000+ for the last year made (1994).

For low miles (<50K) or low miles on a new engine, add about $600 or

more. For high miles (over 110K) subtract about as much.

Add about $700 if it has a built-in generator. (They cost $2000+ to install).

Add about the same for a substantial solar system.

If it is from a private seller and is extremely clean and well cared for, add

about $800.

If it is from a dealer who has tested & repaired all the multiple systems

and gives a warranty = nice peace of mind, add about $1000.

If it is a Sunrader, add up to $1200 depending on model.

These guidelines are based on an informal study of Toyota motorhomes

currently being listed and sold, and vary somewhat from the so-called

"official" bluebook or Nada Guides pricing. Nada Guides lists only

average or below average condition and unfortunately does not have a

category for pricing coaches that are well cared for.

Ebay prices are different from in person sales from private sellers or

dealers. They tend to be as much as 10 to 20% lower when there is the

unknown factor of buying a vehicle sight unseen.

[gng]

Thank you very much. So I am figuring around $8500 based on your comments. That's a lot better than the $3500 that some are telling her it is worth. Have fun this Summer, everyone!

[ratbit]

oooo, the truck itself is worth more than $3500. I think you are right on the mark.