2005 Pleasure Way Plateau Value

[The Jode]

Hello, I'm a newbie and a girl to boot so apologies for the angst represented in this post. I've made an offer on a 2005 Pleasure Way Plateau, Dodge Sprinter Chassis, Mercedes diesel. I've been looking for a PW Excel for the past year but haven't found what I wanted for a price agreeable to me. Then this 2005, with only 50K miles, came to my attention. Although I have found the listed NADA range to be representative of list/sales prices, this one is all off. I'm wondering if it's related to the fact that this is the first year the Plateau was produced by PW? So, NADA lists the used price range at $30-36. I find NOTHING on RV Trader or craigslist even close to this range. Seller is asking $50K and as I was looking at an Excel (granted a 2010 compared to a 2005) with 70K miles, the Plateau seemed the much better deal, even discounting the NADA range. But, when I went to get an insurance quote, they will only insure for $34K. Am I offering too much?
Appreciate your considered opinion. Thanks.

[Davydd]

I had a 2005 Pleasure-way Plateau TS I bought new for $63,000 in February, 2006 but the average MSRP price was $78,000. I sold it for $55,000 in February, 2011. I would say $50,000 is way too much. In 2011 the T1N Sprinter body was still a very much desired body compared to the newer Sprinter models so they kept their premium. With the advent of the Promaster there is simply not that much desire anymore since the Promaster fills in that size the MB Sprinter abandoned with much newer models and improvements to boot. Also you are talking an additional 5 years of depreciation. For this one, listen to NADA and your insurance agent. What people ask is not necessarily the selling price. If in good condition I would say it was worth $34,000. It is still a well built and designed Class B for its period.

But with 50,000 miles the original tires if they were Michelins like mine would not be worn out and if they are original they need to be replaced. 50,000 miles/11 years is a little over 4,500 miles per year. It probably never needed brake work but is due. That is not necessarily good if it sat a lot. The Onan generator though maybe little used should have at least a minimum of 130 hours on it if maintained properly (exercised). After a decade, much used or not, any vehicle will start to need some tender care.

2005 was Pleasure-way's second year with a Sprinter but the chassis most likely will be a 2004.

[The Jode]

Thanks Davydd, you've given me much to ponder this evening. My sticking point is that the market is tight for Class Bs and over the past year, in the Northwest anyway, even PW Excels (gas) of the same vintage in comparable condition are selling for more than $45K. This Plateau diesel seems an upgrade from that. I just looked and there are only 3 used ones I can find on the market for under $60K and they are inconveniently located. Hmmmmm. I so appreciate your response!

[avanti]

FWIW: We sold our 2005 Airstream Interstate in 2014 for $45,000. These are comparable vehicles (both Sprinter T1N-based). I would expect to see a small (and unjustified) premium for the "Airstream" name, and that was two years ago. But...

[wincrasher]

The Excels are pretty highly regarded and hard to find, so that could explain a premium on them. Comparing such different models may not be very helpful. You are best comparing Sprinters to Sprinters.

If I were to choose though, I'd probably prefer an Excel over that vintage Sprinter.

Also, keep in mind you are also shopping in peak season in the northern states. Prices will soften as you get into the fall.

[BBQ]

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For comparison:

2005 Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser Class B RV Mercedes Sprinter Diesel MB Cruiser | eBay