making an offer on used trailer that has been sitting on dealer's lot for ~4 months

[kcmel]

I inquired about this trailer in August and the price was ~$9000. I think it is overpriced but it is hard to do a comp because there are not too many of this particular brand out there. (It is a 2008 2H bp thoroughbred size, dressing room, aluminum with steel frame. It is in good shape except it has a significant dent).

I called this week; they are still listing it for the same price but said it was likely negotiable. I haven’t gone to look at the trailer yet because it is ~1 hr away.

Any suggestions on where to start negotiations, assuming I like the trailer? On the one hand it is exactly the trailer I want (although I would consider other brands). But I am in no hurry to buy; I like my current trailer (exactly the same but older and no dressing room). I do need to upgrade to a dressing room at some point, since I am now hauling two horses quite often, and I event so I have 4 saddles. And I haul with a single cab truck.

Thanks!

[Guilherme]

Disregarding brand for a moment, what is the rough value range for this type of trailer? Since there’s no “blue book” for horse trailers (at least I don’t know of one) you have to make up your own “market survey” by hitting two or three on line sites and making up a quick spread sheet. Or just use a yellow pad and pencil.

After you get a rough value then you can adjust (plus or minus) for brand and for individual trailer qualities (like the big dent).

Sometimes these trailers are consignments and if that’s the case then the dealer has to consult the owner before they can dicker on price. If the owner is “hard headed” (or really doesn’t need the money) there may not be much “wiggle room” on price.

After you get some idea of value you can always call or e-mail the dealer and “feel them out” on price flexibility. If it’s “firm” and over market and you don’t want to do that then move on down the road. Maybe, for you, over market is not an issue. If that’s the case then make a real offer you’re willing to stand by and see what happens. Or just “low ball” and see what happens. Sometimes you’ll get pleasantly surprised, sometimes you won’t.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

G.

[kcmel]

Good advice. I found a 2016 model in the same brand that is similar (smaller dressing room but warmblood sized) for $12K. I wonder what depreciation is on a horse trailer?

[Guilherme]

[QUOTE=kcmel;8409745]
Good advice. I found a 2016 model in the same brand that is similar (smaller dressing room but warmblood sized) for $12K. I wonder what depreciation is on a horse trailer?[/QUOTE]

I’d consider it on a par with an auto or truck; probably in the 20-25% range.

G.

[normandy_shores]

[QUOTE=Guilherme;8409821]
I’d consider it on a par with an auto or truck; probably in the 20-25% range.

G.[/QUOTE]

It is definitely not on par with a car or truck. Trailers hold their value much better, partly because there is no engine.

[tangledweb]

Trailers don’t depreciate at anywhere near the rate of a car or truck. It might be close on the first day in that you lose a big chunk of value by driving off the lot because people need a reason to buy used not new. Once you’ve taken that hit though, depreciation is much slower as long as it’s still in good condition.

People can sometimes sell used trailers for more than they paid. If you paid $10K for a trailer 10 years ago and inflation means the replacement bought new today is $15K then you might get more than $10K for the used one.

[Chall]

I’d bring a mechanic with me and check that “dent”. Have him look at the understructure and axles, you don’t want a cosmetic dent be indicative of a structural problem.
On the other hand that WOULD be a bargaining point.

[DHCarrotfeeder]

[QUOTE=normandy_shores;8409828]
It is definitely not on par with a car or truck. Trailers hold their value much better, partly because there is no engine.[/QUOTE]

But there is corrosion, paint damage, tire wear, sun damage, horse damage, wear on the flooring and floorboards, and carpets to name a few.

A well-stored, lightly used trailer will not depreciate quickly. But I see few that fall into this condition category.

I think steel trailers depreciate much faster than aluminum ones, that is a factor to consider.

[cutter99]

Trailers do not depreciate like cars or trucks. Heck, right now there are 15 year old aluminum trailers out there that are selling for more than what they did new. No exaggeration!

Go to www.horsetrailerworld.com and search for a trailer like the one you are looking at and compare what the prices are.

[Highflyer]

As far as an actual number, I think $7000-$7500 would be a reasonable offer and still fairly in line with the age and type of trailer (without knowing the brand).

[mvp]

[QUOTE=Highflyer;8410661]
As far as an actual number, I think $7000-$7500 would be a reasonable offer and still fairly in line with the age and type of trailer (without knowing the brand).[/QUOTE]

Yeah, that feels right to me. Maybe pick the $7k. If they come back with a flat out NO, swallow your pride and move up in price as though the first offer never happened.

It’s hard to say how the seller is thinking about this. On one hand, he’s got to know that he missed the selling season he was looking for by consigning it in August. And on the other, if he knows the trailer has the specs people want-- right materials and design, tall enough, with a dressing room, he knows someone will want it, sooner or later.

Looking for comps on Trailerworld.com is a good idea. But I’ll bet you already know what your size/design costs.

[Guilherme]

[QUOTE=normandy_shores;8409828]
It is definitely not on par with a car or truck. Trailers hold their value much better, partly because there is no engine.[/QUOTE]

I’d agree that trailers do not necessarily follow the depreciation model of a car over the long haul. But they do if you’re looking at the day after they got pulled off the lot!!!

Everything in the whole world is worth what a willing, but uncompelled seller, will take from a willing, but uncompelled, buyer. That number is determined by looking at the sale contract. Everything else is just opinion!!!

G.

[mjs8]

Tried to message you but your inbox is full - if you get the chance please send me a quick note when you have room in your inbox and I’ll try again! Thanks! =)

[OTTBs]

I’ve been looking through trailer ads this year and it seems common for 2008 trailers, two horse with dressing room, to be listed at about $8000. Given it’s winter now, I’d say offer $7000-7500. Seems to average out that trailers lose $500-1000 of value each year.

[clanter]

with the mentioned dent and if snow is on the ground offer no more than $6,000 cash … and if still there as December 31st comes around make it $5500

[kcmel]

$6K is definitely low around here, even from a private seller. I will try to get up there this week–I will let you know how it goes!

[NancyM]

If they accept your FIRST offer, you have offered too much. Your first offer should be rejected. Lowball it. Not low enough to insult, but low.