Success in buying late model LD's?

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Success in buying late model LD's?

April 15, 2020, 02:15:22 pm

We go back and forth on whether to order a new 27' MB or purchase one that is almost new.

I know how difficult finding a "new/used" LD is. Most of us hang on to ours for years. We have a 1995 TK we bought about 10 years ago.

Any tips on how to locate one that is 3 years old or newer? Maybe 5 years old?
Obviously we'd need to be ready with the payment.

Thanks

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #1 – April 15, 2020, 03:15:10 pm

I wonder about what the long-term effect of the recession/depression will have on the Mothership.
The 2008 recession was hard on them, something bigger may be enough for Steve to hang it up and cash in his chips.
Ordering a new LD could be an exercise in frustration if, after waiting a year, the Factory closes.
It might also be an opportunity to pick up a previously ordered LD when a waiting buyer bails due to changing economics.
The next year is going to be interesting

Buying used could mean a long wait for the right model too. Either way, LDs are rare items and it take time to find the right one.
Having cash in hand and being ready to travel is the best advice.

Larry

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #2 – April 15, 2020, 04:42:44 pm

Quote from: Larry W - April 15, 2020, 03:15:10 pm

I wonder about what the long-term effect of the recession/depression will have on the Mothership.
The 2008 recession was hard on them, something bigger may be enough for Steve to hang it up and cash in his chips.
Ordering a new LD could be an exercise in frustration if, after waiting a year, the Factory closes.
It might also be an opportunity to pick up a previously ordered LD when a waiting buyer bails due to changing economics.
The next year is going to be interesting

Buying used could mean a long wait for the right model too. Either way, LDs are rare items and it take time to find the right one.
Having cash in hand and being ready to travel is the best advice.

Larry

Lazy Daze Inc could be sold rather than closed.

Chris

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #3 – April 15, 2020, 04:46:34 pm

Following this thread with interest as I am rethinking buying new as well, tedyboy. Also looking at the same model you are. As Larry eluded, you may have to “settle” on something less than your ideal LD if buying used. Personally, I would target a 2016 or newer because of the 6-speed tranny. Good luck!

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #4 – April 15, 2020, 05:01:40 pm

Has anyone had the factory replace the front and rear "Lazy Daze" decals and side pinstipes?

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #5 – April 15, 2020, 05:05:45 pm

Quote from: Chris Horst - April 15, 2020, 04:42:44 pm

Lazy Daze Inc could be sold rather than closed.

Without Steve, there isn't much to sell besides the name. The property is valuable.
Knowing how badly the RV industry crashed in the 2008 recession, this go-around may be even worse.
Right now, it's all speculation about the future of everything in life. Hope for the best, plan for the worse.

Larry

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #6 – April 15, 2020, 05:28:45 pm

"Lazy Daze Inc could be sold rather than closed."
---
I can't speculate as to the future of Lazy Daze, but if the company were sold, I would expect one of two scenarios would be likely.

Sold to an 'investment group', then dumped/liquidated as not being compatible with their business plan. (Think Born Free.)

Sold to an existing manufacturer looking to trade on the name/reputation; retention of build quality of a product produced under new ownership would be a crapshoot at best, product would likely not be sold factory-direct, and service would be turned over the selling dealers.

As I said, I have no idea of the future of LD, but many small 'niche' producers have been absorbed, eliminated, and/or radically changed in past years; perhaps others know of exceptions, but I can't point to one formerly small, independent producer of high-quality rigs of any type that has maintained its original build standards after being sold.

YMMV, as always.

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #7 – April 15, 2020, 07:21:02 pm

Quote from: Joan - April 15, 2020, 05:28:45 pm

"Lazy Daze Inc could be sold rather than closed."
---
I can't speculate as to the future of Lazy Daze, but if the company were sold, I would expect one of two scenarios would be likely.

Sold to an 'investment group', then dumped/liquidated as not being compatible with their business plan. (Think Born Free.)

Sold to an existing manufacturer looking to trade on the name/reputation; retention of build quality of a product produced under new ownership would be a crapshoot at best, product would likely not be sold factory-direct, and service would be turned over the selling dealers.

As I said, I have no idea of the future of LD, but many small 'niche' producers have been absorbed, eliminated, and/or radically changed in past years; perhaps others know of exceptions, but I can't point to one formerly small, independent producer of high-quality rigs of any type that has maintained its original build standards after being sold.

YMMV, as always.

Very sad.

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #8 – April 15, 2020, 08:16:02 pm

Joan, I see a third scenario. Larry Wade buys LD from Steve and keeps on putting out a quality product! 😉

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #9 – April 15, 2020, 08:22:42 pm

On the positive side, LD has a long order list and while it may collapse like an accordion it could still supply enough orders to maintain production until the good times return. Many buyers are retired and financially secure enough (I assume) not to back away from their place in line. It would seem that the factory can tolerate a slow year. Or two....

Are they in production now?

To buy new or almost new.... try to find an "almost new" one and that decision should not be difficult . Frank

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #10 – April 15, 2020, 08:43:18 pm

If any business has a chance to make a run at things right now, it would be one that has very little customer traffic, has a backlog of orders, and didn't ramp up production as the economy boomed.

Running a small business has challenges in any economy. This might be a good time to get some repair work done or order parts for a project you've been putting off. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

Rich
'03 MB in NC

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #11 – April 15, 2020, 08:51:43 pm

I'm wondering if Lazy Daze has applied for one of the Small Business Loans (that are forgiven). They certainly fall into the appropriate category as far as number of employees, i.e. under 500.

Virtual hugs,

Judie

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #12 – April 15, 2020, 11:52:15 pm

My guess is that Steve has no interest in a loan because he doesn't need it. I'll wager that he is debt free with a fat business checking account. Frank

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #13 – April 16, 2020, 07:49:05 pm

What we are going through now is much different than what happened in 2008. There were many systemic issues back then that needed to be corrected before the economy could recover so it took a long time to get things going again. This current crisis is a health crisis which gave the economy a gut punch, but I believe the recovery will be much quicker this time. The underlying economy was in good shape before Coronavirus hit.

I don’t think this will be a death blow for Lazy Daze; they will be fine, IMO.

Re: Success in buying late model LD's?

Reply #14 – April 19, 2020, 09:25:35 pm

Quote from: BILL BENSON - April 15, 2020, 05:01:40 pm

Has anyone had the factory replace the front and rear "Lazy Daze" decals and side pinstipes?

I had the front and rear decals replaced at the factory but not the pinstripes

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