manufactured and value

[LJ]

Chad, truthfully, Cavco makes so many different series and then floorplans within the series, plus the upgrade options, is that you really can't go by the series name to tell which one is best. I would not get impressed by the words "Limited Edition". The most important thing about Cavco homes, as I have been told by several different Cavco salesmen, is where the home is made. Models made at the Durango plant are always higher quality "out the door" than those made at the Litchfield plant. My own observations looking at them both and seeing the defects confirm this; accordingly the Durango produced homes will price 5-10% higher than the Litchfields. Next most important item are the upgrades as cited in the previous posts. The construction upgrades will certainly prolong the life of your home, make for easier maintenance, and contribute to higher resale value.

I looked up your "CLE" models on the Cavco website, and they look pretty well made, but my sense is that not many construction upgrades are being included in the floorplans being offered to you. The units appear to be 4/12 roofs which is good, but the 2x4 walls and insulation are minimum, and the standard 2x6 floor joists and non plywood floors could cause problems later on. On the other hand, also of consideration is that 2004 models are 10%+ higher than the 2 and 3 year old models because of the rapidly rising wood prices. So the same 2004 models produced today would likely cost considerably more. We have recently been looking at some 2004 models, with construction upgrades that price out at about $50 sq foot plus pad, utilities, etc. The prices quoted to you for these 2001 and 2002 models are considerably less at about $40 sq foot , and on the surface, sound reasonable.

Personally, I could not be satisfied with anything other than the higher insulation and 2x6 wall options. And I would be suspicious of why these two units have been sitting around so long. I would also do a lot of research to get smart on mobile homes before I made a decision. But if you are really want to buy one of these two, then you might try to offer the dealer $5000 less or get him to include some of the setup costs. It seems to me that as old as these units are, that the dealer might agree because he wants to get rid of them before the 2005 models come out. The dealer can only say no. Good Luck!!

[LJ]

Sorry about the triple post. Somehow my computer was hanging up!

[Jeff]

Been following the line above about the Cavco homes.
I was considering a Cavco 2876 made at the Durango plant. But after doing a cost comparision between Cavco and Palm Harbor I found that the Cavco home would cost more than a simular sized Palm Harbor 76H2 home after adding all the upgrades to the homes (2x6, plywood deck, 2x8 floor supports, extra insulation, etc.). FYI, Cavco homes interior wall are built with 2x2s.
The dealer I am working with sells both companies homes.
He perfers PH due to their superior customer service, higher quality, and longer warrenty.
I'm in California so the prices maybe a little different than other parts of the country.
Just my two cents worth.
Jeff