The mallard Pathfinder is a popular recreational vehicle (RV) made by Thor Industries. As with any major purchase, it’s important to understand the various factors that go into the cost of a mallard Pathfinder before deciding if it’s the right RV for you.
Base Price
Mallard Pathfinder RVs range in base price from around $15,000 to $100,000 depending on the model year, size, features, and customizations. Most standard models start around $60,000 but can go up from there quickly as you add upgrades.
Some of the key factors that affect the base price include:
- Size – Longer/larger floorplans cost more.
- Model year – Newer model year RVs have the latest features and technology.
- Luxury/features – Hardwood cabinets, gelcoat fiberglass exterior, backup camera etc. add cost.
- Custom decor – Custom flooring, countertops, upholstery etc. upgrades add cost.
As a general guideline, here are the starting base prices for some common Mallard Pathfinder models:
Model | Length | Base MSRP |
---|---|---|
Mallard Pathfinder 22RB | 25 ft | $19,000 |
Mallard Pathfinder 260BHS | 30 ft | $26,000 |
Mallard Pathfinder 305BHDS | 33 ft | $29,000 |
Mallard Pathfinder 310BHDS | 36 ft | $45,000 |
Mallard Pathfinder 355BHDS | 39 ft | $57,000 |
Additional Costs
On top of the base price, there are additional costs to factor in for a new Mallard Pathfinder:
- Sales tax – Average RV sales tax is around 5-7% of purchase price.
- Registration & titling fees – Typically $300-$1000 to register and title a new RV.
- Dealer fees – Document fees, prep fees and other miscellaneous dealer charges average $1000-$3000.
- Insurance – Expect to pay $1500-$3000 per year to insure your RV.
- Fuel costs – 10-15 mpg is common for a towable RV like the Pathfinder.
- Maintenance – Expect $1000-$3000 per year for maintenance costs.
- Modifications – Many RVers modify or upgrade their RV after purchase.
These additional expenses can easily add $10,000 or more to the final purchase price. It’s important to factor them in when budgeting for a new Mallard Pathfinder.
Financing Costs
Very few RV buyers pay cash for a new rig. Most people finance their Mallard Pathfinder purchase through the dealership, bank, or credit union. Finance charges and interest rates can vary considerably based on your credit score and down payment.
Some typical financing scenarios on a $60,000 Mallard Pathfinder purchase:
- 5 year loan at 6% interest = $1,100 monthly payment and $7,200 total interest paid
- 10 year loan at 8% interest = $710 monthly payment and $17,000 total interest paid
- 20% down payment, 5 year loan at 4% interest = $920 monthly payment and $5,100 total interest paid
Getting pre-approved for RV financing early in the shopping process can help you estimate your monthly payments and total cost accurately.
Cost Comparison to New RVs
It’s always useful to compare the cost of a new Mallard Pathfinder to other new RVs in the same class. Here’s an overview of MSRP pricing for popular 30-35 foot travel trailer models:
Make/Model | Length | MSRP |
---|---|---|
Mallard Pathfinder 305BHDS | 33 ft | $29,000 |
Forest River Wildwood FSX 178BHSK | 32 ft | $23,000 |
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 264BHSW | 31 ft | $32,000 |
Coachmen Clipper LS 26BHS | 30 ft | $27,000 |
Keystone Passport GT 3050BH | 33 ft | $35,000 |
As you can see, the Pathfinder is competitively priced against other mainstream brands in this size class. The base MSRP pricing is very similar across brands, but as we saw earlier, the final purchase price can vary widely depending on features, fees, and financing terms.
Cost of a Used Mallard Pathfinder
One way to get into a Mallard Pathfinder at a lower price point is to consider a used model. There are thousands of used Pathfinders listed for sale at RV dealerships and private sellers nationwide.
Here are some tips for researching used RV pricing:
- Check NADA RV value guides for average resale values by model.
- Factor in age, mileage, and condition – newer and lower mileage units command premium pricing.
- Compare listings for similar make, model, and year Pathfinders in your area.
- Consider private sellers – dealers tend to be 10-20% higher on pricing.
Used RVs can present a great value, but you’ll need to weigh the cost savings vs. losing warranty coverage, repair risks, and limited features. Thoroughly inspect any used RV before purchasing.
Used Mallard Pathfinder Price Examples
Model Year | Miles | Length | Asking Price |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | 8,000 | 31 ft | $22,000 |
2016 | 29,000 | 32 ft | $18,500 |
2013 | 16,000 | 29 ft | $14,900 |
2010 | 21,000 | 27 ft | $12,000 |
Conclusion
A new Mallard Pathfinder typically ranges from $60,000-$100,000 depending on the size, features, and options selected. Add in taxes, fees, accessories, financing, and other costs and the total purchase price with extras can easily exceed $75,000-$125,000.
Used Mallard Pathfinders offer a more affordable way to get into one of these high quality RVs. Expect to pay 40-60% less for a pre-owned model in good condition. As always, diligent research, inspection, and price comparison is important when shopping for any RV to get the best deal.