tent shopping

I am trying to buy a tent...This is my families first camping trip..I am going to have like 7-8 people with me. It will be summer camping, but it might rain...I am looking at a Hillary two room hex dome 18x10. Or a Coleman Dakotsa or Kenosha pass. The Hillary tent is being sold to me by someone who used to own a tent shop and asked me to make an offer. I have no idea how much to offer because it seems that it may have been discontinued because i can't find it anywhere. Can anyone help me? Thanks

The Hillary tent is a Sears-sold dept store brand. If its:

A hundred dollars is a common price for a big tent on sale. This may be a nice one - may be crap. First determine if its mildewed or has the coatings coming off. How was it stored? Screens intact? Offer only if it seems sound and comes with directions to set it up, or you will be trying to sell it for $50.
Jim S

Thanks for the info...I was wondering if you would have a preference of the Hilary brand to the Coleman Dakota?? It seems that there are so many different types it is driving me nuts!! Thanks again for the responses

Quote:

Thanks for the info...I was wondering if you would have a preference of the Hilary brand to the Coleman Dakota?? It seems that there are so many different types it is driving me nuts!! Thanks again for the responses

Frankly I wouldn't buy either but my loves any huge tent with big windows that you can stand up in and use a queen sized airbed. She also likes tents that cannot possibly be set up in wind, rain, hard ground or any other excuse to go to a motel. I prefer my Bibler thank you, but then I'm a backpacker.
Jim S

a 12 man coleman tent on a backpacking trip that is leashed to his head.