When is the best time to trade.

[The Okie]

At what age is the best time to think about upgrading class A motorhomes. I'm sure mileage has something to do with it. We currently put on about 10,000 miles per year. That will more than likely increase over the next couple years as we will now have more time to travel. Not in any hurry to trade just curious as to what the members here think about this.

[dezolen]

When you see one you can't live without.

[cenfl]

Originally Posted by dezolen

When you see one you can't live without.

...and can afford it!

[deandec]

A trade to newer is seldom economically justified even in business terms. Asset replacement usually happens because the current asset cannot do the job any more. Cost of replacement along with almost always exceeds cost of repairs and return on investment (ROI) considerations.

But as cenfl says above, when you want to trade up it is time. It just isn't a need.

[Smitty77]

I'd say after three years, but before 5 years. I picked 5 years due to it is half way between the 10 year rule that many buyers seem to get hung up about.

But, IMO:

> If you like your coach layout, run with it and keep it maintained well. Do upgrades on interiors as you both desire. The Newmar Dutch Star is a good coach, and if properly maintained you will be in the 300-500K mile range before needing to worry about major engine and trans components. (Not saying you may not have a few several $K surprises pop-up over the years - but that is still money ahead on what the hit would be to trade it in, and ride off the lot with a new coaches big depreciation cycle ahead again. Even if you put $30-40K into mechanical repairs over a 10 year period - you'd still be $XXK ahead of the game.)

>If your needs change, or you just want something different. Then I would sell the coach privately first. On consignment second. Trade in third... From an honest fair private sell price down to the trade in option - you could lose $20-35K on a your coach at age 5 years old. (Just fast thinking and this could be off several $K - but I feel firmly you would take a big hit on consignment and especially trade in - over a private sell.

Not that it may matter to you, and that is OK with me! But we bought our coach at age 6 1/2, as it met our budget range and more important our Quality of Coach level. We knew we'd use it as the foundation to build off of on making it our coach. We currently plan to run with it for at least 10 more years, and is now 10 years old being a 2004 (built Sept 2003) coach. But, that was us... and if the two of you are more comfortable with rotating and having newer coaches - great!

Best of luck on whatever you do in the future. And using them is what it is all about, have fun,
Smitty

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by nwokhunter

At what age is the best time to think about upgrading class A motorhomes. I'm sure mileage has something to do with it. We currently put on about 10,000 miles per year. That will more than likely increase over the next couple years as we will now have more time to travel. Not in any hurry to trade just curious as to what the members here think about this.

When you can no longer stand the pressure of holding on to your money for another depreciating asset that will cost more than you could ever possibly spend on repairs and upgrades.
On the other hand, you could just say.....we want that, even though we don't need it..... and the American way....

[fkloster]

Originally Posted by Smitty77

I'd say after three years, but before 5 years. I picked 5 years due to it is half way between the 10 year rule that many buyers seem to get hung up about.

But, IMO:

> If you like your coach layout, run with it and keep it maintained well. Do upgrades on interiors as you both desire. The Newmar Dutch Star is a good coach, and if properly maintained you will be in the 300-500K mile range before needing to worry about major engine and trans components. (Not saying you may not have a few several $K surprises pop-up over the years - but that is still money ahead on what the hit would be to trade it in, and ride off the lot with a new coaches big depreciation cycle ahead again. Even if you put $30-40K into mechanical repairs over a 10 year period - you'd still be $XXK ahead of the game.)

>If your needs change, or you just want something different. Then I would sell the coach privately first. On consignment second. Trade in third... From an honest fair private sell price down to the trade in option - you could lose $20-35K on a your coach at age 5 years old. (Just fast thinking and this could be off several $K - but I feel firmly you would take a big hit on consignment and especially trade in - over a private sell.

Not that it may matter to you, and that is OK with me! But we bought our coach at age 6 1/2, as it met our budget range and more important our Quality of Coach level. We knew we'd use it as the foundation to build off of on making it our coach. We currently plan to run with it for at least 10 more years, and is now 10 years old being a 2004 (built Sept 2003) coach. But, that was us... and if the two of you are more comfortable with rotating and having newer coaches - great!

Best of luck on whatever you do in the future. And using them is what it is all about, have fun,
Smitty

I'm hung up on the 40 year plan! ... (Pick right motorhome 1st time, pay cash for it, then enjoy!)

[Coma]

Originally Posted by nwokhunter

At what age is the best time to think about upgrading class A motorhomes. I'm sure mileage has something to do with it. We currently put on about 10,000 miles per year. That will more than likely increase over the next couple years as we will now have more time to travel. Not in any hurry to trade just curious as to what the members here think about this.

$ wise it's much better to make what you have work. Our problem has been that lifestyles change. Kids, Grandkids, guests, retirement. Our 1 slide was perfect for vacations, not so much 8 months a year. Things change, more importantly how you use it changes. Upgrades are easy except for slides. expensive to add them.

[Selah]

When to upgrade.
When you can afford to do so.
When you want the latest technology; LED lighting, entertainment systems, res fridge, more slides, heated floors, etc
When you want bigger or smaller or gas to diesel.
Other than that I can't think of any reason. I've seen a few coaches over 15 years old that were in immaculate condition and original owners.

[TXiceman]

There is no "best time to trade". An RV is a loosing proposition from the word go. So as posted above, get a new one when you can afford it and when you find the one you can't live without.

Ken

[dvmweb]

Buy just what you need (like) and maintain it. It is not a good "investment" relative to making money. But, think about why you buy a MH in the first place. You can update tv's, most electronics, systems if you need. Use it because you'll be dead before you know it.