Buy Used?

[capemayal]

Considering a NH for full-timing.

But, the cost of a new unit is more than my budget will allow.

I toured the factory about 2 or 3 years ago, and was really impressed.

I see a few used units on NH site, and some go back more than I thought would be good - I was willing to go back to 2008, in almost anything.

So, my question, what should I expect in a 2007 or older NH?

If the factory is selling it, should I rely on it to be in really good condition?

Thanks,
Al

[scgator]

The used market is certainly a good value, especially on "getting the most RV for your hard earned dollars"; the main drawback is that I don't believe there is any manufacturer that allows transferring the warranty. I may be wrong, but I have not seen any yet. You will find dealers who will "sell" you a warranty of sorts at a premium price, but they are in effect high priced insurance policies that will try every way imaginable to keep from paying off in a claim. Going with someone like Good Sam for extended coverage is worth while AND affordable.

With the dealer, ( I don't care how good he talks ), any issues you find, if the dealer agrees to make the adjustments.......MAKE them put it in writing, or NO SALE. It does not matter how good of a deal you have found or how much you have fallen in love with it. Because once you sign the paper, their hidden problems become your hidden problems that will show up when you are using your new toy.

I am not trying to discourage, but even moreso, encourage that there are some real great deals out there in the used market.....but, you must protect yourself. Dealers are in the business to sell, not be your guardian.

Another important item, that is directly tied to my first paragraph......BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING OR PUTTING ANY FUNDS DOWN.....tell the dealer you want a COMPLETE walk through and function check of EVERYTHING. Make yourself a written checklist of everything you find that may or may not be an issue. Any issues found need to be negotiated before hand.

MAKE SURE that the date codes on the tires are verified, irregardless of how good they look...........anything even remotely close to EOL (end of life) warrants new tires. If this issue is present, the solution is simple.no new tires...NO SALE. Good tires for a class A can run $3000.00 a set. Trust me, the dealers build in a profit margin to take care of these kinds of things; but, you have to force them to dig in their own pockets.

And finally, whatever you are looking at, don't be anxious or hurried; go online and check for campaigns, recalls, and any issues that may be inherent or historical to the model you are looking at.


HAPPY SHOPPING......WE HOPE WE HAVE HELPED YOU ALONG THE WAY.

Dealers want to sell, and salesman are hungry; but, what they are not used to is someone who is prepared and ready to take a stand if necessary. Dealers who are legit will comply, they may complain a little because of the extra work you put them through, but they know that every sale is not a "how much is it, I'll take it" sale.

[awarnes]

I agree. Do your homework and learn everything you can from this site and others. Go look at units and decide what floor plan you want. Once you purchase be prepared to spend money on upkeep. If you can do some of the work it can save $$$$$. Remember your MH is for relaxation and enjoyment. And don't be afraid of an older unit. A well maintained unit that is 10 years old is much better than one that is a year old and obused.

Good Luck
Arnold

[dale60]

NH does not have dealers and you would be dealing directly with the manufacturer. You could give them a call and find out if they warranty a repurchased rig.

[shj525]

I was just at the factory and they are offering a full warranty (2/5) on all "show" models. I really liked two of them, unfortunately the bedroom height was too low for me (6"5"). They do cover the remainder of the NH warranty on the consignment units.

Happy RV'ing!

[capemayal]

Thanks, guys.

I really appreciate the input. I've always been concerned about buying used. But, I know I'll never buy new again either.

Al

[Travelador]

Here is my 2 cents worth. Do your do diligence as stated above but also be aware that some manufacturers are better than others in dealing with customers that have bought on the used market versus new. Tiffin Motorhomes are excellent whether you purchased new or used. New Horizons seems to treat the used buyer (not from them) as second class purchasers. This is from my personal experience in dealing with both of these manufacturers. Bottom line is I would probably not buy another New Horizons new or used. All of my future RV's will carry the Tiffin name.

[sdennislee]

Your original post doesn't indicate whether or not you have any experience with MHs, if not I would suggest you contact an inspector and have a thorough PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) done on any MH you decide to purchase new or used.

I favor used for 2 reasons, 1) the other guy ate the depreciation which can be huge on MH and 2) the other guy will most likely have had all the original issues corrected and recalls accomplished. This is not always the case which is why I suggest the PDI.

I bought my current coach from a consignment broker, fortunately I knew his brother and knew I could trust him. It had very low mileage, picked it up for $40,000 under book and paid less than half of what the original owner paid.

[chaunclm]

I would encourage you to consider a new RIG. You don't say if you currently have a rig. If not, then try to be sure that you really need all the things you think you do. We knew that we might go full time several years before my wife retired. We visited the NH factory in 2003 and like you we were very impressed, but we had a very challenging first trip planned. We decided to buy a much less expensive trailer to try our hand at RVing. We purchased a 17 ft Casita which is good quality but relatively inexpensive. We traveled for 3 years in it while wintering in our home in Conroe, TX. We put about 30 thousand miles on it. We learned a lot about what we didn't need and also about what we did need.

We learned that we didn't need an RV type washer and dryer.
We learned that with a small refrigerator, a small freezer, and an ice chest we could have plenty of nutritious food storage. (Mostly we use the ice chest for winter or summer clothing storage depending on the season)
We learned that some camp sites are almost too small for even a 17 footer.

So when we went back to New Horizon in 2008 we had a much more realistic idea of what would work for us to full time in. We could have afforded a larger rig. But we sat down with the folks there and designed a 29 foot travel trailer that has so far been nearly perfect. We can go anyplace on almost any highway. We can camp in national forests or road side parks or Walmarts or about anywhere. We can generate our own electricity with either our generator or solar panels. New Horizons rigs have tremendous black, gray and fresh water storage capacity.

I guess what I trying to say is maybe you can buy a new NH that may be a little less than you currently believe necessary.

[chaunclm]

I feel kind of foolish regarding my previous post. You already have a fine fifth wheel.

A Holiday Rambler Presidential fifth wheel is a fine rig to start off full timing in. What is wrong with it?

Capemayal:
I have a '06 F350 DRW LB. GCWR 26k. A couple of years ago, we purchased a HR 37' Presidential Suite 5th wheel.

[royandann]

In 2009 we purchased a 2005 36ft summit. It was on consignment unit from the factory. We had a lot of modifications done to it at the factory. Installed generator, Solar package, Disk brakes, redesigned the entertainment center, etc. They did an excellent job. We felt the price was fair. It did not come with a warranty except for the upgrades.
Have the unit checked before you purchase and if you need you can purchase an extended warranty. We bought a used unit because we could get a good price, not because of the warranty. We purchased a Good Sam extended warranty for peace of mind. We have not needed it yet.

[jrmilner]

I bought a used Arctic Fox travel trailer that I found on Craigslist. These are four star units. I have to say, after probably over 30K miles and 3 years of hard use, it was a great buy. I had started out looking at NH, but just out of the budget. The other consideration is to find out what works and doesn't before plunking the large money down.

[Oscarthecat]

saw your message on "never buying new again" . I am looking to purchase mid 2012, and was trying to decide, having custom made, or buying a new one, or buying used....so why not new??

[capemayal]

Well, first thing - by buying used, I have avoided the initial depreciation, which is money in my pocket.

Second, hopefully, a used unit, just like a car, will have all the kinks and warranty work done.

Just make sure you have it properly inspected. Ensure that you can stay, wherever you brought it, for 2 or 3 days, before you sign anything. Then use everything in it that you possible could.

I did purchase a used 5th wheel. Although it was a 2003 unit, I purchased it from Nuwa - it is a Hitchhiker DA, at a good and fair price. It was a "certified" unit, to borrow a term from the car mfgs.

I stayed there for four days. There was one or two really minor things, but everything was as it should.

That was in November.

I've used the rig frequently, so far this winter, and it hasn't failed me yet. I'm satisfied with my purchase.

So, that is my reasons. You may not feel as secure as I was. But, I did what I felt I had to, to make sure the inspection, purchase, and use, before I left them, was up to my standard.

One last note - I had a new 2009 HR Presidential Suite - It ws nothing but problems! 90% of the problems were related to Lippert's components.

Nuwa does not use Lippert, which is another reason for my purchase.

Al