Sorry, but I can't help but ask

[SissyBoyBob]

Why are so many people buying New cheaper RVs, when they could buy a much higher level and nicer one used? Maybe I am just different from most, but a few of us would much rather have a better built, longer lasting, and much more luxurious used one, than a new cheap one. Even a 3-8 yr old one can look like new, and would have the initial bugs worked out of them on top of it all.

I suppose I am the same with cars. I would rather drive a luxurious $50-60k car that I buy used for $18-15k, than drive a new $20k car. Give me a used Lexus, Bmw, Cadi, or infiniti over a Chrysler, Nissan, or Ford any day. Not that the others don't make decent cars, but they don't compare to driving something that is impressive and comfortable.

So the same seems like it would apply to RVs, except for the fact that RVs might hold their value a little better than cars do, especially when most RVs aren't used very much at all by the vacationers who own them. Most seem to take such good care of them also, that the more expensive ones look like new even when they are 5 yrs old.

All I can think of is so many people want that new 1 or 2 yr warranty that comes with a new one, or they are germ-a-fobes and just couldn't stand living in or using something someone else has used. Maybe its just an American consumer thing of "raised" that we should want and buy New things.

Am I missing something big here? Not trying to sound snooty, just want to understand both sides better. Thx for any understanding replies and opinions.

[drfife]

I agree with your premise completely.

I ordered a new Excel because I wanted some custom features not found on existing used Excels.

Unfortunately, there will be no more Excels made.

They are a great value used.

[96 Wideglide]

Well, if someone is'nt buying them new, where do you figure all the used ones are going to come from .

[blang311]

The wife and I really want to do just that but nearly every used 5th wheel we have looked at smells awful. We only looked at 2010 and newer but they all had a variety of odors mothballs, mildew etc

[rskeans]

I wish DW would have settled for a used high end 5ver. But, No, she had to have a new one.

[PeaceOwl]

We didn't buy used MH for these reasons:
The size we wanted is hard to find, we did not want one longer than 35ft. For state park and driving/parking ease.

We wanted the small diesel with a king bed.

My husband was not familiar with working on RVs/diesel so we wanted the new warranty, new tires, new condition brakes, air bags and engine.

We bought the smallest one that is made, and not sorry one bit! Took 3 months of looking to come to this decision.

We've always bought new cars over the years, so it didn't seem crazy to us.

[SissyBoyBob]

Originally Posted by blang311

The wife and I really want to do just that but nearly every used 5th wheel we have looked at smells awful. We only looked at 2010 and newer but they all had a variety of odors mothballs, mildew etc

lol......that would sure push you toward new.

[rivraton]

Originally Posted by blang311

The wife and I really want to do just that but nearly every used 5th wheel we have looked at smells awful. We only looked at 2010 and newer but they all had a variety of odors mothballs, mildew etc

/\ This, among other things.

[SissyBoyBob]

Originally Posted by drfife

I agree with your premise completely.

I ordered a new Excel because I wanted some custom features not found on existing used Excels.

Unfortunately, there will be no more Excels made.

They are a great value used.

I can see wanting new features that didn't exist a few years ago. I guess I am old fashion or something, even the used ones look modern to me. They all amaze me with how small and simple they make a home look. I grew up in 1 room old dilapidated apts, so even 10 yr old RVs look wonderful to me. As far a appliances , tvs and such, I figured I am going to replace with what I want anyway.

[Scottybdivin]

I'm with you. I simply couldn't afford the one I wanted, new.

[Mike and Cha]

We bought a new one because that's what we wanted. There's no right or wrong answer, just someone's preference. My brother in law has two dealerships and he specializes in refurbishing used MH's for resale and makes good money at it. We could have gotten a great deal thru him. We looked at way too many that smelled like dogs/cat/ or smoke and it made us sick. Call me a "germ-a-fobe" or whatever but there is always something good about being the original owner.


We also got a MH that has all the new appliances, technology, and TV's, newer chassis, engine, tires ect. We really couldn't find a used one with the set up we have that we liked, or was priced enough lower than we paid new to make it worth it. One big issue could cost you as much or more to repair than it would have been to buy new and you still have a used MH. We didn't end up with a new "lower end" MH and it has not lost the value that a lot of people think that buying new does. I have actually been offered as much as I originally paid for it, a year later. But at the end of the day we got the MH we wanted, we have been the only users of the facilities, and are very happy with the MH and the decision we made.

[Mr_D]

We couldn't afford the Magna at the $750,000 new sticker price in 2009, but at $350,000 in 2015 we could.

[the_vfox]

I set my sights on a DP, I set my budget for one. Then I started searching. New is nice, I can't afford a 1/2 mil for a MH. Our Itasca fit our bill and I bought it.

Everyone has reasons for their choices, everyone is different.

[brobox]

I have owned both and after my "new" experience, I would go back to "almost new" the next time.