New vs Used Advantages ?

scgator · 08-08-2011, 07:42 PM

We bought our current TT when it was two years old and got an excellent deal. We're now considering moving up; and just want some different ideas from people who have been in this longer than we have....any REAL advantages of new versus used. I know we recently looked at a new 2012 Jayco for $33K and also saw the same model in a local trade paper for $11K less. It was a 2010. The biggest disadvantage I can see is no manufacturers warranty for used. But, that is like others have said...stick the savings in the bank and when you have a breakdown, just pull the funds out and pay for it.

Yellowreef · 08-08-2011, 07:49 PM

Like you said, no warranty. Who's to say the previous owner found all the kinks and had them fixed under warranty. I don't know, I would be hesitant to buy without warranty when you can shop around and get 30% off msrp on new.

kb0zke · 08-08-2011, 07:50 PM

Right now the numbers are "interesting." I keep reading that on a new rig you ought to be able to buy it for 70-80% of list price. I also read that a new rig will depreciate about 25% in the first five years, and another 25% in the next five years. To me, that sounds like a five-year-old rig will be selling for about the same price that it did new. Of course, you aren't going to get that for a trade-in, but the cost/year for that difference shouldn't be all that much.

You can always buy an extended warranty if you want.

Another possibility is to move up in quality, even if you don't change the age of the rig much.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 08-09-2011, 08:10 PM

Quote:

I also read that a new rig will depreciate about 25% in the first five years, and another 25% in the next five years.

I don't know where you heard that, but the depreciation is a lot more than that! You take a 20-25% hit as soon as you take title to it.After 10 years you are lucky if it has 25% of its original value.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 08-09-2011, 08:13 PM

About the only advantage I can think of for a new one is the warranty. And odds are you are going to need it, because you get to spend the first year getting all the bugs out. Many new RVs have quite a lengthy list of them.

I've only bought one brand new motorhome. Next time we wanted one, we went back to used. I'd rather pay the depreciated price and pay for any necessary repairs in the next 12 months myself.

TXiceman · 08-09-2011, 08:28 PM

I agree with Gary.....

Ken

rgvtexan · 08-09-2011, 10:39 PM

I bought the 04 Itasca in 09 for less than a third of the MSRP. So far I have replaced the alternator, caulked the side seams, and put 20k miles on it. It runs great, looks good and I feel comfortable with it. The money saved will buy a lot diesel.

GreatWhite · 08-09-2011, 10:49 PM

When you buy used, hopefully, the prior owner used his warranty to take care of any issues. It is not unusual for a new vehicle of any sort to have some sort of issue.. heck, these things are made and designed by man.. and the folks that put them together aren't the type that usually stay in the industry at the wages they are paid very long.. unless they have to. (Generalization follks)

I would rather buy a used RV than a new one. Mostly because I'd rather not take the huge depreciation that occurs as soon as the first owner signs the papers. Same RV.. just a year or two older.. RV's typically get very little use. If it looks good.. you are likely to get a GREAT deal.. especially if you know how to negotiate.

melvonnar · 08-10-2011, 09:01 AM

I'll buy used every time; the secret of getting a good one is to shop, shop, shop. never get in a hurry. no what you want; and look, look, look.
Also set your price range, get your money ready to buy when you do find the right one. Realy good used ones don't stay on the market long; the dogs set around forever. buy from a privet party if possible, (you will always get a better deal)

Pairajays · 08-10-2011, 09:18 AM

All things being equal, you can move way up in quality for a lot less money.

Jim

xplorer33 · 08-10-2011, 09:24 AM

I agree with melvonnar, I stopped buying new a long time ago, after totaling out a 14 month old car. when the insurance company told me they insure for what something is worth, not what you owe. funny though that the premiums don't lower at that rate. anyway...I have found..older stuff to be built better, more solid, and you can change things to your taste without feeling bad about tearing out something new and not paid for yet. this philosophy has kept me debt free and really able to enjoy my life. My toad is a 1986 Suzuki Samaurai, my rig a 1988 Xplorer dp.

Cat320 · 08-10-2011, 09:45 AM

If you do lots of looking, you can find a new rig for the same or less than a used rig. This is especially true of the higher quality/priced units. Whatever you do, do not believe the prices listed on the internet or on the lots. A dealer, the owner, personally told me with a slight smile, "I can always come down, but can't go up."

zzzs · 08-10-2011, 11:01 AM

We were new to rving and bought a new 2009 forest river charleston 40' motor home for $210,000. Drove it for 1 year until we got to drive a used 2004 beaver marquis and found the difference was overwhelming so we traded the charleston for the marquis. It worked out to about the same price.
Had I to do it over again no question the marquis would be the choice. i'm not crowing about the marquis as much as it could have been any high end coach versus the low end coach, there is a reason the high end coaches cost a lot more than low end coaches and all you have to do is live with them for a while to understand.

Yes the high end coaches are more complicated but the pluses outweigh the negatives plus you can investigate the history of similar coaches on many of these web sites.The major concerns buying used are what did the previous owner did do and not do. This can question can be resolved by condition, maintaince reciepts and professional opinions and oil analysis. finally, by a coach warranty from a reputable company as we did, several items were replaced and as we gained confidence in the marquis canceled the policy and received a prorated refund.

Pairajays · 08-10-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzzs

We were new to rving and bought a new 2009 forest river charleston 40' motor home for $210,000. Drove it for 1 year until we got to drive a used 2004 beaver marquis and found the difference was overwhelming so we traded the charleston for the marquis. It worked out to about the same price.
Had I to do it over again no question the marquis would be the choice. i'm not crowing about the marquis as much as it could have been any high end coach versus the low end coach, there is a reason the high end coaches cost a lot more than low end coaches and all you have to do is live with them for a while to understand.

Yes the high end coaches are more complicated but the pluses outweigh the negatives plus you can investigate the history of similar coaches on many of these web sites.The major concerns buying used are what did the previous owner did do and not do. This can question can be resolved by condition, maintaince reciepts and professional opinions and oil analysis. finally, by a coach warranty from a reputable company as we did, several items were replaced and as we gained confidence in the marquis canceled the policy and received a prorated refund.

I traded my 2002 HR Endeavor, straight across, for a 1997 Beaver Marquis. We both probably thought they got the best deal.

Jim E