Question from a newbie

[Smmast]

We are wanting to purchase our first RV in the next 6 months. We would like to purchase a pre owned Class A. The question is what depreciates more gas or diesel? I expect that if all goes well this will not be our last but don't want to make a financially foolish decision. Any help appreciated.

[RV Wizard]

Hello and We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy our website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.

If you are going to purchase at the end of a 6 month period you will need to do a lot of homework everyday. The most important is first to know what and how you will use the motorhome for. then, what systems and accessories will support that use. Then understanding it limitations and shortfalls for specific units you may finally be considering. I spent five years research on the one I bought 15 years ago; it was worth every minute.

[timetogo]

To answer your question, as far as depreciation, gasoline. If you buy a fixer-upper, diesel can cost you thousands and you won't gain a thing.

[okcnewbie]

I think they all tend to depreciate about the same MOL.

Let's face it......If you're spending a good chunk of your money it's probably not a "good" financial decision.

Buy the best used MH you can. If you have to sell it you are going to lose some money most likely.

[twogypsies]

This is your first RV. Buy a good quality used....better RV for your money.

[ahicks]

Long term, I think maybe the diesel will hold a higher value. Problem figuring depreciation though, is that they cost more going into the deal.

[Walter5555]

It might be a good idea to rent one for a short trip just to see if that's what you want to do.
It would give you an idea of what to expect if and when you buy one.
Check the water before you jump in so to speak.
Just a thought

[nothermark]

Gas might depreciate more as a per cent, diesel will in real dollars because you will start higher for the same model year.

There is a lot of buy your first RV last advice. It would be wonderful if you could. Reality is that your first RV will be a huge learning experience so my thought would be to buy used from a deal that will give you a good walk through and do the work you find when you inspect it before purchasing. Consider it as a trade in for your second RV after you have significant experience under your belt.

With rentals running over a thousand a week I am not a big fan of doing that. YMMV.

[TJFogelberg]

Owning rvs is the dumbest thing I've ever done financially. It costs about $150 night ( no one will admit it) to sleep in my own bed. I wash and make up the bed. I scrub the toilet. I spend hours looking for and receiving mediocre service. It will depreciate down to zero. I don't know why I do it.

[adamfolger]

Originally Posted by TJFogelberg

Owning rvs is the dumbest thing I've ever done financially. It costs about $150 night ( no one will admit it) to sleep in my own bed. I wash and make up the bed. I scrub the toilet. I spend hours looking for and receiving mediocre service. It will depreciate down to zero. I don't know why I do it.

I'm so sorry you have lost your way...If you do a thing and you don't like it....stop doing it.

[adamfolger]

Which one will depreciate more is pointless to consider. There are way bigger mistakes to be made while choosing gas or diesel. And there are many many threads on the subject. The questions are what can I afford, what do I want and need, can I get what I want in a gasser or do I have to step up to a diesel. Do I buy a used gasser. Do I pay $100,000 for a new gasser or $100,000 for a top of the line used diesel. Can I pay cash or do I need to finance. And YES you will make a financially foolish decision if you buy an RV. There are many things more important than money, Rving is one of them.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

This is your first RV. Buy a good quality used....better RV for your money.

Agree.

[georgelesley]

If mamma does not like the floor plan and the interior in general, depreciation will be the least of your worries. If you both do not like the inside, it will soon sit unused. Period.

Six months is a good amount of time to go to shows, visit dealers, talk to fellow rv'ers at local campgrounds, ask questions on forums like this. Consider renting an RV of the sort you think you may want from a dealer for a few days. You will learn much.

The finances are important, yes, but if you are unhappy with the living accommodation, the money will be wasted no matter how good the deal seems.

[nothermark]

And most all of them beat a tent on a cold rainy day! ;-)