Buying Used or New????

[cucotx]

I keep telling myself that there is no reason to buy new. That is, unless RVs in 5 years from now have some major technical improvement.

So here is my story:

The current plan, unless destiny already has a different version of my plan, is for the DW and I to go fulltiming in 5 years.

I have recently started to do the research and prepare for fulltiming. Part of that is to learn as much as I can from the wonderful people in this amazing forum.

I'm currently planning on a DP MH, Class A, at 45'. I figure that size is just right for full timing.

I already have some idea of the manufacturer and model of RV. I also have a good idea of the amenities to go for.

Here is my wish list:

DP at 600 HP with > 1700 ft-lb of torque
Tag Axle
All electric
AquaHot/Oasis with floor heating
Bath and a half
Washer/Dryer and Dishwasher
... plus floor plan acceptable to DW

... and I plan to buy used ... the question that keeps bouncing off the inside of my skull is, why would I buy a new coach in the year 2020 when a 2015 has all the amenities that I want?

Does anyone have another point of view on why it would make sense to buy new?

I mean, if a new $450K coach can be had for less than $250K in 5 years, isn't it saving $200K worthwhile?

[Fred1609]

The simple answer.........Yes...
Save your money and let someone else take the hit on depreciation

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Fred1609

The simple answer.........Yes...
Save your money and let someone else take the hit on depreciation

Trying to do that but the DW has a specific floor plan stuck in her head and refuses to consider another so that narrows it down considerably.

[Gordon Dewald]

There is no simple answer to your question.

Who knows what amentities and features will come out in the next 5 years? Who knows what engines and fuels will be available?

Most likely things will be similar but they will not be the same. The pictures and videos you see of European coaches are very compelling. American manufacturers will be making changes to adopt the best of their features.

[jacwjames]

With the options you've already listed you have narrowed the search down considerably. I assume that the DW has decided on an existing floor plan so pretty much locks you in to a hand full of coaches.

In 5 years that coach will probably depreciate +60%. Assuming you can find one that has been well taken care of why would you buy a new coach knowing that that it will depreciate +20% the minute you drive it off the lot.

We purchased a 6 year old coach in 2008, we are very pleased with it and since I bought it as a repo is still worth +75% of what I paid for it. I wouldn't do it any other way.

[Joe II]

You might take into consideration that you won't have a factory warranty and that is very important for the beginning of that coaches life. No matter who the manufacturer is, things and possibly major things can and do go wrong. If you are particular about every aspect of your motorhome you are relying on the previous owner to be that picky for you. But with the $200k saved maybe you can afford the possible headaches.

[Cat320]

Buy a used high end and pay what you'd pay for a lower level new model.