Was buying your brand new RV worth the depreciation?

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by Murf2u

Because we all know there's never any issues with new coaches, you get a perfect coach every time.

An RV tech who knows what they're doing costs about $100 / hour. It might take them a second hour to give a coach a real good look over. Ditto a knowledgeable mechanic. So for under $500 you know what you're looking at buying.

As for warranty, even if you wanted to they're out there, numerous companies offer them. But with just a mere fraction of the savings you could do a LOT of repairs, and at any place YOU choose, not who the manufacturer TELLS you take it to.

I believe we will all buy problems no matter what we purchase. None of us are so foolish as to believe that buying new or used will get anything other than a unit we have to start caring for. Anything built by man will soon start to deteriorate and require attention. Used is already partway down the path to obsolesence.

Hiring techs and mechanics to review our purchases is always prudent. They will look and probe at stuff. If we get the right expertise they will likely identify some issues but there will be no guarantees they have found any or all of the issues. There will only be an opinion that they were unable to observe any immediate issues and a forecast for future performance. Still $500.00 well spent if you are not able to look yourself or do not have the knowledge to do the inspection.

A warranty purchased on a used coach is problematic. The list of things not covered is longer that the list of things covered. Lots of horror stories about exclusions to items the owner thought were under warranty.

It appears you think you will self insure based on the mere fraction of savings realized when purchasing new. This could restart the debate on whether to take your allotted money spend it on as much as it will buy new or an upscale used. In either case the money is gone. If you have an issue with the new coach you take it back and get it fixed. If it is used you either borrow more to fix the coach or park the unit until you can come up with the money.

Whether we buy new or used is a personal decision. Neither is right or wrong, simply what fits our core values. I am happy and enjoying the RV we currently own as I hope you are pleased with your unit.