Was buying your brand new RV worth the depreciation?

[go6car]

SO worth it!

LOVE our Encounter!

[Long Island Mac]

When we bought the new RV, this was out 3rd. Love the floor plan and the bath and 1/2. Son (nurse who works at a nursing home) was happy, as many of the residents are woried about leaving money for their kids. My kids are happy, say we should spend their inheratance and enjoy life as long as possible. Preparing for the next 4 month journey to the South for winter.

[srrobe]

DW and I have been looking at used DPs for some time now. I can't tell you how many "better than new", "dealer maintained", "never smoked in, no pets" coaches we've looked at, most of which were no where close to new, had no records and smelled of pet urine I'm sure they all don't fall into this category and good used are to be found, it just hasn't happened to us. I see new in our future

[Tha_Rooster]

I think it was worth it on the last two. If no one bought new were would the economy be then, buy new save jobs. But if you can't buy used its ok to.

[Jack1234]

Lot's of great testimonials to the joys of buying new....but just for some balance, I'd argue the advantages of buying used.

Buying used takes much more work as you have to do much more research, sift through dishonest or unethical representations, but if you persevere, you can end-up with a lot more "bang for your buck" and a lot less money lost to pure depreciation.

Even if I was planning to spend 500k .... which would pretty much get me a premium new "any brand"....I'd still buy used and go looking for that great deal on a used Newell or Prevost.

Just another perspective.

[jcthorne]

For us, it was not about investment but the flip side. Buying a 1 year old used coach enabled us to buy MUCH more coach than we could have new. When we were shopping in 2009, the 12 to 18month old coaches were selling for 50 to 60% of new. BIG depreciation for first year. Ours still had the Ford chassis warranty and we bought a GS ESP 'just in case' but never really needed either.

Turned out great. Purchased for pretty near half of what original owner paid for our coach and got some upgrades in the process. Also left enough money to fund some upgrades of our own just after purchase.

We did have the benifit of being local to PPL which enabled us to look and MANY coaches in the age/price range we were looking for. We also just happend on to one that met most of our 'must have' list and left enough money to add the few that were missing.

[RudyD]

I won't reitterate the comments of enjoying life vs a financial investment; my fellow irv2'ers have made that quite clear whats important

I'd like to share a story though. My financial advisor told me to do the same thing (to buy used) buying used instead of new. Since my FA and I are very close friends, he wants to go with me on some trips next year after tax season. I sent him photos and links of used ones on the market and their asking prices. What I found for the lifestyle I want to lead in a MH was very scanty. I sent him a plethora of photos of a new one with a good platform engineering and perfect floorplan and amenities.

His final quote "I dont like any of those used ones, and I know you won't be happy in it " (he doesnt know the first thing about a MH). In the end I knew he also wasn't going to be happy in it having to share a bathroom or a closet or something of the like which are becoming all too popular in the newer editions and not available on ones 3-4 years old

My recommendation is to ask your Financial Advisor to come along on a trip. You'll get a different opinion when he/she has to travel in it.

[RudyD]

Originally Posted by jcthorne

For us, it was not about investment but the flip side. Buying a 1 year old used coach enabled us to buy MUCH more coach than we could have new. When we were shopping in 2009, the 12 to 18month old coaches were selling for 50 to 60% of new. BIG depreciation for first year. Ours still had the Ford chassis warranty and we bought a GS ESP 'just in case' but never really needed either.

Turned out great. Purchased for pretty near half of what original owner paid for our coach and got some upgrades in the process. Also left enough money to fund some upgrades of our own just after purchase.

We did have the benifit of being local to PPL which enabled us to look and MANY coaches in the age/price range we were looking for. We also just happend on to one that met most of our 'must have' list and left enough money to add the few that were missing.

I think in 2009 you bought used at the right time. There were a lot of people who had to sell their coaches after the financial crisis. Much like the housing market the MH market crashed with makers going BK and layoffs. The market today on used MH's just isn't as good as it used to be. The difference in price now between used in the higher end models just isn't enough to motivate me to buy used.

[Mysticcherok]

Originally Posted by JMonroe

Any RV sucks as a financial investment, but excels as an investment in "quality of life". No one should put their finances at risk to buy a new rig, but if the only debate is how big of an estate you want to leave, that's a different ball game. The relatives can fend for themselves.

I see you are based at fort wilderness. How do you like it? Im at mysticcherokee@hotmail.com, so as not to derail this thread. Thanks! I dont buy anything new. I wait till its almost broken in, and all issues fixed, then buy. JMO. Right now weve an 96 winnibago vectra, 36, and it looks brand new inside, almost new outside. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Live and let live. If ya want new, then good for you too! Sandy of Sandy n John

[GaryKD]

What depreciation? Depreciation comes into play only if one sells a depreciating asset before the use value of the asset is more than the price it is being sold for. For me, I keep my stuff until it literally falls apart and drops dead. By that time the value I have received from using the asset far exceeds the $ value I get for selling the carcass. I can tell you some stories about using something until it drops dead as one parks at the dealer showroom that would have you LOL.

For me, there is no depreciation.

[calhyatt]

You are going to be in that box a long long time. Enjoy your good fortunes and buy what you want...

[jzick]

For me, I keep my stuff until it literally falls apart and drops dead.

We did that for years and years as we were building the business and raising the kids and funding their education and our retirement. We disposed of more than one automobile when a replacement tire cost more than the car was worth! A few years ago, though, we realized we did not have to do that any more, and that is when we decided no more used stuff. So now we buy only new - new homes, new cars, new motorhomes. I just hope DW doesn't take a good look at me and decide she wants a new DH.

[david2499]

It's like the STOCK market you don't lose until you sell !

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by david2499

It's like the STOCK market you don't lose until you sell !

And if you're lucky, a few dividends along the way.