Community Forums

jeffr74 · 06-26-2019, 08:25 AM

I'm in the market for a 3-5 year old used DP, preferably a Newmar. As I see rigs posted on RV Trader and RVT.com by dealers such as NIRVC, I wonder: How much will they negotiate off the price? I've never bought an RV before, but wonder if it is like negotiation with a car dealer? Or the price the price? Any experiences to share?

Mr_D · 06-26-2019, 08:30 AM

Some will negotiate, some won't. Depends on how much they have into the RV and how much profit they have to make to keep the doors open. Some will raise the asking price so they have room to negotiate, some won't.

nvs4602 · 06-26-2019, 08:55 AM

Do your research on the one your looking for. I looked at floor plans for 3 months to decide which one worked best for us. Then I shopped for that model figured out the average price. Then think what is a good deal for you that you could live with. Don't be afraid to make a low ball offer and be able to walk away. Leave your number tell them to call if they can come close to your price. It's all up to you and how quick you want one or that particular one. Your the one with the money and you should feel good about your purchase price. I hate when I buy something then think I paid to much. So I research things to death. So I feel good when I pull the trigger.

MSHappyCampers · 06-26-2019, 09:33 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I always assume anyone selling anything will negotiate. Some will, some won't, but you won't know unless you ask!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

vincee · 06-26-2019, 10:41 AM

I think you will find most, if not all used RV's are overpriced. This is especially true when looking at rigs for sale by the owners. Most of those units the owner is upside down on the RV so they think they can sell it for at least what they owe, which many times is more than the unit is worth.

The three used class A's I bought I used a simple formula to put a value that I thought was reasonable to not only the rig I was interested in buying but also on the last two the trade value I could expect to get from the dealer. I looked up the listed cost new on NADA and would deduct 30% from that figure. I then would deduct 10% off for each year of the age. Depending on that final figure, and taking into account what similar units are priced at via internet sites, I would come up with my offer price, which would be the lowest price, and already have a counter offer a couple/few thousand more. Worked for me with getting a good price which is important when you try to sell that rig in the future.

Moral of the story, 99.9% of the time the asking prices are really high. During my most recent RV hunt this past Spring I was looking for used Tiffin gas Allegro's, 2016 or so. Most prices nationwide for the model interested in were going for $129K. I figured if I could find one close enough to where I live, I was willing to pay between $95K to $105K tops.

Good Luck on your hunt!

twogypsies · 06-26-2019, 10:52 AM

We researched used RV prices before putting ours at PPL Consignments in Texas (great, by the way). PPL suggested a price which was in the range of what we were thinking. We added $5,000 more to the suggested price thinking everyone wants to negotiate, as we do. Our buyer for the Newmar flew in from Florida and paid the full price. He really wanted it. It was a quality RV in excellent condition so it was worth it to him.

Kodiakan · 06-26-2019, 11:33 AM

Lots of good advice given. I would just add that as is always suggested in this forum, get a pro to look the unit over and deduct from the offer needed repairs. Very few RV’s are 100 percent ready to go. Most need work of some kind. Tires, batteries, radiator, CAC etc. many times the owners got rid of it for a reason.

Just BK · 06-26-2019, 03:21 PM

1st and foremost, floor plan that works for you. My critical requirements required a king bed...would not consider anything less, unless modification was simple. Limited my search drastically. After that I wanted twin 15k AC/heat pumps...got that...worked well in recent trip at 109 degrees outside.

Search was 8 months. Price wise I used NADA, and PPL ‘sold’ price amounts to determine a fair value.

Pricing for models I wanted were all over the place. Along with the fore mentioned, I have an interior height of 89”.

A good deal is what you figure is a good deal for your requirements. Accepting less, because of dollars, leads to dissatisfaction. Want to spend 3-4 days in a motorhome because of rain/wind...it will happen.

Yes, keep in mind your budget. But also keep in mind your satisfaction. Saving $10-20k and finding out this is not what you wanted will HURT.

Best,

twogypsies · 06-26-2019, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just BK

1st and foremost, floor plan that works for you.

I think the first thing to do is zero in on a good quality RV manufacturer or two or three. THEN....choose floorplans from what they have to offer. What good is a floorplan if the RV falls apart around it?

Just BK · 06-26-2019, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I think the first thing to do is zero in on a good quality RV manufacturer or two or three. THEN....choose floorplans from what they have to offer. What good is a floorplan if the RV falls apart around it?

Totally agree. Thought it might be obvious in my signature. Newmar.

Fyrflie · 06-26-2019, 06:00 PM

I don’t know if you use Facebook or not, but there is a group on there, RV Pricing and Values, that can, for a fee, get you information that may be helpful in acquiring the coach your looking for.
I have not used the service but intend to in the near future.

Good luck with your purchase.