We figured we would buy new as almost all the used ones we've seen smelled of pet/body order, were dirty and didn't look like they were very well kept by the owners and this was on 50, 60, 70 thousand dollar class C's.
So far the biggest dealer we've looked at is La Mesa RV in Sanford, FL (we have a small one here too).
We figured we would pay cash, that way it eliminates a lot of headaches besides, the banks we check with weren't doing anyone any favors on loan percentages and we both have great credit.
Time wise is no problem, he's retired and I'm on permanent comp due to injuries I received in the line of duty.
If we went with a class C we figured we would get a couple of scooters and hang them off the back when in transit, we would use them to get around on when in permanent camp.
As Nothermark said, we are a bit hesitant on a pull along as it would require us to trade the van in and then get a heavy duty pickup truck which we would have to use as a regular driver and my dad doesn't want that, he likes the option of being able to access the rear of the van without getting out of the vehicle.
Although the pull along trailers are so much cheaper than the class C's are and offer more space inside.
We looked into renting but the cost for just a week is thousands, which is as much as a good percentage down on buying one outright.
The other thing we found strange is the dealers made out like the advertised price was what you pay but like with buying a new car we have never paid sticker price.
Is that how the pricing really works with RV's?
On most we've seen none had exactly what we wanted inside or the lay out wasn't exactly how we wanted it, we feel we would be compromising if we bought anything we have seen so far.
We want it to be exactly right seeing how we will be keeping it for many years but mostly don't want to regret buying it in any way.