I've been searching for a good used RV from a private seller for about a year now. I'm in no hurry (obviously), but I would like to find one since I sold mine a few months ago. I would have thought that spring and summer would have brought more choices locally, since I figured people would be looking to get out of their RVs an into something newer but I'm not finding that to be the case....in fact, I'm seeing fewer RVs now than I did back in the winter. I find it odd.I am seeing the prices are about 10-20% higher than in the winter on the ones that are available, which makes sense considering the supply and demand factor. I guess I'll go back to tent-camping until winter rolls around again.Has anyone else's experience been similar to mine?Tom

I have always felt the off season is best to purchase anything. Like buying an air conditioner when its 110 out there - you won't get the best deal, IMHO.

I noticed that after labor Day the used market seems to surge. Since March not much movement but my search was focused on a praticular builder and model.

I've found that the best time to negotiate with a dealer, for any major purchase, is in December. End of year quotas, etc. From a private seller, I'm guessing if they are advertising it for sale, they are somewhat desperate to sell right then so the actual date might not mean much to them. The problem for the seller is that there may not be many buyers available if they advertised their RV in December, before Christmas. This is good for you as a buyer but it might also be difficult to check all systems if the coach has been Winterized. A motivated seller will de-Winterize but don't ask unless you are serious.

rgatijnet1 wrote:I've found that the best time to negotiate with a dealer, for any major purchase, is in December. End of year quotas, etc. From a private seller, I'm guessing if they are advertising it for sale, they are somewhat desperate to sell right then so the actual date might not mean much to them. The problem for the seller is that there may not be many buyers available if they advertised their RV in December, before Christmas. This is good for you as a buyer but it might also be difficult to check all systems if the coach has been Winterized. A motivated seller will de-Winterize but don't ask unless you are serious. This and I look to see how long that the RV I like has been on the lot.

the_vfox wrote:rgatijnet1 wrote:I've found that the best time to negotiate with a dealer, for any major purchase, is in December. End of year quotas, etc. From a private seller, I'm guessing if they are advertising it for sale, they are somewhat desperate to sell right then so the actual date might not mean much to them. The problem for the seller is that there may not be many buyers available if they advertised their RV in December, before Christmas. This is good for you as a buyer but it might also be difficult to check all systems if the coach has been Winterized. A motivated seller will de-Winterize but don't ask unless you are serious. This and I look to see how long that the RV I like has been on the lot.That is a good point and if the coach was advertised on the internet, you can track down how many months it has been listed and if there has been any price reductions.

Best time of the year to buy a used RV | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

the_vfox
Explorer
Jun 19, 2015
rgatijnet1 wrote:
I've found that the best time to negotiate with a dealer, for any major purchase, is in December. End of year quotas, etc.
From a private seller, I'm guessing if they are advertising it for sale, they are somewhat desperate to sell right then so the actual date might not mean much to them. The problem for the seller is that there may not be many buyers available if they advertised their RV in December, before Christmas. This is good for you as a buyer but it might also be difficult to check all systems if the coach has been Winterized. A motivated seller will de-Winterize but don't ask unless you are serious.
This and I look to see how long that the RV I like has been on the lot.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jun 19, 2015
I've found that the best time to negotiate with a dealer, for any major purchase, is in December. End of year quotas, etc.
From a private seller, I'm guessing if they are advertising it for sale, they are somewhat desperate to sell right then so the actual date might not mean much to them. The problem for the seller is that there may not be many buyers available if they advertised their RV in December, before Christmas. This is good for you as a buyer but it might also be difficult to check all systems if the coach has been Winterized. A motivated seller will de-Winterize but don't ask unless you are serious.
Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2015
I noticed that after labor Day the used market seems to surge. Since March not much movement but my search was focused on a praticular builder and model.
korbe
Explorer
Jun 19, 2015
I have always felt the off season is best to purchase anything. Like buying an air conditioner when its 110 out there - you won't get the best deal, IMHO.

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Best time of the year to buy a used RV

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