Buying first Motorhome, used

rbadger28 wrote:
Looking for advice from the veterans. Recently sold my travel trailer in hopes to purchase a motorhome. Mostly looking at class A units, although wife likes class c.

Considering a newer (2012) Thor Windsport that is being sold by a rental company with about 65k miles on it. I didn't start out liking the idea of a formal rental but i guess there is something to be said about it being serviced when it should be etc.

The other option is a much older, but cheaper, Fleetwood Storm (2001) with 50k miles. It is from a local dealer who either got it from auction or trade in and the plus side to this is a warranty being included for a couple of years to cover everything and a savings of about $15k over newer model.

Curious about people's thoughts on buying older vs. newer, and maybe these models specifically if any experience out there.

We bought a 2006 National SeaBreezeLX back in May. We love the MH. It was in exceptional condition. Tires are good, motor burns no oil (Ford V10 w/83k), and everything works great. We did replace the 2 chassis batteries. New this MH cost almost $130k in 2006, and we got it for less than $33k. So your savings of $15k from new is real light as someone else commented. I have been a car wrench (hobby, as I'm an Engineer) since I was about 15 (61 now) so I'm pretty good at fixing and understanding things. If you have that ability there is no reason in the world not to buy used. As most have said, look closely and be picky. Do the research. If it's too good to be true it probably is.

Al