Buying new vs. Pre-owned (3 years old)

We found a four year old (2009) Sunseeker 2300 that looks
like brand new on the inside. Very few cosmetic flaws on the outside.
It had some maintenance records with it , new tires , brakes ,and
front rotors. I just replaced the vent lids ($45 ) , and put 2 maxx air vents on it ($80 ). We paid $32250 for the rv , and are tickled
pink with it. We compared it to a new 2300 and a 2250 , and just couldn't justify spending roughly $20k more to buy new.
That being said , I have lots more time than money , and have always
felt that "do what makes YOU happy", is usually best.

We didn't know what we wanted or needed so we took a four year old unit that happened to be available and that we liked. Luckily the dealer was reputable and everything worked. No repairs so far, 5 years later. Cost was about half of new. Numbers are difficult; other considerations dominate. We would not have gone in debt to buy any RV. We weren't comfortable with driving a 50 or 60k vehicle into the bush campsites we liked. We don't camp with other people much so no Jones' to impress. When this MH becomes unsuitable for our age, we can afford to get another one.

My present 2008 Born Free was purchased one year ago from a private party.
I researched and new what I wanted. You have to keep on checking the used market to find the one you want and it must be in great condition. I saved well over 1/2 the cost of a new one and I will be keeping it for a long time.Be sure to either have all the systems checked by a professional or yourself. If it has been well kept and has maintenance records you probably will be fine.

I always bought used. It seemed like a better deal. This newest one we went new because I was tired of the increasing expense and frustration of the problems. It was always working great when it went into (indoor) storage. I would take it out and there were suddenly little problems, usually plumbing and electrical. Those were financially cheap but took a long time to fix. Then it was shocks, bushings, brakes and the biggie, the fuel pump at only 37k. At 13 years and only 37k miles I was dreading the roof leaks and window leaks. I've been through that on a previous coach and they are a PITA. The reality is that these things bounce down the road and things get loose. Just need to know when enough is enough and start over. If we hadn't found exactly what we wanted new, we probably would have gone gently and recently used.

This is a hot button issue with a lot of RV'ers. Try to get some real numbers to compare. The price difference in a new versus 2-3 year old rig is not necessarily huge. The taxes, etc. on a new rig and full coverage insurance costs are considerable. Buying an extended warranty contract ( don't do it) adds cost. Think of tires that are only good for 5+ years and fridges and roof AC units etc., etc., that can die/need service/repairs/replacement at any time. Buying even a three year old rig, plan on major expenses not covered by appliance, RV maker and chassis builder time/mileage-based warranties on a used rig. When we bought our then new 2004 Tioga, comparable near-new used rigs were not significantly cheaper. We just bought a new Subaru Outback for cash because clean, low mileage 2-3 year old ones were not a lot cheaper. The anxiety of new vehicle cost goes away rather quickly if you can afford buying it.

Hank85713 wrote:
If you have a house refi, interest is about 3%, rv interest rates around 4%. If you do it on the refi, you can claim it as a 2 home if you live in it and get the interest deduction! That is what we were going to do, bank said thats the best way, but if you dont have a home or.....

you can claim the RV loan as a second home, no refi involved????
and the deduction only gives you 28-30% of the interest back, still pay 70% of it.
bumpy

I don't know, but bought a 4 year old one, with 5k on it, 9 years ago.
Was garaged, in perfect condition. Don't even think they ever used the bathroom
Have never had any trouble with it. Don't know for sure what they paid new, but I paid 20k less, than 75%of the msrp at the time. 20K to me is a lot of money.

To each his own, but I personaly would never refi the house to buy a toy. To much risk for me. But that's just me

Bumpyroad wrote:
I thought that a new unit had a lower interest rate than a used one?
have things changed?
bumpy

According to the boa website, there is about a .05 % difference between a new unit and a used unit (from a dealer). But it did not list the limitations, which I am sure there are. But technically, yes the interest rate on a new unit is less than a used unit.

I think that used units can't be financed as long of a period either. There may be exceptions.

Still, I don't like buying other people's problems. The funny thing is that when people buy from a dealer and are not told of issues with a unit, then they get mad. But those trading in a unit sure don't tell about issues to the dealer.

If you have a house refi, interest is about 3%, rv interest rates around 4%. If you do it on the refi, you can claim it as a 2 home if you live in it and get the interest deduction! That is what we were going to do, bank said thats the best way, but if you dont have a home or.....

I thought that a new unit had a lower interest rate than a used one?
have things changed?
bumpy