Forum Discussion

gmcse8's avatar
gmcse8
Explorer
Apr 25, 2014

Class A motorhome purchase

I am 71 years old and about to buy our first Class A motorhome. We have rented motorhomes in the past and years ago had a travel trailer, but now that both my wife and I are retiring we want to buy a used motorhome and see the country for about 5 years. I have enough resources to buy new or nearly new Class A. My question is; given we will only be keeping it about 5 years and only traveling about 8 or 10 thousand miles a year, should I buy as new as I can get, or should I go with a low mileage 5 or 6 or 7 year old motorhome? my major concern is reselling it 5 years from now...
Class A
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 25, 2014
    At your (our) age, and with the resources you have, treat yourself and get a new one.

    I figure I've worked hard all my life, now I want to spend it. I don't want "I saved $50 on this headstone" at my grave.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Newer will get you more when it's time to sell in 5 years as long as the market holds up or the government doesn't restrict MH usage due to environmental concerns....

    So maybe buying an older less expensive would be the way to go.. Keep in mind the MHs are based on commercial drivetrain components so they are designed to give trouble free service for 500,000 plus miles unlike cars which are in the 200,000 mile range of service.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Apr 25, 2014
    We purchased a 10 year old higher end coach 4 years ago and have never been sorry. When we look at what the new ones have now as far as quality of materials, we are glad we have an older unit with solid wood and quality fittings. I'd look at that type of things and not just what year it is. Look for quality and whatever amount of luxury you want and can afford. The bells and whistles are nice.
  • OhhWell's avatar
    OhhWell
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Get an older coach that leaves a decent amount of cash for upgrades and future maintenance/repairs. That however, is just my opinion on the matter.
  • GMandJM's avatar
    GMandJM
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Look at both and when you find the right one you'll know it.

    We were going to buy used "in a few years" and were checking out motorhomes at an RV show figuring that what was new now was what we'd be buying used in the future. You guessed it...we found our perfect one!
  • OhhWell's avatar
    OhhWell
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    OhhWell wrote:
    Get an older coach that leaves a decent amount of cash for upgrades and future maintenance/repairs. That however, is just my opinion on the matter.

    Odds are on a new coach you will be spending a lot more time getting factory defects fixed than with a gently used one. Unfortunately, those really are the odds. Yeah, they will be under warranty but having the coach in for repairs at 3 weeks or so at a time cannot be compensated when you are full time and want to be enjoying the thing.
  • wallynm's avatar
    wallynm
    Explorer
    Apr 25, 2014
    Make a list of what you think you want. Then look around and see if used will fit the list. We got new in 02 and planned to keep it 15 years or more. We have ~90,000 miles on it and have not regretted getting new.

    A lot depends on the brand as to what you can do with new. We ordered it to our specifications and made some modification request which were granted. Looking back on it we should have requested a few more modifications.

    Look around, go to some shows, bug some large dealers with lots of inventory and then make your list.

    ENJOY THE HUNT AND GOOD LUCK!!!

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