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ReisenMobel37's avatar
ReisenMobel37
Explorer
Mar 23, 2016

Used C Buying Advice and did read FAQ

I have been lurking around the forums for about two months now reading over all of the buying advice for used Cs and I am getting to the point where I am planning on driving around to look at different models. I have never owned but grew up traveling around in a '71 Commander with my parents and loved it. Unfortunately in North of San Francisco there are not a lot of close options for used RVs in my under 30k price point. My questions for all of you are:

1. Any recommendations on preferred lenders for RV loans? We should be able to put about 40% down in cash and have good credit. Our credit union only offers 10% interest on RV loans.

2. I am having a hard time know what brands are better than others. I obviously see a lot of common brands that I grew up hearing about but don't know some of them like Forest River. Any brands I should avoid completely.

3. I have seen somewhat positive information about purchasing a previous rental RV, more from El Monte than from Cruise America. I like the fact that they warranty the appliances for at least 30 days so we can make sure things work before going on a major trip. Any final pros and cons to this?

Thanks again, I am excited to start this new venture and I am impressed with the community hear and look forward to being part of it.
Class C

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  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Mar 23, 2016
    Bumpyroad wrote:
    go to a NASCAR race and notice the rentals parked in the infield with dozens of lawn chairs sitting on the rubber roofs.
    bumpy


    I second this. Some companies even offer to drive your rental to the track and set it up for you. They say nobody can get on the roof because they don't offer attached ladders - so the race fans bring their own ladder :-(

    Regarding buying a used Class C - I would rather buy someone's used, entry-level RV if it was their "baby" and stored indoors when not in use, than to buy a premium brand that's been sitting out in the weather for years. Weather abuses ALL RV's regardless of their price tag.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    ReisenMobel wrote:
    . We may also be asking if some friends want to share in the purchase like a time share, but I think that is a different Thread conversation.


    a good way to lose friends
    bumpy
  • ReisenMobel37's avatar
    ReisenMobel37
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    Thank you all for your responses. I was actually planning on going to the Dublin location this weekend. I would rather not take a loan but I just don't have the liquid assets available to pay in full. We may look into getting a HELOC and paying of the auto loan to bring down rate. We may also be asking if some friends want to share in the purchase like a time share, but I think that is a different Thread conversation.

    If anyone else has some other good info please feel free to continue posting. I plan on bringing a good flashlight and some grubby clothes to get under, over and all through any RV I am looking into buying. I am no mechanic but have done enough self repair that I can hopefully find any major issues on my own.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2016
    As DrewE said,read the Rental thread,I know it is long now but if there are any specific questions you need answered just ask there or PM me.

    You will get answers from real owners and not a lot of Hyperbole from people who know nothing about what they speak.

    Both El Monte and Cruise America will finance at what I am told a reasonable rate. El Monte will finance up to 144 months.

    Mike Dwan,the National Sales Manager will happily tell you all about it and answer any and all questions that you may have on a purchase from El Monte RV. He can be reached @ 562-483-4949 or at mikedwan@elmonterv.com

    El Monte's Dublin location may have something in your price range.

    Welcome to the forum and Good luck in your Quest for that RV.
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    A 2 year old rental unit has probably had 50 different users who don't care how they use or misuse an RV. If you are a handyman, maybe a good buy but the prices I've seen seem to be high.
    As far as the appliance warranty, if it works when you get it will be working in 30 days. Appliances are probably the most reliable thing in the RV.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2016
    There is a looong thread here on buying ex-rental RVs.

    I would not hesitate to buy from Cruise America (or perhaps other companies) if the general RV in question met my needs and wants. Their models tend to be on the plain side, with somewhat sturdier/less finicky fittings and hardware than many other RVs. Cruise America, at least, does a very thorough refurbishment before selling the RVs.

    If possible, I would avoid taking out a loan to buy a used (or new) RV, though not everybody agrees with that. Many lenders are none to keen with lending money on RVs that are more than a few years old.

    Look very carefully at condition of used motorhomes. A lesser brand unit in good shape that has received conscientious maintenance is far more desirable (and will give better service with fewer headaches) than a better brand one that has not been well taken care of.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2016
    go to a NASCAR race and notice the rentals parked in the infield with dozens of lawn chairs sitting on the rubber roofs.
    bumpy

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