Used versus new

I don't believe I would ever buy brand new. Just too much depreciation and the really big problems will emerge in the first 10 - 20k miles.

I just looked and found a 25' Class C with 12k miles asking $25K. Brand new 25 is upwards of $50k. Big price difference and the used RV is still rather pristine.

Water damage in the cabover and kitchenette seems to be the biggest destroyer of value, so a THOROUGH going over with a fine toothed comb should confirm the shell is leak free. With reliable miles and good inspection, you could be fairly confident the coach is not coming to you with major problems. If you are the worrying sort, keep $10k (of the $25k+ you saved) in liquid reserve for "incidentals".

Jose

You ca do a cost analysis all day but the minute you go by it and select your unit based on it, it will turn out different. Just Murphy's law and all a gamble. You could get a used unit that goes to******the next day and you have no backing for it. You can also buy a new one that ends up being a lemon and you will have trouble from day one. It will be covered but will be a thorn in your side and you will not be able to enjoy your trip.

I think it really comes down to personal preference. We prefer to buy new. Yes we end up spending more than what others spend on used units. But we prefer to have less worries in our mind that something is going to go wrong with it. With an older unit I will probably overlook something that is wrong or a potential problem. And with our limited schedule on camping, I don't want to have to worry about a trip being ruined. We also have the warranties and like the peace of mind. Another reason for not buying used for us is odors and fabrics. All the used units we have been in, stunk. I don't like used mattresses, but those can be replaced. Also, hopefully you will adopt the pyramid I your black tank.

Now if I were retired and had time, the I would probably have a different mindset.

I purchased a Class A DP a few years back, which was 2 years old. I bought the top of the line independent warranty package that I could get - about $4000. It was truly worth it. I am ahead about $10,000. If you buy used, lock in your maintenance costs when you buy with a 3 or 4 or 5 year warranty. Yes, it seems expensive up front, but compared to the difference in cost of buying new, it is cheap. $3000 or $4000 seems cheap when you are looking at replacing a gen set, or a transmission, or motor, fridge, etc. It buys you peace of mind, and fixes the costs. That's what insurance is all about - spread the costs.

I seem to remember seeing a graph showing that depreciation starts to level out after four or five years. Given the list of new rig deficiencies most people encounter, I would say that buying a few years old would probably be the most cost-effective and ensure that the warranty items have been taken care of.

hoosiermark wrote:
So has anybody done a cost analysis on buying inexpensive new, using it for 4 years and selling versus buying 3-5 years old and then selling in 4 years.

I am always doing that cost analysis, just not on paper.
:)

I do feel that used RVs are too high priced considering how quickly they become shabby. But there still has to be a sweet spot that gives you the best ownership experience at the lowest cost per year.

I think if you crunch numbers, the used RV will come out ahead. Especially with the 3-5 years old and selling it after 4 years. Things really start to deteriorate at about 8 years old IMO. Prior to that you can get away with murder as an owner, if that's your style.

As far as warranty security and hassles, that's a non-dollar decision you have to make. I would not expect much in the way of problems on a 3 year old rig. The neglect of the first owner has not taken much of a toll yet, if any at all.

There are warranties you can purchase, but I have no experience with them.

I haven't ever done the breakdown, but your are going to lose 20% to 30% off what you paid for a new unit the minute you pull out of the lot. Look at a unit that has sat for a year or so (which is still new) and buy that. I was interested in a 2012 ACE that was new, had like 5000 miles on it and the dealer was hot to sell it. Price was about 1/2 of new. Didn't buy it because I didn't want a payment.

Follow up. I just saw on Craigslist, a 2008 low end unit that could be bought for $30,000 with 25,000 miles. While that looks like $30,000 off new or $5-6K per year what about the near future costs? New tires, brakes, age of appliances, etc. These will all add cost in the near future. Buying new and selling before these repairs arise, saves the hassle of doing them.

Hi,

I would look for a unit no older than five years old. I'd put the difference in the purchase price into a repair fund. If you find a quality used unit a ten year life span (making the unit 15 years old) is quite possible.

Don't buy a unit that has indications of water damage.