toedtoes wrote:
I can't answer your question, because it ends up being your personal take that makes the decision. However, I can tell you how I made my decision.
I consider tires, batteries, etc., to be a standard expense for any RV, so I didn't consider those costs into my considerations.
During the first year of ownership, I had several little things needing repair. Nothing over $500, but several things. At three years (having taken it out on about 10 trips per year), I blew the engine. At this point, I had to figure out my best option:
With the engine rebuild and new carburetor and all the prior delayed maintenance/upgrade expenses and the original cost and tires and batteries , I would be in about $20,000, so that is the amount I used for comparison.
A newer/new rig of similar size would run me $40-60K. I would likely have warranty issues that needed to be dealt with and I wouldn't be able to take it to my usual shop.
If I spent $20K on a used C, I would most likely have to deal with a lot of the delayed maintenance that I put into my clipper, including the tires and batteries.
So, looking at it strictly monetarily, while I obviously put in more than the RV is "worth", I have still paid a lot less than I would with any other purchase plan. And now, most of my delayed maintenance work has been completed, so those costs will decrease significantly.
Then I looked at it from a purely sentimental/personal taste point of view. I really LOVE my clipper. I love its style and looks, its layout, etc. I look at new RVs a lot and there isn't one I like 1/3 as much as I like my clipper.
So, I could spend a lot more money on an RV that I like a lot less. Or I could rebuild the engine and put in the new carburetor and have an RV I really love and still have put out less money than I would for any other option.
In the end, it was a no brainer for me. I kept my clipper, had the work done, and now I have a dependable and perfect RV for me. Sure something else could go wrong - but that can happen on ANY RV. And since I plan on keeping the clipper until I die, I don't care if I put in more than it's worth - all the money in the world couldn't give me a rig that is as perfect for me as the clipper is.
I suggest you look at costs to replace your current rig, consider how long you expect to keep the same RV, and how much you like you current RV's layout, etc., (and can you find a layout you like as much in a 0-4 year old rig). Those answers will help you decide what to do.
Well said. Note that I have gone through this same process and note that I drive a 41 year old coach. I have hired a lot of work done and have done more and more of it myself. But for what I have spent over 16 years in total, I could not buy a coach I would like better.
