First of all let me say that the two models are not the same. My wife and I are trying to decide between a used 2018 Winnebago vs a new 2018 Thor model that are very similar. The Winnebago costs a little more but seems to be slightly better (tank size, storage capacity, minor other differences). The dealer gave us a very good price on a new model hence the consideration, we weren't considering new at all due to depreciation, so the dealer basically said he'd take the hit on the price! We are trying to decide if we want the new warranty over the slightly better Winnebago that has a layout that we prefer slightly more. Either one would work for us, just trying to decide! What would you do?

Thor is not known for quality, Winnebago is. No brainer.

I've only owned 1 Winnebago, it was new and it was pretty good in terms of what we expected in the coach amenities and we liked the simple functional layout. The chassis was the part we didn't like. It wasn't because of the quality of the motorhome or chassis, but more that we simply bought the wrong chassis type/model under the coach we liked. We have another new Winnebago on order, and should be picking it up in a week or so. We're hoping the coach amenities and the different type of chassis will be the answer to our overall requirements. So, Winnebago for us. No question. We looked at Thor stuff that was similar, but there as always something that wasn't quite right with them, so we turned towards Winnebago in the end.

Given these options, I also would likely opt for the Winnebago: you prefer its layout and features, and Winnebago has at least the reputation of being a better maker in general than Thor. Winnebago does provide some good documentation and support for maintenance and repair (wiring diagrams and the like) that most other makers don't make available.

:) Hi, I would just make sure that the motorhome year and the chassis year are the same. I looked at a Winnebago class "B" that was a 2018 motorhome with a 2017 chassis. The 2018 chassis had several improvements. I want them to be the same year model.

For me the roof is the biggest deciding factor; pretty sure even the most basic Winnie comes with a Fiberglass roof while my quick check of a couple Thor's showed a TPO Roof. I've had our Winnebago for over 10 years and have had no major issues. That said that was 10 years ago and things change. The other plus to Winnebago is they have their online access to floorplans; plumbing and other plans all online and available to download if you ever need them.

Which option would you choose? New 2018 vs used 2018?

20 Replies

ron_dittmer
Explorer III
Mar 17, 2018
nosebreaker wrote:
There are lots of used 2018's available, I'm looking nationwide.
Good for you! Don't limit yourself to your own area.
nosebreaker
Explorer
Mar 16, 2018
OH48Lt wrote:
My question is "why is a 2018 USED Winny available?" What's wrong with it? Perhaps the first owner bought it and a death or some such life-altering situation occurred, and the owner was no longer interested in owning it, and sold it back to the dealer cheap. Or, somebody bought it on time and didn't make a payment. Or, it had issues and the owner traded it for something else, Or it was in a flood. Or, or, or.....

I'd want to know why the dealer has the RV.

There are lots of used 2018's available, I'm looking nationwide.
ron_dittmer
Explorer III
Mar 16, 2018
I am not a lover of rentals. People will disagree saying the fleet takes care of it's rentals. I say, they take care of what they find. It is what didn't completely break yet, or what the fleet didn't find, or found and fixed to sell that worries me. People who rent motor homes don't know how to drive them. They hit things all the time.

You did not mention the model of the Thor or Winnie. Knowing the specific model of each would help to provide a better opinion. As a general rule Winnebago is a much better choice than a Thor. But you heard that already X12. I personally would be looking on Craigslist for a one owner, relatively new-ish Winnebago or better, and pay for a thorough inspection.
awesomeman
Explorer
Mar 16, 2018
Do your homework. I bought mine brand new and the my Minnie Winnie 22m was only like three grand more than the comparable Thor I walked into them back to back. It was an easy choice for the winnie. Just walking in you can tell quality is better
OH48Lt
Explorer
Mar 16, 2018
My question is "why is a 2018 USED Winny available?" What's wrong with it? Perhaps the first owner bought it and a death or some such life-altering situation occurred, and the owner was no longer interested in owning it, and sold it back to the dealer cheap. Or, somebody bought it on time and didn't make a payment. Or, it had issues and the owner traded it for something else, Or it was in a flood. Or, or, or.....

I'd want to know why the dealer has the RV.

Thor is out of the question.
dicknellen
Explorer II
Mar 16, 2018
What is the mileage on the Winnie? Also what model & size are both? Any additional info you may want to give us. I'm a Winnebago fan. Dick
nosebreaker
Explorer
Mar 16, 2018
Wow ok, I had no idea Thor was so disliked! If it helps, I believe the Winnebago's we are considering were all rentals and not owned by single person.
Anonymous
Not applicable
Mar 16, 2018
Go with the Winnebago.

Don't let the deep discount on the Thor mislead you. I can tell you from personal experience dealers will discount Thor mohos a lot more than other brands. The salesperson told me Thor products have a lot more markup in the MSRP so that's why dealers can offer a larger discount.
Expyinflight
Explorer
Mar 16, 2018
Definitely go with the Winnebago.
MobileBasset
Explorer
Mar 16, 2018
I agree with previous posts. I love my Winnie and have had no problems in 4 years.
Also it seems the dealer is trying to unload that Thor.