"Don't Buy New"

Buy new. I always buy used and need as many used rigs on the market as possible.

The reason to buy used when you are first starting into RVing is you do not know what you really want in an RV.

You may find you like to move each day so a motorhome is a better choice than a 5er or you may like staying put for months at at time and so a 5er is a better option. Maybe you want to boonedock and need a generator or Toyhauler, or bunk house, or prefer resort camping and want a luxury unit with great graphics.

The point is that when you are starting you may think you know what you need or want but as time goes by you change your mind. Buying used to begin with allows you to try it without taking a big financial hit or being upside down on a loan and stuck with a unit that does not work well for your type of RVing.

jplante4 wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
I buy new. I like new stuff. I like the way new smells, I like that I am the only one to have slept in my bed. I like that we are the only ones to use the NEW bathroom. I like that IF any thing happens to it. that is mine too.

Buying used. you never know HOW it was treated, and abused.

I buy used then buy a new mattress. Way cheaper.

Maybe, maybe not. On your second hand RV. How was the roof cared for? Was it properly waxed? Did it come with new tires? Were the hubs greased regularly? Were the tanks cleaned correctly after each use? Is the interior in perfect condition? Meaning NO loose threads, no worn fabric, all blinds, and shades in new condition? Is the plastic still on the front of the microwave, and TV? Was it ever cooked in? are there any scratches on the exterior, and dull spots, is the top clean, and white, are the decales in new condition? No cracks, no peeling? Were there any scratches, or stains in the storage areas, or pass thrus? Any rust on the tongue, or bumper? None on mine. Did you have to sanitize your plumbing? I didn't

And then there is the smell. How does it smell? A little musty maybe? All, or most all used campers / RVs / TTs / 5ers, smell a little musty, have that closed up smell. My new one smells .. Well new. No musty smell, only the new smell.

Next thing to question. how often do you buy? I kept my last TT 9 years, and I have had this one 3. Buy new, and you don't have to buy as often. This one will get me thru retirement. Unless I just want to (and I might) I will not have to ever buy another camper. Why? This one is still like new. Because I bought it new, and take care of it like it is still new. Should I ever buy another. It will be new as well. I like new stuff. It lasts longer.

Terryallan wrote:
I buy new. I like new stuff. I like the way new smells, I like that I am the only one to have slept in my bed. I like that we are the only ones to use the NEW bathroom. I like that IF any thing happens to it. that is mine too.

Buying used. you never know HOW it was treated, and abused.

I buy used then buy a new mattress. Way cheaper.

BB_TX wrote:
We bought new last time and will again. Depreciation? Yeah, but we have had the current one 7 yrs so depreciation is not such an issue as for someone who only keeps one 2-3 yrs. And we can shop for exactly what we want rather than for what we can find that may be close to what we want.

We are on our second fifth wheel. The first one, we used for 7 1/2 seasons and when we traded it in we got nearly 50% of what we paid for it, which is more than we thought we would get. I don't really think that is too steep depreciation.

As for depreciation. I don't buy to sell. when I buy something. What I can get for it when I trade, or sell it. Is the very LAST thing on my mind. I buy to suit ME. It's my money, It's MY RV.
No matter what you think. New is just so much better than used for a million reasons. Biggest, and most important reason. DW will NOT allow a used camper to be brought here. She has had to settle for someone else's cast offs for too long. Now she wants what she wants, and doesn't want hand me downs.

IF you have never bought new. If all you have ever had was second hand. You would not understand. The new smell, The knowledge that you are the only one to use the stove, the microwave, the bed, the awning, the shower. The fact that you don't have to worry if every thing works or not. It will, or it will be fixed.

Oh and that deprecation. Make a good deal, and you can sell it for real close to what you paid for it. Mine is valued right now for my buying price

We have bought RV's both new and used. Right now we are shopping for a 5th Wheel, preferably a few years old. However, what I am finding is that there are of course lots and lots of new units on the market, but few used fifth wheels just a few years old. Most used fifth wheels are approx. 2007 or older, and we won't buy one that old.

I believe what I'm seeing is that most folks keep 5th wheels for 7 or 8 years or longer. The market in the year range I am interested in is very thin. And even when I do find one 1 to 3 years old, sometimes I find that I could buy a new one of the same model for the ridiculous prices asked for the "slightly used" ones. I may end up buying new by default.

Our next unit will be a new Newmar. I don't lose sleep over depreciation, especially if I plan to keep it a while. I do understand the rational for buying used as you can find more coach for less money, and many of the issues with a new coach have been corrected. But having bought nothing but used in the past, there are plenty of issues with them as well. Theses beasts have and will always have mechanical problems, water intrusion issues, appliances that need to be tweaked or replaced, sealants that need to be redone. Buy what you feel comfortable with.

The depreciation on new RVs is quite steep, which is one good reason to at least consider buying used.

I think the advice to avoid buying new is especially aimed at people who are new to RVing and, as such, don't really understand yet what they want and need. Some requirements and wants are rather obvious and straightforward (for instance, if you're camping with your family, you need enough sleeping spots for everyone), but many things are only discovered by experience, no matter how thorough one may be in initial research. It's far more sensible from a financial point of view to gain that experience with a less expensive used RV than with a brand new one. Quite possibly, that new one would either end up being sold fairly soon—at a substantial loss—or else you'll end up living with something that isn't anywhere near ideal for your use.

GMandJM wrote:


Buy what makes sense for you.

X2

I'll be buying new because the only person in this household who knows any way around a tool box is me. And there are limits to my knowledge and I accept that.
And the unit I'll be buying comes w/ a 2 year warranty which is prolly as long as I'll keep the RV. And my depreciation loss will be less than the norm.

Do what works for you just make sure your eyes are open.