I'm considering buying a small travel trailer to pull behind our Honda Ridgeline. I've never traveled by RV...ever in my almost 49 years. I've read often that for a first timer, it's best to buy used. I almost always buy used with cars, so it was logical. However, I'm not finding that much of a price difference.One example: an rpod rp177 is $14k locally for a new 2014, and the few I've seen used seem to run $10k to $13k for a 2010, for example. I've seen similar relatively small differences on a few other models. I realize the used models might have more equipment than a basic, new model. But personally, I'd buy new if I'm only saving a couple thousand dollars by buying a few years older. Am I missing something?I am in the VERY early stages, just researching. I'll visit a couple of dealers this weekend - I haven't even checked out any rigs in person yet.

I saw the same thing when I was shopping for a used TT. I think that the problem is twofold. First I had done my research and gotten a quote from a low priced dealer for a new one and many people had purchased at near MSRP. Second the TT's were financed with little down and the used price was set at the loan value, even though they were upside down on value.Keep looking. There are reasonable priced used rigs out there.

If buying used then get a good inspection and I recommend one that was stored indoors or under cover.

Seems like the wrong time of year to be looking for bargains...since you're in the early planning stages, you should see prices go down by fall/winter.

I was thinking this isn't the best time of year to shop - perhaps in the fall is better?I'll keep looking. I'll have a better feel for which models I'm looking at once I've visited a couple of dealers. I'm quite limited with the Ridgeline.

The real difference is when you're selling and buying new.To sell your camper, that you originally paid $25,000 3 years ago, the dealer will buy it for trade in from you for $12,000, and then turn around and sell it for $19,000.The new one you're looking at will now cost $22,000. Not much difference in the purchase price, but a BIG difference when you go to sell!Now you purchase that $19,000 used trailer, and sell it in 3 years, and the dealer will buy it back again for $8,000, but will turn around around and sell it again for $15,000. And it goes on and on.If the margin is that close, you're probably better off buying new. But if everyone bought new and never bought used, dealers would have nothing but overstock of used and the buying price for the dealer would REALLY drop down, leaving the seller with nothing at the end.

Shopping for first TT...not seeing used that much cheaper

CKNSLS
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
msgross wrote:
If buying used then get a good inspection and I recommend one that was stored indoors or under cover.

The vast majority of rig are stored outdoors....If one is cleaned and waxed regularly most folks couldn't tell the difference.

Even MOST DEALERS store outdoors.
CKNSLS
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
msgross wrote:
If buying used then get a good inspection and I recommend one that was stored indoors or under cover.

The vast majority of rig are stored outdoors....If one is cleaned and waxed regularly most folks couldn't tell the difference.

Even MOST DEALERS store outdoors.
BubbaChris
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
Another thing to watch for is the Model Year. Many TT manufacturers are calling the current builds 2015 models. If you find a dealer with a 2014, he's got a lot more wiggle room for coming down on price.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
emelvee wrote:
The impatient me doesn't like having to wait until at least fall.

That's the "you" that prices are based on this time of year...;)
emelvee
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
The impatient me doesn't like having to wait until at least fall. The accountant me wants to save as much money as possible. :)

After this weekend, I'm hoping to at least have a shorter list of models I'll be considering. I'll whittle down my spreadsheet...yes, I have one of those for comparing models.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
emelvee wrote:
But personally, I'd buy new if I'm only saving a couple thousand dollars by buying a few years older. Am I missing something?

I certainly agree. and people selling used ones are frequently upside down and can't sell it for what it is truly worth.
bumpy
camp-n-family
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
Seems like the wrong time of year to be looking for bargains...since you're in the early planning stages, you should see prices go down by fall/winter.

^This. Best deals on used stuff is in the fall, end of season. People had their fun and don't want to store them.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
The real difference is when you're selling and buying new.

To sell your camper, that you originally paid $25,000 3 years ago, the dealer will buy it for trade in from you for $12,000, and then turn around and sell it for $19,000.

The new one you're looking at will now cost $22,000. Not much difference in the purchase price, but a BIG difference when you go to sell!

Now you purchase that $19,000 used trailer, and sell it in 3 years, and the dealer will buy it back again for $8,000, but will turn around around and sell it again for $15,000. And it goes on and on.

If the margin is that close, you're probably better off buying new. But if everyone bought new and never bought used, dealers would have nothing but overstock of used and the buying price for the dealer would REALLY drop down, leaving the seller with nothing at the end.
emelvee
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
I was thinking this isn't the best time of year to shop - perhaps in the fall is better?

I'll keep looking. I'll have a better feel for which models I'm looking at once I've visited a couple of dealers. I'm quite limited with the Ridgeline.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014
Seems like the wrong time of year to be looking for bargains...since you're in the early planning stages, you should see prices go down by fall/winter.