Buying used from a dealer

We bought a Coleman PU many moons ago that was new but had been sitting on the dealer's lot for a couple years. After a few trips and some eventual rain, it was evident the canvas was dry-rotted and leaked like a sieve. I took it back to the dealer, and since it was classified as a new PU, I was able to get them to replace the canvas free of charge. If it were a used PU, then I would have been out of luck. Obviously we don't have to worry about canvas in our TTs, but there are other features that would be similarly treated depending on whether it is new or used.

Regarding used TTs, the big issue you are going to have is availability of specific makes and models that fit your needs. When I bought our new TT this past summer, I generally knew which floorplan I wanted and what I was willing to spend, and the salesman was able to show us several models and manufacturers that fir the bill. When I asked about used TTs, he said there weren't any that would meet my requirements. And from what I saw on the lot, used TTs that were 2-3 years old weren't exactly cheap. It seemed you needed to go back in the 5-10 year old range to start seeing a big difference in price between new and used.

But my recommendation would be to determine your requirements and needs (as opposed to wants), and then start looking through inventory, both new and used.

Lowsuv wrote:
I have found that the best method for buying a used vehicle is to buy it from a private party .
by visiting the owner's home and observing how he takes care of his rolling stock is a better indicator than other methods .
plus with an RV there are careful owner's who have to abandon their well cared for rig due to failing health or age related issues .
the guy who has shined up his " for sale " vehicle but his pickup and car are in poor condition are good indications of actual usage .
be prepared to scour the ads daily and act quickly when a good deal shows up .
the best deals go to the first buyer that shows up .
the average rigs end up on a dealer's lot in many cases .
And may be represented as " cream puffs " in order to make the sale .

This is what I do too.

I've bought 2 new and 2 used trailers from dealers over the years. The 2 used ones were by far less troublesome than the new ones. Does that mean used ones have the bugs worked out?? Maybe but then maybe I was just lucky, you just need to be very thorough and closely inspect what ever you purchase.

Buying from a dealer will cost you more. No matter who you buy from insist on a working walk through prior to closing the deal. Check EVERYTHING. +I did this and saved thousands on problems unfound until the walk through. Doubt seller would be motivated to fix anything after the sale.

I have found that the best method for buying a used vehicle is to buy it from a private party .
by visiting the owner's home and observing how he takes care of his rolling stock is a better indicator than other methods .
plus with an RV there are careful owner's who have to abandon their well cared for rig due to failing health or age related issues .
the guy who has shined up his " for sale " vehicle but his pickup and car are in poor condition are good indications of actual usage .
be prepared to scour the ads daily and act quickly when a good deal shows up .
the best deals go to the first buyer that shows up .
the average rigs end up on a dealer's lot in many cases .
And may be represented as " cream puffs " in order to make the sale .

Lantley wrote:
If buying used it's always buyer beware.
Even an honest dealer may not know the true history of a unit they are selling.

I also think most reputable dealers would go thru and look for problems and fix them, or at least disclose them, prior to a sell. Most dealers are not KNOWINGLY going to accept a unit with problems that will cost them money. They will reduce the trade-in value to offset the cost of repairs

If buying used it's always buyer beware.
Even an honest dealer may not know the true history of a unit they are selling.

I looked at new and used.Ending up finding a great deal on a 2010.
Hardly used..i opted for the after market warranty for 2k since I got a great deal

If you have felt comfortable with the dealer you have dealt with before then go back to him.

There are good and bad in either way. We bought new from a dealer, love the trailer but will never go back to the dealer again. He was not totally honest. We would automatically think a dealer would be more honest.

I should say if I was buying used and the TT was in excellent shape, well looked after, then I would think that the owner would be very honest and show you everything you needed to know. The owner would obviously have been very proud of his toy if he looked after it.

I bought a used popup from a dealer.....I guess you may pay a bit more, but their techs go over them pretty good. They offered a 30 day warranty period, which I didnt need, but nice that it was there. They also spent some time with me on setup and tear down procedures, which helped as I had never owned one before. I tried to show the guy who bought it off me what to do, but he knew everything.....
The 5th wheel I have now, I bought privately...It was as is, where is....a bit of a fixer upper, but I knew that going in. No warranty on a private sale