Ready to buy a camper and I'm down to two. Really struggling with this and thought I would ask for some feedback.Both dealers are giving me the same exact amount for my trade in, so that is a wash. Both campers have the same options on them generally. I would be happy with either as an upgrade over my current camper.Camper 1 is a 2009 Lance, 60 hours on the generator so lightly used, dealer certified. I prefer this floor plan of the two. I can buy it for $3,000 BELOW NADA Low Retail, but I have to travel 1,100 miles to pick it up.Camper 2 is an 2012 Adventurer, literally looks brand new inside. 5 hours on the generator. I can buy this camper for $1,300 ABOVE NADA Low Retail, and only travel 300 miles to get it.My out of pocket cost is $1,200 more for Camper 2 the Adventurer, but travel expense will be much less obviously.Purely on numbers and like new condition, I would go with Camper 2. But I keep going back to Camper 1 being my preferred floor plan and NADA values Lance $3,000 - $4,000 higher than the Adventurer, though NADA does not take into account how new/unused the Adventurer is versus the Lance. It simply values both as used.Haha, hope this isn't too confusing.Thoughts?

Well I'm beginning the same sort of dilemma! They are both nice campers! The way I look at it though is that in the LONG run the dollars/NADA prices, etc. you are talking about don't really matter if you get what you want in the first place and plan to keep it for a while. Of course it's not my $$ either and I don't mean that the $$ are not important! This is why I'm waiting for the "perfect" one to come along. If it were me I would go for the Lance if that's the floor plan, etc. you want. I would hate to be saying to myself months/years down the road.. "darn, I wish I had bought the one I really wanted instead of worrying about the NADA retail charts.." Best of luck in whatever you do! Don't forget photos! WE LOVE photos! :)Dak

Even if out of pocket expenses were exactly the same, folks generally say pick the floor plan you like the best. Does your wife look the same today as the day you got married? Okay, don't answer that. But my point is that the "new" look will soon deminish and you would have a less desireable floor plan. Get the one that you will love into old age. ;-)

Cash will be gone quick, floor plans last almost forever...

Pick the Lance ... Make a camping trip out of getting it, test it on the way home, and Lance dealers are all over the USA if you need parts or repairs.

Door #1 or Door #2 | Good Sam Community

monkey44
Nomad II
Aug 13, 2014
Take your time, you'll own it for years, and enjoy it so much, you'll forget the headache finding it.

You're lucky you have so many choices - lots of guys on here have a hard time finding even ONE they want in and area they live.
martyn8677
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
Lol, since I originally posted this thread......there is now a Door #3 and Door #4. Haha. My head hurts.

Thanks for all of the responses.
Super_Dave
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
Marty,
Taking all the technical reasons given to pick one over the other, just don't let inconvenience make your decision.
805gregg
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
Get the Lance better resale when you decide to let it go, when you are on the road you will see 2 or 3 Lance camper to every other brand, there is a reason
Sparky87k5
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
I would buy the Adventurer as I believe they have better quality construction methods. Being newer helps my decision too, and closer to inspect helps even more. When the time comes to sell it, 3 years newer will help some there too.
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2014
Your post was well-stated.
And the replies equally balanced.

I'm like yourself; a numbers guy.
And would take #2 Adventurer for the following reason:
Floor plan is more important - but "newer" does have more value and will show up in resale or insurance replacement.

(Plus, "newer" has another hidden feature due to the recent recession. Many lost their jobs. . .the best stayed on or were snatched up by other companies. A newer camper is statistically more likely to have been built by someone who cares.)

So they are of equal value in my decision tree.
I'd go with the numbers.
MN_Ben
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
If you do go see the Lance, and you end up wanting to purchase it, I would make sure it is ready to take home with you. When I purchased mine, the dealer wanted a day to make sure it was all ready to go, I suppose if he had found something, he may have to order a part. I went back the following week to get the walk through with the lead Tech service guy. I guess what I am saying is, you probably dont want to make the trip twice. Ensure the overhead clears the cab and oh yeah, Lance has its own 5 way plug. I brought mine home using magnetic trailer tow lights..... taped to the aluminum bumper.
Good luck.
Reality_Check
Nomad II
Aug 13, 2014
billtex wrote:
I'm w/bedlam on this one...

I also would not buy ANY camper I have not seen/inspected in person.

Good luck.

Bill

whizbang wrote:
Have you seen either camper in person yet?

Don't decide or buy until you do.

martyn8677 wrote:
I have seen the Adventurer. Looks brand new inside. I would not be able to see the Lance before making the trip. That, as much as anything, has me leaning toward the Adventurer.

In agreement... gotta see it. Our last one, I had a couple of phone calls with the seller (broker) and then set up a quick trip down to look. My comment to him was, if it's as you describe, as the pic's show, no problems, no bickering, I'll buy it. On the long distance buys, the seller has to be as confident that you're not a flake as you are that the item is basically as described.

I flew down one evening, checked it out, paid for it the next morning and flew home. Entire trip including my travel time to the airport was 17 hrs including my sleep. Well worth it. 2 1/2 hour flight each way too.

Got miles? makes it a bit more affordable.
3_tons
Explorer III
Aug 13, 2014
martyn8677 wrote:
I have seen the Adventurer. Looks brand new inside. I would not be able to see the Lance before making the trip. That, as much as anything, has me leaning toward the Adventurer.

This is where I'd place my money...The old adage, "You get what you pay for" is typically the case. JMO.
martyn8677
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
I have seen the Adventurer. Looks brand new inside. I would not be able to see the Lance before making the trip. That, as much as anything, has me leaning toward the Adventurer.

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