We're also newbies and are researching our first TT. We're looking to buy used, and we noticed that the aluminum ones look (from the outside) much nicer than the fiberglass. Some of the aluminum looked like new, even though they were 10 - 15 years old. Whereas the fiberglass ones did not age as well. Now, some of it could be upkeep (covered in winter, etc.) but time and time again, the used aluminum ones we've looked at look in much better shape than the fiberglass.
We've decided though, that when we get our first TT, we're going to invest in a good cover for it in the off season.
