Cost of a motor home; any class
3 years ago we went from a small 5th wheel to a 2002 Class C 30 footer with 2 slides for $23000. We knew it could be expensive to maintain but now looking back on the 3 years I feel I have to caution ...
Forum Discussion
If you buy an older motorhome for say $10K and need to spend $1800 on new tires, plus $500 on brakes and another $1000 on other stuff to get it safe to drive and usable for camping, you have invested $12,500 and have had some delay in getting started. It is likely that the roof AC, fridge, dash AC, awning, furnace, RV generator and converter/charger and house batter(s) and fresh water pump will need repairs/replacements during the first couple of years of ownership, (around $6K more.) Your basic investment is around $18,500 and you have had significant down time while having repairs and replacements done.
Your motorhome is now a few years older and it's market value may still be only around $10K or less depending on interior and exterior appearance and local market conditions. You may feel compelled to keep the rig and get your money's worth out of it despite wanting something newer, different length and floor plan, etc. You might say that you have had enough use and enjoyment of your older rig while you were a young family versus saving up and buying a much newer rig later for a lot more money. Just something to think about when considering buying an older rig vs a newer rig or buying a new rig with financing. Your actual experience may vary considerably.
Your motorhome is now a few years older and it's market value may still be only around $10K or less depending on interior and exterior appearance and local market conditions. You may feel compelled to keep the rig and get your money's worth out of it despite wanting something newer, different length and floor plan, etc. You might say that you have had enough use and enjoyment of your older rig while you were a young family versus saving up and buying a much newer rig later for a lot more money. Just something to think about when considering buying an older rig vs a newer rig or buying a new rig with financing. Your actual experience may vary considerably.
