To buy or not to buy

[acut2660]

So we found a Class C that we like, at what we feel is a good deal. Now do we pull the trigger and make the purchase or should we wait for the winter/spring for a possibly better deal? The thought is with August coming around, how much more would we be able to use it. My wife also feels that we might be able to get a better deal during the winter. I am more of an impulse buyer and say we should, but it is our first RV, so would love to get some opinions.

For those who want to know it is a newer used Class C that is actually like new.

[Pops]

Good job and decision acut...Many of us will say, decide on "your" floor plan and then look for the deal. We decided on the floor plan that suited us and then waited until we found it and are so happy with what we have. You will be happy and ready when you find your baby. happy camping, pops

[acut2660]

I thank everyone for their opinions. We have decided to wait, because we have decided on a different model then the one we were gonna go with. We did a little more research and found a nicer floor plan that would work better with the kids. Of course it is a few bucks more, so we will will just bank some extra cash over the winter, something that we are actually pretty good at doing, and make the purchase for a spring delivery. Thanks again to everyone and the advice. Due to us not being hasty we wound up making a better decision.

[Sea_Dog]

If you have been to multiple private sellers and dealers,
you know by now what you want and how the prices run.

If You think this is the one, and the price is in the ballpark,
why wait?

After shopping for years, we finally found the one that we wanted,
bought it on the spot.
That was in the year 2000,
no regrets yet!

[dsomonster]

If this is a used unit and it is in "like new" condition, it may not be available in the winter. If it was a new unit and several different dealers had the same model, that is a different scenario altogether.

You are going to buy either way. If this is the unit you and DW agree upon, jump on it.

Just my $0.02.

-Ron in SoCal

[2oldman]

NCWriter wrote:
We just got back from a memorial service for a friend who retired with plenty of money, was doing some travel and then nine years ago at 63 got one of those diagnoses you never hope to hear. .

Yep. It's he who dies with the most toys wins.

[Jim_Shoe]

If you've done your homework and found what you like, go for it. Graveyards are full of people that were waiting until the "Perfect" deal came along. It never does.

[NCWriter]

Why not tell the dealer you honestly are wrestling with the decision and say you are inclined to wait. Maybe he'll do a little better?

If he can't, I vote in the Buy Now column and say plan some great fall trips, weekends if you still work, getting to know your new treasure and working out kinks. Autumn is a great time of year for RVing. Then you'll be ready to hit the road without delay next season.

We just got back from a memorial service for a friend who retired with plenty of money, was doing some travel and then nine years ago at 63 got one of those diagnoses you never hope to hear. Life changed for them in the blink of an eye. He never got to see Mt. Rushmore, and had grand kids he would have loved to take on family trips. He said he was living vicariously through us, and always signed his messages, Life is Good.

Life is also short. Go for it.

[2edgesword]

If you're happy with the RV and the price I'd go for it and enjoy the next few months of the season camping.

[overbrook]

acut2660 wrote:
So we found a Class C that we like, at what we feel is a good deal.

Most people who buy their first RV overpay because they either get emotionally involved, or don't understand the difference between RV asking prices and actually selling prices, or both.

When it comes to prices and good deals, you'll want to know that prices for the same RV can vary widely, depending on who is selling the RV and where they are located. Often, just by looking in states where there are lots of RVs for sale, you can save 20% to 40% on the same make and model as you would pay in states where RVs are in limited supply or prices of everything are higher.

And while price is important, the floor plan and overall condition of the RV are the two most important considerations. Unfortunately, if you've never owned an RV, you may not know what floor plan will work best for you.

If it were me, I wouldn't rush into it - without first viewing other used RVs on different dealer lots.

When you walk through an RV, try out the sleeping arrangements, stand in the shower, check the cabinets, and do all the above with the slides in. When you find one you like, do a test drive on the highway (not just around the block), to find out if the unit handles well.

When you find one you like, use eBay sold sales history to find out what similar units have sold for (not the asking price, but the closing price). That will give you what the market values of that particular model.

Whatever you do, be willing to walk away from any deal until you find the right floor plan and the right price.

Bill

[2oldman]

These are always tough questions because everyone's sense of value is different.

I wouldn't call myself an impulse buyer- I take my time and do my homework - but if I find the right unit I will have a hard time resisting the impulse to buy, even if the price is higher than I'd like. My needs and wants are more important than getting the best price I can get. Timing is always an issue too. Do I need it now, in a month, or a year from now?

There are those who are mostly interested in price, not necessarily getting what they really want. That doesn't work for me, ever.

The person who gets exactly what he wants at exactly the price he wants is probably pretty rare. People will not tell you the truth about what they actually paid for something.

The best deal I ever made was for my 5th wheel because I badgered the dealer for 18 months with incessant questions, and he made me an unrefusable offer to shut up and go away!

[acut2660]

I should clarify that my impulse here is to buy, because I like this RV and don't mind that the time of year. We have been doing our research and have been to multiplied dealers, and private sellers, to make sure we do our best to make the right purchase.
I appreciate everyone's opinion so far.

Thanks

[crickeydog]

acut2660 wrote:
I am more of an impulse buyer and say we should, but it is our first RV, so would love to get some opinions.

Impulse buying and RV's DO NOT go together. Good luck.

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)
255 days and a wake up!!!

[dahkota]

If it is a good price, chances are it won't be there when winter comes. And when winter comes, why not wait until spring? There may be a better deal then...

To be honest, I would jump on it. We bought our tt in January and if we had waited, we could have saved a couple of thousand $ when the spring sales came around. Of course, we wouldn't have been able to use it for those three months to go to the beach and to spring training. We camp 12 months of the year though.

[Ka_Ron]

Being that my wife and I love the RV Lifestyle....I would buy sooner (if you feel the deal is good) and start enjoying now.

Too many people wait until it is too late.
Life is short.