We're about to spring for our first RV (a fifth wheel bunkhouse) and have found a 2015 used one that we like at a local dealer that lists for $30,500. I'm horrible at haggling. What should we aim for for a purchase price? Would we get more value if we pushed for stuff (e.g. add a washer/dryer or give us $xxxx credit in your store?) than if we just tried to get the price down? Our plan is to go in with $10,000 cash plus a preapproved loan.Thanks all! Really looking forward to joining the RV life. We've rented a couple of times and my grandparents (both sides) owned one growing up but this will be our first one of our own.

Before I even considered buying any used unit, first thing I'd do (before any negotiations) is look for water intrusion inside. Having said that, you need to know where to look and what to look for.That single item will determine if the asking price is good or if the seller is housing you.

SidecarFlip wrote:Before I even considered buying any used unit, first thing I'd do (before any negotiations) is look for water intrusion inside. Having said that, you need to know where to look and what to look for.That single item will determine if the asking price is good or if the seller is housing you.We didn't see water stains or anything obvious. Are there other things to look for? My wife is very sensitive to mold and she can generally tell when there's mold/mildew (her breathing constricts, etc). We're actually pulling the trigger now because we've lost everything in our house and are going to remediate and sell our house due to toxic mold. We figured we'll go full-time RV for a year and then settle back down (I can work my job remotely). The good news is that her health and our daughters are improving but we're stuck in an apartment at the moment.

SidecarFlip wrote:Before I even considered buying any used unit, first thing I'd do (before any negotiations) is look for water intrusion inside. Having said that, you need to know where to look and what to look for.That single item will determine if the asking price is good or if the seller is housing you.Excellent advice there ^^^^^^^^^^^Brand? Model?

Look inside all cabinets, check around all windows, look on the floors around the edges.You might want to look up on nada RV price guide, check places like rvtrader and ebay for prices on comparable trailers.

The first thing to do is some research on the particular make and model you are considering. Start with NADA guide for rvs which will give you some ballpark pricing: NADA. The next step is to search RV Trader for the particular model you are looking at, and this will give you nationwide pricing and maybe even local: RV Trader. Once you have an idea of what is a good price for the unit you are considering, then offer the dealer a low ball price, at least 25% below asking, but be prepared to walk out if he says no. This is a slow time of the year for rv sales, and there is a good chance they will call you back within a few days. As said above make sure you test all the appliances/systems/water lines/tanks etc. Finally, the dealer is not your friend, so do not worry about insulting him. Get the best deal for you and your family.

Haggling on used RV from dealer | Good Sam Community

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2017
great advice remember a sales person is NOT YOUR FRIEND, they want your money. and will lie to get it.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2017
Ralph Cramden wrote:
guidry wrote:
Low price is $28,000 and dealer lists it as $30,000. I'd bet he paid about $18-20,000 to the prior owner either in trade or cash. So, I'd start at $23,000 depending on what you find needing fixed or repaired. Good luck

I'd bet on that 18K to 20K also.

Mr. Cramden is right on. RV's as a rule, sell new for nowhere close to MSRP which is a pie in the sky figure anyway and, the depreciation curve on a new RV is pretty steep so I'd offer a low ball price as well.

We are in the off season anyway and most dealers want to move stale stock.

Get in there and do what I PM'd you about and if it passes muster, still offer a low price and see what happens. Dealers 'deal'. Thats what the business is all about.
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2017
guidry wrote:
Low price is $28,000 and dealer lists it as $30,000. I'd bet he paid about $18-20,000 to the prior owner either in trade or cash. So, I'd start at $23,000 depending on what you find needing fixed or repaired. Good luck

I'd bet on that 18K to 20K also.
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2017
bikendan wrote:
lacossarnold wrote:
bikendan wrote:
You need to also inspect the roof carefully.
Most common area for water intrusion.

Thanks, someone else PMed me info on tricks to check that. It does have a 12 year roof warranty on the EDPM roof. Is that good?

12 year roof warranty is only good for original owner, non-transferable.

"Is the Alpha Systems Roof warranty transferable to subsequent owners?

No. The warranty is only valid for the original owner who purchased the unit “new”."

Add to that even if the warranty is still in effect it does not cover sealants, adhesives, moldings, any resulting damage, or labor.....only the membrane itself which is almost the cheapest piece of the puzzle.

Most never take the time to read all the gobbilygook in that big folder or bag.
bikendan
Explorer
Nov 23, 2017
lacossarnold wrote:
bikendan wrote:
You need to also inspect the roof carefully.
Most common area for water intrusion.

Thanks, someone else PMed me info on tricks to check that. It does have a 12 year roof warranty on the EDPM roof. Is that good?

12 year roof warranty is only good for original owner, non-transferable.

"Is the Alpha Systems Roof warranty transferable to subsequent owners?

No. The warranty is only valid for the original owner who purchased the unit “new”."
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Nov 23, 2017
Just remeber, no one ever paid MSRP for an RV. Usually 30% less. So their used asking price should be 30% less than that. Meaning if their used asking price is based on the original MSRP then I would offer 30% less than that!

I’ve seen used RV’s going for almost as much as a new one.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Nov 22, 2017
Grit dog wrote:
Note, not all dealers will entertain your haggling. If they don’t, screw em and move on.
Case in point, went to impulse buy a car almost a year ago. Low balled them around $10k off sticker. They wouldn’t budge past the 3 or 4 They had it marked down.
It’s still sitting there and now $11k off advertised. When I get some time I’m going back .... at $15k off! See what they say.

Did the same with my last buggy but offered CASH. They balked, I headed for the door and viola, they changed their minds.

I hate payments anyway.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Nov 22, 2017
Note, not all dealers will entertain your haggling. If they don’t, screw em and move on.
Case in point, went to impulse buy a car almost a year ago. Low balled them around $10k off sticker. They wouldn’t budge past the 3 or 4 They had it marked down.
It’s still sitting there and now $11k off advertised. When I get some time I’m going back .... at $15k off! See what they say.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Nov 22, 2017
old guy wrote:
I used to sell tt'ers. ask 25% less his asking price and settle for 10% if the haggling goes the distance. also ask for a 10 to 15% discount in the store, if he wants to sell you a TT he will give a store discount. my brother in law is great at haggling, he goes in prepared to know what the car or TT is worth and gives a price. gives him name and number and in about a week he gets a call for him to come in and get his car or tt

Might be the first on topic response! Lol
Agree with above. Don’t act excited about it like you have to have it. Don’t tell them
Your story or they’ll think you’re desperate and have you hooked.
Look at the the comparables like you have and go in at at least $5k below asking price and see where they’ll settle at.
lacossarnold
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
bikendan wrote:
You need to also inspect the roof carefully.
Most common area for water intrusion.

Thanks, someone else PMed me info on tricks to check that. It does have a 12 year roof warranty on the EDPM roof. Is that good?

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