Purchasing

RonWSl wrote:
I too am having the issue of pricing, both to sell my present RV and to purchase another used RV - I want to sell my 5th wheel and get a Class A DP. I can determine the NADA pricing for both the one I am interested in and for mine. My question is whether to include the options on used Rv'S in determining the NADA values or not as I have heard that after a few years options on a unit aren't considered. My second question is once the price is determined, that is low retail and high retail, what percentage of which figure to offer on the purchase or to accept on the sale. Any insight would be helpful, Thanks,
Ron S

You don't include so-called "options" that are actually standard.
Like oven, a/c, entertainment system, and so on.

Add value only for upgrades, like a larger a/c or slide toppers.

You should get between 22 percent - 30 percent off of list price for a new rig at a dealer. Used, I don't know.

If you want to know the value of your RV, your insurance agent should be able to tell you immediately. They have access to NADA and a host of other ways to determine the wholesale and resale value based on previous sales.

I too am having the issue of pricing, both to sell my present RV and to purchase another used RV - I want to sell my 5th wheel and get a Class A DP. I can determine the NADA pricing for both the one I am interested in and for mine. My question is whether to include the options on used Rv'S in determining the NADA values or not as I have heard that after a few years options on a unit aren't considered. My second question is once the price is determined, that is low retail and high retail, what percentage of which figure to offer on the purchase or to accept on the sale. Any insight would be helpful, Thanks,
Ron S

remember what a person ask,is not what they,d take barter on the one you like, and I like private owner sales better ,your talking to the owner, not a sales person trying to score a check. think about this,whats a sales person know about a used unit? heck they probably never been in side it.

The prices listed on RVT and RVTrader seem to be 20 percent high.

We've found that, here on the West Coast, we can get a new TT for what a good 2-5 year old used TT is being sold for.
Especially from a private party.

Effy wrote:
.... I always told my dealer that I would never have an issue driving a few hundred miles to save a few thousand....

On my last sailboat purchase, I drove 1200 miles each way to look at the one I wanted. That was the first trip. The second trip for for a Survey (inspection - head to toe. The third trip was to run the boat through the mill and make sure it was safe for a long crossing. The 4th trip was one way - sail the boat over 1000 miles from Tampa Bay. Fl. to Houston, Tx. To me it was worth it. Not for the savings, but because that is what I wanted.
Hope I don't have to do that with an RV.

Lwiddis wrote:
....... most private parties are unrealistic.

I have found that to be quite true with boats. From experience,I wouldn't even waste a phone call on FSBO.

New from a dealer you can expect 30-35% off MSRP. Once you find a unit you like, shop around - like all over the country (online of course) to see what the best deals are. RVDIRECT.com - if they have your unit, usually has prices about as close to the best deal you can get. Even if you don't buy from them it's a good benchmark to leverage against your local dealer. I always told my dealer that I would never have an issue driving a few hundred miles to save a few thousand. They usually come close.

Now on used, you just need to shop on line to see what other owners are selling the same unit for. A lot of folks are emotionally attached to their unit and have unrealistic expectations. But there is no hard and fast rule for discounts on used RV's. It becomes a dance of finding similar units in similar shape with similar miles as a guide. NADA can be helpful.