Anyone Purchase an RV Used instead of New?

[drmopar]

Another post on this forum asked about new, rather than used. Pre-owned? I see some really great pricing on very lightly used RV's. Actually, looking at a unit that was pre-owned would show leaks, damage, and how it was holding up after some miles. I think this is a great way to see how a RV was built and taken care of. I see these nice RV's stored in a enclosed building since new, and after talking to some of these RV owners, you could tell they protected since new, but now only use it 1-2 a year. I looked at new but reading the stories here about new RV's spending most of the first year in the shop for repairs, I found a very nice pre-owned RV. Please post your experience with new or used.

[jplante4]

You can get a lot more RV for less money if you buy used. You can also get a lot more problems. It helps to be handy.

[doxiemom11]

We purchased a high quality 10 yr old motorhome, 7 yrs full-time now and we still love it. Have had few problems. Mostly maintenence things you would expect.

[Nutinelse2do]

Never bought a new rv, and never will. Let someone else take the depreciation, and have the problems fixed that come with a new coach. No thank you.

[d3500ram]

I got lucky on mine- it was a previously owned (used) but repossessed camper that was never used (brand new condition.) Still had all the stickers on the appliances and plastic on the mattress... propane tanks had never been filled.

Got it 2 year after the model year (a 2008 model bought in 2010) for half the actual price (not MSRP) of what a new one with same features and options would have been.

I know my situation might be rare, but it can be done. I had researched what I wanted and knew from experience having owned 3 TC's previously exactly what my needs were. The opportunity came up and I had cash when the opportunity presented itself.

[Lwiddis]

My current TT was perfect when I bought it two years ago and is still great. Yes, there are stories but you hear very few stories from those of us that are not having issues. Everyday maintenance? Yes....its a box bouncing down the road...pavement and dirt. So, new or used? For me, new.

[ScottG]

It really depends on how they were cared for.
We traded in a super nice TT that had thousands of dollars worth of upgrades and was cared for without regard for cost. It looked like new when I dropped it off at the dealer.
I would look for signs of leaks and pass on any of those. Also look for signs that things were kept up with. If little plastic things (covers and such) are broken and never replaced, it's a sign repairs weren't kept up with.
A new trailer makes sense (to us) if your going to keep it a long time and use it a lot.