Buying New, but 2-3 Years Old Already

[thirtydaZe]

I'll just start by saying, i'm only looking, just like every year, this time of year, I think upgrade.

Anyhow I was searching outside the normal camper sales destinations and ran into a few 5vers i think we might actually like and deem acceptable, however they are models from 2014. They appear to me on the surface to be priced to move however.

Is this something i should quit looking at? I mean it already has the same amount of exterior weathering as any 2 year old model. When it's time to trade it's already 2 years older again.

What else should my concerns be? Problems with the model, a prior recall, 2 year old tires, leaky roof, i'm sure the list goes on.

Based on their website, rv's is something they dabble in, but also other outdoor activities. Maybe warranty, or service is something to be concerned about.

Just looking for thoughts. Thanks.

[kenzmad]

What about recaulking the unit? Did they do it? Some manufactures require that this be done annually to keep the warranty in place.

[dspencer]

Last February we bought a new left over 2013 for a great price which was literally a few short months till the 15's came out. I would do it again in a heartbeat for the right price.

[Me_Again]

So for the last two years NO ONE liked this model! There is a message in that! Chris

[3oaks]

poppin_fresh wrote:
I tried to make a deal on a new 2014 from my local dealer this spring. I threw them an aggressive, but not low ball offer, but they didn't bite or counter. They actually offered to order me a 2016 at an even lower price than they would go on the 2014. They claimed they were about to order a bunch of 16's so they could therefore pass along a large volume discount.

I didn't end up going with either one, but I thought it was odd they would choose to sit on the aging 2014 with a willing buyer.

I think you were smart. Something didn't smell right about that.;)

[myredracer]

Won't matter if you buy a 2 or 3 year old RV and never use it and keep it in covered climate controlled storage. Won't matter how much you spend on mods and upgrades. If you decide you want to buy another RV the following year, to a dealer on a trade-in, it's only worth the blue book value based on the model year. If selling privately, you're competing with all the other 2-3 year old units. You can take a huge hit if not careful.

Remember, a dealer only wants to sell you what makes them the most money at the time. Gotta do your due diligence and compare ALL the pros and cons.

[thirtydaZe]

Thanks for all the input. Some great points in here.

Also, thanks for the tip on the water system and it being winterized, that is an area i would have overlooked for sure.

I'll have to compile a list of items to check if we end up moving forward.

Thanks again, i'll keep you posted if we end up with any new toys!

[C-Bears]

Many new RV's can be purchased for 35% off MSRP. So if you are buying a 2014 new unit when 2016's are hitting the lots, then in reality once you sign the papers you own a 2 year old unit.

Say for example the MSRP of the 2014 fiver or TT was $80,000.
In 2014 you should have been able to buy that for between $52,000 and $54,000 plus tax.

If you buy it in late 2015 (making it 2 years old) it may only be worth $35,000 or $40,000.

I'm not saying it is a bad idea, you just have to keep in mind what it will actually be worth the minute you tow it off their lot.

[poppin_fresh]

I tried to make a deal on a new 2014 from my local dealer this spring. I threw them an aggressive, but not low ball offer, but they didn't bite or counter. They actually offered to order me a 2016 at an even lower price than they would go on the 2014. They claimed they were about to order a bunch of 16's so they could therefore pass along a large volume discount.

I didn't end up going with either one, but I thought it was odd they would choose to sit on the aging 2014 with a willing buyer.

[wannavolunteerF]

I bought one that was over a year old, but new and got the full warranty. One thing I did negotiate is a roof treatment, when it was convenient for me about six months later.

[BubbaChris]

One of the "something else category" is to ask if they've ever filled the fresh water tanks or hooked the units up to city water. If so and they didn't winterize you may have hidden plumbing damage.

I'd be tempted to treat it like a used unit and hire my own mobile RV tech to do an inspection. Could even ask for a pressure test to find any exterior leaks and make a determination based on where those are.

Maybe not if it was still eligible for a full factory warranty and you confirm where and how any warranty issues will be repaired.

[Beaker]

Considering you can get 30-35% off a new 2016 if you haggle and shop around, you should be able to get somewhere around 45-50% off the price of a comparable 2016 to make it a good deal

50% of a new one would not be enough of the new one is high retail.

[Dakota98]

Have the dealer price a 2016, having the same options as the 2014.

Based upon getting the 2016 @ about 30% off, then compare.

Just a thought

[Jayco-noslide]

Sounds like a bargain might be possible providing you get a really big discount of the original price so as to factor in the age. For all practical purposes these are used units economically.

[B_O__Plenty]

Considering you can get 30-35% off a new 2016 if you haggle and shop around, you should be able to get somewhere around 45-50% off the price of a comparable 2016 to make it a good deal...

B.O.