Forum Discussion

trey_a's avatar
trey_a
Explorer
May 05, 2016

Shopping for first motorhome, question about making offers.

Good evening everyone,

As I continue to shop for a used motorhome, I am wondering how much to offer. This is a general question, I do not have one in specific I am targeting here. I assume the higher the price, the more wiggle room there is. I'm talking about the $20k price range. For those of you that have sold something around this price in the past, what would you consider a reasonable offer.

I use NADA to get a general idea of pricing. Since I don't know much about what I'm doing, this gives me a general idea of where I should be.

I know it's hard to answer this without a specific vehicle in mind, so I'm just looking for general ideas.
Seeking Advice
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2016
    X2 there out there,siting in a garage just waiting to be found, take your time,don,t buy anything that shows ANY WATER DAMAGE.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    There is no simple rule.

    You need to determine the general value range for that specific brand and model MH. Then you need to determine its value to you.

    Keep in mind you are not buying an investment that will make a profit. You are buying a vehicle that will provide many non-tangible benefits to you and your family. Price accordingly.
  • OutdoorPhotogra's avatar
    OutdoorPhotogra
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    gbopp wrote:
    I don't know your experience with RV's but, check the age of the tires on any RV you are considering.

    RV tires usually age out before they wear out. Use the price of replacement tires in your negotiations.

    Take your time, don't be in a hurry to buy. You will find something that will fit your needs and budget.


    Great advice. You'll likely need to spend $2,000 on tires for an RV in that price range. Make sure you have the budget for such things. A blowout can be deadly. And nothing worse than buying the RV and not having budget left to use it.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    I don't know your experience with RV's but, check the age of the tires on any RV you are considering.

    RV tires usually age out before they wear out. Use the price of replacement tires in your negotiations.

    Take your time, don't be in a hurry to buy. You will find something that will fit your needs and budget.
  • HadEnough's avatar
    HadEnough
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    Every deal is different. You offer what you think a fair price is, knowing the market value of what you are buying. Just like anything.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    Not too much for sale in the price range you're talking about except older units that are well past their prime; you could end up with a lot of refurbishing and replacement costs. Good place to start to get an idea on values is on Craigslist and look for RV's being sold by private party. Then after you get a general idea of value and market prices, go take a look at several of the advertised units and go from there. This time of year, prices are generally higher, but something may show up that fits your budget and checks out just fine.

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