Door #1 or Door #2

[martyn8677]

Ready to buy a camper and I'm down to two. Really struggling with this and thought I would ask for some feedback.

Both dealers are giving me the same exact amount for my trade in, so that is a wash. Both campers have the same options on them generally. I would be happy with either as an upgrade over my current camper.

Camper 1 is a 2009 Lance, 60 hours on the generator so lightly used, dealer certified. I prefer this floor plan of the two. I can buy it for $3,000 BELOW NADA Low Retail, but I have to travel 1,100 miles to pick it up.

Camper 2 is an 2012 Adventurer, literally looks brand new inside. 5 hours on the generator. I can buy this camper for $1,300 ABOVE NADA Low Retail, and only travel 300 miles to get it.

My out of pocket cost is $1,200 more for Camper 2 the Adventurer, but travel expense will be much less obviously.

Purely on numbers and like new condition, I would go with Camper 2. But I keep going back to Camper 1 being my preferred floor plan and NADA values Lance $3,000 - $4,000 higher than the Adventurer, though NADA does not take into account how new/unused the Adventurer is versus the Lance. It simply values both as used.

Haha, hope this isn't too confusing.

Thoughts?

[trailgranny50]

We couldn't find anything in Oklahoma, well a couple, but way beyond our budget, so opted for a really old but clean Shadow Cruiser hard side from a relative, in Colorado! Family visit and camper pick up. Had some known issues but not structural. Everything fixed now except the new toilet shower combo unit that we DIDN'T know we were going to need for sure but had a suspicion on. Finally found one affordable but 2-4 week delivery time. With that we're good to go. Fully functional just not all Shiney new. Sits us.

[Bob__B]

sonuvabug wrote:
Here's how we just bought our new-to-us used 2007 Adventurer. We did look at a lot of the other major brands before making our decision.

First, floor plan. We keep our things a long time (i.e. our daily driver 1996 Camry wagon) so having the right floor plan that works with our needs and wants was paramount. Resale is not an issue with us because of how long we keep the things we like.

Second, we wanted the best we could get for our budget. That meant a brand new, cheaper built unit or an older, quality built unit ... or something in between. In the end, I believe we settled for a better built unit (based on good, better, best) that was a bit older ... but certainly much newer than the 1993 Class C we just sold.

Third, I look at how well things are maintained/serviced and then overall wear and tear factor. A careless owner can trash a good unit in a year. Someone who respects their belongings can preserve their things for a long, long time. Ours was previously and originally owned by an 85 year old gentleman who took very good care of the unit.

Lastly, we had the dealer fix/recondition the unit to our satisfaction. This requirement was part of the negotiated price and terms. Then we had him give us a 90 day written warranty that covered all of the major systems and the minor delamination repairs he performed for us.

We would have loved to have purchased a gently used TC from the "best" brand/build list. However, given our reality boundaries, we're very happy with what we bought.

Also, be patient, there is always another one and a "better" one just around the corner. Good Luck.

I like your approach....I just replaced my 24 year old truck..and am thinking about replacing my 20 year old camper.
I haven't been able to narrow down to the floor plan I want yet.
I think I am going to have to go to some shows or big dealer and climb around in some.

[sonuvabug]

Here's how we just bought our new-to-us used 2007 Adventurer. We did look at a lot of the other major brands before making our decision.

First, floor plan. We keep our things a long time (i.e. our daily driver 1996 Camry wagon) so having the right floor plan that works with our needs and wants was paramount. Resale is not an issue with us because of how long we keep the things we like.

Second, we wanted the best we could get for our budget. That meant a brand new, cheaper built unit or an older, quality built unit ... or something in between. In the end, I believe we settled for a better built unit (based on good, better, best) that was a bit older ... but certainly much newer than the 1993 Class C we just sold.

Third, I look at how well things are maintained/serviced and then overall wear and tear factor. A careless owner can trash a good unit in a year. Someone who respects their belongings can preserve their things for a long, long time. Ours was previously and originally owned by an 85 year old gentleman who took very good care of the unit.

Lastly, we had the dealer fix/recondition the unit to our satisfaction. This requirement was part of the negotiated price and terms. Then we had him give us a 90 day written warranty that covered all of the major systems and the minor delamination repairs he performed for us.

We would have loved to have purchased a gently used TC from the "best" brand/build list. However, given our reality boundaries, we're very happy with what we bought.

Also, be patient, there is always another one and a "better" one just around the corner. Good Luck.

[billtex]

jimh425 wrote:
Not all TCs even from the same year, model, brand are created equal. You have to see the individual one and inspect it.

Exactly...you would be crazy to buy a TC without a thorough inspection. Either by yourself, or a qualified non-bias RV Tech if long distance...

Bill

[jimh406]

I know it might be counterintuitive to some, but dealers have markup but not usually personal attachment and for me are usually more willing to make a deal. Sure, exceptions exist.

Not all TCs even from the same year, model, brand are created equal. You have to see the individual one and inspect it.

[billtex]

I looked at a Lance in person a few weeks back and also a AF was not impressed with workmanship of the Lance (seemed cheap and plastic like)…I say Adventurer

[Royals_Fan]

I looked at an Adventurer in person a few weeks back and also a AF was not impressed with workmanship of the Adventurer (seemed cheap and plastic like)…I say Lance

[martyn8677]

Bigfootchevy wrote:
Door #1, having seen the Adventurer and it looks brand new inside is a major point.

Question: Why are you buying used from a dealer?

Paul

Would prefer not to but:

There aren't many campers for sale privately in Texas or even real close by that I am interested in.

Also, I have been unable to sell my current camper so need to trade it in.

[Mattyd]

You should be able to get the seller to provide you good quaility pictures and video of the Lance. This would be to determine if it is worth the flight/drive to go look at it. If it is clean as described and meets your expectations then you have your Lance. If it doesn't then you have a second choice...the Adventurer or keep looking.

[Bigfootchevy]

Door #1, having seen the Adventurer and it looks brand new inside is a major point.

Question: Why are you buying used from a dealer?

Paul

[monkey44]

Take your time, you'll own it for years, and enjoy it so much, you'll forget the headache finding it.

You're lucky you have so many choices - lots of guys on here have a hard time finding even ONE they want in and area they live.

[martyn8677]

Lol, since I originally posted this thread......there is now a Door #3 and Door #4. Haha. My head hurts.

Thanks for all of the responses.

[Super_Dave]

Marty,
Taking all the technical reasons given to pick one over the other, just don't let inconvenience make your decision.

[805gregg]

Get the Lance better resale when you decide to let it go, when you are on the road you will see 2 or 3 Lance camper to every other brand, there is a reason