Buying used

[Mstrlucky74]

Looking to buy a motor home for 3 people. Would only be traveling with it 3-4 times a year about a week at a time.

Is buying used not smart? What are the most reliable brands? Thank you very much

 

[Boat Bum]

You'll get many opinions, here's mine. Based on your planned usage definitely buy used unless money is no object. I narrowed my choices down to either a Newmar or Tiffin, I ultimately gave the edge to Newmar. I was only considering a Class A.

 

[Mstrlucky74]

Thank you. But I will be retiring in 6 years and traveling more. If I do buy new cochhouse seems nice but expensive. Any other brands a little less costly than Coach? If new I would finance something around $70k.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Looking to buy a motor home for 3 people. Would only be traveling with it 3-4 times a year about a week at a time.

Is buying used not smart? What are the most reliable brands? Thank you very much

Perhaps you might want to consider renting. That's not much usage and then you have storage when not in use to consider.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Consider 2020 model prices compared to new prices today. Subtract one price from the other. That is what you would leave on the table for 24 months of use if that was on 4 Trip lasting a month at a time for 6 years. Buying used now will stop much of that depreciation. I think it's better to start with something with warranty when you retire.

 

[TheLooks]

Consider 2020 model prices compared to new prices today. Subtract one price from the other. That is what you would leave on the table for 24 months of use if that was on 4 Trip lasting a month at a time for 6 years. Buying used now will stop much of that depreciation. I think it's better to start with something with warranty when you retire.

Warranty is not worth the paper it is printed on.

 

[osuallen]

Cochhouse?? Do you mean Coachmen? They are a lower tier manufacturer. If your budget is $70k, you are definitely looking at used - probably in the range of over 10-15 years old.

 

[TheLooks]

You are talking about Newmars and Tiffins. There are many motorhomes a lot less then that age for $70k.

 

[Mstrlucky74]

Thanks everyone. Newmars and Tiffany’s are solid?

 

[osuallen]

Thanks everyone. Newmars and Tiffany’s are solid?

Yes

 

[d23haynes57]

Looking to buy a motor home for 3 people. Would only be traveling with it 3-4 times a year about a week at a time.

Is buying used not smart? What are the most reliable brands? Thank you very much

For a first motorhome or any RV, trailer, do not buy new. You have no idea what you want, need, or even if this is a good lifestyle choice. I would offer that most folks go through up to 4 rigs before being where they want and then often life changes will make things move again.
Buying a motorhome, aquation is the easy part. Need to store, really should proper power installed for it, and Insurance and maintenance become large continuing costs, and these days if you use it bring a lot of money for fuel. Go exploring including making friends at campgrounds, join some groups, get some knowledge and feedback form other users. Renting makes a lot of sense. Consider your planned usage model especially climate, needing full self-contained, or planning RV parks and resorts with hook ups. Then also consider what you are comfortable with driving. Consider anyone else that will also need to drive it.
There is nothing wrong with buying a lower end model. Just understand the features, equipment differences and possible design quality differences. Even the better ones, they all have thier flaws.

 

[RobertE]

Good advice ^^.

We rented several times many years ago and it's a really good way to try out different models.

I used to say the best day was picking up the RV and the second best day was turning it back in.

But as far as new vs. old, I would not buy a new one simply b/c of the depreciation as Kevin said. The only upside is new appliances possibility of a warranty. OTOH the bugs have usually been worked out of a used one, I'm mainly thinking about water leaks.

We bought ours from a one owner couple. It was kept under cover which was a must for me, and was very well maintained. The guy was a retired Navy master chief.

 

[Boat Bum]

No one ever got fired for buying a Winnebago or Fleetwood.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Warranty is not worth the paper it is printed on.

Ouch!
Back to buying used.

With the track record/warranty hit list!

200 per hour tech calls!

Expense and time traveling to some form of mother ship, or whatever you want to call ground zero.

Warranty is not an option when we understand the customer is expected to serve as inspector.

This thread has become nessisary research for any serious future RV owner.

Would I even consider new?

Honest answer? No! I'll give the rig some time for the inspector to give up on it! Then it might be Worth owning.

 

[Mstrlucky74]

Thank you very much for all the advice. Are there any other rental companies out there besides cruise America? Thanks