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New or Old RVs: Which is the Smartest Option?

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Whenever one thinks about exploring the Great America Wild in style, one of the few things that come to mind is an RV. However, if you don’t own an RV and want to purchase one for your adventures, you’ll face a dilemma in choosing between buying a new or used vehicle. There are many factors to look into, including:

  • The size and model of the RV,
  • Intended use,
  • Engine type and fuel economy, 
  • Reliability,
  • Spare parts availability, 
  • Price,

Hence, you need to take your time to carefully consider the utility you need vis-à-vis your desires in an RV. Here are the main factors you should consider:

  • Motorhome Warranty

If you’ve decided to buy a new RV, the warranty provides peace of mind if problems arise. The manufacturer’s guarantee typically covers the RV for 1-2 years if something goes wrong.

When you buy new, you may add an extended warranty to cover any problems arising after the original warranty has expired.

A used RV is usually not covered by any form of warranty. You’re on your own the majority of the time. Some larger dealerships sell used RVs with a 30-day or 60-day guarantee.

If you buy a used RV and anything breaks a week later, you’re stuck with a large repair bill. Therefore, be weary of “buy my RV fast” adverts online to avoid overspending on repairs. With an additional payment, aftermarket extended warranties can also cover used RVs.

  • Spare Parts

Regardless of an RV’s luxury, it’s still prone to wear and tear like other machines. Therefore, when you’re scouting the market for a motorhome, you must ensure that you understand its common mechanical problems and know where to buy and fix them.

New RVs will take a while before they need a trip down to the mechanic for maintenance. However, new RV spare parts are more expensive because they’re scarce and offer better longevity; hence, they will cost you more for repairs, especially if it’s a luxury trim vehicle.

Older RVs are not necessarily cheaper to repair and maintain, but their spare parts cost less and are readily available because the vehicles have been around for a while. However, because of their extended usage, old RVs tend to wear relatively quicker than newer ones. As a result, you may spend less at the mechanic but make numerous trips to them.

To get value for your money when buying an old RV used, it’s critical to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for signs of water damage and other issues before signing anything. In addition, it would be best to bring a checklist or buying guide and, if possible, review the owner’s manual to see which systems may need maintenance soon.

  • Value of the RV

The most significant feature of an RV is its value. Several factors determine the value of an RV, including:

  • Resale value.
  • Fuel economy. 
  • Level of technology in the RV. 
  • Reliability. 
  • Depreciation rate. 

As a buyer, you ought to consider every aspect because most dealerships price their vehicles based on the numerous luxurious utilities inside the RV. Some RVs have good gas mileage and adequate living space but lack basic necessities making them unsuitable for long road trips.

Other motorhomes are stocked with the latest tech, which becomes obsolete to the occupants once the engine seizes, supplying the RV with electricity. Finally, some RVs are affordable but have high depreciation rates, and if you need to dispose of them, the vehicle may only fetch a few pennies on the dollar.

Conclusion

A new RV may be fun and techy, but you may also be served better by an older reliable model for a fraction of the price. Depending on what you need the RV for, make sure you know your options, especially the financing bit, to make a sound choice between a new or used RV.

The choice of an RV depends on what a buyer wants, be it for family vacations, rental businesses, or road trips. However, if they want value for their money, they must weigh many aspects, especially reliability and price, before buying a motorhome.

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