I was fortunate to find a great buy on a used DRV. It was a private sale and the previous owner was extremely obsessive with the care of it, so it was like new (it's a 2008). It actually came as a package deal with a gorgeous custom truck, also obsessed over. Total for both was $75K which was only $37.5 for each vehicle. I feel the value of both is way, way more than what we paid.

So the deals are out there - just have to be lucky to find them.  For us, I think it was being in the right place at the right time (we found out about this through Rolling Retreats).  Them, and RVs 4 Less have a large stock of new and used DRVs and both dealers come highly recommended on this forum.

Good luck!

I personally would not consider a Grand Design Solitude. The infrastructure not adequate for my likes. I would want 8k axles (assuming dual axles), 4k-up carrying capacity, solid wood cabinets, dual pane windows, fully ducted 2 acs, residential appliances as much as possible. Excel, DRV, Teton (2005 and earlier), Nuwa, Carriage Royal,

Let's do the math, an 7 or 8 year old higher end trailer is estimated to last, I believe, 12 to 15 years, the mid-level probably 8 to 10 years and the entry level 4 to 6 more or less.  From what I have seen, that pretty much works out correctly "in the field" as long as maintenance/care is equal.  We actually went entry level in our first TT because all appliances, systems, tires were all new and although it would take only the 4 to 6 years of heavy usage, I could afford to buy a couple of them over the used high end and wouldn't be replacing the tires, frig, water heater, etc.  If you get into motorhomes, because of the engine/chassis  becomes a different sort of calculation.

The RV lifestyle is just as diversified as the S/B.  We learn to live within our budget and adjust our desires accordingly and that isn't wrong or unacceptable in any way.  Right now, there are a lot of people that can't unload their high-end RVs and I'm guessing most are not paid off and continuing to just suck money out of the pockets of the owners who longer use them.

One needs to carefully consider whether they are dedicated to the lifestyle or just trying it out and take that into consideration.  I've seen the desperation of those that were older and upside down with no way out.  One unit mysteriously burned while the couple was out of town and I always wondered.  

Glenn,

I suspect Cathy is referring to "average" lifetime usage.  There will always be those that last longer and some shorter, depending on the care the RV receives.

Terry

Terry and Jo wrote:

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Glenn,

I suspect Cathy is referring to "average" lifetime usage.  There will always be those that last longer and some shorter, depending on the care the RV receives.

Terry

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 Terry:  Exactly!  We knew a couple in their 80's that were set up permanently in their 28' Holiday Rambler, old one when HR was a leader and built one of the best TTs.  They traveled with it, took care of it and then settled into the RV park on a nice little lot that they rented yet made it their own.  I think it must have easily been 20 and maybe 30 years old.  I have seen high end repos, less than 5 years old, totally trashed inside and out.  Inside they were filthy, long standing not just the kind you get from someone angry about the repossession and outside maintenance not done resulting in water leaks, insulation falling, etc. so many possibilities.

If we had the time and energy, we would definitely go vintage.  Love vintage.