Does it make sense to buy an “old” new rv? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Ohioken7 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Does it make sense to buy an “old” new rv?

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

On paper it could. Just spit-balling... but you could probably knock 30% off MSRP right off the top then maybe 8-10% per model after that. That's one side of the coin. On the flip side, those units have been baking in the sun on those dealer lots for a long time. They have been visited numerous times by prospective buyers. The tires have been sitting there "forever", the roof and everything on it has been exposed to all sorts of punishment without much attention (just a guess) compared to what some owners may typically do. The interiors have been virtual saunas... pretty sure there could be some issues with that, just sayin'.

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

If it's a reputable RV Dealer and has at least a 6 month warranty on all aspects of repairs or an offer of an extended warranty, I'd go for it! Look at the depreciation the minute yo own it and drive it off the lot, big savings on a year or two earlier model! Have them put new tires on and renew the roof before you agree to purchase the unit!

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

A dealer once told me when I asked why a 2 year old brand new RV was nearly the same cost of a brand new RV, he said " We've had carrying costs for two years on the 2 year old brand new RV (interest, overhead, cleaning, maintenance...etc). The new unit hasn't had any of that yet".... He was hoping someone will come along some day and fall in love with the 2 year old and pay the price.

LarryW21 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I go along with View's post.

arcaguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just something I ran into the other day. I was looking at two super Cs one a 2018 and one a 2017. MSRP about the same but the 2017 was 10% less than the 2018. As for the salesman that was talking about carrying costs etc. you can bet he wasn't he owner. The owner wants to get the cash and turn it into new inventory. Make and offer and then be willing to walk away. I've done this a few times for other things, motorcycles, cars, etc. and usually you get what you want. Just a heads up, even if you have cash you can sometimes get a better deal by financing the unit then paying it off in short order. The dealer gets money but selling the paper to the bank. Just my thoughts.

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

A thing is worth what a willing seller is willing to accept and a willing buyer is willing to pay. Notice the word "willing" in the previous sentence. A seller who is under severe financial pressure isn't exactly a willing seller. A "buyer" who makes a ridiculously low offer, hoping to "steal" the item, isn't really a willing buyer. A willing seller wants to sell the item, but at a fair price, and a willing buyer wants to buy, but at a fair price.

As has been pointed out above, an RV that has been sitting on a dealer's lot for a long time will suffer from that sitting. Yes, the dealer has had some costs in keeping it on the lot, but that's the dealer's problem, not yours. The tires, for example age out before they wear out. They may well be a year older than the RV, so that the two-year-old new RV has already used up half of the tires' life. That ought to be reflected in the price you pay.

Figure out what the RV is worth TO YOU and offer accordingly. If you like haggling, offer somewhat less and let the dealer talk you up to your price. If your time is valuable or you don't like haggling just make a take-it-or-leave-it offer. I've done it a couple of times.

Ohioken7 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for the thoughts. I learned another term “absent manufacturer” which means they went out of business, as the reason for some of these units. Presumably the dealer bought them from bankruptcy auction or some other distressed sale, but I could be wrong. Lack of service and parts would give me a reason to pass. Some others seem random leftovers from many manufacturers. I Will take your suggestions under consideration. By the way, I also see 2017 ram 3500’s brand new still for sale with 2019’s coming out. It’s been an eye opening experience at least.

arcaguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just something else to consider, if the manufacturer is still in business, is when does the warranty start and end. I would assume on purchase date but I might make sure, and I would also want it in writing. Just something else to consider.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ken,

With regards to manufacturers being out of business, that would certainly apply to the body and shell of the RV. However, many of the appliances and other "systems" within the rig may still be serviceable by the manufacturers of those systems and appliances. Even the "foundation" of the RV, that being frame, axles, suspension, wheels and tires, could still have some warranty, although maybe not on the frame. Even windows are likely made by another manufacturer and just put in.

I'd certainly discuss this pretty much with any dealers that are involved.

Terry

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

RV "manufacturers" ought to be called "assemblers" as they all buy the parts from someone else and assemble the collection. Yes, they do make the walls and floors, but that's about it. I think Newell still builds their own frames, but they get the suspension from ZF. Foretravel doesn't build their own frames anymore - they are now buying from Freightliner. Most towables come on frames from Lippert. You get the idea.

Since we bought a 20-year-old coach, we decided that it might be a good thing to buy a brand that is still in business. For something that is only a couple of years old that may not be an issue. About the only warranty issues that you would be left with would be the walls. Everything else comes from someone else and that company ought to stand behind their products. I say "ought" because the refrigerator manufacturer didn't actually install the refrigerator, so they may well say the installer caused the problem.

Again, about all you can do is decide what a particular coach is worth TO YOU and make an offer based on that. The dealer can either accept or reject your offer. If they reject it you can go somewhere else.

WilliamMichel · RV-Dreams Community Member

As per my views, if that old RV is not used much and is still in well-maintained condition, then you can surely head on to buy the RV. But first, make sure it will give you more durability. A friend of mine has too done the same thing, he has purchased an old RV last week and handed it over to the Florida Transporter (http://floridatransporter.com/) for the safe shipment of his RV to the target location. Or else try contacting some expert, who can give you even better advice regarding buying an old RV.

CJSX2fromCT · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pay an outside inspector to come in and do a FULL inspection on any rig you are buying, NEW or USED!