Considerations for Buying a Used RV
There are many reasons to choose buying a used RV over a new RV. They’re less expensive, there’s less depreciation over time and upgrades may already be done. However, buying a used RV can be risky. You’ll need to do a careful inspection and think about what you want before you buy to ensure this “new to you” RV is a good investment that you can camp in for years to come.
What to Think About When Buying a Used RV
Find Out What You Can Afford
The first step to buying a new or used camper is to figure out what you can afford. Whether you’re paying in cash or choosing to finance, your budget will help narrow down your search. Deciding what you can spend is an essential first step. If you’re not sure where to start, try a quick online search to get an idea of what used RVs that would work for you are selling for.
Determine the Features and Specs You Want
Once you know what you can afford, you need to determine what features and specs you want and need. Think about the number of people that will be camping with you, which reflects how many people the RV should sleep. Research different brands and models. If you find an RV you’re interested in, you should check online if that model or year had any factory issues or recalls. For example, some trailer models from a certain year might have notoriously leaky roofs or stuck slideouts.
Next, think about the size and weight you want. Smaller campers are best for off-roading, and toy haulers are great if you want to bring equipment along on your camping trips. Find out how much weight the tow vehicle you plan to use can handle.
Of course, if you have any questions on what features you want, the staff at Juniata Valley RV is happy to help. Talk to us about who’s coming camping with you and what your camping lifestyle looks like. We’ll point you in the right direction!
Research Comparable RVs for Sale
The next step is to research RVs that are similar to the one you’re looking for or the one you’re interested in. Search for that RV online or on a classifieds site like RVUSA, and even Facebook Marketplace. These websites will show you RVs for sale all over the US and what they cost.
You can also search the make, model and year of the RV you want on NADA Guides for RVs. NADA will give you an estimate of that RV’s fair market value, similar to Kelley Blue Book for cars. These prices are often used by dealerships and lenders to determine an RV’s value. Keep in mind, this is a basic estimated value. Aspects of the RV like the condition impact the value.
Check the RV History
This step isn’t as important as the others, but is definitely a good idea. For about $25 you can buy a vehicle history report from the RVchex website. You have to enter the RV’s VIN (vehicle identification number) to get the report. These reports may include information on whether the RV has ever been damaged, rebuilt or stolen. It will also provide information about manufacturer specifications and any recall notices.
Ask Questions!
Don’t be afraid to ask the current owner or the dealership plenty of questions about the used RV you’re interested in. Ask about the condition, history, title, warranties, repairs and maintenance records. Ask why the RV was sold to the dealership, or why the current owner is selling it. If you buy from a dealership, it’s a good idea to ask about the post-buying process and RV service going forward.
Take Your Time
Buying a used RV is different from buying new because there’s often only one of each available. If you miss out on a new RV, you can order another one from the manufacturer. You can also customize new RVs from many manufacturers to fit your tastes. This isn’t the case with used RVs. When you choose to shop used, you’re limited to only what is on the market at the moment.
Often times, you can search used RVs from dealerships and individual sellers for weeks and not find anything that fits your wants and needs. This is where time and patience come into play. Rather than purchase something you aren’t completely sure about, take time to watch what comes up for sale. Wait for the RV that will truly make you happy. It’s the only one that’s worth it!
When buying a used RV, you should find a dealership you can trust. Juniata Valley RV is one of the best used RV dealers in Pennsylvania. We have tons of used and new towable RVs and motorhomes on the lot! We also accept trade ins when you’re ready to upgrade your RV.
Ready to shop used RVs for sale? Browse our full used RV inventory online. You can filter your search to see only the units you’re interested in and let us know when you’re ready to come take a tour. Don’t see what you want today? Check back later! Our new and used RV inventory is always changing.
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