For any family that loves a holiday in the form of a good old roadtrip, an RV is one of the biggest game changers. It turns driving and exploring into a whole other experience where you can bond, see new sights and relax together in a comfortable place. The only thing is, an RV is expensive, especially when you decide to buy it brand new. According to Camper Report, an RV can cost anything from $10,000 to $300,000. That’s a lot of money, especially when you already have cars and so many other financial obligations. That doesn’t mean you and your family can’t get a dream RV to call take you on those memorable trips, there are other ways to own one.
This is where second-hand RVs come in, they give you the opportunity to own one at a fraction of the price, and you can get a really good deal. The only problem with second-hand stuff is, if you don’t take the right steps during the buying process, you could end up with something in a bad condition. This is all avoidable though, if you do your homework, you will take home something that feels as good as new. So what are some of the things you need to keep in mind when purchasing a second-hand RV? Here are some tips.
Don’t Rush
The process of finding your pre-owned RV should not be something you do in just one weekend. You actually need to take time to see what’s on the market, do your research and make the right choice.
Shop Around
Don’t just look at one RV and settle on it, look around the market, talk to different sellers and line up a list of options. Assess the pros and cons of each, test as many as you can and, then you can consider putting in an offer. Rushing leaves you highly prone to mishaps and missing very important details that can cause trouble later. Remember, this is a long-term investment and you have every right to take your time.
Talk to An Expert
You might not know everything about RVs and in such a situation, it’s wise to talk to someone who’s in the know. They will teach you the do’s and don’ts and the common mistakes to avoid. Some sellers will take advantage of your lack of knowledge, so conversations with an expert will arm you with the right information and help you negotiate better and even test it out properly. You can even ask the expert to come along with you if they can.
Know the History
You have to know as much as you can about the RV. This could range from any damage it incurred, the servicing history, insurance and warranty. This helps you know more about the condition it’s in, and know what you might need to do when you purchase it. But just because the RV doesn’t have a warranty doesn’t mean you can’t buy it. You can research on RV extended warranty companies in your area to find something that works for you after the purchase.
Don’t Be Cheap
Just because you’re buying second-hand, doesn’t mean you should go completely cheap. Operate under the assumption that anything super cheap is cheap for a good reason. If you try to cut corners on price, you might end up with a mistake that costs you a lot more money than you’d hoped. Repairs and fixes can be incredibly expensive. Be willing to pay a decent amount so that you can get something that’s actually good quality. Remember, it’s only a steal if it actually works well.
Look in the Right Place
Look for reputable places to buy your RV, not just any old car lot. You want to buy from people who have tested them, looked them over, and people you can go back to if something goes wrong. Private sales can also be great, but just make sure you can do your due diligence and make sure everything is above board. Don’t just do one Google search, look for what are considered the best dealers in your town.
Like an vehicle, buying a second-hand RV is a great way not to pay an arm and a leg for something, but unfortunately some people have been burnt in the process and found themselves stuck with an RV in very bad shape. This is very avoidable if you know what you’re doing. When you meet with owners, ask the right questions and do all the checks you need to. Ultimately, this will give you the piece of mind of paying for something great.
