When it comes to buying an RV, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a new or used RV model. Both options have their own unique set of pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
Buying a New RV
Pros
- Latest Features: The most obvious advantage of buying a new RV is that it comes with the latest features and technology. You’ll enjoy modern amenities, cutting-edge design, and the latest safety features.
- Warranty Coverage: New RVs generally come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This can provide peace of mind as it can cover the cost of repairs needed due to manufacturing defects during the warranty period.
- Customization: When you buy a new RV, you often have the option to customize it to your liking, choosing the floor plan, interior colors, finishes, and more.
Cons
- Higher Cost: New RVs are considerably more expensive than used ones. The initial investment can be quite high, which might not be ideal for everyone’s budget.
- Depreciation: Like new cars, new RVs depreciate quickly. The moment you drive your new RV off the lot, its value begins to decrease.
- Quicker production time means lower quality: Some of the newer makes and models are known to be produced quickly and are made with lower quality materials or craftsmanship. Do your research on the make/model before you purchase so your RV doesn’t spend the majority of the first year in the shop!
Buying a Used RV
Pros
- Lower Cost: One of the biggest advantages of buying a used RV is the cost. Used RVs are typically much more affordable than new ones, making them a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Slower Depreciation: Used RVs depreciate at a slower rate than new ones. This means if you decide to sell your RV after a few years, you’re likely to get a larger portion of your initial investment back compared to if you’d bought a new RV.
- Older Models have Less Issues: Depending on the year, there are some RV models that were built with higher quality than other years. In addition, typically the first year of owning a new RV the owner will find many issues with it and it tends to spend a lot of time in the shop getting repaired under the manufacturer’s warranty. When you buy used, you should get the full list of defects and issues, however, most of the bigger problems are generally repaired from the previous owner.
Cons
- Potential for Repairs: On the other hand, a downside of buying a used RV, as with a new RV, is the potential for repairs. While you can have it inspected before purchase, there’s always a chance that you might need to make some repairs or replacements.
- Outdated Features: A used RV may not have the latest features or technology. If having the latest amenities is important to you, a used RV might not be the best choice.
In summary, the decision between a new or used RV will largely depend on your budget and preferences. If you want the latest features and don’t mind the higher price tag and depreciation, a new RV could be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind potentially dealing with repairs or outdated features, a used RV could be a great choice.
If you are looking to buy a used RV, check out the used RVs listed for sale at RecNation. Each RV is checked for quality, professionally cleaned, and managed by our team of experts who are available to answer any questions you may have.
