new or used

[thewhiterabbit]

Hi, we're new here but not new to camping. We are upgrading campers and have found a 2017 new, and a 2018 used of the same model. Same package, nearly identical camper. The 2017 is so far coming in at a higher price (not a tremendous difference ).
Just wondering others opinions. The 2018 obviously a model year newer, but no warranty. We've never bought new so we're new at this haha
Advice appreciated!

[rockfordroo]

If the 2018 has no warranty, I'd go with the 2017.

[benf]

I personally would go with the 2017 and 1 year warranty through Forrest river. There will be issues that first year and better to have it. Also imho travel trailers take such a significant drop in value after you buy it the different in resale would mine minimal.

[67L48]

The general issues with new RVs are:

• They are RVs. RVs always have some problems -- might be small, might be huge, but there will be something wrong. So, buy new, but expect some hiccups to appear in the first few outings.
• Depreciation. Depending on the deal you get, depreciation is much steeper on a new unit than a used unit.
• Dealerships. You have to deal with them. Used can be purchased from individuals ... new are only through a dealer of some sort.

The pros are pretty obvious -- nobody else's problems, no known but hidden issues, no wear and tear, it's fun to own new, etc.

The used scene is sort of the opposite. All of the issues and idiosyncrasies have presumably been fixed and sorted out by the first user ... it's been broken in. Depreciation is lower, so your investment is protected more. It's cheaper, usually (but finance rates may be higher, if you finance). Lower cost, lower depreciation, better buying experience (maybe), and the issues have all been found and fixed. Dilly, dilly.

And, basically, all of the things that you like about new are sacrificed in at least some way with purchasing used. (you're buying someone else's problems, maybe there's a big issue that's hidden but lurking, wear and tear are present and you might have to immediately drop $400 on new tires, and so on).

I bought a used Pop Up. I recently bought a new Rockwood. So, I've done both.

Good luck.

[5picker]

I don't think you'll see a lot of difference in things going wrong between just one model year unless the manufacturer made some significant changes.

How worn and torn could a 2018 be vs the new 2017.
If you have chosen a good dealer to buy the 2018 from, I'd suspect they'll take pretty good care of fixing a 2018 model they are selling. If not, go with the 2017.

[ben31]

Take the warranty

[Dave Lyon]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

If the 2018 has no warranty, I'd go with the 2017.

X2

[ependydad]

I wouldn’t buy a current model year that is used. There’s a reason the owner traded and I’d be willing to bet it wasn’t “changed his mind”. I’d fear at buying a lemon.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I wouldn’t buy a current model year that is used. There’s a reason the owner traded and I’d be willing to bet it wasn’t “changed his mind”. I’d fear at buying a lemon.

What he said....

[Hoglou]

Here is my take. Our factory new (1yr) warrenty covered a replacement led awning light. I have since replaced it a second time at a whopping cost of $8.00 (bought 3 from amazon two years ago for 25). The 12 months goes by fast, faster then some items break.

The afermarket seven year warrenty from ExtraRide dealt with a failing air in year three. Like many other providers they cover everything that was delivered with the unit (bigfoot, air, frig, etc.). And excuting the coverage was a lot easier to complete as we picked the repair facility. The repair facility seemed a lot more eager to do the work compared to the dealer. We did not purchase the coverage from the dealer selling us our rv, they were pushing route 66 which may be great but we have had previous excellent service from Extra and bought online. PM me if you want the contact for a quote. Note we dont work them.

I would shop and validate the avaibility of extended third party coverage compared to the cost difference of the new unit.

[thewhiterabbit]

Thank you all for the input. The 2018 was supposedly traded back in because the owner changed their mind and went with a 3 bed model (hybrid) . The salesman seems professional but I am just wary of it being new but used. Then i worry the 2017 is coming up on 2yrs old and been sitting on a lot for an extended period.
I like one salesman over the other (just more professional, seems lIke less bs)

I just want to make a good choice

[97flhtcui]

The manufacturer is more likely to work with you if you are the original owner.

[pojp58]

As stated above, I would be leery of the 2018 being traded back in.
Dealer can tell you anything.
I would also wonder why a two year old 2017 is still on the lot. There might be something that people don't like about it.
Either way I would go with the warranty also, maybe.
After you look at them it comes down to a feel thing, how you feel inside about each one.
Go with your gut feeling and don't let anyone change your mind.JMO

[Paulie1138]

If you feel better about the '18, have the dealer add in a comprehensive warranty of some sort. Lot rot takes its toll, especially here in the Land of Scorch!

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I wouldn’t buy a current model year that is used. There’s a reason the owner traded and I’d be willing to bet it wasn’t “changed his mind”. I’d fear at buying a lemon.

Doug we bought a used unit that had been bought, traded in, and resold to us within 5 months of manufacture and we had zero issues with it. I understand, and shared, your concern but eventually concluded the original purchaser either wanted a larger unit or hated the Murphy bed. So you really never know.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Verify this through Forest River (NOT the dealer), but I've seen comments that the second year warranty is still available for $150 or so on unsold 2017 units although it is no longer available on 2018 and later models. That could impact your decision.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

Doug we bought a used unit that had been bought, traded in, and resold to us within 5 months of manufacture and we had zero issues with it. I understand, and shared, your concern but eventually concluded the original purchaser either wanted a larger unit or hated the Murphy bed. So you really never know.

I agree. While some are lemons, not EVERY newer trade in is.
My uncle bought a 10 month old unit used that has been bulletproof and saved THOUSANDS.

Just do your homework and have a good rapport with whomever you are buying from. Most reputable dealers will make arrangements to let you speak with the previous owner.

[rebeltown]

There should be a BIG price difference between the two! That used 2018 should be a lot less simply because it is used and depreciated. If buying from a dealer you know he paid dirt for that trade in. There should be big profit in that 2018 for him, and he should be able to move on that price.

[Restcure]

Our first two trailers were purchased new. Older and wiser, our third was bought new. I figured that the large and small bugs would have been worked out. And whether under warranty or not, I do my own work whenever possible. The turnaround is quicker, the price is right and the workmanship is often better.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Restcure

Our first two trailers were purchased new. Older and wiser, our third was bought new. I figured that the large and small bugs would have been worked out. And whether under warranty or not, I do my own work whenever possible. The turnaround is quicker, the price is right and the workmanship is often better.

What was the difference?