Used RVs – Get the Best Deals
RVs are versatile vehicles that offer both the comforts of home and the thrill of hitting the open road.
The only downside? They can be a bit pricey.
Luckily, if you’re on a budget, there’s an easy solution: consider buying a used RV! But before you get too excited, there are a few key factors you’ll want to keep in mind.
Used RVs are sold at various places, including seizure auctions, police auctions, private exchanges through magazine advertisements, and even used car dealerships. But before buying an RV, especially if it’s your first time buying one, you should know what vehicle would best suit your needs.
To find the vehicle you need, ask yourself the following questions: How often do you want to use the vehicle? How long are your trips? And how many people will conscientiously sleep in the mobile home? Your answer to these questions will likely point you toward a specific RV or RV type.
After deciding on the RV to go for, your next consideration should be getting the best deal when buying it. And this article will provide some tips to help you.
How to Get the Best Deals for Used RVs
An RV’s appearance can be very deceptive, and the deal can go awry if you are not careful. Some of the considerations to make are listed below:
- Do your due diligence. Vehicle sellers will most likely not tell you about any flaws before you buy your RV. So, you’ll have to do your due diligent research. The first thing to check is the engine, and for that, you have to test drive the van. Do not purchase the vehicle if the engine does not start on the first attempt. This is the best way to find out if there is a problem. If it bumps and creaks, it’s probably not worth it.
Also, check to see if the engine is overheating after the test drive.
- Check the appliances. When buying an RV, remember it’s not just a vehicle but also your home. You have to look at it from both perspectives.
Ensure there are no cracks in the walls or ceiling, as this will cause it to leak when it rains. Check if the doors and windows are rusty and if the locks work well. Air conditioner, refrigerator, oven, TV, and other household appliances are all included in the vehicle. Power them on, and see if they all work well.
- Take your search to the internet. RV Classified ads are where you can find used and new RV ads. But the dilemma with classified ads is that the archive is often sorted alphabetically or by model. Plus, you must find what you like in each seller’s location and then contact them, which is a rather lengthy process.
For much easier search options, you should turn to the internet, where you can most easily access listings for used RVs. Some companies suggest narrowing the list by searching for the specific vehicle make, type, model, year, price, condition, and length.
- Know how to bid. There are options to purchase an RV from a forfeiture or police auction. And sometimes, you can make real bargains here. It is not for the faint of heart, though.
It’s crucial to do your homework! First, check out the cost of a private sale for the model you want, and check for any sneaky cracks or repairs needed. Then, factor in the estimated price for those repairs, along with the auctioneer’s cut. This final sum will be your winning bid!
Be careful not to let excitement cloud your judgment, though – some bidders unknowingly drive up the price way beyond what the vehicle is worth simply because they lack the knowledge to make an informed decision.
- Learn how to seal deals online. You should save yourself time-consuming searches through classified ads and shop conveniently online. To do this, enter the details of the RV you wish to purchase, and you will be presented with a list of such vehicles for sale in your area. Clicking on any vehicle will take you to another page with relevant information about that vehicle. Once you have found everything you need, you can contact the owner and inspect the vehicle yourself.
- Leverage on RV inspecting communities. Some communities provide third-party assistance for buyers who, for various reasons, cannot inspect vehicles themselves. These third parties thoroughly inspect the vehicle and report their findings to the customer. You should consider engaging their services, especially if you cannot do the inspection yourself.
- Thoroughly examine the vehicle before buying. It’s crucial to thoroughly inspect any potential RV purchase before handing over your hard-earned cash. We can’t stress this enough!
Don’t be afraid to bring a mechanic along for the ride, and, if possible, another RV owner who can give you their unbiased opinion. It’s always helpful to have a second set of eyes and expertise to catch any potential red flags.
Also, make sure to have all the necessary paperwork ready to go, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), which should match the RV’s actual plate. Don’t let a sketchy seller pull a fast one on you!
- Use the NADA guidelines. Once you’ve identified an RV that meets your needs, NADA Guides for RVs will allow you to access its make, model, year of manufacture, and other details. This helps to determine its fair market value accurately.
Lenders and dealers often use the NADA Guide to regulate book value. So, it can be much better than the appraised value, especially if you’re buying directly from an avid private seller. You can also compare the used RV to similar ones online and check how the book cost compares to the price of similar vehicles on the market.
Conclusion
Opting for a used RV can be a smart choice, giving you a better deal than buying new. But be sure to tread carefully to avoid any expensive blunders. Thankfully, this article has provided some crucial tips to help you.
Also, before inspecting and test driving a used RV, ask the owner or dealer about the vehicle’s condition, story, ownership, warranty, insurance, repair and maintenance records, the reason for sale, accident history, etc.
It would be best to ask the seller to ensure that all functional systems are fully operational and charged before your arrival. Finally, ask the seller to do some test driving so that you can observe the vehicle from a passenger’s perspective.
By following these steps, you’ll increase your chances of finding the perfect used RV for your needs.
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