You’re in the market for a motorhome, but you need to do some research in order to avoid making any RV buying mistakes. According to websites such as the CamperReport.com, new RVs lose up to 21% of their value as soon as they are driven off of the lot. What can you do to ensure that you get the best value for your money? How do you know that you’re buying the right RV make and model? Learn about the RV buying mistakes you don’t want to make.
- Purchasing a new RV without considering a pre-owned RV. One of the biggest RV buying mistakes that people make is not learning more about or considering a pre-owned RV. While not everyone may be as concerned about making the best financial decision, most buyers are cost-conscious. It’s a good idea to research pre-owned RV values while weighing the depreciation of a new RV into your purchasing decision.
- Not thinking carefully about how you plan to use your RV. Do you intend to live in your RV on a full-time basis or just take weekend trips once and awhile? Will you need to tow a vehicle behind your RV? Making the decision about whether to buy a Class A RV, Class B RV, Class C RV, travel trailer, toy hauler, or fifth wheel should based on your personal lifestyle. If you are working with an RV dealer, the salesperson should be asking you a lot of questions about how you intend to use your RV versus trying to sell you on whatever inventory is on the lot.
- Not checking to be sure that the RV title has been properly transferred or buying from someone who doesn’t have the title. Make sure that the vehicle is registered and has current license plates, or check to be certain that the dealer has followed up on the registration. Take the time to find the VIN number on the RV and compare this carefully with the information shown on the title.
- Not thoroughly inspecting an RV before making a purchase. Check the RV over carefully for signs of wear, repairs, or damage. If there are service records available, take the time to review them. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions about anything that doesn’t look right. Make sure you are comfortable with any explanations you are given. Check for rust, inspect the tires, make sure all appliances are working, look for leaks, and always go for a test drive.
- Forgetting to secure financing for your purchase. If you plan to finance your RV, it’s usually easier to make a purchase through a respected dealership. Most dealerships (both pre-owned and new) have the experience required to make the transaction go smoothly.
Keep these RV buying mistakes in mind when you are in the market for an RV. By following this advice, you can save money, avoid extra stress, and ensure that your RV buying experience is a positive one. Besides, Easy Escapes RV is here to make the entire process simple and easy. Call us at (863) 450-4915 to find out which of our pre-owned RVs might fit your lifestyle.