Why a used RV?
You can save a lot of money by buying a used RV. A 3 year old model will be about 30% less money than new. Insurance will be a little less costly. The exact model you want may only be available used.
Most people don’t consider buying a used RV and sometimes it can be simply because the word ‘used’ doesn’t sound as appealing as the word ‘new.’
Buying a used RV isn’t necessarily a bad idea; if you do enough research you will find that most used RVs are being sold at a fraction of the price tag you see on a new recreational vehicle.
You might be thinking that used RV’s couldn’t compare to a new one, but most people equip their RVs with luxury amenities and then decide to sell for various reasons.
You might just find an RV that has add-ons or extra amenities, exactly what you’re looking for, at a desirable price.
Where can I find the best deals?
Older couples tend to take really good care of their RVs and might have completed some upgrades or added helpful features.
Most people install solar or satellite power or equip their RV for those freezing winter nights.
You can find these proper RV’s by asking around, browsing through your local buy or sell websites, or simply by visiting your local dealerships.
How do I know if it’s worth my money?
Inspecting an RV before you buy is a must; make sure that you had a close-up inspection, to not be disappointed once the deal is done.
Make sure that all parts of the RV are still available on the market; some parts from older RV models are scarce and others aren’t being manufactured anymore.
Ask the owners about the repair history so that you are aware of the exact condition of the RV before you purchase.
Some older RV models don’t have the functionality to install or use a TV or microwave.
There are usually no hidden costs when buying from a private seller, which makes private deals preferable.
Pros of buying a used RV
Insurance cost will be significantly lower, depending on the size of your RV.
Private sales will save you some more money.
Less depreciation: you might even be thankful that you didn’t pay that extra 20% – 40% just to drive it out of the dealerships lot.
Upgrades might have been done to outdated parts of the RV.
Added features are always a blessing when you’re buying a used RV.
Cons of buying a used RV
Having had previous owners, the RV might feel more like you’re opening a sweaty surprise package.
The recreational vehicle may have hidden underlying issues, that lead to spending an unnecessary amount of money on upgrades and repairs.
The selection of brands and models is limited.
The manufacturer’s warranty on the recreational vehicle probably expired a while ago.
Pros of buying a new RV
The manufacturer’s warranty can replace broken parts or even the whole RV!
No previous owners: nothing beats the smell of the interior of a new RV.
You can go to a dealership and purchase or customize the exact RV you desire.
Cons of buying a new RV
The price tag and hidden costs of a new recreational vehicle can add up to more than what you’ve bargained for.
A new RV has a high depreciation value.
Insurance costs can be expensive on new recreational vehicles, depending on what size your RV is.
Things to take into consideration
Purchasing an RV isn’t just another decision, see is as a long-term investment.
Traveling the world in your beautiful recreational vehicle is nothing short of a breath-taking adventure, but you might need added features before hitting the road.
With the price of fuel, it can be an expensive running cost.
Insurance is probably the most expensive operational cost, other than the purchase price itself.
Maintenance and repairs should be budgeted for, rather than getting caught with your pants down.
You might not have internet access in some rural areas, if that’s a problem you can always do research on preferred camping sites or install satellite technology in your RV.
What are RV Auctions?
It is not like walking to the deal, discussing the price and locking the deal. Rather; when you move out to buy an RV at an auction, there are lots of competitors that may bid on the same RV. You may have to experience an intense fight to close the deal on a suitable price.
There is no doubt to say that auctions are a great way to find the best RVs that can meet your needs. In most of such auctions, the deals are presented by dealerships or some rental companies that want to clear their inventory or wish to sale the ageing RVs. But you cannot say that they are selling trash at a high price. Many of these RVs are in really good condition and can serve the buyer for several years in future.
Most of the time, dealerships need to clear their inventory by selling out old RVs that are out of trend so that they can create space for the brand-new collection. It means you will be able to get RVs at a better price and in good condition. That sounds really exciting and worth trying. You may find several models and designs of RVs in the auctions. The best thing is that you can have to get into some online auctions that suit your busy schedules and bid for the best price.
Register to an RV Auction:
Before you move to any auction and start bidding for the RVs, you have to register first. Only registered people can be considered as a valid bidder at RV auctions. The bids are not allowed for any random visitor at auction.
You will be happy to hear that the registration process is quite simple. Anyone can follow it with ease. Note that public auctions can have some specific rules that every bidder need to follow. You also have to learn about some signals that reflect when the bidding starts and when it is going to close. Staying aware of these technicalities is important to ensure a reliable deal.
The registration process will also make you familiar with various terms and conditions of the auctions. The conditions may vary for different types of RVs. Some RV auctions may allow potential buyers to do on-site registration; however, in most of cases, you have to follow the online registration ahead of the time.
Be on time to check out available RV options:
When you have finally made your mind for RV auctions, and you have registered online, it is important to ensure that you reach there on time. If you are really interested in buying an RV, you should reach the site ahead of time and explore all the options. It will help you stay aware of the pros and cons of each RV available in the auction, and you can bid with more confidence.
Bring a knowledgeable friend or mechanic and look them over, test everything, look for damage.
Many public RV auctions allow people to walk inside and outside the listed RVs before beginning the auction. You can take advantage of this offer to check if everything is fine with the vehicle. Be careful to notice problems that may cause considerable problems in future. Try to look closely and check out every detail in and out. Make sure you are going to bid on a good RV.
It is also good to check the excessive wear and tear in advance because you have to handle all those repairs after buying the RV. Make sure it will not cost you more than your budget to fix up the broken and damaged things.
Also, make sure that the RV on which you are going to bid is in good condition and can serve you in the long run. It may help you to make a better decision. Arriving early at auction can actually help you to make the purchase more enjoyable.
Do proper market research:
If you are already aware of all type of RVs and their features, you are definitely ready to move out for the auction. But if it is your first time to invest in RV, it is good to do some prior research. You can go online and check details about all different types of RVs. Also, prepare a list of essential features that a good RV should have and your prime needs as well.
When you are looking for a specific RV with a set of features, you can decide the bidding price with ease. It is better to explore the auction website as well. Sometimes, they tend to provide complete details about the available vehicles online so that bidders can stay prepared in advance. The idea is to collect enough information about your planned vehicle so that you can make a good purchase.
Try to check out the history of the RV as well and pay more attention to its maintenance history, recent repairs and any major accidents. This type of information can help you to make confident bidding.
Set up your strategy to buy RV at auction:
When you are done with all the above steps, it is good to set up the bidding strategy. If you have attended some auction earlier, you might be aware of the fact of how the process goes on. But if it is going to be your first experience, try to check some details online.
Make sure you have set your budget in advance so that you don’t get lost in the typical bidding wars. Many people end up emptying their wallet at auctions. When you know your budget, you can just surpass the numbers above your limit.
Once you start following these trusted expert tips, you can definitely bid for the best RV in the auction. Make sure the experience is a little bit of fun, and you invest in a good RV. After all, you are going to take your family out for an adventure ride on this RV; so it must be comfortable and nice as well.
Shopping and bidding in auctions is a fun experience and you can end up saving thousands of dollars.
The best of the year to buy an RV will be in the winter when demand is lower. The 2nd best time is when new models arrive when dealerships need new but now a year old vehicles to go so they lower the prices. The 3rd best time is around the holidays due to sale discounts and promotion.
