Buying a Pre-Owned RV?

In addition to having extended warranty coverage for your new RV, take these helpful tips along for the ride.

Lenny Sims, VP of Operations at NADA, offers the following tips to help guide customers in the right direction when purchasing a pre-owned RV.

Find your RV.

When it comes to buying a pre-owned RV, nothing is more important than finding the recreation vehicle that’s right for you – one that’s in good condition, one with a fair asking price and most importantly, one that meets your own personal needs and wants.

According to Lenny Sims, Vice President of Operations and NADAguides.com RV Editor, the Internet is one of the most important resources a Pre-Owned RV buyer can turn to when it comes to finding his or her perfect recreation vehicle.

“Our Web site, for example, is a one-stop shopping experience when it comes to Pre-Owned RVs,” said Sims. “From used RV pricing to pre-owned RV search features to recreation vehicle buying and selling services, NADAguides.com offers used RV buyers a wealth of services at the click of a mouse.”

To get started, Sims says to evaluate your own personal situation to determine what type of pre-owned RV is right for you. From Truck Campers to Motor Homes to Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels, the recreation vehicle market is chock full of a variety of different makes and models, so it’s important to do your homework ahead of time to determine exactly what you need and want.

Sims said to keep in mind where you plan to travel with your pre-owned RV (and whether or not those places provide easy in-and-out access), where you plan to store your recreation vehicle (whether or not you have the accommodations to house and park it), how often you plan on using it (whether you’re an RV weekender or full-timer), and whether or not you have any towing requirements (such as a boat, a smaller car or a trailer with ATVs or motorcycles). All of these are important factors to take into consideration when searching for that perfect recreation vehicle.

“At NADAguides.com, we offer access to used RV inventory provided by RVTraderOnline and RVSearch. With these features, you can search thousands of pre-owned RVs conveniently and easily,” said Sims.

According to Sims, the tools offered at NADAguides.com allow buyers to customize their searches to include information about Used Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers, Truck Campers and Specialty Tow Vehicles, by Make, Model, Year, Price, Length, Location and Special Features (such as Handicapped Accessible or Good Sam Certified).

Finally, he suggests making a list of potential pre-owned RV prospects from your database search and then cross-referencing that list of RVs with the next step in the used RV buying process – checking the fair market value at NADAguides.com.

Get a Value.

Once you’ve found your list of hot pre-owned RV prospects, the next step is to determine whether or not their asking prices are fair. The best way to do that is to research their prices at NADAguides.com, where shoppers can access valuations for Truck Campers, Motor Homes, Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels, Park Models and Camping Trailers.

Sims said that once you’ve selected the make, model and year of the RV you’re interested in purchasing, you must then select the appropriate options for that recreation vehicle, since the inclusion and/or exclusion of certain options can affect the used RV’s overall price. Once the appropriate selections are made, shoppers are provided with a Low Retail and Average Retail price of that RV. Sims says NADAguides.com provides detailed explanations regarding the difference between these two pricing guidelines (with the fundamental delineation being their overall condition). These price ranges should serve as a benchmark in determining whether or not the asking price of your prospective RV is fair.

In addition to researching the RV’s fair market value, Sims suggests buyers research the marketplace too.

“Check out online resources such as RVTraderOnline or RVSearch at NADAguides.com,” said Sims, “to compare prices of comparable used makes and models. Delve into your local newspaper to determine retail prices at local RV dealerships in your area or go online to your local RV dealer’s Web site to research used inventory and used RV pricing information there.”

Finally, if you have a pre-owned RV for trade or for sale to a private buyer, Sims urges consumers to check out NADAguides.com used RV pricing information to determine exactly what their pre-owned recreation vehicles are worth.

“Knowing what your pre-owned recreation vehicle is worth is an extremely important part of the used RV buying process,” said Sims. “Not only does the value of your used RV determine a potential down payment, but that information can also be used to determine what you could potentially net in the form of a trade-in or outright sale, to offset other ancillary costs of owning an RV – such as insurance, warranty and service expenses.”

Finally, Sims said NADAguides.com provides a wealth of additional services to assist used RV buyers, including RV Loan Quotes when applicable (to determine what your monthly payment might be if you were to finance that vehicle), a Credit Check service (to determine your credit score and types of RV loans terms you qualify for), Insurance and Warranty Quotes (to factor in exactly what recreation vehicle insurance and warranty programs will cost on a monthly basis), as well as the website’s ‘Cash for your RV’ program (a wholesale RV purchasing program that could net a potential buyer cash for his/her existing recreation vehicle, to subsidize another RV purchase).

Check its Condition.

Next up? Sims says that when it comes to buying a pre-owned RV, it’s extremely important to assess its overall condition.

“When you’re buying a brand spanking new recreation vehicle, you can be sure you know what you’re getting. There’s not a lot of guesswork involved. However, when it comes to buying used, you really need to put your inspection hat on and check it out from top to bottom.”

Sims points out some of the things used RV buyers need to take into consideration, including mileage, wear and tear, the functionality of the RVs appliances and pumps, the overall condition of the exterior and interior finishes, the overall condition of the vehicle’s tires and wheels, the condition of its glass components (such as windshield, windows and mirrors), the functionality of the vehicle’s power options, and the condition of the vehicle’s carpets and upholstery when applicable.

“Your best bet is to hire a certified mechanic or someone with expertise in recreation vehicles if you’re inexperienced in the process,” said Sims, “and take that person along with you when you examine that pre-owned RV. Buying an RV is an expensive proposition (in most cases, the second largest purchase you’ll ever make behind your home), so for a few hundred dollars up-front, you could potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in costly repairs over the long haul.”

What’s more, Sims says the used RV test drive is an extremely important part of the overall buying process.

“As with any vehicle purchase, you need to get a feel for a recreation vehicle’s maneuverability, handling and power.”

Similar to buying a brand new RV, Sims urges pre-owned RV buyers to pay attention to the overall length and maneuverability of a recreation vehicle during the test drive, since this is one of the most important considerations when owning it.

“When an RV is over 38 feet, it will need to be maneuvered in ‘pull-through’ spaces at campgrounds,” says Sims. “What’s more, any towing requirements, such as a tow dinghy, trailer or boat will also dictate the size of RV you’ll need to buy, and hence, how it performs.” Depending on the type of RV, trailer or motor home you need, Sims suggests finding one with a greater turning radius if you plan to tow with it.

Finally, he says it’s important to pay attention to potential problems, such as engine noise, irregular exhaust emissions or other telltale signs of engine or mechanical failure.

“If you’re unsure about how to assess a vehicle for potential engine or mechanical issues, solicit the help of a certified mechanic or a person with expertise in recreation vehicles. Take them along for the test drive to accurately assess potential problems, to help avoid costly repairs or overhauls in the future.”

Negotiate the Deal.

Lastly, Sims says the art of negotiation goes a long way in netting a pre-owned RV buyer a recreation vehicle deal. Whatever your reason for bargaining (whether you believe the seller’s asking price is over-inflated or whether you like knowing you’re getting the best deal possible), Sims suggests the following tips to help buyers “negotiate” the used RV buying waters.

• Do your homework ahead of time. Once you’ve researched the vehicle’s retail value at NADAguides.com, be sure to research what other similar vehicles with similar features are selling for in the marketplace.
• Set a realistic low offer as well as a high offer. Keep in mind your budget and price limitations when you enter the negotiation process and be firm about those limitations. Most sellers understand that negotiation is a large part of the pre-owned RV buying process and expect the buyer to adopt bargaining tactics before signing on the dotted line.
• Start by making your low offer first and expect the seller to counteroffer. Be prepared to work from your starting point, and to stop at your high offer to reach a selling price that’s acceptable for both parties involved.
• Be patient during the negotiation process. Remember, be firm about your limitations and don’t forget to be as realistic as possible about your budget. Only you know how much you can afford to spend for a used RV.

Do your Homework.

According to Sims, nothing can replace honest to goodness research when it comes to buying a new RV.

“Be sure to determine the Recreation Vehicle that best fits your needs, your wants and your lifestyle,” said Sims, “before you sign on the dotted line.”

His advice? Spend a lot of time researching different types of RVs, various makes and models and a variety of floor plans, as well as new RV pricing information and pre-owned RV pricing information (like the data offered at NADAguides.com) to determine the potential price your used recreation vehicle might fetch if you’re offering it on trade or selling it outright. Sims suggests visiting a local RV park, talking to RV owners, (asking their opinions and getting their advice), joining a local RV club, subscribing to recreation vehicle magazines and newsletters, going to local RV shows to evaluate various makes and models first-hand, as well as renting an RV for the weekend to get some invaluable hands-on experience.

Finally, Sims suggests working closely with an RV sales associate at a local RV dealership to examine various features of the recreation vehicle you’re interested in purchasing, including its creature comforts and living space design, its engine specifications (when applicable), its tow-ability (when applicable), and the ins-and-outs of its optional equipment, including exactly how the refrigerator, stove, awnings, toilets, water pumps and holding tanks work.

“When you educate yourself with as much up-front information as possible, the entire RV purchasing experience becomes much more comfortable and enjoyable,” said Sims.

Check your Wallet.

Next up? Determine your budget ahead of time and stick to that budget, said Sims. If you’re financing, be sure to take into consideration all other monthly expenses, including the cost of your RV payment, to determine what you can afford.

Sims said NADAguides.com offers a wealth of financial resources RV buyers can utilize, including Used RV Pricing (to determine what your pre-owned RV is worth, as down payment for a new purchase), RV Loan Quotes (to determine what your monthly payment will be), a Credit Check service (to determine your credit score and types of RV loans terms you qualify for), Insurance and Warranty Quotes (to factor in exactly what recreation vehicle insurance and warranty programs will cost on a monthly basis), as well as the website’s ‘Cash for your RV’ program (a wholesale RV purchasing program that could net a potential buyer cash for his/her pre-owned recreation vehicle, to subsidize a new RV purchase).

Find your Ride.

Today’s RV buyer has a convenient medium at his fingertips – the Internet – and Sims says there are a variety of online resources RV buyers can turn to, without having to drive all over town (or all over the state for that matter), to find their perfect ride.

“At NADAguides.com, for example, we offer access to RV inventory provided by RVTraderOnline and RVSearch that allows you the opportunity to search tens of thousands of new and used RVs, from the convenience of your home or office,” said Sims.

According to Sims, the tools offered at NADAguides.com allow buyers to customize their searches to include information about New and Used Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers, Truck Campers and Specialty Tow Vehicles, by Make, Model, Year, Price, Length, Location and Special Features (such as Handicapped Accessible or Good Sam Certified).

“The sky’s the limit when it comes to finding your perfect RV online,” said Sims. “It’s super convenient and much easier than it ever was before.”

Take a Test Drive.

As with any vehicle purchase, Sims suggests test driving your new RV to get a feel for its maneuverability, handling and power. “When buying an RV, nothing is more valuable than taking a test drive,” said Sims, “so stay focused, pay attention and spend quality time doing it right.”

Sims urges buyers to pay attention to the overall length and maneuverability of a recreation vehicle during the test drive, since this is one of the most important considerations when owning it.

“When an RV is over 38 feet, it will need to be maneuvered in ‘pull-through’ spaces at campgrounds,” said Sims. “What’s more, any towing requirements, such as a tow dinghy, trailer or boat will also dictate the size of RV you’ll need to buy, and hence, how it performs.” Depending on the type of RV, trailer or motor home you need, Sims suggests finding one with a greater turning radius if you plan to tow with it.

Sims says that during the test drive, buyers also need to keep in mind where they plan to store their RV (whether or not they have the accommodations to store and park it depending on its size) where they plan to go with their RV (and whether or not those places provide easy in-and-out access), how often they will use it (whether they’re an RV weekender or full-timer), and as mentioned earlier, whether or not they have any towing requirements (such as a boat, a smaller car, or a trailer with ATVs or motorcycles). All of these factors come into play when assessing an RV’s overall drive-ability and ease of use and the test drive is the most important time to evaluate its handling characteristics he said.

Get the Best Price.

According to Sims, there are a variety of resources a potential RV buyer can investigate to make sure they’re getting the best deal on a new RV.

“Check out online resources such as RVTraderOnline or RVSearch at NADAguides.com,” said Sims, “to compare prices of comparable new makes and models. Delve into your local newspaper to determine retail prices at local RV dealerships in your area or go online to your local RV dealer’s Web site to research inventory and new RV pricing information there.”

Finally, if you have a pre-owned RV for trade or for sale to a private buyer, Sims urges consumers to check out NADAguides.com used RV pricing information to determine exactly what their pre-owned recreation vehicles are worth. Sims says NADAguides.com offers Low and Average Retail prices for virtually every pre-owned RV on the market today, including Truck Campers, Motor Homes, Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels, Park Models, even Camping Trailers.

“Knowing what your pre-owned recreation vehicle is worth is an extremely important part of the new RV buying process,” said Sims. “Not only does the value of your used RV determine a potential new RV down payment, but that information can also be used to determine what you could potentially net in the form of a trade-in or outright sale, to offset other ancillary costs of owning an RV – such as insurance, warranty and service expenses.”