Used Motor Home
How to choose the best motor home for your money
Just like car shopping, there are many things that you should consider before buying your motor home besides just the price. Reliability, safety and functionality should all come into the picture. If you're planning on buying your first motor home, then these tips and tricks will come in handy:
- Size matters - What will it be used for? Will you be using the motor home for short vacations or month-long trips? A high-top conversion may be suitable for people who will be using their motor home for daily travel as well as for leisurely activities. If you're planning a year-long tour of the country, then a larger coach-built motor home would be more appropriate. The size of the motor home will affect your comfort level and how you use it. Make sure that it has enough passenger seats with working seatbelts to fit your entire family.
- Choosing facilities - Most motor homes come with a host of options, but whether or not you need them will depend on how you use the motor home. If you plan on taking it to RV sites with full facilities, then you may not need all that extra equipment on your motor home and you can save some money by minimizing your optional features. On the other hand, if you're planning on traveling where no man has gone before, then you'll want every facility on board.
- Drivability - Have you ever driven a motor home before? If you're a first-timer, then you may not want to go for the super-large coach-built motor home. Choose a size of vehicle that you feel comfortable driving. You also want to determine where you're going to park it when you're not on the road. If you have no space in your driveway, you may need to find storage.
- Rent first - The only true way to find out what you want in a motor home is to rent one for a weekend. This may cost a bit, but it will be an invaluable experience and help you determine what you do and don't like in a motor home. You don't want to end up buying something that you hate.
- Make a budget - Decide on what you can and cannot afford before you start shopping. Then you'll be able to narrow your choices down to the types of motor homes that fit your budget. Make sure to factor in insurance and license fees. It's helpful to comparison shop because many dealers offer the same vehicle at different prices.
- Buy used - Motor homes aren't a good investment. Just like cars, motor homes rapidly depreciate in value during the first few years. You can save a lot of money by purchasing one that is one to two years old. Purchase a used motor home in the same way you would a used car - consider things such as mileage, maintenance, and body and engine condition before you agree on a price.
- Dealer vs. private sales - The benefit of buying a motor home at a dealer is that you could be eligible for a warranty or after-sale services. Find a dealership that is willing to take care of you before and after the sale. However, buying a motor home privately can be cheaper if you know the value of the vehicle, so grab a Kelley Blue Book and shop for bargains. To avoid getting stuck with a lemon, take the motor home out for a test drive and have an RV mechanic look it over before you hand over any money.