What are the best-used motorhomes to buy?
If you're wondering what the best-used motorhomes to buy are, then you've come to the right place. This article will get into exactly what a used motorhome is and why these vehicles make great homes on the road. Then, we will detail some of the specific models available in North America right now and what makes them such desirable choices for full-time living and travel.
What is a used motorhome?
A used or "pre-owned" motorhome is any RV (recreational vehicle) that has previously been owned and driven by another person. It's not necessarily old; many models can be more than ten years old and still be in great shape. Many people who buy a used motorhome have no interest in the latest and greatest model on the market. You can view and buy used motorhomes in great condition from proven motorhome dealers such as Oaktree Motorhomes.
Some of the used motorhomes to buy are.
1. 2008 Jayco Eagle- This is a 34-foot diesel pusher that offers a master bedroom and a full bathroom.
2. 2008 Thor Hurricane- This is a 35-foot diesel with two slides for added space and has a mid-bath layout.
3. 2007 Monaco Knight- This is a 40-foot motorhome with three sliders, one in the kitchen area, and ample storage.
4. 2007 Tiffin Phaeton- This 40-foot diesel pusher has three sliders and offers an enclosed garage for extra storage.
5. 2008 Thor Motor Coach Windjammer is a 39-foot motorhome with two slides and can be towed by any half-toned truck with proper preparation.
6. 2008 Prevost Liberty HDX- This is a 44-foot motorhome and offers two full bathrooms, in addition to the driver's private quarters in the front of the vehicle.
These are just some of the best-used motorhomes that can be bought at this time. The first three models listed here are luxury vehicles that closely rival new RVs in construction, storage space, and general sophistication. The last two are larger motorhomes that can be driven by any half-ton truck or smaller SUV rigs with the proper preparation. Overall, there are many great models available right now at an affordable price - making these vehicles one of the best-used cars to buy today.
Why buy a used motorhome instead of a new one?
The first reason to consider buying an older model is if money is tight. There are some great deals out there for those who have their sights set on a specific vehicle but aren't ready to fork over full price for it from a dealer. Many dealerships will buy back any remaining balance that you owe on your current vehicle as part of your financing package when you trade it in for a newer model. You can then apply this money to the full price of your new motorhome.
Money is only one part of the equation, though. Budgeting for a new purchase can be tough enough without also thinking about financing or paying interest on an asset that may depreciate even as you're making payments towards it. A used RV provides instant gratification with no credit checks, down payments, or other hassles. Repairs are also cheaper on older models, so if there's any damage, you should have enough money left over for at least a partial fix-up right off the bat - sometimes good enough to last until you can afford to pay out of pocket for a full restoration later if necessary.
It should go without saying that buying an older model will generally allow you to choose from a wider array of potential purchase options. For instance, you can pick up an older RV in another state and drive it back home, which is often cheaper than transporting a brand new one across the country. Or, if you prefer to buy locally, you can certainly do that as well - be sure to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.
Another benefit of buying older is getting a better deal if you don't need all of the bells and whistles that come with newer models. For example, in some cases, the only difference between an entry-level model and a luxury RV comes down to additional frills like exterior speakers or fancier seating. Cutting out these "comforts" can significantly reduce the price of a used vehicle.
Finally, it's important to note that newer models will have depreciated even further by the time you're ready to sell your RV again. This means that if you plan to hold onto your motorhome for more than a few years, buying an older model will likely allow you to sell it for a good chunk of what you paid in the first place.
Things to look out for when buying a used RV
No matter how much money you save or who you buy from, there are still going to be some risks involved with purchasing a used motorhome. In fact, according to the National Council on RV Safety, these are some of the most common things to check for before making any deals:
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to buying an RV that's less than three years old. But it's equally important not to fall so in love with the idea of purchasing a brand new model that you miss out on great deals for older vehicles. While it may not be quite as satisfying as owning the newest toy around, buying a pre-loved motorhome can save you money and reduce the amount of time you have to spend maintaining it.
