New or Used: Buy RV Piece of Mind

There are many things to consider when you go out to buy yourself a recreational vehicle, or RV. Since buying a motorhome may be one of the largest financial purchases you will make, it's especially important that you cover all the bases so that when you sign on the dotted line, you'll feel confident you made the right decision. One of the first things to consider is whether you want a new RV or a used one. It may be your first impulse to purchase new, but there are also many low mileage used motorhomes available for a fraction of the cost. Here are a few reasons to consider buying a new RV:

• It has all the bells and whistles. In theory, that sounds great, but the reality is, motorhome manufacturers tend to stick with what works, so the "fancy new features" may not really be all that innovative.
• All post-1997 Class C motorhomes come equipped with On-Board-Diagnostics (OBD II), making a system diagnosis as easy as plugging in your laptop and running the OBD software program.
• You won't be inheriting someone else's problem.
• New RVs will be under warranty, relieving you of concern for potential problems.
• You're more likely to find a motorhome with all the features you want, rather than settling for less.
• It's new! Let's face it, there's a reason that "new car smell" wins people over; the same holds true for RVs.

With that being said, for some, the expense of a new motorhome just isn't worth it. Besides the purchase cost, you'll need to factor in taxes, licensing, and insurance, all before you've even hit the street to drive home. Besides the big bucks you'll spend, you may also run into these issues:

• Even new RVs can suffer from mechanical and component problems.
• Any aftermarket accessories, like solar panels, motor generators, or satellite TV can be added on by the dealer at purchase...often at a premium price. A good used motorhome may already have these options installed, at the previous owner's expense.

Regardless of whether you decide to buy a new or used RV, the most important thing to consider is "livability." In a nutshell, livability means that the unit has the features that you want and need. Here are a few livability issues to think about before purchasing any motorhome:

• Is the kitchen layout convenient, with enough storage space for your cooking requirements?
• How accessible are the waste dump valves? Are the valves under the motorhome or within easy reach on the side?
• Is it easy for two people to navigate around each other?
• Where is the thermostat? On cold mornings, will you be able to reach the dial from your bed?
• Will you need to climb over your partner in the middle of the night for a bathroom break?
• Is the furniture comfortable? Will you get a kink in your neck trying to watch T.V.?

The whole reason to purchase an RV is for fun and adventure, so take the time to think about your requirements, considering the reason for the purchase, your lifestyle, habits, where you'll take the motorhome, how much you can afford, and so on. With some planning and thought now, you're likely to make a wise decision and find a unit that will fulfill all your expectations. Take your time and make sure that you purchase the best RV for your needs; you’ll be glad that you did in the long run!