Are you looking to take a relaxing trip and hit the open road for a few days? Do you want to invest in an RV, so that you and your family always have a reason to skip out of town for the weekend? If so, then you need to learn all you can about what to know when you buy a used RV.
There are several tips you can use to find the best deal. Just like looking for any other vehicle, buying used can help you avoid depreciation, while still getting your hands on a great RV model. See below for the best tips on buying a used RV.
1. Create a Budget
Perhaps this will be the first time that you’ve ever gone to own your own RV. Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve purchased one, and you have no idea what a reasonable asking price is.
Whatever the case might be, it’s important to start this process by creating a budget. Begin the budget-making process by looking at a few models and seeing what the going rate is for a used RV that’s 2 to 3 years old; that’s the sweet spot.
Creating a budget will hold you more accountable as you search. With the maximum price set, you can now focus more on the features and benefits that come with each option. If the seller can’t meet your price or the model is too expensive, it’s off the table!
Just like any other vehicle, you’ll be paying for it with a loan (assuming you can’t buy it in cash) and paying it back monthly.
Start by subtracting all your expenses from your monthly income. How much is left? How much can you afford to pay while still having wiggle room each month? Once you have that number, you’ll find that your entire used RV search will become easier!
2. Insurance is Legally Required
This is something that most aspiring RV owners don’t think about until after the purchase. It’s wise to consider the insurance needs before the purchase so that you can even factor them into your budget.
But what type of insurance is required? Technically, RVs don’t require car insurance, but they do require certain types of coverage that you would find in your typical auto insurance policy.
Let’s set the expectation so that you know exactly what you’ll need. First, your RV will need some sort of liability coverage. This protects you and others from damage and injury that stemmed from an accident you were at fault for.
Next, you have comprehensive coverage. This protects your RV from damage from unforeseen events, such as hail, fire, thunderstorms, and flooding. Essentially, anything that doesn’t come from physically hitting another vehicle/RV.
Lastly, you have collision coverage. Collision coverage, as the name would imply, will help you cover the cost of the damage to your RV if it’s hit by another vehicle. Otherwise, you would have to fork over money for the repairs yourself.
While it might be a bit frustrating to buy an insurance policy for an RV at the moment, it can be a saving grace for you if an unforeseen accident/emergency occurs. Trust us—it’s worth the investment.
3. Find a Reputable Seller
While buying a used RV and buying a used car are very similar, buying an RV offers one distinct difference: you can find used RV centers to browse.
This will help you ensure that you have a veritable pick of different RV years, makes, and models, but still know that you’re in great hands with the seller. For example, you can use this site to purchase a model from the best RV dealer in Boise, ID.
To find reputable sellers, just let previous clients lead you there. Check-in on the online reviews for any seller that you’re considering. Were the previous clients happy with their experience? Did they get a fair price? Was the customer service up to their expectations?
4. Become a History Buff
Much like buying a used car, you’ll want to listen to that clever little fox from the commercials and check in on an RV’s history report.
While it costs to receive the report, it’s worth every penny. Without checking in on where the used RV has been in the past, you could run into a very bad situation.
RV history reports offer insights like a previous number of owners, repairs, if it’s ever been damaged, any recalls that it has, and much more. It will give you more peace of mind, as well as more confidence in your purchase.
5. Take It for a Test Drive
You wouldn’t purchase a used car without taking it for a test drive, why do any differently when you go to purchase a used RV?
Taking the test drive will ensure that everything is up to snuff. You’ll be able to get a feel for the wheel, look inside, and even see how the entire family fits inside.
Again, this will give you more confidence in your purchase. You can significantly increase your rate of return on your investment by simply taking the time to test drive the used RV.
Buy a Used RV Today
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide highlighting all of the things you need to know when you go to buy a used RV, put it to good use! You know how to buy a used RV, so take advantage.
Be sure to browse our website for more articles on buying RVs/cars, as well as many other topics that you’ll find helpful.
