Used Motorhomes Are Your Economical Alternative!For replacing your current motor home, or as a first entry into motorhome ownership, used motorhomes are often a good choice. But how you go about finding, selecting and ultimately financing your purchase are points worth consideration. There are many similarities between used motorhomes and used cars. Both can allow the consumer to purchase more motorhome for less money. Like a car, a motorhome or recreational vehicle loses a lot of value the moment it's driven off of the lot. By buying used, you are avoiding some of that gap between what it cost you on Monday and what it is worth on Tuesday.
The first way to approach the purchase of a used motorhome is through a dealer. This has several advantages, especially for a new motor home owner. A good dealer will only sell reliable, fully reconditioned units, often with a good warranty and service plan. This kind of dealer wants you to come back again in a few years to trade up to a larger motor home. They will also be able to answer questions about which used motorhome is right for you. They will have multiple models to examine and try out. If a person has made a business out of used motorhomes, they will likely have knowledge that will make the dealer markup worthwhile. They will often be able to assist with financing, either with on site loan officers in some of the larger firms, or by recommending banks and finance companies with experience at financing used motorhomes. However, if you know what you are doing, or you don't think you can afford a motor home at dealer prices, you can look to a one on one deal. Look at the ads on the Internet and in the Motor Home magazines. When you go to check out used motorhomes, here are a few things to look for and ask about. Check the general appearance. Is it clean? A dirty motor home is often a poorly maintained one as well. Do the doors have trouble closing? This can be a sign of body damage that was not adequately repaired. Are there stains on the pavement under the chassis? This is a sign of leaking supply lines or a poorly maintained engine. Is it driven frequently? A yes answer is not necessarily a negative. A well used motorhome is often a well maintained one, and will not suffer from the ills of a vehicle that sits still for months on end. If it isn't used regularly (at least twice a month), is it up on blocks? Vehicle tires will become brittle and unusable if they stay still for long periods of time. Another problem with buying used motorhomes directly from the owner is financing. Do you have a bank or other institution willing to underwrite the purchase at a reasonable interest rate? How much equity does the current owner have? Are there any liens against the motorhome? Any debt remaining on the motor home will be reflected in the final purchase price. Does the owner want you to take over the payments? If so, this is usually not a good idea. If the owner can't afford to make the payments on the motor home, he probably couldn't afford the maintenance either. Besides, you are now hooking up with the finance company that the seller chose, not one you chose for yourself. With a little care, some good advice and some patient shopping, your next (or first) motor home may be a used motorhome. |
