A Buying Guide for New Vs. Used RVs

Choosing a recreational vehicle involves a lot of deep thought and careful consideration. It’s a large expenditure and you don’t want to waste money on a model that won’t meet your traveling needs. One big decision you'll need to make is between new or used models. Each one has its benefits, so it’s worth your while to consider both options thoroughly.

Horn Rapids RV in Richland, Washington, is proud to be your Tri-Cities RV dealer. We’ve provided the following buying guide to help you figure out whether a new RV or a used RV is your best option.

New RV Benefits

Selecting a new camper means that you get a model in peak condition, fresh off the assembly line. You won’t need to worry as much about the need for repairs or replacement parts, especially since your new purchase will likely be covered by some form of warranty protection. Seasoned RV owners love new RVs because they already know what they need and want in a vehicle, so they’re willing to spend a bit more to get it.

You’ll also feel confident and comfortable driving a new RV since you can rest assured that every element is brand-new. And you get the benefit of the latest technological advances, from novel construction processes and materials to new electronic devices that make you more comfortable and add more convenience to your trips.

Used RV Benefits

While the shiny build of a new RV is certainly eye-catching, used RVs shouldn’t be written off! The most common reason that buyers choose to go with a used camper is the price. You’ll spend thousands of dollars less on the sticker price of a used RV when compared to a new model. 

This is due to the process of depreciation, which is a rapid decrease in value that occurs to any type of new vehicle once it’s driven off the sales lot. After approximately a year, this loss in value stabilizes. This leads to used models that are only a year or two old costing significantly less than a comparable new model.

For first-time owners, a used model can be the best bet in terms of helping novice campers to figure out what it is they want most from an RV. You can pay it off more quickly, thanks to the lower sticker price, and that means that you can try out models to determine which features and amenities are going to be most beneficial for how you like to travel.

More information is available on used RVs than on new RVs since they’ve already been on the market for a while. You can look up reviews by current and prior owners to figure out what the pros and cons are of a given model. Also, you can investigate professional reviewers to see what they say about the RV you’re interested in. You’ll have a wide selection of options when it comes to used RVs, as well, which can be a real boon.

There isn’t really a better or worse choice between new and used RVs. It all depends on what it is that you need and which type of RV can provide you with that. Going to a reputable RV dealer allows you to see both types and get all of your questions answered by experienced sales staff, so why not make that your next order of business? Visit our dealership serving the Tri-Cities area to take a look at our full selection of new and used campers for sale. Horn Rapids RV proudly serves the cities of Richland and Kennewick, Washington.