Iveydog
Madison
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Joined: 04/12/2012
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HI All,
I just joined and this is my first post.
My wife and I have been looking to buy an RV for about three months now. By looking,I mean I've scouring the net for info.,we've gotten advice from my wife's uncle who is a truck driver and longtime RV owner, and we been to about ten different dealers.
We've decided on buying a class C, though this is more my wife's preference than mine. We are beginning to narrow down our choices, so I'm asking for advice from the fine folks on this forum.
One option is an 2009 Winnebago Outlook 31C. It has just under 5,000 miles and is spotless. However, it was in an accident and had significant damage though all cosmetic, the driver's door was replaced and we've been assured that no structural damage was done. Because of this it is priced well below the NADA value. It looks like it was never touched and the body shop was fixed specializes in fixing repairing vehicles for resell.
The other option is a new 2011 Holiday Rambler Aluma LIte 31WBS. This last year's model so will be getting a break on the price. My wife likes that its new and we will have 5yr., 50000 mile warranty.
Not sure which way to go. Any thoughts about these vehicles would be welcomed.
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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Joined: 02/14/2008
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Two pieces of advice:
1. Stay away from the wrecked Class C.
2. Don't believe everything a salesperson or a private individual selling an RV tells you. Have a used RV inspected by an RV mechanic.
For RV choices I would suggest you spend time at a large RV show put on by an RV organization like the RVIA or the state RV dealers association. You'll see a wide variety of RVs with a variety of dealers to purchase from.
I know you've narrowed down your choices to a Class C. Here's what happens to most first time RV buyers. They buy an RV, usually a small one because they are intimidated by the size. Then they discover the RV is too small so they end up buying a larger RV within 5 years.
Try renting a couple of RV types to make sure you will be comfortable. Try a Class C and a Class A to compare the pros and cons.
I always suggest to new buyers while you look at an RV think about what it would be like to be stuck inside the RV for a solid week due to bad weather. Is it big enough and have the features that would keep you both from getting cabin fever. My wife always uses this test, if you weere sick with the flu for several days, would the RV help you to feel better (comfy bed, easy to use bathroom) or would it make you feel worse ?
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Personally since this is your first RV purchase and you really do not know if you will even like the RV life style I would scale way back. Buy a suitable tow vehicle if you do not already have one and get a cheap used Travel Trailer or even a tent trailer. Does not make much difference if it your ideal or not. Most first time buyers will trade within a year for something they like more. That way if, and this means about a 50-50 chance, you do not like the RV life selling is easy and your loss is minimal.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All 
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Moved from Forum Technical Support.
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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Welcome to the forum. You have been given excellent advice on the above posts. Don't be in a hurry, there are many RV's available, take your time and look at all types even if you have decided on a C.
Maybe something will interest you (and DW) more than a C.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions, you'll get answers here.
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psmoore
Illinois
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Joined: 07/05/2007
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From my experience. I have a wife and four kids and we love our Class C, BUT if we could afford to trade it in a T'T we probably would. We don't have a tow vehicle so everywhere we go we have to unhook to go. Kind of a big pain. We are holding out now for one of our cars to break down enough that we buy a new one and then we are gonna get a truck big enough to pull a large trailer.
Paul and Susan - 4 kids
2001 Winnebago Brave 35C
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dsomonster
Southern CA
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Joined: 02/19/2008
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My advice...RENT FIRST!
El Monte RV, Cruise America, Camping World and the ever so popular private party rentals. I've done it all. VERY, VERY expensive but the experience was so GREAT, we went out and bought one of our very own 4 years later.
The kids have grown up RVing and that is priceless. It has given me and DW a few more years before we lose the kids to adulthood.
Renting is a good way to experience RVing without having to jump in to a long term situation. For some it makes sense. They only go out 3-4x/year. I try to get out 10x/year so we "bit the bullet" and have not looked back since 2008!
Good Luck shopping!
-Ron in SoCal
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pjhootch
Iowa
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Joined: 02/06/2006
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Class C MHs can be great, depending on how you like to travel. It is a pain to unhook or try to drive in city traffic and narrow roads as a sightseeing vehicle if you don't have a TOAD. I don't see anything wrong with jumping right into a C instead of something else, but the standard advice is to buy your last motorhome first. The depreciation is so steep on them that it doesn't make sense to get a starter with the idea you will trade up.
The outlook is a good MH but don't buy something that was in an accident. I have an Outook 31C and can't imagine an accident that would cause the driver's door to be replaced, that didn't potentially cause some extensive damage. I love our motorhome, but these things are money pits just from normal wear and tear (or user error- ha ha) even if they haven't been in an accident.
P.J.
2006 Winnebago Outlook 31C
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Sooboy
Toronto, Ontario
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Joined: 05/10/2007
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psmoore wrote:From my experience. I have a wife and four kids and we love our Class C, BUT if we could afford to trade it in a T'T we probably would. We don't have a tow vehicle so everywhere we go we have to unhook to go. Kind of a big pain. We are holding out now for one of our cars to break down enough that we buy a new one and then we are gonna get a truck big enough to pull a large trailer.
If you need to replace one of your cars, wouldn't it be cheaper overall to just replace it with something that can be towed behind the Class C you already have? 
2012 Jayco Embark TB390
2009 Honda CRV TOAD with Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar
FMCA #F413428
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ReddInc
Tampa (for now)
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Joined: 04/02/2012
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Over the last twenty years we've had small RVs. (through two 'changes in life') my first was a Class C basic Toyota Sunrader - - many years and many miles found it fine for two (but I usually worked out if it alone). Very basic. Then I lost my mind and took on a project RV; 22' but, like a boat, always work and fixin between limited fun trips. Now we (finally) sold the 'project' and bought a 24' MB based Sprinter - - Fleetwood 'Quest'"L" - - it's got everything we need or want but still only 'perfect' for two folks and an occasional couple more. The diesel powerplant is bullet-proof and mileage does make a difference. Short enough to 'tour' in and park easily. After searching Craig's List (National), eBay, and several other web sites, I visited 'Lazydays' not really expecting to find much satisfaction: very surprised. We found the right rig, negotiated a very fair price, and enjoyed exceptional 'prep' and service attention. Their 'home' location is here in Tampa, FL but they have a location in AZ as well - - private e-mail me if you want to talk more. TJ
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