If you do want to consider a new one, when you find the model you want be sure to get a price from an Internet seller like RvDirect.com. We had what we thought was a great price from a dealer then checked online. Saved $8000 over dealer's best price and $32,000 off MSRP. And got one made just for us with a couple additions the dealer's unit didn't have. Depreciation doesn't matter to us since we plan to keep it for many many years. Didn't want to start with one already a couple years old. For one thing, we have full manufacturers warranty (5 yrs/100,000 miles on chassis and drivetrain).
Check out the Sunseeker line by Forest River. Full fiberglass roof including one piece front cap. Lots of "upgrades " included in base price. We have been very happy with ours. Three months and no warranty issues yet.
While I am not familiar with all the class C models and features, I think you need to keep looking until you find the ONE. Search at all RV shows and dealers near you. As you shop you will begin to educate yourself on features, floorplans, prices etc.
Finding the one will be easier searching on the new market. Once you find the one then you can decide how much you are willing or able to spend. Set an absolute max budget, and narrow your choices from there.
Once you find the one for you, then you can the enter the new vs. used debate.
What is your priority? getting the exact rig you want equipped exactly the way you want or is saving money a bigger priority.
Used will always be cheaper and a better value. However you may not find 100% of what you want on the used market.
07'Duramax dually,12'Open Range 399BHS
Hawkshead TPMS,Hensley BD3,Killerbee exhaust brake
Blue Ox Bedsaver,air bags w/compressor
Arvika pin box bike rack,Bak Flip tonneau cover
5500 Onan LP,EMS-HW-50
14'Porta Bote w/8.0 Nissan
Vu Cube 2000,Splendide 2000S
for that price and that size rv, i agree with used. even a base 31 ft new rv will run 60K or better. with three kids, anything under 26 ft or so will be tight. I had a four winds 25 c with one slide which was great for maneuverability but a little tight for 2 adults and 2 kids. I think you could easily get a used rv in your ballpark price and length. It is a buyers market and there are lots of used rvs out there. i saw a 2008 31 ft jayco at my local dealer that they listed for 55K but sold for less than that. my 2011 25 c with 9000 miles is still basically new but is listed at my dealer for 55K and could easily be picked up for much less, since I know what I got on trade.
Everyone suggests lazydays for quality and they are great but no way u get one for your price range, sorry. trying to find a used lazy days or born free is pretty hard. I havent seen one on ebay or the various sites I keep an eye on in a while.
Places to look for used: ebay, craigs list, camping world, dick gore rv, rvworld. the important thing about buying used is to have it inspected before buying, just like you would have a house inspected before buying. The advantage to used besides price is that a lot of the bugs have hopefully been worked out by the previous owner. Whoever buys the unit I traded in will basically get a brand new unit for a used price that has had all of the gremlins worked out of it. It even had a lot of add ons but I stripped them off and put them on my new rv!
i also think its hard to get exactly what u want the first time around because its hard to know exactly what u want until you live in the thing for a while and see what works and what doesnt.
In my first RV, I found that the u shaped dinette worked great because it allows a full sized adult to sleep on it and it is comfortable, so I really wanted that when I traded up. I liked the length of my original rv, but not having a full rear bedroom didnt work at all because it was hard to get out of the corner bed at night to go to the bathroom. The bathroom door was on a slide rather than a regular door, and my kids had trouble working it. The rubber roof leaves black streaks whereas a fiberglass roof does not. My first RV had lots of storage but not enough counter space. Didnt really find these things out until we took several trips in it. So I went to upgrade the mattress and while looking at different mattresses, I happened upon an RV that had a lot of other things that I wanted that corrected these issues and ended up buying he new unit instead of just the mattress.
buying used saves u on depreciation, so it might be easier to trade up if u trade in . my trade cost me an arm and three legs, but it was worth it.
It is overwhelming to look at all the options, but you can find something in your budget that will work for you. Buy used on a rig that has been well maintained and let the first buyer take the big depreciation hit.
There are lots of 31 footers out there for sale right now in the 45K range. Some are asking much more but an offer could work. Don't increase your budget and try to purchase new or you will be the one that winds up upside down on the loan.
My wife and I have been searching the internet for an ideal class C and have found a few that look as if they'd work well for our budget, but they are quite a distance away from us. Eventually we might just have to make a trip to get what we want.
Everything local is outrageously priced in my opinion. We went to every dealership locally and told them we were willing to spend 50k. Only one dealership has called us back, which struck us very odd. I would have thought they would be all over someone who is obviously willing to spend a decent amount of money.
I appreciate the helpful information from everyone, this is one of the more friendly forums i have posted on!
I guess the search continues......
NewsW wrote: Given your capacity needs, and so on, if you can afford increasing the budget a bit, the Lazy Daze 26ft is the one I would point you to.
High quality, and great resale.
Agreed. Found a 2006 26.5 foot rear bath Lazy Daze last summer. Fully loaded with 18k miles for 50k. At the time that was low retail. Had to fly down from VA to TX and drive it home but it was worth it. It was in perfect shape. They are hard to come by but worth a look.
Check out the Lazy Daze Yahoo group as there are a few for sale there.
You can find a 2-6 year old with the length, floor plan and features you want/need for realatively cheap but you must learn what, you want, what to look for, and what to avoid. New looking tires that are 6 years old or more are unsafe and should be replaced ($1400). Generators cost $300 to remove and trouble shoot, $800+ for overhaul. Roof A/C cooling unit replacements are $1000, fridge repairs/ replacments $800-$1400, furnace repairs $300, and so on. Get estimates for any "fixes" needed on a used rig, get any dealer promises on fixes in writing on the contact, parts and labor. Ford V-10 engines and drive trains are mostly the same. Have engine cooling and brake system checked and fluids replaced. Your goal should be to have a rig that is safe to drive, and fun to live in, fully ready for cross-country travel. Set some money aside in a bank account for repairs and upgrades when and if needed. Practice camping locally before that first big trip to identify any fixes needed. Spend time reading similar newbie advice requested threads on this forum.
NewsW wrote: Given your capacity needs, and so on, if you can afford increasing the budget a bit, the Lazy Daze 26ft is the one I would point you to.
High quality, and great resale.
Agreed. Found a 2006 26.5 foot rear bath Lazy Daze last summer. Fully loaded with 18k miles for 50k. At the time that was low retail. Had to fly down from VA to TX and drive it home but it was worth it. It was in perfect shape. They are hard to come by but worth a look.
Check out the Lazy Daze Yahoo group as there are a few for sale there.
I understand the affinity for the Lazy Daze, but a 26-27 foot just is not going to work for my 5 person family. If I could find one larger, it may be doable. And for some vain reason, I cannot look at a Lazy Daze motorhome for very long. Irresponsible I know, given the quality. But my wife and I both cannot get over the "retro" styling....
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