New vs. Old Motorhomes – Know the Right Choice
Motorhomes is not a well-known concept among most of the crowd in the world. Well for them, motor means a moving vehicle and homes are homes. So that means a house in the form of a vehicle. Not in the form but exactly a vehicle. Major brands like Mercedes, Hymer offer these kinds of vehicles. These vehicles have all the necessary aspects of what is inside a house. It includes a small bedroom, a kitchen, and a functional bathroom. These are what the basic motorhomes have. Some luxurious ones also have a dining room, a modular kitchen, and bathroom too. The prices of new motorhomes range from $30000 to $500000 approximately. The price range of used motorhomes may be around $10000 to $20000, which is actually quite reasonable for a new house. The additional feature of this new house is obviously transportation.
Motorhomes are also called as houses on the go. Whether to buy a new or a used motorhome the budget, warranty, and personal choice. Many factors apart from price make the difference while buying a motorhome. You also need to plan for the future of this house. Some of the factors that need to be considered while buying a new or used motorhome are mentioned below:
Account for depreciation
Within the first turn out of the dealership, a new motorhome will depreciate 30 percent from the retail price and another 10 percent by the end of the first year. Few people actually pay the retail price, as incentives and discounts on most vehicles will lower the prices by more than 15 to 25 percent, which is really lucrative on its part. It has been estimated by the experts that after the end of the sixth year of a new motorhome, its price will become half of the purchased price.
Considering the total cost of ownership inclusive of financing, insurance, maintenance and licensing, it has been concluded that the total purchase cost of a used three-year-old motorhome is about half the cost of driving off the lot with a new one. Hence taking into account only the depreciation factor, we recommend you to buy a used motorhome. But this is not all.
Let us look at the further factors and then make a decision.
Benefits of a used motorhome
Buying a used motorhome is a big advantage especially for those who are the first time buyers. Buying a used motorhome enables those new to this to start adventuring at a more moderate price than taking on an expensive new model. There’s a famous saying among motor homeowners that the first motorhome is never the right motorhome. Now we know why it might not be the perfect one for you.
The vehicle that looked just perfect in the lot may soon turn out to be too much to carry. The small travel buddy that looked long-lasting in the showroom begins to give a cramped feeling maximum after a month especially during the summer, or the vehicle that worked perfectly during the test drive is turning out to be impossible to park.
A used motorhome allows new riders in the industry to sort out their plans and get a feel for carrying it around and together their life on the road, without taking an enormous financial pressure on a new one. It also depends on your exact motive behind buying. If you want it for family camping and alternate weekend retreats, then it might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you decide to stay on the road and travel various countries or states for a period of six months, then it is your choice to choose between a used motorhome and a new one.
Benefits of a new motorhome
For an experienced motorman, a new motorhome might be the next big thing around the corner. A used motorhome might not be the best for these veterans, especially if they are looking for a long-term arrangement and have had your share of both good and bad motoring experiences, then we would recommend you a new one.
The benefits of the new one over an old one might be the great working parts like the gears and the brakes, the new feeling of a new house with all the polished furniture. Other benefits of a new model might be a more fuel-efficient engine, better interiors, and upgraded entertainment system. The shockers would also be new so no more bumpy rides. In addition, a term of warranty would also be offered on your new vehicle.
By the above discussion, it is now pretty much clear that which vehicle suits whom. Look for your specifications and requirements and find your next motorhome.