wHAT'S A YEAR WORTH?

[Wasoki]

Just looking for feedback on a question of dollars & cents & sense. 

We are looking at new motor homes  (yes, we know buying used will save $$, but somebody has to buy the new ones...). 

We have found two identical models, no significant differences.  One is a 2012, the other a 2013. 

Obviously there is an additional year of depreciation. 

Should we choose the 2012, what amount additional discount should should we expect?

MSRP is about $139,000.  The 2013 is "offered" at $107,000, the 2012 is at $96,500. 

NADA for a used 2012 version a similarly equipped of the same model is $98,650 (if you believe NADA...).


Any thoughts?

 

[Frizlefrak]

How long do you plan on keeping it?

The longer you keep an RV (or any depreciating asset), the less depreciation matters.  If you're gonna keep it 15-20 years, one year model newer won't make a lick of difference.  And for that long, buying new is probably a good idea.  Life is short....enjoy being the first one to sleep in the bed and sit on the throne.

 

[bucks2]

I personally would take the $10,000 difference and the 2012 rig. I buy for the long term 15+ years and that year will disappear by the time I'm ready, (the heirs really this time) to sell.

Ken

 

[99WinAdventurer37G]

Are they both new on the lot?  From what I've read and heard about people buying new units, they have lots of trouble with them right off the lot.  I'd prefer one that has had some time to have the kinks worked out.  Warranties being equal that is, will they come with similar warranties?  If the 2012 has some miles on it, I'd probably lean that way.

 

[Jim Godward]

being the kind of cheapskate I am, I would offer $75K for the 2012 and see what happens.  You can always come up but I like to lowball and see what happens.  You never know.  Hey, it worked for me on my Dutch star.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

First year depreciation is about 10% above and beyond the immediate depreciation that occurs when you drive any new coach off the lot. That means the $10,000 difference is about right.

The question is, will there still be a $10k difference after negotiating a purchase discount. Sometimes the dealer merely "gives" you the amount he would have given up if you had bargained hard.

 

[Wasoki]

Thanks for the feedback. 

If the stars align..

I am currently considering an offer $3,000 above the dealers "final" offer, but he pays  (6%) sales tax, registration, etc.  I'll let you know how it goes.