Used RV Buying Guide
If you want to own a camper without having to pay too much for it, there’s a huge used RV market for you to explore! There are a number of different makes and models and it can get pretty confusing to decide which one is right for you when you’re so spoiled for choice! That’s why your leading RV dealer in Richland, WA—Horn Rapids RV—has compiled this helpful guide for you. When you want to check out used RVs for sale near Kennewick, contact our sales team to browse our wide selection of models!
Do Your Research
Before you begin the process of shopping, there’s some research you should do ahead of time. You’ll want to cover some of the basics that you normally would for any kind of RV search, including the size that’s going to best suit your family, the kinds of features you’ll want, and what you’re comfortable driving around.
From there, you may be ready to check out some models. Seeing these models in person may change some of your priorities, but you may also find a couple models you’re interested in buying. Before you do, consider researching the kinds of experiences other owners of the particular model year have had.
Often, manufacturers roll out new features with new models, sometimes affecting performance and sometimes affecting experience. Often, these upgrades are a success, but sometimes they can miss the mark. Looking into reviews from other owners can warn you of any red flags that might encourage you to move on.
Ask Questions
You should begin to ask questions as soon as you like a model. There’s a lot you need to consider when buying a pre-owned RV, after all! Even if you feel a little pushy, it’s better to find out everything you can about the model than to find out the hard way that it has transmission issues and needs electrical repairs.
The most important piece of information you want is the vehicle history. This will tell you all about prior repairs and maintenance, as well as accident history. A reputable dealer should have that on hand, but if you work with someone who dodges this, then take your business somewhere else. Whatever reason they have, it’s still questionable and probably going to lead to extra stress.
Take a Test Drive
As with any other vehicle, you’ll want to take the chosen used RV for a test drive, especially if it’s a motorhome. Make sure you try out all different kinds of common driving situations, including fast acceleration, braking, and turning. Even if there’s technically nothing wrong, performance and handling that doesn’t suit you is a sign that you may want to try something else.
Conduct an Inspection
First, you want to do your own inspection. Do a quick once-over when you first step into the RV to look for any obvious signs of disrepair. As you get more serious about owning a particular model, do a more thorough inspection, checking all cabinets, drawers, closets, furniture, and every nook and cranny you can see. Any indication that the RV has been compromised in some way should be noted so you can decide if you can live with it or if you’re going to pass.
The second inspection should come from a professional. Not everyone does this, but it can be incredibly helpful for avoiding problems you can’t see. This can be especially important for motorhomes, as there are more moving parts, increasing the potential for expensive repairs.
We hope this information helps you snag a used camper that’ll serve you well for years to come! If you need more information or are ready to check out used RVs for sale in Richland, WA, contact the sales team here at Horn Rapids RV. We’re very proud to be the preferred used RV dealer for Kennewick!