Should I buy aused RV for sale by the owner or a dealer?

Are you stuck in this dilemma? Well, we get you. Buying from a private seller or a dealer is one of the most difficult decisions one has to make while navigating the RV market.

You are likely to hear opinions like private sellers negotiate, or, a dealer will get you a relatively new pre-owned RV, which further makes the buying process a lot more confusing and complicated. However, the good news is that you don't have to let other people's opinions cloud your mind!

In this article, we uncover both the pros and cons of each option, making it easier for you to buy a used RV based on your unique needs and situation.

Should You Buy From a Private Seller or Dealer - Everything You Need To Know

Buying From RV Dealers: Pros and Cons

Pros

Large Selection of RVs

Would you like a spacious and luxurious RV or just a simple one with an excellent engine to hit the road with? Whichever your preferences are, you don't have to scroll endlessly when purchasing theRV for sale from a dealer. They offer a wide collection, big or small, modern or vintage, Outdoor RV or FleetWood RV. You will find them all here.

Warranties and Guarantees

If you are not looking to buy anRV for sale only to have it break down a couple of miles before you hit the road, buying from a dealer is the best way to avoid this. They offer warranties and guarantees that can last up to a year. With this, you can drive your RV peacefully, knowing that in case of anything wrong, the dealer will be accountable for any maintenance and repairs needed.

Trade-In

We have all been there- That moment you want to get rid of that old car or RV for something better. Well, if this sounds like something you want to do, buying an RV for sale from a dealer can make it possible. Most dealers accept trade-ins, meaning you can hand in that used RV, roll a few dollars, and get your dream one.

Cons

High Prices

Dealers operate on profit margins, so to ensure they are also getting something out of the sale, they have to set high prices. Another thing that makes RVs for sale from dealers more costly is the warranties and guarantees they offer. So, if you buy from a dealer, be prepared to splurge your money.

Limited Negotiation

Forget about negotiation if you are dealing with a dealer shop. There is no way you will walk into a dealer shop and start suggesting that they should lower their prices. As mentioned earlier, they operate on profit margins, and if they are not getting that, there is no way you are hitting the road with that good-looking RV for sale.

Minimal Customization Options

If you are on the hunt for an RV that has unique features like all-wood cabinets, extra storage cabinets, and residential-style appliances, buying your RV for sale from a dealer may not be a good move. Most RVs from a dealer are new and hardly have customized features.

Buying From Private Sellers: Pros and Cons

Pros

Saves You Money

Buying from a private seller means buying a used RV for sale by owner. So, in this case, its price is set relatively because the vehicle has already hit the road for several months or even years. That said, buying from a private seller does save your precious coins, so long as you are good at telling stories- We will talk about this in the next point.

Negotiation Flexibility

Now, here is where your storytelling skills come into play. Unlike a dealer, where you cannot negotiate the price, a private seller is open to negotiations. In fact, they set the price slightly higher because they know there are higher chances of bargaining. So, is the seller going to buy your stories of how you just want to make your family happy by allowing them to explore the great outdoors? Whichever story you prefer to tell the seller, make sure they fall for it to lower the price.

Personal History Insights

As much as you are buying aused RV for sale by owner, you want it to serve you for a while, right? Well, the advantage of buying from a private seller is that they know everything about the RV, so they will provide you with tips on how to care for and maintain it, as well as features that you should be cautious about.

Cons

No Warranties and Guarantees

If you fail to do your due diligence of inspecting theRV for sale before making the final transactions, you will be accountable for all the repairs and damages that will occur after the purchase. Private sellers do not offer warranties. So, be ready for such issues, or just do a good inspection to be safe.

Limited Selection

When you buy from a private seller, the slogan is mostly "Buy as it is or leave it." This means that you have to choose what's available if you find your perfect match, good for you! If you don't, you have to bear with what you are offered or just walk away. The choice is yours!

Potential Scams

The thing is, anyone with an RV can claim to be a private seller. This implies that it's hard to know who is legit and who is not. If you are not careful, it is pretty easy to get scammed and have all your savings go in the blink of an eye.

Determining Your Preferences

Determining your preference is the first step that will guide you on whether to buy an RV for sale from a dealer or a private seller. If you are looking for customization, a private seller may be your best shot. However, if you want a wide range of RVs to choose from, buying from a dealer suits you.

Don't forget about the budget too. If you are looking for a budget-friendly RV, a private seller again may be your best shot. Conversely, if budget is not a concern, you can reward yourself with the best model RV for sale from a dealer shop.

Buying Process

Once you have fully decided on the type of RV for sale you want to explore the great outdoors with, move on to the market.

Review the available options to see whether they fit your budget and preferences. You can even create a list of the most intriguing and visit the site for testing. This will help you narrow down your list until you know precisely what you are looking for.

Research and Due Diligence

Now that you have an RV for sale that has sparked your interest, do your research before making the final transaction. If you are buying from a private seller, research the seller. Do they have a history of owning an RV? Are they known by people living nearby? If you tick most of your questions right, you can proceed to hire an inspector to help you identify whether the RV is in good shape or not.

If you are buying from a private dealer- Read reviews and comments to determine whether the RVs are good quality. Also, consider checking the duration of the warranty. If satisfied with their services, you can make the final transaction.