I'm curious to know if there is a better part of the country to buy a used RV.  Are they generally cheaper in the southeast, for example, than in the northeast?  How about the Southwest, or California?  I know it is a question that can't be answered definitively, but I'm wondering if I can most likely get a better deal here in the Carolinas than if I travel to SD to set up my residency, get a drivers license, etc.  If the RVs generally would be better priced in SD then I would probably buy one there, just as an example - no definite plans yet.  Heck, I'm still waffling between a Class C and a 5th wheel.  Thanks.
gypsy

I've always been told to buy a used RV in Arizona around Yuma. The reasoning, although morbid, has to do with snow birds coming to the area and then having to sell the RV (due to illness or death) to get back home. Or they find they don't like the RV lifestyle and want to get rid of their RV before heading home. The RV's are usually haeavily loaded with options, barely used or well maintained. That being said, my guess is anywhere in the country is good right now due to the down turn in RV sales. Several manufacturers and dealers have gone out of business. Most of the dealers here in Southern California seem to be overloaded with RV's. I've never seen their lots so full. I've heard you can get some really good deals. This weekend the La Mesa RV lot in San Bernardino, CA. is having a big going out of business sale. La Mesa RV has multiple dealerships around California so they maybe consolidating or this could be the beginning of their demise. I would suggest looking on the internet in Craigslist.com, RVTrader online, Racejunk.com and other RV sales sites. You can use the advance search function and enter in some of the details regarding the RV you would like to narrow down your choices. Then use the RV's shown as a guide to the market price for the RV you want to be able to negotiate a good price. Offer a really low price... and stay firm to see just how bad the dealer needs the sale.

I would suggest buying from an individual if possible. That could be a Win Win $$$ wise. You don't have to pay the mark up from a dealer and the individual gets a fair price for his rig. Yes probably the Southwest would be a place to set your radar on. As Judy said it is a buyers market so you can shop all the possibilities and get what you want for a good price.

Good Hunting

Joe and Sherri

-- Edited by Speedhitch at 20:58, 2008-07-30

I was afraid that it would be the southwest, which is pretty far away from NC.  For the past 5 yrs I have been driving to CA at least once a year and sometimes went through NM & AZ.  But my Jeep has made its last drive to CA - hopefully it will hold up for a drive to NY in Oct if I'm not in an RV by then.  I did some searching for RV sales in the Hudson Valley of NY, without much luck.  I'll probably limit my searching to the southeast.

Two of my brothers & one of my sons have been telling me I should look at Class C's.  When one of the brothers was here last weekend I showed him the video on americanarv.com of the hitch/unhitch process, and he said "There isn't anything there that you couldn't do".  He was probably pushing the Class C idea the strongest.  I'm beginning to think it would be a whole lot less hassle for me, even though I like the floorplans of a 26-30' 5ver much better.  The house went into the listings today, so please send me good vibes!  I feel pretty confident, but if it doesn't sell I will deal with it ok.
gypsy

I would buy from an individual but I really know nothing about what I should look for, beyond the floor plan, size, decor, and things like that.  Nothing mechanical.  I suppose I could get taken for a ride either way.
gypsy

Gypsy97, I know many people who have bought cars, trucks and RVs using the internet without ever seeing the vehicle. They have bought from private parties and dealers and I'd have to say the negatives are about the same as if they had negotiated with a local person or dealer. Usually they find the vehicle on one of the websites, like auto trader or craigslist. They request photos and or video along with a complete description of the vehicle, a history of maintenance and any known problems. The deal is completed using an escrow service so the buyer can look over the vehicle in person before releasing the payment. A vehicle transport company is used to get the vehicle to the buyer (buyer pays) or the buyer goes and picks it up. Some of the large RV dealers with lots in multiple states will transport an RV your interested in from one of their lots to another. The fee is around $150. Of the 25 or so vehicles I'm aware of purchased this way, I only know of one person who wasn't completely happy with their purchase. He still liked what he bought (a Ford Hot Rod) it just had more rust damage than was shown on the video, so there was more work to restore it than he originally had planned on. This would be an option for you since it sounds like travel would be tough right now.

We purchased our Class A on ebay 3 years ago.  We knew our future plans and had a good idea of what we wanted.  For about a year DH watched for a deal and would low ball anything he liked.  One day(much to our surprise because we were a little before scheduled "buy" time) we were informed our bid was accepted. I'm sure a lot of low balls are accepted now. The motorhome was in Az. and we were in Ky. but no money changed hands until it was seen and inspected by us. We have now been full-timers for 2 years and wouldn't change a thing. DH says to make sure it is a reputable seller (ebay will show their history) and sign up for the free "snipe" thing where you get the last bid.
It really is a lot of fun !!!!