Used RV Buying Guide
Buying a recreational vehicle is not a process you want to undertake lightly. It’s a hefty expenditure and a big responsibility, after all. If your budget is somewhat tight or you’re new to the RV world, then you may be looking into used RVs because they give you the chance to try out the RV lifestyle at a lesser cost.
Lakeside RV Sales, located in Anderson, is your South Carolina used RV dealer. Here are some things you’ll want to take into consideration when shopping for a used RV.
Do Your Research
Before you head to a dealership, it makes sense to do some research online to see what’s out there. You’ll want to think about the type of RV you want, which might be a motorhome with its own engine or a towable RV that you hitch up to your car or truck. This will depend on whether you have a sufficient towing vehicle already and what you’re comfortable with driving. You'll also want to think about what types of features you want, like air conditioning, additional sleeping berths, slide-outs or multiple entertainment options.
Search for different brands and check out the manufacturer’s website to see what types of features they have or whether a given model has been recalled. You can also check out industry professionals’ opinions of a given model or current and previous owners’ reviews. The nice thing about buying a used RV is that there’s going to be a wealth of information available for it, so you won’t be left in the dark.
Ask Lots of Questions
When you get to the dealership or come across a private seller with a used RV you like, it’s wise to ask lots of questions to find out everything you possibly can about the condition of the vehicle. Ask for the vehicle history so you can know how it was maintained, whether any parts were replaced and what repairs were performed on it.
Reputable dealers and upstanding sellers will give you this information gladly; anyone who is reluctant to give it is trying to hide something and you should move on. No matter how much you love a used RV, it’s not worth it to end up with a lemon that’s in need of a lot of expensive repairs before you can even use it.
Do a Test Drive
You should also see if you can do a test drive of the used RV, particularly if you’re choosing a motorhome. This is because motorhomes have engines just like a car or truck does, and engines can be faulty. So you’ll want to make sure you like driving the RV and that it functions correctly. Even if nothing is wrong with the used RV, you may discover it’s too challenging or difficult to drive, and this is valuable information to learn before you throw down your cash!
Perform a Thorough Inspection
You also need to perform a thorough inspection of the used RV you’ve landed on, inside and out. Try slide-outs, check locks, examine cabinets and storage bays for signs of pest infestation, check along ceilings for any signs of water damage or leakage. Test the appliances to make sure they’re in good working order.
If you doubt your own ability to ascertain the condition of a used RV, then hire a professional to perform an inspection for you. It’s a bit more money, of course, but it can save you a bundle if that inspector finds something amiss that you would never have seen.
Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to go shopping! Browse our website to check out the vast inventory of used RVs we have for sale at our Anderson, SC, dealership. We even provide financing options to help you get the used RV you need. Lakeside RV Sales proudly serves the cities of Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC.