What's a reasonable price to buy a used RV? What should I be aware of?

If you're looking to buy a used RV, it's usually because you want to spend less money and get a high-quality, cost-effective vehicle. Since the RV industry in China is still in its early stages, the number of vehicles on the market is relatively small, and the number of used RVs available is even smaller. Furthermore, there aren't currently any dedicated platforms for used RVs in China, so I think this presents an opportunity. What do you all think? During this pandemic, I created a used RV platform at home, allowing RV enthusiasts to register and post listings for buying or selling used RVs. I wonder what the future holds? Interested friends can contact me to discuss it. But back to the main topic: how do you buy a suitable used RV? What should you pay attention to when buying an RV?

What kind of RV should you buy? First, you need to understand RVs, but many people don't. If you don't understand RVs, you're more likely to get ripped off. What should you do if you don't understand RVs? My personal suggestion is to consult with other RV enthusiasts. Tell them the model you want to buy and let them explain it to you, what you think of the RV, and what problems you might have.

The most common type of used RV on the market is the motorhome, as RVs are still considered a luxury in China, requiring both time and money. Most RV owners in China are retirees who are too old to tow their own vehicles. Furthermore, many people have misconceptions, such as needing an A-class driver's license to tow an RV, or that it's illegal, leading to lower sales and ownership of towable RVs compared to motorhomes. Therefore, it's difficult to find a suitable used towable RV. More RV enthusiasts need to promote awareness that a C1 driver's license is legal for towing a car-trailer RV, so there's no need to worry.

If you're interested in used RVs, you'll find that many are brand new, and some have been resold repeatedly. You should be especially careful with these vehicles; they won't be sold unless there are problems. Remember, there's no such thing as a bad sale, only a bad purchase.

If you're buying a used RV, you need to know why they're selling. The most common reasons for selling are as follows:

1. There are quality problems, the most common being that the indoor air quality is not up to standard, the use of substandard materials, design problems, and some cars cannot drive fast; poor sound insulation, inferior insulation materials, making it uncomfortable to live in.

2. RV life is not as wonderful as imagined; the main issue is the degree of adaptation.

3. Economic issues.

4. Time-related issues.

When buying a motorhome, ask yourself: Will the problems mentioned above occur after I bring it home? The first one is the most worrying; if you don't understand motorhomes, you can easily fall into a trap. The solution is to ask other motorhome owners for advice, because there's no conflict of interest among them, and they'll speak frankly. As for the latter three, you'll have to rely on yourself.

Because they're relatively rare on the market, what's a reasonable price to buy a used RV? My conclusion is not to exceed 70% of the original price. Why? Mainly because RV prices drop significantly, and dealers only offer 50% or less when buying them back. I've encountered many cases like this: someone bought it for 500,000 RMB, but the dealer only offered 200,000 RMB. Dealers face risks; unlike cars, RVs don't sell as easily. The turnover is too slow, and there's the added risk of repairs and maintenance. They can only sell it for around 300,000 RMB after the dealership takes over. Anything above that won't sell. If it's a top-tier brand, that's better. The worst is a newly established small manufacturer; even at 50% of the original price, no one will buy it back.

Never buy a used RV for more than 80% of the market price. If you go beyond that discount, it's better to buy a new one. After all, many used RVs don't have a warranty, and you don't know what problems might arise.

Finally, a special reminder:

First, you must understand the price of a new RV before buying a used RV. In the past two years, the price of RVs has dropped significantly, and you may end up buying a used RV at the price of a new one.

Secondly, try to buy RVs with a large market share, such as Great Wall and Zhongtian motorhomes.

Third, if the price of a used RV can buy a new one, try to buy a new one.