Spring is here and that means the outdoors are waiting for you! Idaho is filled with tons of natural beauty you’ll want to explore and enjoy. But maybe this year, you want something extra to enjoy it.
Have you been wanting to buy a recreational vehicle (RV) to enjoy this spring and summer? Thinking of traveling the country in a motorhome or camper trailer? Craving to explore the backroads and trails in an ATV or dirtbike? We’ve got some tips to help you buy your new RV and get a good deal on it.
Buy Last Year’s Model
RV dealerships are in the process of getting their new models in the late spring, early summer. That means they are looking to get rid of their current inventory to make room for the new stuff. Which puts you in a pretty good position for buying a new or used RV from them.
Check for deals with your local RV dealers that might indicate their new models are coming in. You’ll see prices drop and extra incentives come in for buying right then. When you go to the dealership, haggle for the best price knowing they are looking to get rid of their old models desperately. Get extras put in, like fancy bells and whistles and necessary things like window screens for a motorhome.
Look at Buying a Used RV Directly From a Seller
Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, even eBay are filled with people trying to sell their RV. Maybe they don’t use it anymore, are looking for some extra cash, or wanting to buy a new RV. Either way, you can often find a better deal on an RV from them than you would from a dealership.
Especially as RV season begins and people look to upgrade, you can find some great deals and offers. Just be sure to give the RV a good examination before buying. Unlike buying from a dealership, there is no warranty, refunds, or extra protection. Check the condition of everything and haggle to get anything broken repaired or to have part of the price knocked down.
Build a Wishlist of What You Want
Before shopping, build a wishlist of everything you want out of your RV. Do you need a motorhome with extra towing capabilities? How fast of a dirtbike or ATV do you want? Are you looking for a boat for fishing or for wakeboarding? It’s important to know exactly what you are looking for before heading out to buy.
If you are unsure what is out there and available, there are two sources of information you should check out. First, see if there are any RV tradeshows near you. Go to them and check out everything they have to offer. They’ll have a variety of models and styles to look at. Not only will you get a visual sense of what is available, but you can also talk with experts and other enthusiasts to see what they recommend for you.
The other source of information are RV professionals on the internet, especially on YouTube. Find people online who know what they are talking about and review the type of RV you are looking at. They can honestly tell you the pros and cons of what you are looking for and offer insights into what to buy and avoid.
How’s Your Credit Looking?
Unless you have the money in the bank to pay for it outright, you’ll likely need to take out a loan to buy your new RV. Before you get your heart set on your dream RV, you need to take stock of your current financial situation. Can you afford a down payment? Is your credit score in a healthy range? Do you have other debts weighing you down? You need healthy finances to get a loan for an RV.
If you are unsure what your credit looks like or need help raising it, Pioneer can help with our Credit Checkup. This allows us to look at your credit score and credit report and identity where you can improve to raise your score. We work with you to create a plan to then raise your score and offer financial solutions like opening a VISA credit card or using a Credit Builder Loan.
Get Pre-approved Before Shopping
Don’t go to the dealership first and find out you can’t afford the RV you want by getting pre-approved after. Find out how much of an RV loan you qualify for before heading out shopping. Get pre-approved for an RV loan through Pioneer and you can know exactly how much you can afford when shopping.
Not only does this make shopping smoother, but then you can avoid a salesman trying to upsell you over what you qualify for. If you go into shopping knowing exactly what you want and how much you can afford, you’ll find RV shopping easier and you might even save some money.
Learn More About RV Loans!