What to Consider When Shopping for RVs, Boats, and Motorcycles
April 21, 2022
As the weather turns warmer, many of us start planning fun summer activities and weekend getaways – on the water or on the road. If you’re thinking of purchasing an RV, boat, or motorcycle, there’s several things to consider to ensure you get the best deal.
Buying a new or used RV, boat, or motorcycle is no small thing. When beginning your search for a recreational vehicle, you should do as much research into your potential purchase ahead of time as you would when looking for a new home or car. What type of vehicle specifications do you need based on how you plan to use it? What is your budget? How will you finance the purchase if need be? There’s a lot to consider before your dreams of fun in the sun become a reality!
Finding the Right Vehicle
The first thing to do when searching for a new recreational vehicle is to determine what you can afford based on your budget. Next, research the type of RV, boat, or motorcycle that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
For example, when choosing an RV, consider how often you want to camp and whether you plan to bring children or pets. This will help you determine the most comfortable floor plan. If you plan to take an extended vacation, you may want an RV with more homelike amenities.
When it comes to purchasing a boat, consider what you want to do – fish, water ski, or just float around on the water. Maybe you want to do all three – or something else. Make a list of activities and features you want before you go boat shopping.
If you’re thinking of buying a motorcycle, are you planning on using it for long road trips or to cruise around town? Researching which bikes are best suited for which types of riding is important and will impact your decision.
New or Used?
There are both pros and cons to either choice of buying a new or used vehicle, including costs. A new RV typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, and the vehicle may last longer than the one you buy used. The price of a new RV or boat will likely be higher than a used model but it probably will have updated features – for example, a more powerful or efficient boat or motorcycle engine, or extra sleeping room in the RV. Be realistic about how many of those amenities you’ll use before you purchase a fully decked-out RV or boat.
A used RV, boat, or motorcycle could end up being more cost-effective, particularly if the previous owner maintained the vehicle properly. Insurance costs likely will be lower on a used vehicle and there tends to be less depreciation.
Additional Costs
Keep in mind that when purchasing an RV, boat, or motorcycle, you will also need to factor additional monthly expenses into your budget. These expenses include increased fuel usage, maintenance, registration and insurance, and storage at the end of the season.
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