Buying an RV from a private seller can be a great way to save money compared to buying from a dealer, but the idea of negotiating the price might be a bit intimidating. Keep in mind, the seller most likely isn’t a professional either and is motivated to sell. So with a few tips, you can help score yourself a good deal on a pre-owned Class B+ RV or other motorhome. Here are RVT’s tips for negotiating the price of an RV with a private seller.
Gather Information First
When negotiating the price of a used RV, nothing is more crucial than being informed. Before you ever contact the seller, use RVT.com’s Price Checker to see if the listed price is reasonable to start with. Compare the RV you’re interested in with a few other similar options. Pay close attention to any photos or statements the seller makes about the condition or how well maintained the vehicle is. They may list the RV based on the price of one in perfect condition, but objectively judging the condition goes a long way to determine its actual value.
Take advantage of the J.D. Power search available with the Price Checker to see the suggested price of the vehicle from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that these are retail prices, so you should aim for lower than the suggested and average retail price. The low retail value reflects a vehicle with extensive wear and tear and wouldn’t usually be found at a dealer lot, but gives a good reference for the vehicle condition. If the vehicle is in superb condition for its age with a robust maintenance record, then it should be considered more valuable than the average condition, which assumes wear that’s in line with its age.
Finally, ask your insurance company if they can run the VIN to check for claim submissions. There may be damage to the vehicle that the seller isn’t reporting that an insurance search might find that can aid in bringing the price down.
Understand the Seller’s Motivation
Why has the seller listed their used RV for-sale? Is there an issue they’d rather not deal with? Are they looking to upgrade, or do they simply not use it enough to justify having it? Understanding the reason they’re selling is important towards determining the value. If there is an issue, this should be considered in the price. If it wasn’t used much, that could mean it was neglected and the maintenance wasn’t conducted properly.
What is their timeline for making a sale? If they need to make a sale quickly or it’s been on the market for a while, this could be a good opportunity to negotiate a bit harder. If they aren’t in a hurry and it just recently went on the market, they might be more firm in their price.
Highlight Flaws
Once you’re able to inspect the pre-owned fifth wheel or other used RV (we recommend also hiring a professional inspector to check it out), use the findings of the inspection to point out anything that may have not been included in the original listing. Are all features fully functional? Are there any additional dents/damages not shown in the posted photos? Highlighting these issues can help show the seller why the actual value might be closer to the lower end of the spectrum than they originally thought.
Negotiate on your terms
Before negotiating, know what your absolute maximum price is. Start negotiations from your desired price and work up in small increments, each time reiterating your justifications for the lower price and letting the seller know you’re ready to buy.
If it becomes clear they won’t come below your maximum price, that’s ok. Sometimes there’s a difference of opinion in the value of a used Class A RV or other vehicle. Don’t get upset, just make sure you leave your number and tell them to call if they change their mind. If they aren’t able to sell to anyone else for their desired price, they might come back to your offer. If they do, stick to your previous offer. Coming back means they didn’t get any offers better than yours, but might still try to get a bit more from you. If you politely hold firm to your previous offer, they will most likely accept.
Negotiating a used RV sale from a private seller can sometimes require a bit more work than going to a no-haggle dealership, but keeping these tips in mind can help save you money better spent on your next adventure. And if you’re ready to start shopping new and used RVs available from both dealers and private sellers, start your search today on RVT.com.
By Audrey Somero
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