The Pros and Cons of Buying New vs Used Motorhomes in Melbourne.

When it comes to buying a motorhome, the choice between new and used is a significant decision that every potential buyer faces. Whether you’re looking to explore Australia’s stunning coastline, inland or embark on the road less travelled, the right motorhome can make a big difference to how much you enjoy each trip. At Roberts RV World, we proudly offer a wide selection of New Avida Motorhomes and Used Motorhomes in Melbourne. But which one should you choose? This article will help you weigh up the pros and cons of both new and used motorhomes to help you make a decision you will be delighted with!

The Benefits of Buying a New Motorhome

• Latest Technology & Features: One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a new Avida RV motorhome is the access to the latest technology and features. For example, New Avida motorhomes now come standard with advanced safety systems like stability control, energy-efficient appliances such as LED lighting, conduction cook-tops, and luxury comforts like optional RV levelling systems and integrated power generation. If safety while driving and superb modern electronic systems and styling are a priority, a new motorhome could be your best bet but at Roberts RV World in Melbourne, we often have near-new motorhomes which also include these features.

• Customisation Options: When you buy a new motorhome, you often have the flexibility to customise it to your preferences. This includes selecting interior finishes, upholstery, cabinetry colours, and optional features such as solar power systems and extended storage options. At Avida Melbourne, we offer a wide range of customisation options to make your new Avida motorhome feel like home but we actually offer certain kinds of customisation for used motorhomes too. For example, awnings including electric one-touch options, electric steps, diesel heaters, air conditioning, water and black water upgraded storage, composting toilets, levelling systems, solar panels and solar charge controllers, lithium batteries and much more!

• Warranty & Peace of Mind: New motorhomes come with manufacturer warranties, providing peace of mind when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Avida, for instance, is renowned for its strong warranties that cover structural elements, appliances, and mechanical components. With a new motorhome, you can rest assured that you’re covered if something goes wrong in the first three years of ownership. Buying a used motorhome privately is a bit of a gamble as there is no warranty nor come-backs once your purchase is finalised. Roberts RV World however does provide a peace of mind warranty on used motorhomes we sell so you can actually buy with confidence knowing you are not going to get caught holding a lemon with no recourse.

• Better Fuel Efficiency: Newer motorhomes are designed to meet stricter environmental and fuel efficiency standards. This means you could enjoy better fuel economy, which can be a significant factor for long-term travellers. Newer models are often lighter, more aerodynamic, and built with fuel-efficient engines that help reduce running costs. Once again, if your goal is to get maximum bang for your buck, a near new motorhome can deliver the same gains in fuel economy so that is food for thought.

• No Wear & Tear: With a brand-new motorhome, everything is fresh—there are no dents, scratches, or signs of wear and tear. You get a clean slate, and there’s something special about being the first to use your motorhome, with everything in pristine condition. Honestly, if you have never owned a brand new vehicle, it might be time to give it a whirl just to experience that ‘new’ feeling.

The Drawbacks of Buying a New Motorhome

• Higher Price Tag: The most obvious downside to buying new is the higher up-front investment. New motorhomes typically come with a higher price tag than used ones, depending on the model and size. While the extra expense gets you the latest features, warranties, and customisation options, new may not be feasible for all budgets.

• Depreciation: New motorhomes, like most vehicles, depreciate the moment they leave the dealership. This means that if you plan to sell your motorhome within a few years, you may experience a larger loss. Amortising the depreciation over a longer period makes the difference much less as inflation and rising prices mean eventually, your Avida motorhome could sell for the original price or even more!

The Benefits of Buying a Used Motorhome

• Lower Initial Cost: The most appealing factor when considering a used motorhome is the price. A pre-owned motorhome offers significant savings compared to new models. This allows buyers to get more for their money, potentially affording a larger or more luxurious model at a used price.

• Slower Depreciation: Since a used motorhome has already gone through the steepest part of its depreciation curve, its value will hold more steadily over time. This is particularly beneficial for buyers who may want to sell or trade-in the vehicle after a few years, as the resale value will be closer to the original purchase price.

• Proven Reliability: When you buy a used motorhome, you can benefit from the reliability of models that have been tested on the road. Reviews from previous owners and service records can give you insight into the performance of certain models. Roberts RV World ensures that all of our used motorhomes sold at our Melbourne showroom undergo thorough inspections to guarantee they are in great working condition. Many times, we offer motorhomes that we sold originally and that have been traded by existing customers who are upgrading. Knowing the history of a motorhome, we believe these returning motorhomes represent some of our best value motorhomes as our customers really do a great job of looking after them.

• Instant Availability: Unlike new motorhomes, which may require a wait time for delivery, used motorhomes are typically ready for immediate pickup. This is ideal for those who want to hit the road quickly without waiting for a factory order. If you are in the hurry for the fun to begin, you most certainly should take a look at our current used motorhome stock as there are some real beauties on offer to drive away this weekend!

• Insurance Savings: Used motorhomes often have lower insurance premiums than new ones, making ownership more affordable in the long run. This can be especially appealing to first-time buyers looking to keep costs down while still enjoying the RV lifestyle.

The Drawbacks of Buying a Used Motorhome

• Limited Customisation: With a used motorhome privately, what you see is what you get. You won’t have the opportunity to customise finishes or features before you take delivery. At Roberts RV world however, there is no need to accept any minor imperfections or design choices made by the previous owner. Let us know your wish list and we can prepare your motorhome for you with every box ticked ready for you to hit the road with everything in place!

• Unknown History: Although buying from a reputable dealership like Roberts RV World ensures that your used motorhome has been inspected and serviced, buying privately, you have good reason to be concerned about its previous usage. While service records can provide peace of mind, a used motorhome may have more wear and tear compared to a brand-new model and hidden water damage and other bingles can compromise the integrity of your RV and prove costly or even impossible to rectify. This is the main reason our customers choose to buy from a dealer. Good quality motorhomes do require a high up-front investment but then it is all smooth travelling with freedom camping all around Australia meaning you can live for next to nothing! Of course the key is choosing the right motorhome for your style of travel (e.g fitted out with all the off-grid options you need) and this is another reason customers shop with us - we have the range and the expert staff to show you the benefits of each type of motorhome so you make the right choice the first time.

• Higher Maintenance Costs: Older motorhomes may require more frequent repairs and maintenance. While buying used saves you money upfront, the long-term costs of upkeep may be higher than those of a new model that comes with a warranty. That said, the relatively low annual kilometres of most motorhomes means that maintenance on the vehicle should be modest if it has been well maintained all of its life. As to the ‘house’ part of the motorhome, an Aussie built motorhome will get you a long way towards trouble free ownership with your RV. The main thing to be aware of is that your RV is not leaking. Carry out preventive maintenance such as roof resealing every 10yrs and have your RV checked twice annually for leaks with a trained professional using an appropriate moisture detection wand.

Why Choose Roberts RV World?

At Roberts RV World, we understand that every traveller’s needs are different. That’s why we offer both New Avida Motorhomes and Used Motorhomes in Melbourne. Since 1968, we have offered Australian-made motorhomes that are built to withstand the harsh conditions of our local conditions and offer the highest quality and structural integrity.

Whether you’re looking for the latest safety features and modern styling that comes with a new motorhome or the savings and character of a pre-owned model, we’re here to help you find the perfect motorhome for your adventures. When you buy from Roberts RV World, you get peace of mind buying new or used.

Ready to Hit the Road?

If you’re searching for used motorhomes in Melbourne or considering a new Avida motorhome, visit Roberts RV World today. Our expert team is here to guide you through the buying process and help you make the right choice. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-time adventure, we’ve got the motorhome that’s perfect for you.

Don't just dream about your next journey – make it a reality. Visit our showroom today and let our passionate team help you find the perfect motorhome for your Australian adventure. With Roberts RV World, your dream lifestyle is just a drive away.

Start your motorhome journey today – because life's too short to stay in one place!