If you are in the market for a used motor home because the prices on some of the new ones just seem a little too steep for your budget, you may be headed in the right direction. Just as a brand new car depreciates as soon as it leaves the lot, a brand new RV depreciates as soon as it leaves the lot. That is why buying a gently used motor home at a fraction of the cost of a new one can be such a great deal. You may even be able to get more "RV" ? for the same cost that you would pay if you were to buy a new, instead of a used motor home.

Buying any motor home is a major investment for most people. This is why it is so important that you approach this decision very carefully. With a used motor home, you will have financial as well as ownership responsibilities. How much can you afford to spend on an RV? If your budget is already tight, you may want to wait awhile before you commit yourself to another monthly payment. But, even if the time is right, there are still many other considerations when buying a used motor home.

1. Find out the estimated cost or value of any used motor home on the NADA website.

2. Look in a consumer or RV magazine, or even online to find out what experts as well as actual owners are saying about your RV of choice. Do they have maintenance issues or problems or complaints about the RV?

3. Have any used motor home that you are thinking about buying checked out by a mechanic and check it yourself for undue wear and tear on upholstery, appliances, and tires.

4. Look at the manual for the motor home to see what the maintenance schedule is as well as tank size, mileage, etc.

5. Test drive the RV to see if it is comfortable for you to drive and maneuver and try all of the controls.

6. When you buy from a private seller ask a lot of questions about why they are selling and how they took care of it.