New vs Used ? September 27, 2020, 11:27:50 pm Hi All,Seeing that new 2021 posting had me rethinking my initial plan to buy a relatively recent used model, and I thought who better to ask than this experienced group?As I'm doing research, the common wisdom among other RV owners, outside of Lazy Daze, is that buying a new vehicle means weeks to months of warranty repair work and "shake-out" trips to figure out what wasn't built correctly initially. Unlike new cars, new RVs are known for starting with defects.I've been learning that lazy daze brand is unusual, special, in many ways thanks to this forum. Still I haven't seen this question addressed, so I'm asking it here. If I buy new from the factory, should I expect to return soon after for repairs after that shake-out period, as with other brands? What happened to those of you who purchased new from LD directly? Thank you for sharing your experience, and helping me set realistic expectations.Kat
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #1 – September 27, 2020, 11:36:57 pm You will have to wait a year or more to buy. There is a waiting list. Once you take delivery, the typical experience is much better than other brands. Many people report no or just a few small issues. Rich 2 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #2 – September 28, 2020, 12:23:30 am No brand is perfect but you’ll have many less issues from a LD. I think a good plan is to try and spend two or three days locally in a RV park after delivery and go through the rig learning about it, operating all the systems, and making sure the fit and finish doesn’t have any issues. That way you’ll still be close to the factory and can take care of any possible problems.I only live about 2 1/2 hours from the factory but if I do end up buying new, that’s my plan. As Rich indicated, get on the list now if you think you might buy new; it’s a long wait and doesn’t cost anything until you get within 6 months or so. 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #3 – September 28, 2020, 12:25:49 am When driving home from the factory, I left one of the blinds rolled down. It fell off the roller on the 500 mile trip home.I called the factory (referred to as the Mothership). Vince said I could bring it back, or he could sent be another one with an installation tool. I thought that good for a user-induced error. Install was easy and shipped the old one back with the tool. Have been back to the Mothership to pick up some touch up paint and say hello. You can get on the waiting list while looking for a used one. As some point in the new model process you need to provide a deposit. I don't know if it is when you get on the waiting list or later. When we ordered ours in 2013 there wasn't a list.joel 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #4 – September 28, 2020, 01:11:28 am We bought new in January 2019. After spending two days in Palm Springs we started a 5,000 mile trip across the western US and British Columbia. The only problem we have had in two years of ownership was a defective board in the water heater. A call to the mothership resulted in mailing the board to Tucson. We replaced the board ourselves. I think you will find that specific “shake cruise” is unnecessary. Just hit the road and enjoy. 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #5 – September 28, 2020, 08:40:17 am We picked up our "new" floor model LD in the summer of 2012. We are now closing in on 88,000 miles and have had no problems with the chassis other than normal service items. We had only one problem bringing home the coach, the medicine cabinet door swung open a couple of times along the way home, and slightly damaged the venetian blind covering the BR window. Shortly after arriving home in Western PA, we received a quality survey from the Mothership, and I indicated on it the damage to the blind. We did not ask for anything, but in a week or so, a new blind arrived at our home to replace the damaged one. To me, this indicated LDs commitment to it's customers.My two cents: We were likely older than most of the LD owners purchasing their RV. Because of some physical limitations, and other reasons, I did not want to spend time fixing or repairing an older unit, so we wanted to buy new. I had experience with my Father in Law's Class A which necessitated almost constant care to keep it on the road. He was a Engineer and loved working on his cars and RV. That is not my area of interest or expertise. In short, we wanted to spend our time traveling and not repairing or fixing. Best wishes with your decision.Bob 2 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #6 – September 28, 2020, 08:41:40 am "If I buy new from the factory, should I expect to return soon after for repairs after that shake-out period, as with other brands? What happened to those of you who purchased new from LD directly?" We picked up our 2019 31 IB from the mothership in December 2019 and drove it straight home to Pennsylvania. Since then we have only taken two trips in the Northeast/Great Lakes area - each trip lasting 2 weeks. But so far no real problems. We have one drawer under the frig that does not stay closed but hubby fixed it with velcro stick-ons. Also, the white rolling window blind over the dinette does not retract easily - you have to push it back up into place. But those are minor issues - we are very happy with the quality of the build overall.Connie GoocheeKevin Dolan 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #7 – September 28, 2020, 09:28:13 am On the way home (3,587 miles) in three weeks after picking up our Mid Bath in April, 2003 the little plastic knob on the thing that diverts the water to the shower head broke in two pieces after about a dozen uses. Called the Mothership about it and Vicki said she would send a replacement to our home. A fifteen minute stop at Wal-Mart to get a tube of Super Glue fixed the problem. My repair has lasted 17 years.BTW - When we got home a package from Lazy Daze was there containing three replacement knobs! 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #8 – September 28, 2020, 10:55:31 am “You can get on the waiting list while looking for a used one.“We were advised to do this and did indeed purchase a lightly used, late model Twin King while on the waiting list. We enjoyed the TK for a summer in Western Wyoming and in so doing learned about Lazy Daze design and systems, affirmed our insight that Lazy Daze is the make for us as well as that the MidBath rather than TK was the model for us. Having the “Trial” LD also helped us pass the wait list time in a fun and happy way! Finally, icing on the cake, we sold the TK at end of summer for exactly what we paid (less of course some sweat equity invested cleaning it up).Thanks for whomever it was from the FOLD that advised us to follow this path.Warren 2 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #9 – September 28, 2020, 10:59:35 am One advantage to buying from a factory-direct manufacturer is being able to deal directly with them to correct build issues instead of trying to negotiate with a too-often indifferent "taillight guarantee" dealer and "off the rack" manufacturer who pass the buck on standing behind the product while the customer hangs. Not all factory-direct or "custom" builders (LD is not a custom builder) are as responsive as LD is to its customers, but I believe that most are; this type of manufacturer is usually a much smaller operation, serving a more savvy niche market who value the producer-buyer relationship and expect the service that they feel they paid for. Bad press from customer complaints about quality issues makes much less difference to huge manufacturers like Forest River, Thor, and others; their products flood the market and are snapped up by what seems to be almost endless supply of buyers who appear to have done little homework and are much less aware of and/or concerned about build quality and dealer and manufacturer support than how much their monthly payment is. Every factory-direct or custom builder (that I know of) of whatever type of RV one is looking at, vans, truck campers, whatever, are dealing with longer wait times for their customers because of platform shortages, parts and materials supply issues, and/or any number of other manufacturing delays. Getting a new factory-direct or custom rig of any kind will require a wait; I know because I looked. Lazy Daze is not perfect; my rig had a few "coach build" issues, but LD stood behind its product and fixed the glitches without weaseling or denying responsibility. If one is able and willing to put one's name on the wait list to get on the wait list and deal with betting on the future, Lazy Daze is (IMO) the best class C available.YMMV, as ever. 3 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #10 – September 28, 2020, 11:43:08 am I like the idea of buying used and also putting your name on what is now (last report) a two year waiting list. If you are very lucky and can find a newer unit, you will have it to use. After "about" a year on the waiting list, you're asked to "commit" by making a down payment and actually placing your order which then mean another one year (or so) wait. It's possible at that time you may decide you're happy with what you have and not put your down payment on a new one.. Or, you would go ahead with the order as originally planned.Keep in mind this two year wait is subject to changing one way or the other in the future. A tip if you are shopping the used market for a newer rig... buy what you can find without too much concern about model and color since you will only have it for a relatively short time. Frank 2 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #11 – September 28, 2020, 11:55:14 am Piggybacking on what Frank said, I would go so far as to say that even if you put up the ~$4,000 deposit (depending on model length), if you happen to get a good deal on a used rig it might be worth "eating" the deposit by saving much more than the deposit on a used LD. Am I crazy, or what? 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #12 – September 29, 2020, 01:59:11 pm Marie and I bought our 2017 MB direct from the factory in June 2017 after a 10-month wait. Since we picked it up in California and drove her back to Florida 3 years ago we have driven 30,000 miles while camping in 33 States. The only thing we've had to deal with other than routine maintenance was a loose fitting in the propane line after the 1st year (the rear passenger side couch had to be disassembled to get at the fittings) that needed to be tightened and the Ford engine misfiring which took some time to diagnose but was ultimately fixed by some determined mechanics at Rush Truck Center in Orlando. Whether you go new or previously owned (as long as they have taken care of it) you will have a wonderfully built, reliable and almost-worry-free experience. As all physical things in this world invariably break down, we pay attention and don't let things ride when something seems out of whack.Good luck on your search.David and Marie 3 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #13 – September 29, 2020, 07:31:53 pm 2014 Twin King. We brought 'Baxter' new. Drove home from the mother-ship to Portland Or via Salt Lake City (about 1700 miles). Never owned or drove a Rv. Now 50,000 plus miles later still happy. The only issue that I can 'blame' on the factory was a drawer that would not open. They fixed it without any complains. In fact apologized for the inconvenience many many times.glen 2 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #14 – September 30, 2020, 09:33:17 pm Thank you all for the feedback and good ideas. I didn't realize that I could be on the wait-list without a firm commitment to purchase, and without putting down a deposit. I put myself on the list, which Todd said is roughly 2 years out before I have to decide to fish or cut bait.In the meantime, I hope to get in a few rv tours and make some decisions!Thank you all for your guidance and support.Kat 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #15 – October 01, 2020, 12:04:15 pm Quote from: kat - September 30, 2020, 09:33:17 pmI put myself on the list, which Todd said is roughly 2 years out before I have to decide to fish or cut bait. Hi Kat,Congratulations on adding your name to the list. I did 14 months ago and I’m hoping to get the call from Todd soon.When you spoke to Todd and he told you “roughly 2 years out”, did that mean until you got the call to place the order/deposit or until you took delivery. If it’s the former, then the delays have really increased... maybe 2.5-3 years for delivery. I hope not!- John
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #16 – October 01, 2020, 12:53:23 pm Spoke with Lazy Dazy yesterday. 2 Year wait,
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #17 – October 01, 2020, 01:19:43 pm Quote from: nightnoise1963 - October 01, 2020, 12:53:23 pmSpoke with Lazy Dazy yesterday. 2 Year wait,Just to be clear - 2 year wait from initial wait list phone call to pick up?Chris
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #18 – October 01, 2020, 01:42:59 pm Quote from: JohnR - October 01, 2020, 12:04:15 pm Hi Kat,Congratulations on adding your name to the list. I did 14 months ago and I’m hoping to get the call from Todd soon.When you spoke to Todd and he told you “roughly 2 years out”, did that mean until you got the call to place the order/deposit or until you took delivery. If it’s the former, then the delays have really increased... maybe 2.5-3 years for delivery. I hope not!- JohnHi John,I asked Todd for a range of how long it would be until I have to make a decision, and he said roughly 2 years, so I think he meant to put down a deposit, and pick a model. Then the wait for the build is after that. At least that's how I interpreted his answer.You're much earlier on the waitlist, so I'm assuming the estimate he gave you is still accurate for your situation. You could always drop a quick email and ask.I'm ok with the longer wait actually. That works out well for me now. Just recently, I now have some family obligations that preclude any extended travel for the near future, and don't want to purchase a model that will age in place until I can use it. You know that point where you're ready for the next phase, but it's still going to be a while in the current one? I'm in a holding pattern.... Part happy to be here and part itching for what's next. It gives me time to get things done that I need to take care of first. TMI ? 🤷On another note, a longer wait list should increase the value of used LD sales, right? So those of you who already own one should get an uptick in the near future if you choose to sell.That said, I'm also expecting that a year or two after the pandemic ends, and the corporate employees start spending more time in offices again, that used RVs on the market will increase, and prices then may level off.Kat
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #19 – October 01, 2020, 01:46:26 pm The wait list has become a curious thing. In the past, getting on the waitlist required a deposit so there was skin in the game, so to speak, when someone signed their name.Now, without a required deposit, my guess is that a lot of the commitments will evaporate when it comes time to make an actual decision.Is two years accurate. Who knows? I suspect not. I think it's just another way of saying that you won't get a new LD any time soon.Rich 1 Likes
Re: New vs Used ? Reply #20 – October 01, 2020, 04:43:10 pm Kat,I understand where you’re coming from. You’re ready to move on in the next phase of your life but obligations are keeping you in the current phase. That’s where I find myself now and COVID isn’t helping the situation. Unfortunately, my current obligations will be resolved well ahead of the new LD delivery. Looks like there will be a phase v1.1 before phase v2.0 can start Rich,I think you’re right that a lot of the commitments will evaporate when it comes time to put money on the table. Todd was real hesitant to commit to any timeline because, as he told me, a lot of people will cancel when they get the call. At that time, before COVID, Todd said it would be 12-18 months total. Of course that estimate is no longer valid, but it shows that even in normal times, it’s just one big guess.- John 1 Likes
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