Hello all,
I am thinking of finally jumping the gun and getting an RV. I have dreamed of owning a Class B for years, but decided to finally look at Class C RVs for the extra space for guests. While the salesman was inside, I stumbled in an Axis 24.1 and I think I’m dead set on this model. I refused to even consider a Class A before I stepped in that model. I love the features, floorplan and the huge view in the front. I also looked at the 25 and 27 units, but I love the 24.1 because a short length is my first priority and I like the twin beds. I’ve read enough posts on this forum to know that there is very little difference between the Axis and Vegas except the exterior look, so I've been keeping an eye out for either model. However, I am interested in year-to-year model comparisons.
I did notice that the cabinetry has a complete modern upgrade in 2018 which I LOVE, but sadly there aren’t any used 2018/2019 models anywhere near me (all are 4 or more hours away). If a 2018 or used 2019 becomes available near me, I will probably jump on it right away. However, I do have two models within an one-hour drive:
2017 Axis 24.1 listed for $60,000 and 6,000 miles. NADA low retail is $52,000.
2015 Axis 24.1 listed for $40,000 and 40,000 miles. NADA low retail is $40,000.
Features are the most important thing to me, since this seems like a reasonable depreciation of about 10% per year and the additional cost will be about $100 extra on my monthly note which is still well within my budget.
Other considerations: I will not be towing or hauling a lot of weight. Max passenger weight would be about 550 lbs. if hauling 4 people (two pre-teens). Otherwise, it will be two or three adults under that weight limit. The most I would tow is my 120 lb. pedal boat or a moped and that will not be often. I'm also a very light packer. Weight isn't really an issue for me, so small capacity changes probably won't matter.
I am aware of the changes in the bathroom doors for 2015, and the changes to the curtain rod in 2016 (arc which provides more shower room).
As for plumbing, does the bathroom sink go to the black tank with the toilet? I think this is helpful as a way to add more liquids in the black tank, but comments seem to suggest that not all models have the plumbing set up this way.
I’ve also seen comments about the batteries. Does the 2017 still have the same batteries in the 2015 that many have had trouble with?
Are there any other important changes that you think make the 2017 model superior to the 2015?
Also, I'm not sure if either are under warranty. I could care less about warranty on the interior as I am very handy and prefer to fix it myself instead of having it sit at a dealership for weeks/months. Though I can work on my own engine, I strongly prefer not too, so an engine warranty would be preferred.
I also expect to trade it in and upgrade to a newer model in a couple of years once the recession is under way and interest rates are at an all time low, so the 2015 would be about 7 years old when I trade it in.
Like I said, they are both well within my budget, but just because I can afford it, doesn't mean it's worth the extra expense. This is a WANT, not a NEED. I've been waiting all year to buy in the off-season and I can continue waiting if I don't get an excellent deal. That's what I'm trying to determine here. I know many would say to go with the newer unit if I can afford it, but I am only in the financial position to buy an RV because I don't make purchases with that state of mind. I'm really looking to see if there is some type of major upgrade that makes the extra expense worthwhile.
If I didn't get one of these units now, I may wait until January and buy a new 2019. Other than the much nicer interior, is there any other reason I should consider that? At this point, I'm not very inclined to take the depreciation hit on a new RV just because I like the cabinets (though I do like them ALOT).
Thanks in advance to any Axis/Vegas owners that can provide your insight and sorry for the long post.
~ TinyTink
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