Would you "do it" again?? - Page 2

cellularSTEVE · 11-01-2009, 09:34 PM

The SMB is the BEST item I have ever purchased for myself.

Two things:

1. I was fortunate to buy mine *used* and it was like new or better than new (i.e. the previous owner took excellent care of it).

2. Though I wanted a diesel, I got the V10 and have been extremely pleased.

Both of the above saved me serious coin. If you reconsider getting a used one, you could be on (or off) the road sooner. Just a thought.

steve

gohigher861 · 11-01-2009, 09:54 PM

I would consider a used one if I felt good about how much the previous owner took care of it. I've always been a little bit leery of buying used: boats, motorcycles and 4x4's. Some of that is because I'm not very good at the mechanical side of things. But, if I sold my boat I would have enough to buy a good used one outright or pay about 60% towards a new one. Hmmmm...

billwilson · 11-01-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gohigher861

I would consider a used one if I felt good about how much the previous owner took care of it. I've always been a little bit leery of buying used: boats, motorcycles and 4x4's. Some of that is because I'm not very good at the mechanical side of things. But, if I sold my boat I would have enough to buy a good used one outright or pay about 60% towards a new one. Hmmmm...

remember that a new one will cost you much more
1) than you thought
2) and much more AFTER purchase

**BroncoHauler** · 11-02-2009, 05:22 AM

Buying used also has the advantage of letting you use one and deciding what you like and don't like for less investment than a new one, and you could make more informed decisions if you ever decide to spec a new one down the road.

Herb

P.S. Yes, we're a bunch of "enablers" here.

saline · 11-02-2009, 06:47 AM

The answer for us is yes, without a doubt. The SMB sits ready to go at our house. All we need to do is through some food and some clothes in and we head out. The weather is no longer a huge concern for us either.
You have to consider that people aren't going to post on here saying, "hey everything is fine" I love my SMB. People tend to post when they have a question or a problem, or of course want to share trips etc. These are very complex rigs for sure.
It was after this storm in Saline Valley that I finally said enough:

I'm all about roughing it when backpacking but if I am just car camping, I want my SMB.

EMrider · 11-02-2009, 07:23 AM

Like others, I wish I'd gotten an SMB a lot sooner than I did.

It is a big investment of both money and time, but well worthwhile in my view.

Being comfortable on the road and able to head out into BFE with almost zero prep or drama is great.

R

kzemach · 11-03-2009, 03:33 AM

I'd definitely do it again, but in hindsight I would have bought used. And right now, there are deals galore on used....

Angel · 11-03-2009, 09:04 AM

Yes, I would do it again. I cannot thing of a thing I would do different. My SMB is perfect for me.

Angel

gohigher861 · 11-03-2009, 04:51 PM

Thanks again for the replies. Getting a new van with the engine I want and just adding 4x4 to it for now just might work. But, I think, the more I think about it a used one might be the way to go.

Another question: Is the SMB website the best place to find a used SMB?? If not, what would you recommend?? (Okay that's 2 questions

)

Thanks,
Jeff

cellularSTEVE · 11-03-2009, 06:22 PM

Jeff,

As I mentioned in a previous post, buying used can be a good thing. But like with any purchase do your homework and really check out the van including taking it in to a mechanic, asking a ton of questions to the owner, etc.

I found the SMB site to be a good place to peruse used SMBs. They were quite helpful sending me photos, the build sheet and the owners contact info. I bought mine there. Of course there are other sites to look for used too. I also got one of my Jeeps on eBay and was very happy. Also, there is Craigslist too. YMMV.

steve