Choosing between a new and used RV is a personal decision that involves several trade-offs. It is important to know that the strength of the local pre-owned market and the brands carried by local dealers all affect which path delivers better value.
In most motorhome categories, used RVs cost 37 to 59 percent less than comparable new models. Travel trailers can be the exception: dealer-priced used units often overlap with entry-level new inventory.
This guide covers current pricing by category, Calgary-specific inspection requirements, and the factors that determine which option fits a given buyer.
TL;DR
- In most motorhome categories, used RVs at Calgary dealers cost 37 to 59 percent less than new.
- Travel trailers are the exception: dealer-priced new and used ranges overlap significantly.
- Alberta’s climate (freeze-thaw cycles, road salt) makes a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential for used buyers.
- New RVs offer warranty coverage and no ownership history; used RVs offer lower prices and slower depreciation from the point of purchase.
- Bucars RV Centre carries both new and pre-owned inventory.
New vs Used RV Prices in Calgary
New RVs at Calgary dealers cost significantly more than used across most categories, with the difference most pronounced in the motorhome segments. The table below shows current prices for new and pre-owned inventory at Bucars RV Centre, Calgary’s longest-established RV dealership.
| RV Type | New (Bucars Value Price) | Used (Bucars Value Price) | Avg. Savings on Used |
| Travel Trailer | $23,966 to $93,966 | $32,988 to $59,988 | *Ranges overlap, see note |
| Fifth Wheel | $72,966 to $179,966 | $17,988 to $94,999 | Approx. 37% |
| Class C Motorhome | $159,966 to $249,966 | From $79,988 | Approx. 59% |
| Class A Gas Motorhome | $179,966 to $419,966 | $99,988 to $269,988 | Approx. 49% |
| Class A Diesel Motorhome | $559,966 to $1,399,966 | $109,977 to $399,999 | Approx. 59% |
| Class B (Camper Van) | From $209,966 | From $169,988 | Limited data |
Prices reflect Bucars Value Prices at Bucars RV Centre (June 2026). Inventory and pricing change as units sell.
*At Calgary dealers, new travel trailers currently run from $23,966 to $93,966, while used travel trailers in current dealer inventory are priced from $32,988 to $59,988. The ranges overlap considerably, so buying used is not automatically cheaper at the dealer level in this category.
The most significant savings are in the motorhome segments:
- Used Class A gas motorhomes start around $99,988, compared with $179,966 for new.
- Used Class A diesel units start at $109,977, compared with $559,966 for new models from the same brand tier.
Fifth wheels typically save about 37 percent when buying used.
Where the Price Gap Is Smallest
Travel trailers are the category where the used price advantage is narrowest at the dealer level. Dealer-sourced used travel trailers tend to cluster in the mid-range because the most affordable used units, those below $25,000, typically move through private sales rather than dealer lots. Buyers prioritizing the lowest possible price on a travel trailer may find private listings more competitive, though dealer purchases come with documented condition reports and access to financing, and post-sale service that private sales do not.
Where Used Saves the Most
The savings on used RVs widen considerably in motorhome categories. Used Class A gas motorhomes at Calgary dealers average about 49 percent below comparable new models. Class A diesel motorhomes present the most pronounced gap: new units from brands like Newmar start around $560,000, while comparable used diesel models start near $110,000. Fifth wheels average about 37 percent savings buying used, with used inventory starting below $20,000 at the accessible end of the category.
What to Know Before Buying a Used RV in Calgary
Buying a used RV in Calgary requires a more thorough inspection process than in warmer markets. Alberta’s seasonal extremes can introduce specific damage patterns that can be expensive to repair if not identified before purchase.
Alberta Climate Inspection Priorities
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles are the primary risk factor for used RVs. Water that enters the structure in summer expands when temperatures drop, accelerating delamination, frame rot, and seal failures. A thorough inspection should cover the roof membrane and all seals around vents, skylights, air conditioner openings, and slide-out edges. Interior ceilings, walls, and floors should be checked for discoloration, soft spots, or a musty odour, indicators of moisture intrusion. The undercarriage requires separate attention: road salt used on Calgary roads accelerates corrosion on frame rails and axles. A professional pre-purchase inspection by a certified inspector typically takes 2 to 4 hours and is particularly important for private-sale purchases.
Dealer vs Private Sale in Calgary
Used RVs purchased from a Calgary dealer typically come with documented inspection records, disclosed defects, and access to an in-house service department. Private sales can offer lower prices, particularly at the entry level of the travel trailer market, but buyers assume the full risk of undisclosed issues.
When purchasing from a dealer, practical questions include:
- What the service records show
- How the unit was stored during winter
- Whether any remaining manufacturer warranty is transferable
Dealers with full-service departments are especially useful during Calgary’s compressed camping season, when a repair delay reduces time on the road.
New vs Used RVs: Pros and Cons
Both new and used RVs from a Calgary dealer are reasonable starting points. The better choice depends on budget, usage intensity, and risk tolerance. The comparison below covers the key trade-offs.
| New RV from a Calgary Dealer | Used RV from a Calgary Dealer | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Buyers who plan to use the RV heavily, want full warranty protection, or want access to current model year layouts and features | Budget-conscious buyers, first-time owners testing the lifestyle, or buyers targeting a specific proven model at a lower cost |
Buying new from a Calgary dealer provides a manufacturer’s warranty and the latest available features, but at a higher purchase price and with steeper early depreciation. Buying used costs 37 to 59 percent less on average across motorhome categories, and the unit has already passed through its period of maximum depreciation. The trade-offs are reduced or no warranty coverage, depending on how the unit was maintained, used, and stored during its prior ownership.
How Depreciation Works
New RVs lose the most value in the first two to three years. A buyer who purchases new and sells within that window absorbs the steepest portion of the depreciation curve. Buyers purchasing used step into a unit that has already passed through its fastest period of value loss, and from that point, the unit typically holds value more predictably. This effect is most pronounced in Class A motorhomes, where the gap between new and used pricing reflects several years of accumulated depreciation rather than a simple wear-and-use discount.
Which Should You Choose?
The right choice between new and used comes down to three factors:
- Budget ceiling
- How intensively the RV will be used
- Comfort with variability in condition and warranty coverage
Three Types of RV Buyers
- Budget-driven buyers typically benefit most from the used market, particularly in motorhome categories where the price gap is largest. A buyer whose ceiling is below $130,000 will find considerably more used Class A gas and fifth-wheel inventory than new models. Used fifth wheels starting below $20,000 provide entry to the category for buyers who cannot yet reach new fifth wheel pricing.
- Heavy-Use Buyers (multiple extended trips each season, long-distance travel, or part-time living) tend to benefit from the warranty and reliability assurance of a new unit. Warranty coverage addresses mid-trip mechanical issues in a way that used vehicles cannot match.
- First-time buyers testing the RV lifestyle are generally well-served by a dealer-sourced used unit. The lower purchase price reduces financial exposure if the RV does not suit the household’s travel patterns, and purchasing from a dealer keeps inspection documentation and service support accessible throughout ownership.
Browse New and Used RVs at Bucars RV Centre
Bucars RV Centre has been Calgary’s original RV dealer since 1959. Today, the dealership operates on a 12-acre lot in Balzac with 16 full-service bays and the largest RV parts department in western Canada, carrying new and pre-owned RVs across every major category:
Browse new inventory and pre-owned inventory online or at our 16-acre lot in Balzac. Manufacturers in Bucars’ current lineup include Newmar, Coachmen, Forest River, KZ, Venture RV, Tiffin, Nexus RV, and Encore. For buyers new to RV ownership, Bucars U, our free seminar series covers everything from RV basics and trailer towing to winterization, solar power, and dry camping, with sessions open to owners and buyers at every level of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a new or used RV in Calgary?
Both options are sound depending on the buyer’s priorities. A new RV from a Calgary dealer provides a manufacturer’s warranty, the latest floor plans, and no prior ownership history, but costs significantly more and depreciates faster in the first two to three years. A used RV costs 37 to 59 percent less, on average, in the motorhome category and depreciates more slowly from the point of purchase. For first-time buyers or those with a budget ceiling, a used unit from a dealer is often the practical starting point. For buyers who will use the RV heavily and want full warranty coverage, new is worth the premium.
What is the average price of a used RV in Calgary?
Used RV prices at Calgary dealers vary widely by type and model year. At Bucars RV Centre, used travel trailers in the current inventory run from approximately $32,988 to $59,988. Used fifth wheels range from about $17,988 to $94,999. Used Class A gas motorhomes are priced from roughly $99,988 to $269,988, and used Class A diesel motorhomes from about $109,977 to $399,999.
What should I look for when buying a used RV in Calgary?
In Calgary’s climate, water damage and freeze-thaw wear are the highest-priority concerns. Buyers should examine the roof membrane and all seals around vents, skylights, slide-outs, and air conditioner openings for cracking or lifting. Check interior ceilings, walls, and floors for discoloration, soft spots, or a musty smell — all signs of moisture intrusion. The undercarriage should be inspected for road salt corrosion. All systems should be tested with power, water, propane, and battery connected:
- furnace
- air conditioner
- water heater
- appliances
- slide-outs
Service records and winterization history are important documentation to request. A professional pre-purchase inspection typically takes two to four hours.
Do Calgary RV dealers inspect used RVs before selling them?
Established Calgary RV dealers inspect pre-owned inventory before listing it. Bucars RV Centre checks used units for structural damage, heavy odours, cosmetic damage, and items such as appliances requiring major repairs before placing them in inventory. A dealer inspection is not identical to a third-party pre-purchase inspection, but it provides a baseline level of disclosure and condition documentation that private sales do not. Buyers who purchase from a dealer also retain access to the service department for post-sale maintenance, a practical advantage during Calgary’s compressed camping season.
How much do new RVs cost in Calgary?
At Bucars RV Centre, new RV prices range from approximately $23,966 for an entry-level travel trailer to over $1,300,000 for a top-specification Class A diesel motorhome.
- New travel trailers run from $23,966 to $93,966.
- New fifth wheels range from $72,966 to $179,966.
- New Class C motorhomes start at approximately $159,966.
- New Class B camper vans start at approximately $209,966.
- New Class A gas motorhomes are priced from $179,966 to $419,966, and
- Diesel motorhomes range from approximately $559,966 to over $1,300,000.
