2019 vs 2020 Minnie Winnie / Spirit 22M

taso · 08-30-2019, 10:13 PM

Hello!

First post here. I got my eyes set on a 2020 Spirt 22M or a 2019 Winnie Minnie 22M (as far as I can tell MW and Spirit are exactly the same). The 2019 is 20k less than the 2020. Both are brand new. The catch is that the 2019 one is ~1300 miles away.

My basic question is - is there really enough difference between the 2019 and 2020 to warrant a 20k difference? Is there any strong reason to seriously consider the 2020 with this 2019 available?

Thanks!

blifsey · 08-31-2019, 05:49 AM

I would guess that the price difference isn’t due to differences in year models but included options, chassis (E350 vs E450), the dealer with 2019 needing to move older inventory, and/or base price increase from Winnebago. All the basic specs and info on website looks similar to our 2018 model.

**Eagle5** · 08-31-2019, 08:53 AM

One of my professors at college told me how design goes for the first three years:

Year One: Make it strong enough so that nothing breaks.
Year Two: Fix the problems that weren't found in year one.
Year Three: Increase profitability by cutting costs.

While the Class C is a well established general design, the 22M is just half-way through its third year of production. I believe the 2019 is a little better than the 2020 for the following reasons:

The 2019 front overhead berth cap has raised block letters stating WINNEBAGO on the front, rather than a W decal off to the driver's side. Because they molded a flat recess area front & center, the area looks vacant on the 2020s.
The 2019 has a glass shower door; not a plastic roll-up.
The 2019 has a convenient shelf space over the slide-out berth.

From an options side, the 2020 had more things become standard. When you compare the two model years, be sure to account for this. Here are the options I have on my 2019; many of which are now standard on the 2020:

E-450 tonnage (this definitely is still an option)
Thermopane Windows
Heated Grey & Black water tanks
Triple back-up cameras
Front Molded Cap
Convenience Package
Spare Tire
1,000 watt inverter
Power Awning
Second TV for the bedroom
Satellite Radio

The final option which I did not order were the stabilizing jacks. As I ordered the E-450, it seemed stable enough to not require them, and also they were the low-point relative to the departure angle of the vehicle.
Good luck; Eagle5

taso · 08-31-2019, 10:22 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I actually ended up pulling the trigger today on the 2020. Basically "RV fever" took over and I didn't want to sort out the logistics of buying from a remote location, even though I was favoring the 2019.

The whole family is super excited. I'll be looking at this forum more and more for information and learning.

Cheers!

4gone · 09-02-2019, 06:43 PM

We purchased a 2018 Minnie Winnie 31g in June of 2018. About two weeks after we purchased our unit the dealer got a 2019 in stock. The price was $8,000 more than our unit and it was optioned out exactly the same right down to the colors. They said this was the price increase primarily on the chassis cost between the model years. I looked at other brands and it seemed to be accurate so I think it's completely possible that it could be that much of an increase in cost between model years. All things being equal lesser purchase price, smaller loan, for me here in Massachusetts less excise tax which is essentially a property tax. And somewhat lower insurance cost. However you have to look at the options as well.

Dottie2019 · 09-08-2019, 06:08 PM

Great thoughts and response!

lnkaye · 09-08-2019, 09:15 PM

Also, the 2019 has an extra year of depreciation when factored in selling (and buying) the rig, even though they're both new, two years from now the 2020 one would be worth a lot more.

Ret.LEO · 09-10-2019, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnkaye

Also, the 2019 has an extra year of depreciation when factored in selling (and buying) the rig, even though they're both new, two years from now the 2020 one would be worth a lot more.

The 2020 will depreciate with a big hit as soon as it is titled and taken off the lot.
A year from now any difference in price between the two you have made up already with a lower purchase price on the 2019.
A "new" last year model on a dealer's lot with all options the same will be the best buy

Ret.LEO · 09-11-2019, 04:53 AM

Let the dealer take the year change depreciation. On the 2020 a 35-33% discount off MSRP should be your purchase price. The same model in a 2019 on their lot should be able to be had for 45-40% off the 2019 MSRP. Just make sure all seals are checked before signing the check.

**Eagle5** · 09-11-2019, 08:51 AM

Definitely check the Baby Seals when making a better deal!

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