2012 177 vs 2016 178?

I'm curious about where you're located.  $13,500 for a 4-year-old 177 is high, IMO.  We paid $12,500 for our 2014 brand new in Sept. of 2014.  That was an exception deal, I believe, but still...

We were considering used but found a new one was little (if any) more than used, and like you said, you get a warranty.  Consider purchasing a new one out of town, if you're willing to drive.  I drove 600 miles to save thousands.  Warranty work can be done by any authorized Forest River dealer, although a local dealer will typically give priority to a camper they sold (and understandably so).

I would suggest continuing to shop for lower prices (both used and new); broadening your range of how far away you'd travel to buy; and sticking with a 178 over a 177, considering you will have two grandkids and sometimes another adult with you (unless you find a screamin' deal on a 177, as we did).

Here's a 2015 178 advertised right here on this forum:  http://rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7840&title=2015-rpod-178-for-sale-12500.

I don't know if it's still available, but the Craigslist ad he links to is still up, so I'd assume it is.  Looks to be in excellent condition, and has lots of extras including an R-dome.  Asking $12,500.

I have no idea how close this is to you, but perhaps it gives you some idea as to pricing.  I really think you can do a lot better than $13,500 for a 2012 177.  If nothing else, offer MUCH less to the seller and see what happens. 

if you shop around to Larger or High volume dealers you can get a great price I bought a 2017 179 for $16.5k out the door that includes license and reg. fees, payment is less than $136.00/mo.