We own both and bought them recently(last year). Last year we decided to purchase some timeshare - kinda like ...oh...need to go grocery shopping
Anyways - did about 6 months of research and we decided that we wanted a mixture of points and a weeks system. However we wanted the week to be with a resort or series of resorts that we could "drive" to and one that allowed split time. (3/4 nite stays).
We went through a similar analysis as to which point system we wanted - and then factored in how much we wanted to pay (capital - up front cost) and expense (annual MF's, fees RCI etc, Taxes). We set a budget for those numbers and identified the minimum time we wanted to have as a result of our budget. (Worse case scenario - 1 week of points - will only get 1 week etc)
Then once we decided upon the systems we wanted to get into - using the above factors - researched them extensively and identified what we wanted to pay - as each systems has its own ins and outs.
Ultimatley we ended up meeting about 85% of what we wanted to achieve. The missing 15% - is because one of the systems changed the rules on us and what I thought was an RCI affiliation ended up being II - I have yet to join II and have been able to move that week into an independent exchange system. We will see how that goes.
Another factor was I wanted a certain amount of points - but could not locate those with the approrpiate MF factor. I bid upon or made offers on almost 70 different properties unil I finally got one close. Right MF factor - but lower in points than I had originally wanted. And the last factor is that we had originally set out to only pick a point system where the actual unit was deeded and with a home resport we would use in worst case. Well....when it finally came to buying - really focused on the MF cost as that is recurring and hence the home resort is one that we would be unlikely to ever use - although not out of the question.
So even with all the careful analysis - research - budgeting etc - we still did not meet 100% of our goals. We are still pretty happy with the results.
So the very long answer to your question - is to examine what your uses will be - now and in the next 5 years - how and when you will use - what kinds of things you like to do and where - budgets etc. After doing this it should be pretty clear to you whether points, a week or combo will suit your needs best. WHat is important is that you purchase something you know you will use and enjoy!!!
Sorry for the long read!
Therese
