Original Message:
Re: want to buy a Marriott timeshare: advice needed (by Paul R.):
You're always going to end up paying a premium buying directly from the developer. I recommend buying a week on the resale market (you'll save hundreds, if not thousands) and then renting it out when you don't plan to use it. That should cover the maintenance fees and secure the best value for your money.
I used Fidelity Resales and they walked me through the process to get me a better deal than buying from Marriott. Yes, you lose out on some of the extra benefits of purchasing from a developer, but its definitely worth it in savings.