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PaulAllen · 10-01-2013, 01:51 PM

Even before I bring in my professional RV inspector (probably RVSurvey affiliate), I'd prefer to reject a seriously flawed fifth-wheel on the basis of my own electrically-powered testing of various systems---especially if it is a consignment unit that the dealer may not have spent much time on.

So are most used RV resellers cooperative in that regard? (My first thought is that if they aren't, I wouldn't want to deal with them---but I"ve found that each industry/market has its own unwritten rules/expectations and sometimes one has to buck the system.) So what has been your experience?

There's a good chance (because of inventory/selection) that I may deal with PPLmotorhomes.com in both Houston and New Braunfels. Can I expect them to state upfront that the oven no longer works or that a slide-out motor is dead and must be cranked manually? [By the way, because I never plan to go on the road with my permanent-site RV, I'd be fine with the price savings of some dead slide-out motors---unless, of course, that such was a reflection of very poor maintenance in general by the previous owner.]

In buying used cars I've always had to find the flaws on my own---annoying some sales agents by my thoroughness in the process---and I always used professional inspectors for those as well. I found that the best dealers INVITED that scrutiny while the dirt-bag, high-volume, auction vehicle mega-mart used car lots were angered by any mention of hiring a mobile diagnostic specialist inspector. Will I find any of these same varied dynamics with RV resellers? Or are used RV dealers generally more cooperative and professional?

What has been your experience?

mikebreeze · 10-01-2013, 02:44 PM

When I bought my rig the salesman went through all major components to make sure that they all worked. Took about an hour and a half. The only thing we missed was the radio as the readout didn't work. Since I wanted a radio with an aux input that was the first thing that I replaced after I bought it. No major issues so far.

vsheetz · 10-01-2013, 03:05 PM

It's your money. Inspect as you want. Else take your money elsewhere.

PaulAllen · 10-01-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikebreeze

When I bought my rig the salesman went through all major components to make sure that they all worked. Took about an hour and a half.

Yes, thorough equipment tours are usual part of the final post-sale process. But my concern is BEFORE I buy it (or even make an offer.) There's a lot that I can learn from the various systems in determining whether previous sellers have been kind to the RV but I need electricity to do it.

On a sprawling dealer lot, I'd be surprised if many have dealers have convenient hookup kiosks scattered about and some extra power cables. (I have some hundred footers I would use for that purpose if I could!) And some people have told me that some dealers use the fact that a vehicle is a consignment (and therefore belongs to a private owner) as an excuse to discourage much testing.

Some had told me that their dealer balked at the hassle unless a professional inspector was being brought in. But I don't want to spend $300 plus mileage reimbursements on a perspective RV until I know that it has passed my own inspection procedures. Plus, it can change the entire "flow" of the price negotiation when I don't know the true state of the unit's subsystems. And if a roof AC is transmitting its noisy vibrations throughout the RV, I may not want anything at all to do with that unit unless I can do some hands on to see if I think I can solve it by dampening the wave troughs.

Palpatine · 10-01-2013, 07:45 PM

As you said Paul, some will be receptive and others could care less. I would stick to the smaller RV dealers as they are more interested in customers than in numbers sold. I would explain my situation and offer to pay to have the RV moved to a spot where power AND water can be hooked up. It shouldn't be much and if they see you are serious they probably will for go it. The dealer I dealt with had power and water at every site and invited me to operate everything - so they are out there.

jamvir · 10-02-2013, 10:55 AM

The rule is "Buyer Beware" - whether it's a used or new rig. It's your money, and your future RV. If a dealership or private parte were to get irritated by my thorough inspection of the rig, I would not want to do business with them.

When we bought our 5er DW and I took 3 hours going over it with a "fine-tooth comb". She started on the inside and I started on the outside. The dealer said "have at it" and left us alone the entire time! We found 2 minor things that they corrected. That's the kind of people you want to deal with.

Jim

Ray,IN · 10-03-2013, 08:27 PM

We bought our MH at Camping World. I shared your concerns, especially after the MH we selected was a consignment unit. The salesman put in writing that CW will repair/replace anything not working as designed-at purchase. So far (6 mos later) they still stand behind the salesman's statement. I just wish their service department management were as organized.