Buying a New Thor Windsport: Questions

[JTAG32]

I am a newbie here.
I am a newbie to the RV world.
I am buying a new RV.
So I have some questions.

After much research and discussion, I think we have landed on buying a 2019 Windsport 34J (Bunkhouse). The floorplan fits us best, the features are appealing, and the design and style suits us as well. And the price, of course.

We have noticed quite a wide dispersion in listing prices across the US for the same unit. From a low of $84k to a high of $117k. The stickers on these RVs are virtually identical. I'm only looking at coaches with the partial paint option (they don't offer full paint on the windsport).

Question 1 - The lowest priced RV ($85k) is ~600 miles from home. The closest RV is $95k. What has been the forums' experience getting dealers to "price match" or at least compete? I've done it with cars, just never bought an RV before.

Our plan is to negotiate the best price we can with the "local" dealer (still 150 miles). Once a price is agreed upon, we will order a third-party inspection of the RV to document all possible defects that need to be fixed BEFORE we close on the RV. My goal is to minimize the 1st year hassles by identifying as many of the defects up front, with the incentive of closing to encourage compliance.

Question 2 - Has anyone else taken this approach successfully? Any additional thoughts?

Question 3 - Any mods, additions, must-haves we should consider as we are going through this process?

Thanks!!!

[TXiceman]

Thor does not have the highest customer satisfaction rating. The quality control is not the best.

If you go with it, make sure that it is well checked and everything is 100% before you take delivery. DO NOT accept a dealer promise to fix anything on the first warranty trip back to them.

In particular, check window valances and shade mounting for proper attachment. Grab them and tug and shake. Check cabinet door and drawer pulls.

Make sure there is zero sign of water intrusion around doors, slides and windows.

Ken

[sbleiweiss]

We have been reasonably happy with Thor new purchases, at least since 2014. I would try negotiating but be willing to go further to save money. Depending on where you live, consider going to Elkhart for service direct from Thor. Otherwise, getting a good dealer that has good service is worth some extra money. Also consider whether there is a good dealer near you who will service it even if you buy it elsewhere.


I have never heard of anyone using a paid inspector on a new unit, but I suppose it can't hurt and might save you some inconvenience.

[JTAG32]

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Thor does not have the highest customer satisfaction rating. The quality control is not the best.

If you go with it, make sure that it is well checked and everything is 100% before you take delivery. DO NOT accept a dealer promise to fix anything on the first warranty trip back to them.

In particular, check window valances and shade mounting for proper attachment. Grab them and tug and shake. Check cabinet door and drawer pulls.

Make sure there is zero sign of water intrusion around doors, slides and windows.

Ken

Yup. All the reasons why I want a third party inspection and resolution of everything they find BEFORE i close on the coach!

[triplewide]

Inspections prior to purchase are a good thing to do. However, no inspection will catch all the potential issues with any brand or price level RV.
A slide may work perfectly a dozen times while inspecting and fail on the thirteenth cycle in your driveway when you get home.
If you plan on having a dealer do all repairs and servicing on your rig then who you buy from and where they are located is very important. If the dealer who is 150 miles away is the "best" for service then make your best deal possible with them. Always be prepared mentally to walk away and buy another day. Your existence does not depend on buying a motor home, their existence depends completely on selling them.

If you are able to service and repair the coach yourself or have a local reputable repair service, then buy where you can get the lowest price and never see them again after you drive off the lot.

I live in North Carolina, purchased my current (3rd) coach at the Tampa Florida RV show in 2015. It has been to a local dealer once for a recall on the shower curtain. After 30,000 miles, we have had the coach in all 48 of the contiguous states.

First two coaches were used, the next one will be used.

[JTAG32]

Thanks Triplewide

The dealer has informed me that they don't allow third party inspections on new coaches. That they do a thorough PDI and will fix everything to my satisfaction prior to delivery.

Considering next moves....

[Sweetbriar]

Originally Posted by JTAG32

Thanks Triplewide

The dealer has informed me that they don't allow third party inspections on new coaches. That they do a thorough PDI and will fix everything to my satisfaction prior to delivery.

Considering next moves....

You're spending close to $100,000 and the dealer won't let your representative inspect the product? Find another dealer. Their inspectors work for them, not you, and have no obligation, moral or legal, concerning your best interests.

[JTAG32]

So here's the final chapter:

Coach was listed at $85k, which was way below other 2019s around the country. Because they wouldn't permit an inspection, I offered them $80k. They said no. $85k + $599 doc fee. I went back to them and said "I'll do it if you get rid of the doc fee".

After waiting a couple days, I reached out again...sales guy wasnt in office, but he promised a response first thing the next morning.

Next morning goes and goes. I reach out again. No response.

Next day i get an email from the sales guy saying "Sorry..we sold it to someone else" (!!)

OKAY

I go on their website, sure enough the coach is listed "pending sale". I'm mad, and let them know about it, but whatever.

I start using their add as leverage to negotiate with other dealers. A few hours later, I go on their website and the "Pending Sale" tag has been removed, and the price of the coach went up to $90k.

This is why RV dealers have a bad rap!

We have since found a 2018 34J and are closing on that deal Thursday (pending inspection).

[triplewide]

Hope you enjoy it!