 |
12-03-2020, 05:06 PM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Pasco, WA
Posts: 27
|
Another question from a newbie
I'm looking at a Class A diesel pusher at a sales lot. They buy their RV's from auctions and I'm a little leery of that.
Before I buy any RV I'll have it inspected by a certified inspector, but he's only looking at what is in front of him.
Is there any way that I can do a search using the VIN to find out the history of the RV?
__________________
Just an old fart looking for a new way to see the beautiful USA.
|
|
|
 |
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
12-03-2020, 08:21 PM
|
#2
|
Community Moderator
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Posts: 21,742
|
You should start with a Car Fax. Then you’ll know if it’s been in an accident. Make sure it would have a clean title. I’m sure others will chime in with their thoughts.
__________________
Tony & Ruth........... FMCA#F416727
2016 London Aire 4519, Freightliner chassis, Cummins ISX, 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Blue Ox Avail with AF1. TST 507 TPMS
|
|
|
12-03-2020, 09:49 PM
|
#3
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Pasco, WA
Posts: 27
|
Thanks Toni. I didn't realize CarFax covered RV's. My biggest fear is that the RV might have been through a hurricane or flood and was damaged then cleaned up and put on the market.
Mike
__________________
Just an old fart looking for a new way to see the beautiful USA.
|
|
|
12-03-2020, 09:59 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Forest River Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner RV Trip Wizard
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Heart of Texas
Posts: 578
|
Since you're buying retail, do they not have a warranty period? If the lot wont back up their inventory with some kind of guarantee, it might be wise to change sales lots. They stand to make a few bucks so have them drive the RV to your mechanic. You'll pick up the tab for the inspection but it'd be a heck of a lot cheaper than getting stuck with a potential problem. If you don’t get any assurance, then don't buy from them. This shouldn't be anything else but a 2-way agreement to purchase.
__________________
Jeff & Sharon Wise
2021 Forester 2151LE-<2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Dripping Springs, TX
|
|
|
12-03-2020, 10:44 PM
|
#5
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Pasco, WA
Posts: 27
|
Jeff, that's part of the "fear" i have with dealing with that place. They said they buy them at auction, know nothing about prior owners, prior service, etc. They did say their coaches have clear titles, but I doubt RV titles have the same restrictions that cars do. As an example, a car that has been through a flood or hurricane and was totaled by the insurance company has a "Branded Title" and it must show why the title is branded.
I don't believe that RV's have that same level of protection.
As to the comment about taking it to a local shop to have it inspected, I doubt a local shop would be able/willing to spend the same amount of time a certified inspector would, and the closest inspector is about 4.5 hours away. Not impossible, but certainly not an easy thing to get done.
__________________
Just an old fart looking for a new way to see the beautiful USA.
|
|
|
12-03-2020, 10:59 PM
|
#6
|
Community Moderator
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Posts: 21,742
|
Most things bought at market either have problem or they have been repo-ed. If it was a repo you can pretty well expect that it was not taken care of. Unless you can "steal it" and are prepared to spend money assuring it's right, I would avoid buying from an auction. BTW a Car Fax will show if it has been in a flood if there was a claim to the insurance company.
__________________
Tony & Ruth........... FMCA#F416727
2016 London Aire 4519, Freightliner chassis, Cummins ISX, 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Blue Ox Avail with AF1. TST 507 TPMS
|
|
|
12-04-2020, 09:07 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Forest River Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner RV Trip Wizard
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Heart of Texas
Posts: 578
|
I completely agree re Car-Fax, and have used them many times (but not for RVs). Still, I think you might be taking an awfully large risk buying an unknown, so unless you're getting it at a steal, I'd approach it with a whole bunch of caution. Remember that if you're heading out on a trip, that baby is what is going to provide you with your shelter. Eyes wide open... good luck!
__________________
Jeff & Sharon Wise
2021 Forester 2151LE-<2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Dripping Springs, TX
|
|
|
12-04-2020, 11:23 AM
|
#8
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Pasco, WA
Posts: 27
|
Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate that you took the time to respond to my questions.
In my work life I was a professionally trained hostage negotiator and, unlike most people I LOVE to negotiate with car dealers and other merchants. Ten years ago when we bought the boat we are now selling I negotiated with the selling boat dealer for 3 months before we came to terms. I think it pi$$ed them off that I kept the negotiations going for so long but in the end they came almost down to my "steal it" price.
If I were to buy from this outfit I definitely would have a Level 2 Certified RV Inspector come over to inspect it before I even started to talk dollars with the seller.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Mike
__________________
Just an old fart looking for a new way to see the beautiful USA.
|
|
|
12-04-2020, 11:31 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: MN
Posts: 994
|
Check your own state's licensing bureau, but I know that in many states RV titles are treated just like auto titles, and so an RV that has been totaled by an insurer is given a salvage title.
__________________
------------------------------------
1993 Rockwood 28' Class C - Ford E-350 7.5L
|
|
|
12-05-2020, 03:11 PM
|
#10
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Pasco, WA
Posts: 27
|
Bobby, thanks for the tip.
__________________
Just an old fart looking for a new way to see the beautiful USA.
|
|
|
12-05-2020, 09:02 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 545
|
Look at chassis for telltale major rust/ corrosion
|
|
|
 |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|