We are looking to buy a newer model class A . We have never bought from a private seller, only dealers. Need some opinions on experiences of buying from Private seller. Which is best, dealer or private? Thanks!

I like private I think they tell you more about the rv and the truth, whats a dealer know about a rv that comes to the lot, really he knows nothing, so he lies his way threw it. buying from a private goes easy things taken care of at the bank. and no hidden fees. and most the time can be bought at a better price from a private.

midnightsadie wrote:I like private I think they tell you more about the rv and the truth, whats a dealer know about a rv that comes to the lot, really he knows nothing, so he lies his way threw it. buying from a private goes easy things taken care of at the bank. and no hidden fees. and most the time can be bought at a better price from a private.So, only dealers lie their way THROUGH it, right? Certainly a private owner would never EVER misrepresent or lie about anything, would they? ;)

Personally, I prefer private sales. Mark up is usually not there, and there's usually more room to negotiate and get personalized help on all the little things with the unit. As mentioned by midnightsadie, the dealer knows little about the history of their used units, in general. And I also agree with A1A, as both private and dealers can lie. But sitting that aside, if you can, have an experienced RV owner or technician go with you and review the unit, private or dealer. Lastly, not sure about Delaware, but in Illinois, sales tax is vastly different. With a dealer, I pay the same sales tax new or used...plus any local taxes. For a used unit that is say, at half of it's new value or less, that tax can hurt. It's a percentage of the value of the unit. With private sales, it can still be high if a newer used unit, but older units (like 5 years and older) you pay a lesser amount of tax. That's a general statement...of course there are rules, etc that govern the tax. Point is: In IL, for us, used is less cost to buy private (usually...it depends!) and always less cost for tax.

mleekamp wrote:Personally, I prefer private sales. Mark up is usually not there, and there's usually more room to negotiate and get personalized help on all the little things with the unit. As mentioned by midnightsadie, the dealer knows little about the history of their used units, in general. And I also agree with A1A, as both private and dealers can lie. But sitting that aside, if you can, have an experienced RV owner or technician go with you and review the unit, private or dealer.In my experience, the sales personnel I've dealt with have very little knowledge about the new RV's either. They are just sales people trying to sell a product. Most have never spent one night in an RV.

I agree private sellers may provide a lower price , keep in mind dealers are taking 10-20 or more grand for their service.. that said ......private owners have an inflated opinion of their units value and may become more easily insulted with a low offer, I have found most owners also lie ..” No Pets” when there has been obviously pets in the coach to someone who doesn’t have then the smell is obvious. We looked at 6 “owner” coaches and all of them neglected to mention or outright lied on several things , from pets to leaks, to condition ( one in “great condition” 2 hour drive and it was a mess .. but so was their house so .theres perspective I guess ... ) The big problem is financing at a reasonable rate on a older unit. Dealers can have relationships with lenders that will go further . They may make a “cut” of the financing but if the deal is still good who cares. Lenders tend to offer better rates and terms via dealers . Of course if your cash or have your financing already that’s not important.

buy from dealer or private seller | Good Sam Community

RetiredRealtorR
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
midnightsadie wrote:
HEY aiarealtor most think your business has lots of not so perfect sales people to.

Do "most" really think that way? You must know hundreds of thousands of people to make that statement.

And yes, there are imperfect people in EVERY profession, and I realize that too (two o's).

But thanks anyway for your timely input. It will certainly be of help to the original poster. :C
ppine
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2020
Lower price and more honest answers with private owners.
I did by my last trailer from a dealer, because the price was pretty fair and it saved me a long trip out of a state.
Two_Jayhawks
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
Private. I've purchased 2 used units from owners & both transactions went well. Both were honest, helpful, and helpful after the sale. I also sold both of those units private sale and want equally as well. Still talk with both the guys that have my old coach's also.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jun 25, 2020
1. You pay sales tax on the state you register the unit. Texas got smart years ago and they use Kelly Blue Book for determining sales tax on Cars and Motorhomes. No more "I paid $100 for it". If the vehicle is truly junk or way below market value, YOU have to prove it's value. Very hard to do.
2. Salesman Lie? I have been in the RV business for 50 years. 41 as a RV Technician. We go thru our used units before sale. You would be amazed at what the former owners did not disclose when they traded in the unit. We even had a customer trade and his used unit had 6 new Michelins. When he returned to close the deal, the Tires were removed and old junk tires were installed. After he was caught he left and returned with the 6 Michelins installed. I would trust a RV dealer way more than a private seller. At least with a dealer you can get it checked out by someone else a lot easier and in most States you may have Legal recourse for any bad result. Going after a Private seller is harder.
3. Buying a Motorhome AND NOT HAVING IT CHECKED OUT BY AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC IS FOOLISH. House and Chassis Doug
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2020
HEY aiarealtor most think your business has lots of not so perfect sales people to.
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2020
The issue of sales tax was mentioned earlier in this discussion. it is worth researching to know where you stand in any given state. Here in Arizona there is no sales tax in any private party transaction. That would represent a serious savings over buying from a dealer and paying around 8 percent.

:C
BB_TX
Nomad
Jun 25, 2020
With a private seller, you MIGHT get more accurate information about the RV. And you might not. But likely will get a lower price. But if it turns out there are problems with it you will have little recourse but to pay to fix them. Or litigation.

With a dealer, you will likely get less accurate information about the RV. But with a dealer, you MIGHT be able to get undisclosed problems corrected by that dealer. Make sure about what they will do before buying. But price is likely going to be higher also.
way2roll
Navigator II
Jun 25, 2020
There are pros and cons to both. Buy from the one that has the model you want at a price you are willing to pay. The rest is just noise. The structure of the deal is slightly different - a dealer is better equipped to set you up with tags, financing, inspections, maybe some service perks etc. Privately the money exchange will need to be sorted out - if the bank holds the title is there a closing process at their bank etc. Every deal is different. A dealer may have an edge on convenience of the transaction but neither are overly complicated deals. If private just make sure it's a secured transaction through a bank or other trusted exchange. If a private seller had a unit I wanted at my price it wouldn't hinder me in the least.
RetiredRealtorR
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
ferndaleflyer wrote:
I would never buy a used unit from a dealer. Dealers like real estate sales people as a rule know nothing about what they are selling. Just in it for the money!

Thanks for that observation! Of course, as a Realtor I resent it. How dare you paint with such a wide brushstroke. Ask your doctor how much he makes, ask your CPA how much he makes, ask your financial planner how much he makes --- of course, NONE of them are in it for the money! ;) I take pride in my knowledge of the industry and the products I am representing. Maybe that's why I've been in it for so long, and have so many repeat customers and referral customers. Before you slam another profession, please take time to think first.
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2020
I would never buy a used unit from a dealer. Dealers like real estate sales people as a rule know nothing about what they are selling. Just in it for the money!