Buying From Dealer Vs. Private Party

Thanks for all the input. Kalynzoo, I think your thought of "finding the right RV" is most important then considering who is selling it and what are the circumstances. My original question of buying from a dealer vs. private party really has pros and cons and one cannot probably make a judgement for all situations. Thanks for all the input. BTW had not thought about the sales tax issue but that does not fly here in the Sunshine state anyway. Thanks again!

For the most important concept is finding the RV right for you. The dealer consolidates the search by maintaining an inventory. A large dealer can have several lots and a larger inventory. Buying from a private party means doing your own search for the right RV with the right floor plan. With both, I would not personally trust the phrase "this is an excellent well kept coach" without inspecting the unit carefully myself. If there is an area where I do not have the expertise, like the power train, I would ask a friend with knowledge to take a look, or I would as that it be reviewed by an independent mechanic. (unless the dealer offers a written warranty). The dealer can offer the loan, with a private party sale you need to have the where-with-all to put together your finances. The dealer will up charge the price of the RV to make a profit, the private party is selling privately because they did not want to accept what the dealer offered, and they want to gain/earn the higher price.
JMHO

FunTwoDrv wrote:
NC used to take a bill of sale but, now uses a database. They don't ask you what you paid, they tell you what it is worth! LOL

Gary

Same with Texas and I've had no luck changing their number, even when buying a nonrunner.

Great point about people being upside down in their unit. With such crazy MSRPs and trade ins a lot of people are very upside down with silly loan values. When trying to find lightly used units you will find you can buy new for the same as what some people want from a 1-3 year old unit because they paid too much or rolled over a loan, etc. They want to get what they owe out of it, but that has zero bearing on the value of the unit. It is what it is....

tropical36 wrote:

Bzeitham wrote:
That sure does not happen here in Florida. In order to license the vehicle you MUST pay sales tax! If you buy it out of state, sales tax must be paid to the state.

Yes, but you must remember that many vehicles have been sold for a $1 among good friends and it only takes a bill of sale to prove such, in the state of Florida and like in most states. Anything else should be termed as being illegal and by the state, that is, or at least I would think so. In other words, no state should be allowed to charge one sales tax on money that wasn't actually paid out. Maybe some states, will call it something different than sales tax, so as to wrench the money from the buyer's pocket, by charging on it's book value.

In Vermont (and I think many other states), it's a use tax, paid when the vehicle is registered/titled, and not a sales tax. A sales tax cannot apply to purchases made out of state as that's interstate commerce and the purvey of the federal government.

And yes, Vermont does charge based on the vehicle value if the sale price is far below the value of the vehicle. (At least it's not charged yearly with registration, as a property tax.)

NC used to take a bill of sale but, now uses a database. They don't ask you what you paid, they tell you what it is worth! LOL

Gary

gonesouth wrote:
Yes, and nobody ever lies to the DMV!

Well, certainly not!
That would be dishonest.

Yes, and nobody ever lies to the DMV!

Bzeitham wrote:
That sure does not happen here in Florida. In order to license the vehicle you MUST pay sales tax! If you buy it out of state, sales tax must be paid to the state.

Yes, but you must remember that many vehicles have been sold for a $1 among good friends and it only takes a bill of sale to prove such, in the state of Florida and like in most states. Anything else should be termed as being illegal and by the state, that is, or at least I would think so. In other words, no state should be allowed to charge one sales tax on money that wasn't actually paid out. Maybe some states, will call it something different than sales tax, so as to wrench the money from the buyer's pocket, by charging on it's book value.

You can get an extended warranty, which more accurately is a service contract on a private sale. They sell here on this site. Depending on the age of coach these can be pretty much everything, to drive train only. Be sure to read and I do mean read these carefully.
You can also do some searching and find a tech or mobile tech to inspect the rig prior to purchase, again get what's looked at and what isn't before you pay. If your a newbie a good tech will give you good understanding of things to look for. The owner may not fix everything but it becomes a tool in negotiations. I would m uch rather buy anything from the owner, but it takes more time than looking at 20 candidates on the same lot.
If your planning on financing go to your bank or cu ahead of time and find your position