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vector's avatar
vector
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015

DP Search

Just returned from yet another disappointing dealership while searching for a good used DP upgrade for our older gasser. We have seen filthy carpets, broken latches and cabinetry, dirty upholstery, inoperable electric steps, peeling paint, stinky refrigerators, and so forth. How can these dealers expect a potential buyer to "see" past these readily apparent quality issues and have confidence in the coach's mechanical condition, working and operating systems, and overall reliability? These guys get one chance to get it right when someone steps onto the lot, and almost every dealer has blown it for one reason or another. It's as if we are interrupting the salesman's all-important game of computer solitaire. We leave the lot thinking there is no way will we go back instead of the enthusiasm of maybe next time we visit we will find what we are looking for. For these dealers there seems to be no next time, just now. This clean older coach in good repair looks better each time we return to it after these frustrating attempts at finding a replacement. Nuff said. Thanks for listening.
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  • Thunder_Mountai's avatar
    Thunder_Mountai
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2015
    What price range are you looking at? We've spent the last three months in Arizona. While here we have looked at a lot of units, both new and used. We saw a number of units like you are talking about at some of the used only lots. At the bigger dealerships we actually saw some very nice used pushers that were five years old. The big dealerships auction the "beaters" they take in trade. The pickings in Colorado are probably pretty slim. You should make a trip to Yuma, Tucson and Phoenix area. But I agree with others that a private party sale may be the way to go. They are probably more likely to be up front with you about issues.
  • WILDEBILL308's avatar
    WILDEBILL308
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2015
    You may need to expand your search area. I never had that problem when I was looking around hear(Fort Worth Dallas). I can see how tracked in mud could be a problem but all the places we visited had protective plastic over the carpet and floor.
    The one problem you will run into buying an older coach is if it is 9-10+ years old financing can be a problem. I found several coaches that were a amazing bargains but couldn't get financing.
    Bill
  • KarenS144's avatar
    KarenS144
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    We looked at a few used coaches at dealers and they were nasty. Why they aren't cleaned up first is beyond me. When we sold our gasser, it was spotless. I had always kept it clean but wasn't about to have strangers poking around in it and finding our dirt!

    The "pre-owned" DP we found on Craigslist was clean as well and the lady we bought it from could not have been nicer.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2015
    Many dealers that sell new units want you to do just that; buy a new unit.

    Look for an independent dealer that just sells used units that stakes their reputation on clean units.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Mar 09, 2015
    I agree with Roman Duck, private party sellers are a lot more interested in selling and therefore do a lot better in prepping their units. We bought our DP from a private party. After negotiating the price, he even filled the 100 gal fuel tank all the way up and put a case of water in the refer that he had cold and waiting for us for our drive home.

    Bill
  • Roman_Duck's avatar
    Roman_Duck
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2015
    Your better off in buying private when it comes to used DPs; Just allow for extra in the budget for an extended warranty. There are a few good one's, expected additional cost of 2500 to 3500.00 for one.

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