My dad is about to buy a motorhome, is it a good deal?

ArchHoagland wrote:
I would never EVER buy a used RV until I set foot inside it. I've seen too many RV's that looked good in the AD and were terrible when you went and looked at them.

Agree in principle. But, if the coach is not near the buyer, I am very comfortable negotiating a price, SUBJECT TO INSPECTION SATISFACTORY TO BUYER to be performed by XX date. I have never had to or would put money down. The fact that I am willing to fly to see it has always served as "I am for real". Specific how it will be paid for (i.e. you have the money or have financing arranged). Have them copy and e-mail you a copy of the title front and back so you know they own it or that there is a lien on it. If lien, have seller give you contact information at the financing institution so you or your banker can satisfy yourself that you will get clear title. It will also tell you if there is a tainted title (wreck, flood, etc).

Then, go inspect it (yourself or with a hired inspector). Make final negotiations if major issues found and close.

Seems likes good price actually too good I would not drop a 100k on anything without touching seeing and driving it. Funny no offers

I would never EVER buy a used RV until I set foot inside it. I've seen too many RV's that looked good in the AD and were terrible when you went and looked at them.

And I've seen too many horror stories on three RV forums that back up my position.

You know the old saying...if it's too good to be true...

If you can't go check it out in person, I'd stay away from it. Looks like an awesome coach, but there's got to be a reason that they're willing to sell that far below NADA value.

"Minor" paint checking also bothers me as does the fogged windows. Expensive to replace fiberglass panels. Also you have about two years before its time to replace 8 tires at 400-800 apiece. 99K is a good price but if it was in good shape I would have probably paid no more than 107K or so.

It looks like a nice rig but certainly appears to have lots of little issues that will add up and the paint could be a big issue. Looks like the seller is just doing a quick wash and selling with no repairs. I noticed in the head on picture one of the headlights is out. Simple fix but certainly illustrates that there are probably many of these simple fixes.

Fogged windows are about $300 each to repair. Washer dryer could be something as simple as a bad electrical connection. If not, that is another $1000+ to replace. Bad awning could mean a broken spring and cost $150 or so to repair. Checked paint probably means cracking fiberglass panels. The coach looks great and I think the price is OK but it really needs a thorough "in person" inspection before you close the deal. From my own experience, all photographs on eBay look great. Not meant to deceive but it is difficult to show the flaws in the paint or small surface cracks with a photograph. Remember that a new paint job could easily run $15,000-$20,000 with the existing color scheme and the condition of the paint today will only get worse. The paint/fiberglass problem is really only an appearance issue so if it does not bother your Dad, then go for it, keeping in mind that when he goes to sell it, any paint issues will be a MAJOR issue to another buyer during the negotiation process. I'd go look at it in person and maybe offer around $85,000 and go from there. Good luck!!!

looks great, I,d e mail them a lower offer like $120k. this is a dealer he has wiggle room. I would not go over 130k

wow something suspicious for sure. The NADA says low retail is 133, their lot picture shows 145, ebay is 99. Certainly does not make sense.

I bought a show quality 4x4 Chevy pickup once from eBay. The pictures were amazing, just showed a few minor digs and a couple of scratches. Bought it without seeing it first. My bad, when I saw it, started it, it was a disaster. The paint was shinny but because they buffed it to death, engine burned oil, no ac all the stuff they said it didn't do. A few weeks later I found out it sat in a field and was brought out to sell. The auto hauler that delivered it was very angry, the engine seals were all gone and dripped oil on the lower high end cars. Since I paid for it on eBay I couldn't get my money back. I paid 8000 for a 800 dollar (if that) truck.

The moral of the story is I see the pictures with minor scratches here and there. DO NOT BUY IT UNTIL YOU GO SEE IT. If the dealer is willing to sell way below NADA and with all his stipulations, there is something there.

The inoperative washer/dryer, fogged window, and bad awning are no big deals, but the paint "checking" may be.

It could indicate bad fiberglass panel(s) which would be VERY expensive to repair.

Ask around on the American Coach Yahoo Forum.