New 2013

DaveInAL wrote:
Thanks for all the great replys! The vehicle in question is a 2013 PW Plateau on a 2013 chassis located in San Diego. I've seen it but have not done a thorough inspection of all systems. I inquired about a used late model Plateau and when I checked the VIN with Mercedes, they had no record of the warranty being activated.

Welcome, in advance, to San Diego! The weather has been great!

If it a dealer's stock and not used or pre-owned your warranty should start when you purchase it. I had a similar situation buying a 2005 Plateau on a 2004 chassis in February 2006. Speaking from experience check the auxiliary battery or better yet ask for a new one.

Thanks for all the great replys! The vehicle in question is a 2013 PW Plateau on a 2013 chassis located in San Diego. I've seen it but have not done a thorough inspection of all systems. I inquired about a used late model Plateau and when I checked the VIN with Mercedes, they had no record of the warranty being activated.

Be sure that the dealer properly registers the "in service" date with both Mercedes and PW. This is often overlooked and would have a material effect on the length of your warranty.

I wouldn't worry about it. You should be able to get a good deal. An unused new 2013 van will very likely be better than a used one, even with low mileage. Some people can be very hard on their equipment. Just my opinion.

As others have noted, it's best to check everything, but you may be OK. I bought my 2013 Roadtrek (on 2012 chassis) in September, and have been pleasantly surprised that everything seems to work as it should. My theory is that the dealer had every incentive to fix any little things found during prior test drives or demos, but that should be true of any situation, and we know that's not always the case. Buying at the end of the model year can get you a good price, too, again depending on the dealer.

A sitting RV could also have an abused battery that may have been run down. Check to see if it can hold a charge.

In addition to what Handbasket said, make sure everything works! Stove, refr, microwave, water heater, furnace / thermostat, antenna deployment mechanism, fantastic fan, smoke detector, water pump, electric couch, if so equiped, and generator running air conditioner and or microwave.

Also, check the air bag suspension mechanisms... either the remote fill, or the manual fill air valves under the rear bumper.

Enjoy the adventure!

+1

What chassis? If it's a Ford, I'd want to take a long test drive to be sure it doesn't suffer from any of the handling ills that have been reported occasionally.

On anything, the tires are 1/5 or more thru their 5 year life. Batteries are somewhat suspect, especially if exposed to low temps when not charged. If it has a gasoline Onan 2800, test it thoroughly to be sure it will carry rated load; they don't like to sit.

Negotiate price accordingly.

Jim, "My train of thought has left the station."