Private Sellers vs. Dealers

We are not exactly bargain shopping but we do have a budget in mind and although we know we may go over a bit we are still being realistic. We do not have a specific floor plan but do have a basic color scheme - basic, not a lot of floral stuff that appears in the older ones. I like beige! We'll keep looking as we have several months before we purchase. We're thinking about going to Ringgold next week-end to look as they seem to have a lot. Would like to rent one for a week-end but haven't seen a place yet that rents. Looking at Craig's List as well. Again, thanks for all of your input! Keep it coming!

ferndaleflyer wrote:
You pay attention to the Craigs list sites here in NC and you will find some fantastic deals from private owners. Just had another friend snatch one up for less than 1/2 what the dealer wanted for the same unit....but you have to have your own money or financing in place and be a little flexible on what you are looking for.

You bring up a good point, If you are strictly bargain shopping, used private party is the way to go. But If you are looking for a specific unit with the exact features, options and colors you want than the search can become impossible.

You pay attention to the Craigs list sites here in NC and you will find some fantastic deals from private owners. Just had another friend snatch one up for less than 1/2 what the dealer wanted for the same unit....but you have to have your own money or financing in place and be a little flexible on what you are looking for.

Do these shows just show new units or are there used ones there as well? I think I found that Tampa may be this week-end.

Gauke, I'm sending you a private message.

You are On the east coast, look into visiting the Tampa RV show or the Hershey PA show. Both are huge and are worth the trip for a serious buyer.

Thanks everyone so much. You epitomize one of the very reasons why I'm so interested in RVing - so many nice people and all so ready to help. I have begun searching for coaches nearby for sale and will continue to do so. While we will continue to visit dealers just to get more ideas I will keep my eyes open for RV's for sale by owners. We're also hoping to go to a camping show in Greensboro in January. As I continue my research, cull it down and send pertinent information to my husband, I'm sure I will back on this forum with many questions! Again, thank you.

After reading all the above posts, I still think buying from a private seller not too far away from home is the best way to go. We bought from someone about 30 miles away. When we sell,which may be before the start of next season for reasons not connected with our RV life, we'll certainly start out by advertising in our local paper, which is where we found our rig.

When you talk to someone, like we did, who has owned the rig from new, you get a good feel for how carefully they've looked after it. We were so impressed by the couple who were selling, and the fact that their asking price was about $8K less than blue book, we had no reservations agreeing to their asking price.

The owner's wife was very upset that the rig was being sold, but her husband had developed a disease (maybe MS or MD) that meant they couldn't get too far away from his medical advisors. She was in tears when we drove the rig out of their yard after the sale had closed.

After reading all the above posts, I still think buying from a private seller not too far away from home is the best way to go. We bought from someone about 30 miles away. When we sell,which may be before the start of next season for reasons not connected with our RV life, we'll certainly start out by advertising in our local paper, which is where we found our rig.

When you talk to someone, like we did, who has owned the rig from new, you get a good feel for how carefully they've looked after it. We were so impressed by the couple who were selling, and the fact that their asking price was about $8K less than blue book, we had no reservations agreeing to their asking price.

The owner's wife was very upset that the rig was being sold, but her husband had developed a disease (maybe MS or MD) that meant they couldn't get too far away from his medical advisors. She was in tears when we drove the rig out of their yard after the sale had closed.

oldmattb wrote:
Consider PPL in Houston, a consignment lot. I have sold two coaches there, and shopped there many times. The sales people are low key and knowledgeable, and will be brutally honest about the true condition of a coach. Services for transportation and inspection are offered.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/

Matt B

X2

I've never bought or sold a unit thru PPL, but I've heard quite a bit of favorable comments about how they inspect the units they sell and how they treat buyers and sellers. For someone just getting into this hobby, I'd give them more than just some consideration. it would be worth the plane fare from NC, or even a round trip if it didn't work out.