We are just in the beginning stages of researching with the hopes of purchasing a Class A in 6 to 8 months. While many of my questions have been answered as I have already spent countless hours on the Internet, I am also becoming a bit overwhelmed. Today I discovered the National Multi List Service and noticed that these are private sellers with prices on their units substantially less than those of dealers. Which would you recommend? A dealer or a private seller and why? The more I learn the more I realize that I need to learn. We are interested in a used home and I already know there are many things to look for. Any advice will be most greatly appreciated!Thanks in advance.

With a dealer, you can expect that EVERYTHING on your coach will be in working order, or they will make it so. Hence the higher price.With a private sale, things that are not working are cause for negotiating a lower price, as YOU will likely have to pay to fix things, or fix them yourself, after taking possession of the coach.

If YOU have the knowledge to thoroughly inspect a motor home to insure that everything is working correctly, or the knowledge to diagnose what is not working, you will be better off buying from a private party, that has kept complete records. If you read this forum you will find many instances where the dealer has not taken care of warranty repairs or instances where the coach has set at the dealer for weeks waiting for repairs, while the monthly payments go on. If you do not have this knowledge, then it really doesn't matter too much who you chose. You take your chances and hope for the best.

I have purchased from both and after the money changes hands neither are motivated to fix a problem. Moral of the story is to do a thorough walk through with everything operating and check it all. This saved me hundreds on my last purchase. If you are not RV savvy take the rig to a reputable service department for a check over. Money well spent. Best of luck

Thanks so much. Already good advice! As I said we are just starting our research and looking. We have been to three lots, two where we got excellent service although they knew we were just beginning to look and were a few months out of purchasing and then one where - well, even if they had the grandest coach in the world we wouldn't buy from that salesman!

A big factor will be if you have a trade- in. From your post I would assume you do not. A dealer's price is inflated somewhat to give them some "wiggle room" on a potential trade and if you do not have one the private seller is an excellent option for you. Of course what the previous posters have said about inspections and verifying condition are very true.

Private Sellers vs. Dealers | Good Sam Community

26 Replies

Gauke
Explorer
Nov 07, 2013
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!
Lantley
Nomad
Nov 07, 2013
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.
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Nov 07, 2013
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.
Gauke
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013
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.
dcbopp
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013
Gauke, I'm sending you a private message.
Lantley
Nomad
Nov 06, 2013
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.
Gauke
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013
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.
frankdamp
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013
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.
frankdamp
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013
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.
Fishinghat
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2013
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.