Really -- $1,500 for PDI ! Seriously???

wilco wrote:
Dealers and pricing systems certainly differ and some are more "transparent" than others. Anyway here's my recent experience buying a new "leftover" 2012 coach.

The coach had been on the lot for some time and the dealer was "motivated". Over time we negotiated down to what he claimed was his actual dealer cost. (I believe this to be true since we were at approximately 65% of MSRP). I raised my eyebrows at a $2000 PDI charge that he would not negotiate.

His explanation...the coach manufacturer insisted that, if they were to honour the warrantee the coach had to be fully operational and as close to cosmetically perfect as possible when it left the lot. They had a long checklist that they had to complete, sign and send in. The idea here was that the manufacturer would of course cover any failed parts etc. as a warrantee item, but the dealer was responsible for minor wear and tear items or damage that might have occurred while the coach was on the lot and any final adjustments that the coach might require.

At this dealership, sales and parts/service operated as independent entities and therefore the sales department was charged for any work done by service. (Most car dealerships work like this).

What was done for $2000:

- checklist was completed and all systems checked as operational (water was added and plumbing checked, batteries topped up and so on...the tech even came looking for me since I had the remote control with the docs package and he wanted to check the DVD player.
- a number of minor cosmetic items that had accrued on the lot were repaired
- the awning was adjusted to make it deploy properly
- several hours were spent calibrating the levelling system (needed a reset/reboot)
- locate and tighten a leaking water fitting in the bathroom
- fuel and propane tanks were filled
- dealer paid for the first coach service (oil/ filters etc.) (at a truck centre)
- dealer paid for having coach weighed (at moving company)
- dealer paid for wheel alignment once coach was loaded (at a truck centre)
- cleaning person spent at least 3-4 hours cleaning everything inside and out

None of these things were "free" to the dealer and likely not covered by the manufacturer either. In short, I don't think in this case that they made much profit on the $2000 fee. One way or another, it was my money and think I got good value for it.

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Curious. 6 days ago, you posted you just had your 1997 Thor weighed. You now state in the past 6 days you purchased a new 2012 model?????? The ONLY part of this post that is in error is this-----NO OEM requires a PDI to keep the OEM warranty in effect. Yes, there are a LOT of lot rot/damage that is NOT covered by the OEM warranty and the dealer is responsible for all that repair or maintenance. The LONGER a unit sits on the lot, the more things will need repair that the warranty does not cover and the PDI people are supposed to find and fix. THIS type thing is where some RV'ers get the shaft. They go out of there home state to buy that great deal and then return to the local dealer with a laundry list. A LOT of those items are NOT warranty and the RV'er will have to pay for those items. Those items are the responsibility of the selling dealer. Doug