Now we're doing the money dance. I have offered a price for the rv, and I have a tt to trade. Waiting for the approval of the sales mgr. DW hates this part, I love it! But the dealership has asked if I wanted to purchase an exhaustive inspection, something like hundreds of items they look at, for $899. While I would love to have it, the price seems high. Anyone else had this? This inspection is separate from the pdi. Thanks

You are buying a 10 yr. old coach, it will have things that will pop up that will need repair. I agree, $899 is a lot of money for them to tell you that something is not working properly. I would think that the PDI should reveal the most important items.Maybe give us some examples of what the expensive list covers.MM.

PDI, is not a detailed process. The probability of a major problem present could be real expensive. Start by hiring your own mechanic that knows the brand you are buying. Do major checks first like engine and transmission. If they pass then go further, if not don't buy it. If dealer won't let you do your own inspection, run away from the deal. Run the VIN first for recalls and work done. Buy new if you can, as repairs to an old unit are not what you want. Plus, the interest rates are low and the unit qualifies for tax deduction as a second home.

Run for your life from this money pit !!

On the coach I just bought, I hired an independent technician to go through the MH. He did a very comprehensive inspection for $250 and he found about 15 items the dealership needed to address. And after that, I found seveal items during my inspection. Don't pay until everything is taken care of.

Ok; maybe I am a little slow but, if you Pay the $899 does that mean they will fix anything found wrong at the agreed upon purchase price? Is there any warranty if they say something is good and it fails in X number of days?First off I think a good independent survey by a tech of your choice might be more in your favor. Next if you get some quotes for an independant survey and they are offering some type of fix/warranty will they meet the quote?Seems to me $899 to check out a coach they really want to sell you is a little steep. Just wondering but if this "unbiased" survey showed the coach had major issues would you still have to pay for it even if you don't purchase the coach?

we put down a deposit on a new-to-us 2005 Dolphin

12 Replies

Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
National RV owned Country Coach at the end. Both were good manufacturers.

MM.
fischer
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
I have a 2005 with a ford V10 with 80k runs and drives perfect. My Pdi was 85 bucks by the dealer.
I would not pay the inflated price to him. good ,luck
fredbon
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
jolooote wrote:
Dolphin is/was made by National RV of California. They are out of business. Major coach parts like the front or rear fiberglass shells may be impossible to replace.

Ortega Manufacturing purchased the fiberglass molds when NRV closed. Parts can be ordered as needed.

Fred
jolooote
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Having said tghat, we owned a 2006 National RV Surfside 34' Class'A'. It was the best MoHO I ever had. Sometime in 2005 or 2006 the Ford F53 chassis for these coaches switched from the old 305 Horse power V10 with a lousy 4 speed transmission to the newer 362 HP V10 with the great 5 speed tranny. Get the 362/5 speed at any cost!
jolooote
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Dolphin is/was made by National RV of California. They are out of business. Major coach parts like the front or rear fiberglass shells may be impossible to replace.
late_bloomer
Explorer
Jan 22, 2015
Yeah, looks like I'm going to pass on that deal. I have relatives who are mechanics, plumbers, electricians, etc, who have offered to help me check it out prior to purchase, and it will only cost me some beer. Still waiting to hear if they accept my price. Thanks for y'all's input! Love this forum!
ScottG
Nomad
Jan 22, 2015
I would have an independent shop check it out. You need someone who has no skin in the game.
bdpreece
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2015
Ok; maybe I am a little slow but, if you Pay the $899 does that mean they will fix anything found wrong at the agreed upon purchase price? Is there any warranty if they say something is good and it fails in X number of days?

First off I think a good independent survey by a tech of your choice might be more in your favor. Next if you get some quotes for an independant survey and they are offering some type of fix/warranty will they meet the quote?

Seems to me $899 to check out a coach they really want to sell you is a little steep. Just wondering but if this "unbiased" survey showed the coach had major issues would you still have to pay for it even if you don't purchase the coach?
Billinwoodland
Explorer
Jan 22, 2015
On the coach I just bought, I hired an independent technician to go through the MH. He did a very comprehensive inspection for $250 and he found about 15 items the dealership needed to address. And after that, I found seveal items during my inspection. Don't pay until everything is taken care of.
GrandmaLee
Explorer
Jan 22, 2015
Run for your life from this money pit !!