Newbie trying to buy 1st Used RV
Hi all, I'm an RV newbie looking to buy a used Class B+/C around Dallas, Tx, but I'm totally frustrated with the process. The private sellers I've been contacting are either flaking or running for ...
Forum Discussion
Your experience sounds typical.
Used RV over 1 year old never have warranties, unless the dealer or seller is absolutely exceptional. Manufacturer warranties (bumper to bumper) on almost all RV are only 1 year. Some new ones today are offering 3 years. And offer a lifetime warranty, but that requires you to have an annual inspection and a service fee of like... $150 (free? not on your life!)
So, in your search for "used", you can forget about any kind of warranty.
You are doing the absolute right thing by asking to do a private inspection by a reputable inspector. Even if you don't have one you can use, just asking the question will put the fear in the seller knowing what they are hiding about the camper will be revealed, and that means if they really want to sell it, they won't get anything near the price they are asking. So, that is a very good strategy move for you. As stated above, those that are slamming the door on you when you ask that are saving you a lot of expense and frustration. Move on. Yes, its discouraging, but you will find the one that will be just right for you.
Most dealerships don't have a clue about what they are actually selling when they sell a used unit. A good dealership will have their service department go completely through the unit and fix everything they find. But, I said... a "good" dealership will. Many will just throw the unit out there and sell "AS IS". They do not want to put anything into them, fixing them, because they know for ever dollar they put into the RV fixing, is one less dollar profit for them. And if you start negotiating to fix this, or fix that, the price will begin to skyrocket on you.
Hang in there, the Golden Ticket will be there someday when and where you least expect it.
Used RV over 1 year old never have warranties, unless the dealer or seller is absolutely exceptional. Manufacturer warranties (bumper to bumper) on almost all RV are only 1 year. Some new ones today are offering 3 years. And offer a lifetime warranty, but that requires you to have an annual inspection and a service fee of like... $150 (free? not on your life!)
So, in your search for "used", you can forget about any kind of warranty.
You are doing the absolute right thing by asking to do a private inspection by a reputable inspector. Even if you don't have one you can use, just asking the question will put the fear in the seller knowing what they are hiding about the camper will be revealed, and that means if they really want to sell it, they won't get anything near the price they are asking. So, that is a very good strategy move for you. As stated above, those that are slamming the door on you when you ask that are saving you a lot of expense and frustration. Move on. Yes, its discouraging, but you will find the one that will be just right for you.
Most dealerships don't have a clue about what they are actually selling when they sell a used unit. A good dealership will have their service department go completely through the unit and fix everything they find. But, I said... a "good" dealership will. Many will just throw the unit out there and sell "AS IS". They do not want to put anything into them, fixing them, because they know for ever dollar they put into the RV fixing, is one less dollar profit for them. And if you start negotiating to fix this, or fix that, the price will begin to skyrocket on you.
Hang in there, the Golden Ticket will be there someday when and where you least expect it.
