Newbie trying to buy 1st Used RV

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.

gbopp wrote:
Do not be in a hurry to buy. Take your time and look at everything that interests you. You'll find something that fits your budget and needs.

While this is good advice in general, I believe she said something about a cross country MOVE, so she may not have all the time in the world.

Perhaps she would be better off renting a moving truck and doing a conventional move and buying an RV when she gets there? Unless she needs to LIVE in the RV once she gets there?

A little more info from the original poster might be helpful. Where - roughly - are you moving TO? And is there a house or apartment waiting there for you?

saffikeagan wrote:
The private sellers I've been contacting are either flaking or running for the hills as soon as I mention having a mechanic inspect the vehicle

You should be thanking them, they saved you the price of an inspection.

Do not be in a hurry to buy. Take your time and look at everything that interests you. You'll find something that fits your budget and needs.

Another avenue is to looking at the Rental Market . El Monte RV has a location not far from you. In your situation, that strategy makes a lot of sense. You can get into a RV for a surprising figure!

Also have a RV that has had proper maintenance,they come with a 1 year or 12,000 mile power train warranty and 30 days on all major appliances.

There are more than 100 members that have done this and are very happy with their decision.

Welcome to the Forum and Good Luck in your search.

I just went through the process. I quickly eliminated dealers as they were pretty much all shady. More importantly they know nothing about the rv's they sell. I mean specifically, in the sense that they are generally trade ins. No way to know the history.

Private party can be shady too, but sometimes it's a huge advantage to be able to speak to the current owner. I'd stick to your guns and insist on a third party inspection if going private party. If there's nothing to hide, why would they object? I'm currently selling our old trailer and would have no hesitation to have it inspected if they want to pay for that.

On the other hand, it you're only looking at rv's that look like a real good deal, you'll be out of luck. Someone else will buy it cash with no inspection. Look for something at the upper end of value (ie, slightly overpriced) and they'll be more likely to talk inspection. Then talk price later.

Anyway, just my observations after a few months of looking.

if the locals are in that kind of mood, be prepared to travel out of town to get a good dealer, don't be afraid to look at their web sites and ask for any ratings

I looked at over 40 units before buying my current RV. Keep looking, you’ll find it.

Two things I have discovered over the years.
Most women do not have a clue about vehicles.
Most dealer will try and screw a woman on the sale.
Best advise I can offer is. Pick a dealer and take a mobile RV tech with you. Take no bull, be prepared to argue or walk away. PPL MH in AZ seems to get a lot of positive nods. Might check their online inventory.