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CampingN_C_'s avatar
CampingN_C_
Explorer
Dec 10, 2017

Purchasing out of state.

I've found the exact model with options we want in a new toyhualer but unfortunately it's in Kentucky, approx. 7 hours away. My concern is the dealer has already shown some pretty high pressure tactics on the phone, like telling him to call him as late as 10pm on his personal cell to give a deposit.
I'm worried the deal could get altered when I get there. It's at a Camping World. Ive considered offering to finalize the paper work at a local store and simply going there to get it.
Any advise?

39 Replies

  • Years ago we bought an rv in another state 12 hrs drive from us. We held it with a deposit on our credit card. We then drove and picked up the unit after our inspection and gave the dealer a bank check for the balance. The credit card deposit could have been disputed by us easily if the unit did not meet our expectations and the dealer was not wishing to refund the deposit.

    Recently we bought a unit in another state 7 hrs drive away. No problem, just do not sign anything until you get there and inspect the unit. If the dealer will not accept those terms, find another dealer.
  • fitznj wrote:
    Very simple - if you don't feel comfortable - walk away - lots of other RVs out there.

    Exactly. They didn't make just one of that trailer. There are thousands more out there somewhere. If you are absolutely sure that this is the floorplan that you want, find a local dealer who can order yo one. Its December, not too many RV sales being made right now. If you can walk in to your local dealer on a Wednesday morning and give them an easy sale on an otherwise slow day in a slow week of a slow month in the winter, they might be more apt to make a bargain.

    I ordered my Jayco in late December or early January 2015. Went up on a frigid, freezing day. Nobody else was there but us, about 2 salesmen and a couple administrative staff. On a day like that, they have nothing to lose and should be pretty happy to make any sales, even at a lower price than normal.
  • Before you offer a nickel, look through the history on these forums of buying from that dealer, and the problems with everything from delivery, to correcting problems under warranty. Yes I know that it has multiple locations for service, but then look at how full the local franchise lot is of units waiting for service.
    Also ask your salesman to e mail a copy of the final contract, including all fees, and "add ons".
    If they haven't told you before they will be adding a shipping or transportation fee, likely about $1400.00, a dealer prep fee of anywhere from $750.00 to $1500.00. a documentation fee (which is just to protect the lender and gives the dealer an additional profit margin) of $400.00 and sometimes a PDI or walk through fee of anywhere from $350.00 to $750.00
    Hopefully your salesman advised you of all those items before asking for a credit card number.
    The same tactics and lack of service after the sale that gave used car salesmen such a bad rep for years are all in place now on these transactions.
    After finding out the real price of the unit you are buying, then consider giving a local mom and pop dealer a chance to compete. Many of them price their units out the door, no fees, no add ons, just a simple final price. You may find there are closer dealers that can match or beat the deal you were looking at without you having to travel that far. And you will have a closer dealer to work with on service, that may actually try to keep your new toy at your house instead of theirs.
  • Very simple - if you don't feel comfortable - walk away - lots of other RVs out there.

    However, I bought a TH 1,000 miles away. I talked to the Salesman extensively, made an offer on the phone which was accepted. I asked for a sales contract to be emailed to me with the "bottom line" - contingent on final inspection.

    Drove to the dealer, inspected the TH, signed the sales contract and drove home.

    It sounds like your salesman is being a bit of a d*ck - ask for a sales contract with all the details.
  • The new Camping World in Georgetown?

    Read the Google reviews.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=camping+world+georgetown&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS542US542&oq=cmping+world+georgetown&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.11373j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
  • High pressure tactics on the phone, calling on his personal phone to give a deposit up to 10 at night?. They REALLY want to sell you something.
    All red flags to me. I refuse to deal with high pressure sale tactics. Go with your feelings.
    I would keep looking and stay away from that deaership.
    That's my advice.
  • First of all, contact your local DMV to find out what the sales tax rate is, what the title, registration and any other fees related to the purchase would be based on registering it in your home state. Also get the mailing address where they would have to send the check and all supporting documentation.

    Give CW this information so they can work the #'s based on the vehicle being registered in NC.

    Second, insist they provide you with a signed buyer's order by a manager before you leave home. This will give you the final sales price with all the appropriate TT&L included. It will also show if they're trying to slide any "dealer added" fees into the deal. If they won't do it, walk away.

    Third, have them stipulate on the B.O. that the deal is subject to your final approval based on the walk thru of the unit and any and all issues MUST be resolved prior to you signing on the dotted line.

    It's not rocket science and the dealer can make it easy or hard depending on their integrity. I was in car sales in a previous lifetime and I had people come from several states away to buy from me. If it was used, then I would send them multiple pics of the car including every dent, scratch or imperfection and I wouldn't hide ANYTHING from them. I would even pick them up at the airport if necessary.

    My belief was that if they were willing to invest $$ to buy a car from me sight unseen and sometimes to travel several hundred miles to get there, then I would be go above and beyond to not disappoint. I never had a single customer complain that I didn't tell them everything. I don't know how much of these ethics still exist nowdays.
  • i wouldn't buy a RV from my local CW, let alone one out of state.

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