Have narrowed my rv search down to three candidates. One deisel rig has had the odometer reset. After reading the odometer comments on the tech forums, I have come to the conclusion that this is not an uncommon occurrence. The dealer said there was a mistake made when they jump started the unit when they picked it up. It "fried" the controls which have since been replaced, but the unit has 30,000 miles in it rather than the 50 miles reflected on the odometer. This is a reputable dealer, so let's assume what is stated is correct and the title will reflect the difference appropriately. I will most likely resell this rig in 4 or 5 years. My question for this forum is ... would you avoid a rig because of this issue? Thank you.

I would contact state authorities to find out about the legal aspects of resetting the odometer. There should be a paper issued with the resetting of the mileage. When the odometer was reset on my Bounder I had to sign a paper certifying the number of miles.

SnugHarbor wrote:Have narrowed my rv search down to three candidates. One deisel rig has had the odometer reset. After reading the odometer comments on the tech forums, I have come to the conclusion that this is not an uncommon occurrence. The dealer said there was a mistake made when they jump started the unit when they picked it up. It "fried" the controls which have since been replaced, but the unit has 30,000 miles in it rather than the 50 miles reflected on the odometer. This is a reputable dealer, so let's assume what is stated is correct and the title will reflect the difference appropriately. I will most likely resell this rig in 4 or 5 years. My question for this forum is ... would you avoid a rig because of this issue? Thank you.Yes.Because when 'you' go to sell it you will have the same problem because most won't buy it. Thereby reducing your pool of prospective buyers. Also there is so much stink in the dealerships reasons why the mileage is not correct, I would run as fast as you can from this deal.

SnugHarbor wrote:Have narrowed my rv search down to three candidates. One deisel rig has had the odometer reset. After reading the odometer comments on the tech forums, I have come to the conclusion that this is not an uncommon occurrence. The dealer said there was a mistake made when they jump started the unit when they picked it up. It "fried" the controls which have since been replaced, but the unit has 30,000 miles in it rather than the 50 miles reflected on the odometer. This is a reputable dealer, so let's assume what is stated is correct and the title will reflect the difference appropriately. I will most likely resell this rig in 4 or 5 years. My question for this forum is ... would you avoid a rig because of this issue? Thank you.I wouldn't avoid the rig, but it definitely makes it worth less. Because when you try and resell it the potential buyers are going to be asking the exact same questions you are asking now.

Firstly the mileage on a diesel engine RV is pretty much irrelevant (NADA ignore it when valuing it).Secondly, are you buying it to keep and use or to resell? In the former it matters not, in the latter it might make it less attractive to some buyers.Assuming no laws have been broken, I would use it as a negotiation tool if it was the RV that I wanted - but it would not affect my desire to purchase.

A lot would depend on the age of the unit and can you contact the previous owner. If its maybe five years old now, at ten years mileage isn't going to make much if any interest to a buyer. They will be paying based on condition. If you get go talk with previous owner I'm sure you could figure out in short order whether this is a unit you would be interested in. Of course I would want to pay a little less because it would be devalued somewhat. JMO

would you purchase a rig that has had odometer reset

powderman426
Explorer
Aug 11, 2013
A lot would depend on the age of the unit and can you contact the previous owner. If its maybe five years old now, at ten years mileage isn't going to make much if any interest to a buyer. They will be paying based on condition. If you get go talk with previous owner I'm sure you could figure out in short order whether this is a unit you would be interested in. Of course I would want to pay a little less because it would be devalued somewhat. JMO
havasu
Explorer
Aug 11, 2013
Firstly the mileage on a diesel engine RV is pretty much irrelevant (NADA ignore it when valuing it).

Secondly, are you buying it to keep and use or to resell? In the former it matters not, in the latter it might make it less attractive to some buyers.

Assuming no laws have been broken, I would use it as a negotiation tool if it was the RV that I wanted - but it would not affect my desire to purchase.
pugslyyy
Explorer
Aug 11, 2013
SnugHarbor wrote:
Have narrowed my rv search down to three candidates. One deisel rig has had the odometer reset. After reading the odometer comments on the tech forums, I have come to the conclusion that this is not an uncommon occurrence.
The dealer said there was a mistake made when they jump started the unit when they picked it up. It "fried" the controls which have since been replaced, but the unit has 30,000 miles in it rather than the 50 miles reflected on the odometer. This is a reputable dealer, so let's assume what is stated is correct and the title will reflect the difference appropriately.
I will most likely resell this rig in 4 or 5 years.
My question for this forum is ... would you avoid a rig because of this issue? Thank you.

I wouldn't avoid the rig, but it definitely makes it worth less. Because when you try and resell it the potential buyers are going to be asking the exact same questions you are asking now.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2013
SnugHarbor wrote:
Have narrowed my rv search down to three candidates. One deisel rig has had the odometer reset. After reading the odometer comments on the tech forums, I have come to the conclusion that this is not an uncommon occurrence.
The dealer said there was a mistake made when they jump started the unit when they picked it up. It "fried" the controls which have since been replaced, but the unit has 30,000 miles in it rather than the 50 miles reflected on the odometer. This is a reputable dealer, so let's assume what is stated is correct and the title will reflect the difference appropriately.
I will most likely resell this rig in 4 or 5 years.
My question for this forum is ... would you avoid a rig because of this issue? Thank you.

Yes.

Because when 'you' go to sell it you will have the same problem because most won't buy it. Thereby reducing your pool of prospective buyers. Also there is so much stink in the dealerships reasons why the mileage is not correct, I would run as fast as you can from this deal.
tandkj
Explorer
Aug 11, 2013
I would contact state authorities to find out about the legal aspects of resetting the odometer. There should be a paper issued with the resetting of the mileage. When the odometer was reset on my Bounder I had to sign a paper certifying the number of miles.

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