I have sold RVs and vehicles because I want something bigger or better, not because they were worn out. Every used vehicle I have bought has given me good service for the money because I have had them checked out before I buy it. I agree that there is junk out there but being careful before the purchase can eliminate the risk. I'd rather let someone else take the big depreciation hit and buy it a couple years old.
A dealer doesn't do any "Due Diligence". When we were looking for our last RV, the worst units we saw were at dealers. Typically dealers don't do much if anything to rigs they get in trade or on auction. They wait for the purchaser to find the issues and then only fix what the purchaser points out to them before the sale. After the sale, forget it, unless there is a specific written warranty.
We eventually wound up buying from a private party. They had complete records back to the day it was rolled out of the factory. They could tell us where it had been and what they had to do to it. Our seller was very honest and even pointed out a couple of minor issues that I didn't see. I also paid $250 to have it inspected at an RV shop with a good reputation. The inspection included a chassis/drivetrain as well as a house/systems inspection and took about 4 hours. They also provided me with a printed report. I am pretty savvy mechanically and we have had 2 TTs before, but I also realize that sometimes my eyes can become clouded with the bling and the desire which may have me overlook something important. In our case there were no big surprises and we wound up making the deal. 2 seasons after we are still very happy with our purchase.
