Ongoing saga of the motorhome

[VickiK]

We are in Indiana and it is cold with lots of snow. Snow for last few weeks. We also in the process of buying a used motor coach from a dealer. We have looked over the interior and taken it for a very short test drive with the salesperson. We have even taken our 5th wheel up for the trade. As of yet, we have not tested everything in the coach (no shore power and the conditions outside....did I mention COLD) We did a dealer recap sheet that addressed the items we did find inside the coach and a promise that we would see everything working - to allot about 3 hours for this. No binding contract yet and $500.00 to hold the unit while we were considering. We also asked about having the inspector for the warranty company tag along for the inspection of the coach and given a nod of approval. We are scheduled to see the coach tomorrow and if all goes well to purchase and drive away with our new home away from home.

The inspector called today and said that the dealer refused to have him tag along or even on the premises. So DH calls the dealer to find out what is what. We do believe there was a misunderstanding between the inspector and the dealer; however, this little "spat" opened up some other issues.

1. Apparently, they believed we were going to hand them the check before going over the unit. We have informed them that is not happening. If we had had the opportunity to fully explore the coach I would understand this position - but we haven't; and we have been assured everything works, we want to see that first. We have been reminded that this is a used coach. So what is reasonable to expect from it? If they say everything works, is it unreasonable to expect that it will work when I leave the dealership (knowing that it might not work in a couple of weeks)?

2. We were told to set aside 3 hours (last Thursday) for the inspection. Today, DH got the impression that the time for this will be much shorter and that shorter time will include the paperwork. It was inferred that if we expect more time - we would have to pay for it. Prior to today, we were under the guidance that we would see everything work AND they would make sure we felt comfortable working it. Unreasonable expectation on our part?

As a further add - we did not dicker over the price of the unit. From the very first look at, we were told the unit is from a personal friend of the manager and was taken very good care of. It looked very clean inside with what we would expect would be normal wear and tear for a 9 year old coach. In pricing the unit from nada, ppl and other websites we determined it was priced on the high end but if they made sure everything worked before we left that might actually be a small price to pay.

Are we being unreasonable?

[Ranger_Smith]

Just remember if it is NOT in writing there is no deal and nothing said verbally by any employee of the dealer is NOT part of the deal

[VickiK]

I am sorry that I didn't make it clear - the inspector is going to be there tomorrow. We do believe that there was a misunderstanding about his role. The dealer made it clear that the inspector couldn't tell his guys what to do. We agree with that but we do want him to tell us if he finds anything insufficient. This inspection was part of why we chose the warranty company we did.

I guess what I wasn't sure about is our expectations about how everything should work in and on the coach. We fully expect that all appliances, inverters, hvac, entertainment components, engine, etc, to work. We realize that we will need to replace the tires and clean the carpet and fix a blind but those are small matters. I am taking a microwavable dish and some water to make sure the micro heats. We have made it clear no proof of things working no purchase.

[1BryNelson]

Walk, no run away from this dealer.

[gemert]

I agree with the above. Don't let emotions cloud your judgement. Don't trust them to fix things that are not part of the contract and expect to have to fight to get the things on the contract fixed. If they don't agree...run!

[rav]

if the dealer inspected it as they should of then there should be no problem with you having your inspector look at the unit. I don't think you are being unreasonable at all- you have every right to have an inspection done. I would not trust the dealer at this point- JMHO

[et2]

I'd walk if it were me and get my $500 dollars back off my credit card ( I would have had that in writing too before giving it). What have they got to loose? A sale by the sounds of it and they know it.

Never, ever, ever trust what a dealer tells you even on a new MH - much less a used one.

[wa8yxm]

If they think you are going to hand over the check before you have the rig inspected.......

I have one question: What are they hiding.

I think you need to go back with two inspectors.. You personally need to set up a 4 way meet.. You, Your inspector (whom you introduce to the dealer) the dealer and one other person whom you introduce as your friend.

He too is an inspector..... from the department of motor vehicles.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Any time you can't have an independent assessment done, run away. It may be that the dealer and the other person have had issues before, but I sure would insist on it now.

[Road_Dog]

Sounds to me as though the dealer is hiding something if he won't let a pro inspect it! Go find another dealer! I wouldn't trust them! Promises that everything works are useless if they are not in writing.Tell him to put it in writing as part of the sales contract and see how he reacts!

[Ranger_Smith]

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all. You are paying top NADA price for a unit and you expect everything to work just as I would. I went to Indiana once to purchase a rig and had funds in hand. Dealer misrepresented it and I flew back home.

[guidry]

Ask for your deposit back and see how they respond as to having your inspector go through it. If they are accommodating to him/her then that will tell you how they operate. You will find a dealer willing to sell you a RV that is reasonable to you both. Good luck