Our inspection or the Dealers?

[chrisandoctavia]

We are on the verge of buying a 2007 Itasca Impulse R31C from a very reputable local RV Dealership

They have told us that they thoroughly inspected the vehicle when it came in, and have given us a copy of the worksheet showing the work they undertook following that inspection

The vehicle looks to be in very good condition

We had previously been thinking of having our OWN independant inspection done - and although we haven't pressed this with the dealer, they have been emphasizing the inspections that THEY undertook (also saying that there would be a further inspection prior to our actually taking delivery should we go ahaed with the purchase)

What do any of ypou who have bought used RVs from a dealer think?

If we found an RV inspector - are they usually able to inspect vehicles on the dealer's premises?

Are dealers generally OK with prospective buyers bringing in their own inspector?

Thanks fopr any advice or help you can give

Chris and Octavia

[Raymon]

One last point. Do NOT pay any monies or sign any papers until all the problems identified by YOUR inspector are corrected. You will have very little leverage once you sign papers or make a down payment.

Ray

[obgraham]

The rig is 8 years old. It is unlikely that every single item works 100%.

However, you want to know what is or is not working properly. That's why you need to run all the systems/equipment yourself, to find out just what will need attention.

Don't forget the tires.

[MobileBasset]

It's a salesman's livelihood to be "nice". However even reputable dealers only make money when they are not too nice. If they truly repaired everything they found they would not push back against an independent inspection and they would make less money. You would be sooo mad at yourself.........

[Harvard]

In all likelihood the dealers incoming inspection was the sales manager doing a walk through to assess a suitable trade in value. JMO

[CA_Traveler]

Also have your own PDI - Pre Delivery Inspection. This will include everything, make sure it's all working. Plan on spending a day, plugged in, not plugged in everything.

Be prepared to walk - keep the emotion out of it - and be sure you can get all of your money back. DO NOT take their word that something will be fixed after the sale.

The lack of a PDI and willingness to walk can and has been a issue.

[JiminDenver]

The only inspection I would trust is one backed by a warranty. Otherwise it is just a feel good thing in my eyes. I agree it would be worth it to have it inspected by a outside inspector.

[ol__yeller]

The few hundred an inspection would cost you would give you greater peace of mind after the sale. It isn't really a matter of trust of the dealer, it is a matter of protecting your investment.

[chrisandoctavia]

Thanks @mlts22 - that's good advice and much appreciated

[mlts22]

Get it inspected, with a focus on finding any water damage, especially the cabover.

You will be kicking yourself otherwise if you buy the rig, find it only worth scrap value because there are bubbles in the walls, it has a stink of mildew, and you have soft spots in the floor.

[darsben]

chrisandoctavia wrote:
Thanks @fla-gypsy - that's pretty much what we thought

Our salesman is a really nice guy and has seemed very helpful

We plan to call him when they open this morning and say we have been strongly advised to have our own inspection, and ask how they can facilitate this

I'm sure we are not the first to have raised this issue....

YOUR SALESMAN IS A REAL NICE GUY CAUSE HE IS TRYING TO MAKE MONEY.
You are the way he feeds his family he doesn't give a damn about you.
If you take delivery without an inspection you are a fool.

[chrisandoctavia]

Thanks @fla-gypsy - that's pretty much what we thought

Our salesman is a really nice guy and has seemed very helpful

We plan to call him when they open this morning and say we have been strongly advised to have our own inspection, and ask how they can facilitate this

I'm sure we are not the first to have raised this issue....

[fla-gypsy]

If it is an "As Is" sale you will regret not getting an independant inspection done.

[Ductape_Dave]

"The vehicle looks to be in very good condition" doesn't mean anything and dealers only want to sell. Definitely get your own inspector and have him check everything thoroughly inside, outside and underneath and operate every appliance because once you leave the dealership it will be on you.

[midnightsadie]

I,D do it dadio 24,s way.. his way sounds fair ,and you never ever trust the sales person,s word, he don,t no any more about the trailer than you do.dadio makes a good point if they say no to your inspector walk. after all what are they hiding that they don,t want you to find???

[rr2254545]

If you think they are reputable why a outside inspection ?