Forum Discussion

chrisandoctavia's avatar
chrisandoctavia
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015

Our inspection or the Dealers?

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
Class C
  • Dadio24's avatar
    Dadio24
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2015
    If you are unsure of the condition, have YOUR inspector make a thorough review of everything. If the Dealer does not allow, run, don’t walk away from this deal. The Dealer should not have an issue with your inspector, but may not want to fix/repair everything your inspector finds. That’s where the negotiations will start all over again…or just wing it, trust the Dealership and hope for the best!
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2015
    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???
  • Ductape_Dave's avatar
    Ductape_Dave
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2015
    "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.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2015
    If it is an "As Is" sale you will regret not getting an independant inspection done.
  • chrisandoctavia's avatar
    chrisandoctavia
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2015
    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....
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2015
    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.
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2015
    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.
  • ol__yeller's avatar
    ol__yeller
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2015
    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.

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