What do all the veteran RV enthusiasts think.........

[jandc76180]

In the spirit of "Go Big or Go Home" the DH and I have found a beautiful 2003 Fleetwood Providence diesel pusher with 56,000 miles on it to begin our RV adventure. It appears to be a very sweet deal, under $50k. We do have a few questions since this is a smaller dealer.

it it normal to see an RV that was taken in trade with no inspection, registration or plates?
Is it reasonable to pay a $500 deposit while you are negotiating?
Since the DH is a whiz with a gas engine, but not diesels we were going to have a diesel RV mechanic look at it.

Any direction or thoughts on the unit would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Caroline

[jandc76180]

We appreciate all the input. It has been really helpful. We didn't mind the deposit as long as it is refunded at any time and applied to the final price, which it is. Maybe it is a small dealer or internet thing. Other than a bit of a Red-Bull problem that makes him a little too hyperactive for me, the salesman is doing pretty well. Moving ahead with the inspection and hopefully will be out soon!

[wallynm]

We have never paid a deposit while negotiating. Once the deal was set we paid a small deposit while we got the financing together. When ordered our last one and third purchase from the same dealer we paid no deposit at the time of the order.

[msmith1199]

When I bought the current DP, I traded in my Gas motorhome. Took them about 15 minutes to inspect it and value it. They looked through the inside and they started the engine and drove it around the lot and that was it. The took my word for it that everything in worked just fine. And it all did. And I don't remember if it was even a service tech that looked at it. I think it was a sales manager that came out and gave it the once over.

[JumboJet]

tsetsaf wrote:

tsetsaf's Signature

2006 Ram 3500
2014 Open Range
"I don't trust my own advise!"

Says enough for me.

I live in northern Arkansas and use my RVs into December. Only reason I am not using them in Jan & Feb is because I am out of vacation time.

My advice is golden!

[rk911]

jandc76180 wrote:
In the spirit of "Go Big or Go Home" the DH and I have found a beautiful 2003 Fleetwood Providence diesel pusher with 56,000 miles on it to begin our RV adventure. It appears to be a very sweet deal, under $50k. We do have a few questions since this is a smaller dealer.

it it normal to see an RV that was taken in trade with no inspection, registration or plates?
Is it reasonable to pay a $500 deposit while you are negotiating?
Since the DH is a whiz with a gas engine, but not diesels we were going to have a diesel RV mechanic look at it.

Any direction or thoughts on the unit would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Caroline

we've purchased three motorhomes since 1986, the most recent just two weeks ago. our experience has been that it is NOT usual to demand a deposit during negotiations. once the deal has been agreed upon by all parties then yes, a small deposit is customary.

in addition to the diesel mechanic have a qualified RV tech inspect the RV itself...slideouts, roof, side walls, appliances, gas/water system, etc.

good luck.

[Tvov]

1968mooney wrote:

tsetsaf wrote:
As of 1 week ago the season ended.
They live in Texas, season never ends there.

You don't really want the unit and have no plans to use it.
Where do you read that in their post? If they don't really want it, why even look?


You brought your friend Bill along with you because he is an experienced RV owner and mechanic (Bill doesn't speak).
Again, reading your thoughts into post. OP said nothing about friend (Bill). Said they would hire a mechanic to inspect. I feel that is wise.

You are happy to pay them $500 to negotiate a sale as long as they pay you $1000 for your time dealing with their BS. The fact the unit has been sitting for a year tells you a lot about its price versus value. Find comps and lowball.

Only part of your post that makes sense

Sounds to me like those were just possible ideas for dealing with the dealer.

[1968mooney]

tsetsaf wrote:
As of 1 week ago the season ended.
They live in Texas, season never ends there.

You don't really want the unit and have no plans to use it.
Where do you read that in their post? If they don't really want it, why even look?


You brought your friend Bill along with you because he is an experienced RV owner and mechanic (Bill doesn't speak).
Again, reading your thoughts into post. OP said nothing about friend (Bill). Said they would hire a mechanic to inspect. I feel that is wise.

You are happy to pay them $500 to negotiate a sale as long as they pay you $1000 for your time dealing with their BS. The fact the unit has been sitting for a year tells you a lot about its price versus value. Find comps and lowball.

Only part of your post that makes sense

[tsetsaf]

As of 1 week ago the season ended. You don't really want the unit and have no plans to use it. You brought your friend Bill along with you because he is an experienced RV owner and mechanic (Bill doesn't speak). You are happy to pay them $500 to negotiate a sale as long as they pay you $1000 for your time dealing with their BS. The fact the unit has been sitting for a year tells you a lot about its price versus value. Find comps and lowball.

[jandc76180]

Thanks everyone. Great advice all around. We thought the deposit was a little odd. Car Fax has checked out all right. But we did find out that the unit was sold in AZ close to a year ago and has about the miles it would take to drive it to TX on it. So I am sure a new set of tires are in our future.

[Two_Jayhawks]

jandc76180 wrote:
In the spirit of "Go Big or Go Home" the DH and I have found a beautiful 2003 Fleetwood Providence diesel pusher with 56,000 miles on it to begin our RV adventure. It appears to be a very sweet deal, under $50k. We do have a few questions since this is a smaller dealer.

it it normal to see an RV that was taken in trade with no inspection, registration or plates?
Is it reasonable to pay a $500 deposit while you are negotiating?
Since the DH is a whiz with a gas engine, but not diesels we were going to have a diesel RV mechanic look at it.

Any direction or thoughts on the unit would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Caroline

Is it reasonable to pay a $500 deposit while you are negotiating?

Nope! Why do you want to put a deposit on a unit you are "negotiating"? Giving them $500 is 100% their advantage.

[darsben]

No deposit while negotiating.
Get the VIN and punch the VIN into google etc
Find a good mobile mechanic to go over the rig before you sign a contract to purchase as usually the rig is sold "AS IS" no matter what the dealer states.
A 2003 if it has the original tires will need new rubber all around. It does not matter how much tread is left on the tires they have AGED OUT. Any tire over 6-7 years old is a blowout waiting to happen. YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW they were cared for.
If the salesman tells you any different WALK AWAY

[Bill_Satellite]

Not all States requires some kind of an inspection sticker (like FL). If the State you are purchasing the RV in requires such a sticker you should ensure that it has one before you buy it!

[gemert]

No plates or inspection, yes.
They may be waiting for the papers from a finance company.
Yes on down payment but make sure you have a contract that specifies that you can get your deposit back at will for any or no reason if you choose not to buy their unit. I definitely would not commit to anything before they proved that they owned it.

[Big_Blue]

I bought a 2008 Winnebago Destination last year via EBay. The deposit was contingent upon inspection, acceptance & approved financing. The sweet deal became reality and we couldn't be happier.

Proceed with due diligence and listen to your inner voice.