Holy Chutzpa on the Surcharges Batman

[harryjr]

So the 5th wheel is 4 years old. The price is within reason. So we make an appt. and take a look. The theater seats need to be replaced. Dinette table finish is toast. The TV is missing. But all okay if they'll make some allowances.

We sit down to talk. When the salesman finishes asking us about our trade in (2011 in reasonable condition for the age), he goes off for coffee with his boss. 15 minutes later, he comes back with the news that they won't make any money if he takes our unit in trade.

Now the really good part. $1000 charge if we don't finance through them. They call it a "Finance discount" if we do. The 90 minute PDI is called a "Peace of Mind Package" for $995. Best of all. "Factory Freight" for $990. IT'S A USED UNIT THEY TOOK IN TRADE! When did the factory get involved? Plus a doc fee of $468. $3453 in surcharges. And we have to sell our own unit. If I wanted to be an RV salesman, I would have found a different profession 40 years ago.

Without a word, we both stood up. "Thanks for your time sir. We are all done here."

[Lwiddis]

Depends on the state but no early payoff penalty in California. Finance and payoff on the next day.

[wa8yxm]

I think you need to contact the Department of motor vehicles in the state where that dealer needs to be de-licensed.

[harryjr]

Grit dog wrote:
First time dealing with a used car salesman?

Far from it. He actually put up a pretty good front, until I said that we would be bringing in an independent inspector to write a full evaluation. He said he'd never had anyone want to do that before.

But the company? Shame on me. I should have been worried when I saw that it was a chain with 30 locations.

[OkieGene]

Link

This doesn't apply to towing (hopefully not), but check out this new video from Steve Lehto, Lehtos's Law, on Youtube. It's far far far beyond outrageous.


Sorry, I'm having trouble making a direct video link.



https://youtu.be/W3MNm9mPFcs

[time2roll]

I would have expressed I would take the finance discount and skip the rest.
Verify no prepayment penalty.

[dodge_guy]

I e yet to come across a dealer like that.

[Sandia_Man]

Last time we purchased a rig about a year and half ago we looked at over 2 dozen RVs, we found out early on that dealer prices on used rigs were several thousands more than comparable offerings from private sellers. As you indicated, the tack on fees that many dealers impose after a price has been negotiated is simply ridiculous. Thankfully, we didn't fall for their tactics and kept looking, for used RVs there is no reason to just look at rigs on a dealers lot. As dealers go we found the smaller, family owned businesses are easier to work with and generally have less BS to get to the out the door price.

We took our time and found what we were looking for, although we had to travel to neighboring Texas to pick up our current rig. Our experience is private sellers tend to be more forthcoming with details of the rig, and allow ample time to review and inspect the RV they are selling. Additionally, private sellers at times will throw in lots of extras, we got blue ox tow bar and a couple of automated satellite domes among other rig related items, over 3K$ of items we did not have to purchase ourselves. If you are not in a hurry there will be good deals as RVs purchased due to pandemic will be on the market soon.

[BurbMan]

We just bought our 2008 from a local dealer. He knew I was serious when I pulled out my moisture meter and said this needs to be fixed here and here, and this is what I'll offer you for it. He took my offer and agreed to make the repairs. Called me twice to come up and see the coach while it was apart in the shop so I could see they were fixing it correctly. Took delivery last weekend.

A recent Wells Fargo dealer survey published in the new issue of RV Business shows that 15% of dealers saw a DECREASE in sales during the pandemic. Makes you wonder how anybody could see a sales decrease in the hottest market in the history or RVs EVER, then I read stories like this and understand who the 15% of dealers are...

[Grit_dog]

First time dealing with a used car salesman?

[midnightsadie]

you should have made up your counter offer . fee for shopping there store ,millage for driving there, your time,etc

[bukhrn]

You are more polite than I am, (most people are) I certainly wouldn't have thanked him for trying to stick it in my shorts.

[bgum]

Run don't walk.

[way2roll]

Find another dealer. Plenty out there.