by dpf » Sat Apr 17, 2010 10:10 am
We've never bought new or from a dealer....always private sales. However when I called to talk to the seller before we went to look at a rig I always told them I would not consider buying unless the unit was hooked up to electric, filled with water, the refrigerator and the water heater running. We've always done the same when we sold ours although all three have been sold to friends or acquaintances. Buying from a dealer usually gives you some type of warranty even if it's not for a long period of time, but you don't have that with a private seller. Also if you buy privately ask just what is going to be included in the sale. The hatches could be full of hoses, chocks, etc but they might be planning to keep those things. Same inside...coffee maker, tv....while they aren't expensive to replace but it can also be an added expense that you aren't expecting.
Lately I've been helping a friend who wants to get into rving look for a smaller inexpensive pull-type that she can pull with her Explorer. She and her daughter would like to camp with us and her husband and teenage son have no desire. In watching Craig's List I am appalled at the total mess in some of the rigs pictured. You would think if someone was trying to sell something they would remove all the junk laying around, make the bed, take the dishes out of the sink, and try to make it look show room presentable. But also we have decided that if the seller is willing to show them in that state that they probably didn't take very good care of the unit either.
My mind works like lightning...one brilliant flash and it's gone.