Although you will pay a higher price when purchasing a used RV from an RV dealer, there are still some definite benefits to going through the dealership rather than buying through a private sale.
Disadvantages of Buying a Used RV from an RV Dealer
Some buyers perceive the following as disadvantages to dealership sales of used RVs.
- Higher selling price – buyers may feel that the dealer price is higher than the private price for similar units.
- Lower trade – People generally feel that they can get a higher price for their used unit by selling it privately compared to what the dealer will offer for it as a trade-in
- Sales tax – There may be no sales tax on a private sale; generally, dealers must charge the tax
- Dealer fees – Some dealers may charge extra fees such as a Documentation Fee, an Inspection Fee, etc.
- High-pressure sales tactics – Buyers may feel that used RV sales staff apply "pressure" to buy.
The advantages – and there are many – are still sufficient to bring customers onto the lot.
Why Buy a Used RV from a Dealer?
Salesman Mark Thirsk of Happy Camper RV in Edson, Alberta, explains. “We have a reputation to maintain. We want each of our customers to be, well, a happy camper like it says in our name.”
It's a well-known maxim that a satisfied customer will tell two or three friends but a dissatisfied shopper will tell seven or more others. Dealers want word-of-mouth referrals, so it's to their benefit to work hard to give the customer a good deal.
To start with, only the best used units are sold on the lot. While the dealer may take a lower-quality unit in trade, anything that isn't up to dealership standards will be sold at auction (so for the cheapest used recreational vehicle, haunt the auctions).
Thirsk says that his dealership checks over each used unit and corrects any major deficiencies. “We aren't going to bring a used unit up to new quality, but we are going to make sure that everything works and meets safety standards.” Gary Soucy of Western R.V. Country in Leduc, Alberta, put it this way: "The customer has the security of knowing that we've gone over everything and fixed what needed fixed."
In addition, the dealer may offer convenient on-site RV financing for the purchase – whereas the average private seller wants cash up front. To summarize, the main advantages are
- On-site financing available
- Only quality units offered
- All units inspected and repaired as required
- A reputable dealer will work to meet the customer's needs.
These things cost the dealer time and money and this will result in a somewhat higher price than for a private sale.
Items an RV Dealer Should Inspect and Fix if Necessary
The list as outlined by Thirsk includes a check of all appliances
- Stove
- Oven
- Furnace
- Fridge (on 110V and LPG)
- Water Heater (110V and LPG)
- Microwave.
The dealership conducts pressure/leak tests on
- The LPG lines
- The water lines and tanks
- The waste system.
In addition, the dealership will check
- Tires and spare
- Brakes
- Lug nut torque (after brake check)
- Certification date on LPG tanks.
“A customer who buys privately will have to do all those checks and tests, or arrange to have them done,” says Thirsk, so the buyer must add the cost and time for those things into the final price just as the dealer must.
As for high-pressure sales methods, Thirsk says that most good sales reps won't use them. "You want to help the customer find what he's looking for." Oh, and for those "add in fees" that show up, his advice is to simply refuse to pay them. "We don't charge them."
In the end, dealers usually say that they are selling "peace of mind" along with the used RV and for many buyers, that's an important part of the deal and well worth the extra cost.
Thomas Alan Gray - Tom has been writing for over 30 years; curiosity leads him to dig into a wide variety of topics.
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