Honesty (or lack of) people selling RV's

[Ballenxj]

Out for a drive today when I spotted a C class RV for sale. It was a short 23 footer, just what I'm looking for. I call the number on the windshield, and this guy comes out with a small kid in tow. He's happy that I'm taking an interest in his RV, and he proceeds to tell me about it's super low mileage, and how it's "like new." He further says; everything works, so I decided to have a closer inspection. Everything including the generator does appear to work. I ran the roof air too, taking advantage of his demonstration of how well the generator works. It seemed to work fine.
He also invited me to start the engine, which I did. It seemed to run pretty good as well.
While looking through everything I'm thinking to myself that his idea of like new was not the same as mine.
Now I'm going to inspect the overhead real close due to the horror story's I have both heard and seen, but I thought it would be OK because the outside looked pretty good. That's were it ended. I could see large pieces of paneling coming off of the over window area, with pieces of construction steel that didn't belong bolted to the inside corners for bracing to prop the overhang up.
I was just about to say goodbye to this gentleman when he told me he thought it had a 454 under the hood. I thought to myself WOW, I had better see this before I left. I opened the hood to find it was a 5.7 L (350), but I also found the previous owners latest notes on oil change on the under side of the hood. It was written right there, last oil change at 99,000 miles. I looked the guy straight in the eye while stating something is very wrong here. How can the oil have been changed at 99,000 miles, yet the odometer says 59,000 miles? Something was tampered with.
At this point I thanked him for his time while stating I have a few more to look at, and I'll be in touch if I want to see more.

 

[Theadyn]

Something that smells fishy... yeah. Wow!

 

[ilovemyvan]

Good catch

 

[LeeRevell]

Yep, walk away and let some sucker have that one.

 

[Ballenxj]

Yep, walk away and let some sucker have that one.

I truly hope the seller ends up being the very last owner of that motorhome. 
My posting this story here is twofold,
#1. I hope people ready to spend their last dollars on something like this one gain some knowledge about inspecting these carefully.
#2. I just had to vent. This guy is fully intending to shove this up some poor, unsuspecting persons derriere and break it off.
What a potential Heartbreak.  
OTOH, if he were to come down in price substantially while disclosing the problems this coach has, it would make a nice project.

 

[LeeRevell]

"Caveat Emptor" - "buyer beware!".  A knowledgable buyer does a good inspection.  If one does not and buys it, too bad.  Some may be okay with doing the required repair/rebuild work.  If so good for them.

 

[highdesertranger]

good for you for catching his scam and for pointing it out to him. if it was me I would have pointed all the mickey mouse repairs. another point any older 454 that has never been rebuilt and didn't have a catastrophic failure is worth about 450 bucks as a rebuildable core. highdesertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

good for you for catching his scam and for pointing it out to him.  if it was me I would have pointed all the mickey mouse repairs.  another point any older 454 that has never been rebuilt and didn't have a catastrophic failure is worth about 450 bucks as a rebuildable  core.  highdesertranger

In hindsight I kind of wish I hadn't pointed the mileage blooper out to him, as now all he has to do is wipe the under hood oil change writing off with some paint thinner so the next victim wont have that clue to work with.

 

[highdesertranger]

that would take it beyond a**hole and make it criminal. his time will come. karma is a two way street. highdesertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

that would take it beyond a**hole and make it criminal.  his time will come.  karma is a two way street.  highdesertranger

I would like to think so, but proving intent is another matter.
OTOH, I like to think there is a little sheepdog in me. ;-)

 

[palebluedot78]

And my apprehension of buying a used RV grows....

 

[cyndi]

Don't be discouraged Pbd78. the more vehicles you look at, the more you educate yourself. Be patient, keep asking questions, listen to your gut. You'll find one that works.

It took me 4 years to find the Class C I wanted, at the price I wanted. It's taken me 2 more years to find the right van at the right price. Both were worth the wait.

Later, when the search is done you'll be able to guide someone else. It's all part of the journey.

 

[Ballenxj]

Don't be discouraged Pbd78. the more vehicles you look at, the more you educate yourself. Be patient, keep asking questions, listen to your gut. You'll find one that works.

Agreed, now put that Sherlock hat on and get started.  ;-)

 

[highdesertranger]

agree 110% on the last 2 posts. highdersertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

palebluedot78, feel free to post a link to any progress you might be making here, OK?