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Private Purchase

Many people choose to buy their first RV privately. Often they buy the "story" as much as the RV. These deals may sound like bargains but the buyer usually pays far too much--and will get far less than they were led to believe. It is not unusual for a dealer to spend thousands of dollars on repairs to bring a used RV up to safety and operational standards. When you buy privately, from an individual, you're buying as-is and getting no warranty. You will have no one to go to for help with a problem. No one has checked out the RV. You will have to find your own service. This is almost certainly a recipe for disaster and no way to really get to know the fun of RVing

Pitfalls of a Private Purchase
It is certainly possible to find a good value when buying privately. Bargains can be found as long as you are willing to do your homework and put up with the hassles involved. The following are some of the problems inherent in buying an RV privately. Weigh each of these into your purchase decision.

No Support
There is no one to stand behind the product with service or support. The basic rule of law in business is "Buyer Beware." The only thing that keeps a dealer accountable is his need to maintain the dealership's reputation in order to secure future business and avoid bad "word of mouth." A private seller has no motivation for fair and honest dealings, or for full disclosure of problems. Basically, if he can get you to sign the title, he is home free. Yes, you could sue, but it's difficult to prove verbal promises and it is expensive. Plus, the success rate for this type of law suit is very low. Assume you will be completely on your own and avoid relying on verbal representations. Make the seller put all promises in writing!

No Warranty
The RV is being sold as-is with no warranty. You will be responsible for any expenses incurred to correct any defects, which currently exist or may occur in the future. It is not unusual for a dealer to spend two, three, even four thousand dollars or more to put a used RV into safe and proper operating condition. A reputable dealer cannot sell an RV in any less condition and expect to generate repeat business or referrals from a new owner. He can't afford it.

No Fitness Check
There is no reliable way to be sure the RV is fit to be used for your intended purpose. The RV probably has not been checked or brought up to safe operating conditions. It may or may not be working properly. It may or may not be safe to use. Once you buy it and discover a problem, it's usually extremely difficult to go back to the seller for help. You are stuck! Owners often live with a problem and get used to it even though it may not be safe.

I was once appraising a customer's motorhome and discovered that the generator wouldn't start. The owner explained it away by saying: "That's no problem, you just stick this pry bar into the flywheel, give it a turn and she'll start right up!" I was amazed at how casual he was about an extremely dangerous practice. Later I found out he had been taught the procedure when he bought the RV from a private seller. Incredibly, he believed it was supposed to work that way!

No Financing Available
You will need to arrange for your own financing, usually at rates and terms less competitive than those available through top national RV financing sources. Most local banks are unwilling to do the long terms and low down payments that the big RV finance institutions will.

No Trades
Usually a private seller will not take a trade. You will probably have to sell your trade yourself. If you're in a position where you need to sell your trade before you buy, you may not be able to even consider buying the RV.

No Orientation
How do you know how to properly work all of the appliances and systems of your new RV? Generally, a private sale ends with a limited walk through and explanation of how things work, if any. Most just hand you the keys and you're on your own to figure it out. If you're lucky, the RV will still have all the original documentation and owner's manuals to work with. Unfortunately, many are poorly written and short on explanations and details. RVs are complicated, and a thorough explanation is essential. You should demand a complete and comprehensive orientation to the entire RV. The information should come from someone with experience and knowledge of safe and proper operation of all the components and the overall RV itself. An orientation can and often does pass on bad information such as the aforementioned generator example.

No Title / Licensing Service
Was the tax paid before you bought it? Can you get a good title in your name? Is the seller really the owner? Is this RV what it's supposed to be? Private sellers often try to shortcut licensing procedures and just hand you a title. Most states require both buyer and seller to sign the title in front of a Notary Public. All of these issues can be avoided by not dealing with a private seller. If you must deal privately, don't hand over your money until an authorized agent for the state prepares all the required paperwork. Don't try to avoid taxes or fees and put yourself in a position where you can't seek a good remedy to a broken contract without admitting that you broke the law. Don't allow the seller to skip this step.

I regularly run into cases where the "owner" has no title in his name. The seller "sold" him an RV with a bad title and now, years later, he wants to sell or trade and can't because he has a bad title. You can not sell an RV without a title in your name.

Avoid Branded Titles
Many RVs involved in floods, accidents, or other insurance claims are "totaled" and then sold as salvage. The titles are branded with a code to note them as severely damaged. Some clean up amazingly well and look good. Totaled RVs are often hard to spot until the weather changes (or you tow it or drive it for a few hundred miles) and by then it's too late. A Notary/License agent should spot the code and notify you. Again, don't pay first!

If you're going to buy privately, from an individual, be sure you know what you're getting, and be sure you are getting a real bargain price.

Download the interview sheet to identify problems during your shopping. Don't consider buying privately without completing it.