Cost of a Walkthrough? $800

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by RyRoRyan

Here is my 2 cents...

On a used unit, I would have no problems paying this. I totally understand the dealer having to spend time making sure everything works, refilling all tanks, changing out batteries if needed, etc so that it is ready for you to take it. I understand that they are prob making money in the trade anyway, but there is a lot more involved with an RV than just a tank of gas and an oil change like on a car.

Even on a used RV, the cost should be hidden in the price (if they are determined to tag it on to the RV) and the term "Walk-Through/with a fee of..." should be eliminated.

Don

[Edd505]

If I buy a used RV or vehicle from a dealer I expect everything to work. What was the "asking price" and what did they agree to sell for. I know the dealer is making $$ when he makes the sale or he won't sell. If I buy private I check everything and negotiate price based on anything I find wrong. Pay extra after we made a deal? I walk there are more RV's in the sea.

[clubhouse]

It really shouldn't matter what additional line items are added to a price tag, the negotiation is about the final purchase price and depending on state potentially tax and license would be additional.

Where the deal went sideways with the OP was they tried to add the $800 PDI after the fact which is wring and should never be accepted.

In reality I would not care if the dealer write a contract to charge me $1 for the unit and $20k in PDI. It's then end number that is of interest.

[BigJohnD]

This kind of crap always ticks me off. You're in business to sell RVs. It should be ready to roll before the deal is made. However, most won't fix anything until a sale is made. I've made rounds on a lot and found countless issues from leaking windshields on motorhomes, water damage, broken items and so on. They always act like they didn't know about it. If I sell you something, it's going to be right from the get go, as in fixed before trying to sell. It's a crying shame most dealers don't think like this.


If I were told $800 additional for whatever, I'd walk. Should've had it ready from the get go, and it's YOUR (The Dealer's) JOB to sell me a product ready to roll. Not charge me to walk me through and find issues.

[Gman1372]

Originally Posted by travelingjw

I've been a business owner before and want to have a chance to let managment respond. Too many people get hurt by negative posting; could just be one salesperson as this dealership seems well respected by most.

So did they clarify the situation? Waiting for update

[travelingjw]

Originally Posted by travelingjw

Went to purchase a trailer yesterday. Salesperson agreed on the price. Then he tried to charge me $800.00 for a walk-through. Is this something new, anyone else ever experienced that. Needless to say he didn't get to say much to my back as I walked out the door.

Update: Purchased the trailer today for pick-up next week. Got the unit for about 28% of MSRP and then added the hitch and brake controller. It was the last model left within 500 miles so I think we both ended up happy. Oh, and I didn't pay the $800. Since I teach negotiating classes I had the salesperson sized up; thanks to all of you who provided me with the knowledge that I needed to negotiate.

[BigJohnD]

As long you're satisfied, it's a good deal. Usually 30-35% off is the going rate, but you have to weight your options as you obviously have (Distance to travel to get what you want, vs fuel cost, vs aggravation etc). Hope you schooled the dealer / salesman on the $800.

[Seann45]

$800.00 for a walk through?!!! for that I would expect an 8 hour walk through, a dozen red roses for the significant other and supper

[bansai]

I negotiate the out the door price. They can itemize bird dung removal if they want. Makes no difference to me as long as I leave with the keys, at the price I've negotiated.

If they tack that on at the end, I'd walk though. No surprises.

[DieselDevilDog]

Here is what I was given on paper:
Multi Point Inspection $349.95
AC Service 99.95
Water System Service 129.95
Water Heater Service 79.95
Detail Your RV 121.00
Seal tech Test 149.95
Full Propane 59.90
Battery (27) 149.95
Battery Box 19.95
Install Battery & Battery Box 60.50
30 Amp to 15 Amp Adapter 6.95
D-Ring Hook 1.95
Lock Pin 3.95
Pin & Cable 6.95
AA Batteries for your CO Detector 2.97
9V Battery for smoke Detector 3.49
Tech Check 60.50
Demo your Coach 121.00
total $1428.81 Less discount of $432.81 Total $996.00
So do all these look correct? This is our very first Travel Trailer not a Coach?

Diesel

[Sundancer330]

Originally Posted by DieselDevilDog

Here is what I was given on paper:
Multi Point Inspection $349.95
AC Service 99.95
Water System Service 129.95
Water Heater Service 79.95
Detail Your RV 121.00
Seal tech Test 149.95
Full Propane 59.90
Battery (27) 149.95
Battery Box 19.95
Install Battery & Battery Box 60.50
30 Amp to 15 Amp Adapter 6.95
D-Ring Hook 1.95
Lock Pin 3.95
Pin & Cable 6.95
AA Batteries for your CO Detector 2.97
9V Battery for smoke Detector 3.49
Tech Check 60.50
Demo your Coach 121.00
total $1428.81 Less discount of $432.81 Total $996.00
So do all these look correct? This is our very first Travel Trailer not a Coach?

Diesel

I don't get how a dealer can charge for the first six items. I would walk from a deal like that, try a different dealer. I paid none of those add on junk fees from a Mich dealer.

[bansai]

Originally Posted by DieselDevilDog

Here is what I was given on paper:
Multi Point Inspection $349.95
AC Service 99.95
Water System Service 129.95
Water Heater Service 79.95
Detail Your RV 121.00
Seal tech Test 149.95
Full Propane 59.90
Battery (27) 149.95
Battery Box 19.95
Install Battery & Battery Box 60.50
30 Amp to 15 Amp Adapter 6.95
D-Ring Hook 1.95
Lock Pin 3.95
Pin & Cable 6.95
AA Batteries for your CO Detector 2.97
9V Battery for smoke Detector 3.49
Tech Check 60.50
Demo your Coach 121.00
total $1428.81 Less discount of $432.81 Total $996.00
So do all these look correct? This is our very first Travel Trailer not a Coach?

Diesel

I couldn't walk out of a dealership like that fast enough. They have the balls to itemize the charges for double a batteries on a brand new unit?

They forgot to itemize the cost for the 20 cent ball point pen you won't be using to sign the contract, not to mention the Vaseline, reach around, and dinner I'd want before taking it in the keister.

I'd tell them off in ways that are not appropriate for me to say here. They can perform a multi-point inspection on my bird finger. (I was going to use another appendage for this, but decided against it) I won't charge them a penny for the pleasure.

Do you mind letting us know what the name of this dealer is?

[DieselDevilDog]

General RV In Brownstown Twp. Michigan

[dewey02]

I'm surprised they didn't also itemize the fact that they checked the kanuntendaben and the mumblin' shaft too.
As Sundancer said, I would walk away from anyone who had the nerve to document those charges since almost all of that stuff should be checked as SOP to make sure they are giving you a working trailer. We got a 12 volt battery (not a good one, but we got one) and full propane tanks with ours.

I have to wonder, what does the multi-point inspection cover for $350? Since they are also charging you $100 to turn on the A/C and verify it works; $130 to turn on the tap and see if water comes out; $80 to turn on the water heater and see if it heats water, and then do a $60 tech check (whatever that is? Check that their RV tech isn't sleeping in your bed?) and then a $160 demo of your coach (or is that demoing your couch?)

[DieselDevilDog]

I know, Geeze I feel like a total jerk. They have my down payment...you would think at my ripe age I should have checked this out before. I kept looking at the sheet they gave me and that's why I posted it. I knew something wasn't right.
Thanks for all the good comments.

Diesel

[bansai]

Originally Posted by DieselDevilDog

General RV In Brownstown Twp. Michigan

Cool, yeah I just saw your other thread. Sounds like others are suggesting to stay away from that place. I have zero experience with any of the Michigan dealers except for Haylett RV.. I almost bought a winnebago from them last year but they weren't very responsive to my out of state purchasing, I wanted an Out the Door price before I would put down a deposit, and for whatever reason they were really slow to respond, so I went local and found a Jayco instead. Their prices seem competitive, usually 25% off MSRP before you even start talking to them.

If those extra fees come into play AFTER you have negotiated your out the door price, run. As others have said, if you are happy with your contract price, it doesn't matter how they want to itemize everything, I just find the charges for everything on that list insulting if I was their customer.

[Crabman]

What kind of srevice is there to perform on a new AC unit, hot water heater, etc? I just don't get it...

[DieselDevilDog]

I just sent Jayco a very nice letter, letting them know about their "premier" dealer in Michigan. They have our $1500 so we will have to live and learn.

Thanks for all the support...I'm glad I joined this forum.

Diesel

[bansai]

If they have your down payment, you already own the camper. You can't put money down on something without legally binding both parties to complete the deal as written / disclosed. If it's a down payment (vs. a deposit) you handed over the money when you signed the title.

If these fees are for 'new money' that wasn't in your original purchase contract, it's a lawsuit.

If these fees were disclosed before you signed your purchase contract - i.e. down payment, etc... nothing you can do.

[DieselDevilDog]

Thanks Bansai, just signed a piece of paper. They didn't have the any official numbers from the trailer as it is still in build. It states that the purchase order is pending.
I'm sure it will be ok.


Diesel