motorhome dealer

[winniebagotony (in the UK)]

Hey guys
I think i've mentioned to the forum that i intend to visit the States with the intention of buying an RV 
Ive been looking on the net at different dealers and like what i see at DeMartini's (California) and PPL (Texas)
Has any of you guys had dealings with either company's can you recomend them

 

[Tom]

Tony,

DeMartini has several locations, including two in California and one in Indiana. Everyone I've spoken with who has bought from them, including some close friends who have bought several coaches from them, sing their praises. Tim DeMartini is a straight shooting guy, and he'll do what it takes to give you a better deal.

I sure wish we'd bought our coach from Tim, but we'll likely buy the next one from him.

BTW Tony, will you be buying new or used?

 

[winniebagotony (in the UK)]

Hi Tom
Thanks for your reply
Unless I hit the mother load its going to be a used RV but De Martini seems to get some nice used ones for sale

 

[Ron]

We bought our present coach at Lazy Days in Florida and was satisfied with them.

 

[winniebagotony (in the UK)]

Ron
thanks for that lead i'll take a look at thier site the more i can find out the better

 

[winniebagotony (in the UK)]

Well i'm suprised I thought at  someone would have heard something least, if not experianced dealings  with  PPL (Texas)

 

[Old Soldier 1]

Well i'm suprised I thought at  someone would have heard something least, if not experianced dealings  with  PPL (Texas)

Haven't bought a MH from them, but have ordered repair parts from them online.  Very satisfied with my dealings with them so far.  Since I do all my own repairs, I do much "comparison" shopping on line, always went back to PPL.

Another thought.  With fuel prices going to go through the roof shortly, there will be RV's for sale, privately, that could be a real good deal.  I love to haggle, and by dealing privately the dealers profit markup is eliminated.  Relatively new MH would still have the manufacturers warranty also. 

 

[winniebagotony (in the UK)]

Good thinking Old Soldier
I'll keep that in mind like to haggle myself my family reckon i'm a salesmans nightmare  ;D ;D

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Like Old Soldier, I've bought parts from PPL via their online store and been very satisfied. Never tried buying a motorhome there.

I know of people who used their consignment sales service to sell a motorhome and they are mostly NOT happy. However, I think that is more because  of the unfavorable economics of selling an RV than because of any actual failing on the part of PPL.  Sellers are nearly always shocked at how little their baby is actually worth and how difficult it can be to find somebody who loves it as much as they did.

Both DeMartini and PPL handle a lot of consignment sales for private sellers. That make sit somewhat harder to negotiate - the dealer is merely a rep and can't negotiate price or terms themselves. It also means no trade-in, but that's not an issue for you.  And the sales people seem to rather sell you a new one (they probably get a better commission on a new sale?)

Some other places with good selections and decent prices are:

Lazy Days
Tom Johnsons
Motorhome Specialists

 

[winniebagotony (in the UK)]

Good links Gary thank you
Plenty to think about I know what you mean when selling your baby it can be frustrating when someone offers you low money

 

[Ian H]

Hi Tony
Lazydays have always got a big selection of pre owned,the only problem being you have to be there because the good one's go quickly.We were sort of looking for a 5th wheel (our trailer being only 1yr old) we looked at 2 nice conditioned 5ers went back next day they were both sold.Next day walking through the used lot we came across a 36ft Cedar Creek not there the day before ,2007 as new with very little evidence of any use,smelt new with some nice upgrades like 5th Airborne hitch ,Lazyboy leather recliners (very nice) and a few other nice bits.We got our deposit on it before any negotiations for our trade took place,right behind us were another couple wanting to put a deposit on it ,boy you gotta be quick for the good one's.The salesman i always use is Matt Sibbick at Lazydays ,he had to have a turbocharged golf cart that day because Doreen wasn't going to miss this one,give him an email if you want any info on any RVS [email protected]

Have fun and good luck with your purchase
Ian