Question Prospective buyers and Test Drives

[Neal]

Today I had a thought wondering who I would allow to drive my coach if/when the time came to sell. For those of you that have been down this path, what lessons learned can you share as to who you allow to drive your coach and anything related to this topic. Picture of driver's license, where do they drive, are all welcome discussions.

 

[Buly]

No way. Friend of mine was selling his plane, so he let the prospective buyer with “thousands of hours and ratings” fly his plane.
The guy promptly totaled it on landing, and walked away from the deal saying he was sorry but not interested anymore.
If he wants test drive, let him go to a dealer, or you drive him around the block.
But again, it is your coach?

 

[MapNerd]

I doubt I would let a prospective buyer test drive my coach. I would certainly take them on a drive, but you can drive it when you’ve handed me a check

 

[J&JD]

I doubt I would let a prospective buyer test drive my coach. I would certainly take them on a drive, but you can drive it when you’ve handed me a check

X2

 

[MapNerd]

One reasonable compromise I might consider is if there were a large empty parking somewhere with no light poles, I might take them there and let them drive around in the empty parking lot if they were unsure they could handle it because of the size.

 

[redbaron]

I have sold 3 motorhomes, by owner. All 3 I allowed the buyer to test drive after we had come to a deal, he had secured financing, he had insurance for an RV, and the inspection was done.

Bottom line, the test drive was the last formality in the deal.

When the test drive was performed, I drove the rv out to the highway, and let the buyer take over from there. By that time I knew the deal was done.

Several requested to ride as a passenger for a drive before we got that far, and that was acceptable.

 

[FL-JOE]

I pretty much laid out a plan in my head when I listed my coach which was similar to when I sold my 40' diesel boat. I then checked with another member here to see if it was a sound plan (Sheridan) since he had recently sold his Newmar.

Any "test" drive would be after a deal was negotiated and any and all inspections were completed. In other words, I wasn't going to take the coach out on the highway just for a tire kicker. A prospective buyer would have to have some "skin in the game" for the coach to be moved. Also, I made up my mind early on that even if I got to that point with a serious buyer I still would only allow him/her to be a passenger unless they were extremely experienced driving a large motorhome or big rig.

As it turned out the couple that purchased our coach did take a test drive with us (me driving) and then never asked to drive it until they showed up to take delivery, and he was a retired truck driver that owned a 38' DP.

 

[Retired]

Its a judgment call.

 

[ArmyOfSquirrels]

Will dealerships allow you to test drive a towable? I've wondered how my Tacoma would do.

 

[AbdRahim]

Will dealerships allow you to test drive a towable? I've wondered how my Tacoma would do.

That is tough, unless your truck is already set up to to - trailer brake system' etc.

 

[Jireh Financial]

This might sound too simple but why not take the private buyer for a ride? Once you know the financing or payment is at least lined up, this would be the last step. Do you really need to be behind the wheel to know how it goes down the road?
Ken

 

[skychs]

Neal .... I think the bigger question is ..... what are you replacing it with?

 

[Neal]

Neal .... I think the bigger question is ..... what are you replacing it with?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I'm kind of at that stage too.

 

[AbdRahim]

I'm kind of at that stage too.

I'm kind of at that stage too.

Wow technology has come a long way. Turbo Diesels are really fitting in small packages these days.

 

[Neal]

Neal .... I think the bigger question is ..... what are you replacing it with?

In all honesty I would have a really really really hard time selling this coach. It would have to be taken from me. The 40ft is ideal, to me. The floor plan is awesome. Obviously all of my "make it your own" over nearly 4 years. All nit'noids worked out, chassis has been great. The only reason I am considering selling is this is the prime time in her age and with the market to capitalize on a sale, thrown away buying back in of course. I would like more storage, who wouldn't, I'd like the option of fulltiming someday. There is nothing out there that I love, to me all of the Newmar look the same inside. I think Girards look cool and are a little more functional than my overhead napkin, made better by ShadePro Vista Shades.

I may try and see what I can get for mine, it will be priced premium and will be taken from me. I will have zero pressure to sell so my bargaining will be minimal. Want a highly modified Ventana like no other...we'll see what happens after my Sept/Oct Newmar visit to get the upholstery replaced and new it up with new carpet, etc.

 

[sheridany]

@Neal Repeat after me....Ventessex....It is one of a kind. Free amazon voucher with purchase. Kidding aside, the market is still strong priced right. Priced wrong, it sits. I see it in both used production coaches and bus conversions.

 

[Neemer]

I think Girards look cool and are a little more functional than my overhead napkin, made better by ShadePro Vista Shades.

That’s one regret I have with these Girards. No way to use a Shade Pro.

 

[Neal]

That’s one regret I have with these Girards. No way to use a Shade Pro.

Is there a need with Girards fully extended?