juliev
SE Minnesota
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Joined: 07/29/2004
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I'm going with the "Run!" advice. I am a car salesman. Our dealership would NEVER tell a remote caller that they had to pay a deposit and commit to buy before they saw the vehicle. They want to get rid of this vehicle bad and they are applying undue pressure because they know you're really interested. Go someplace else!
By the way - what ever you do end up purchasing, be sure to ask for a vehicle history report. If they say they can't (or won't) supply it, Run some more!
Julie
_____________________________________________________________________
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~ Lao Tzu
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imadtchmn
Macon, GA
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Joined: 07/27/2010
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The commitment to buy is something that is standard with remote buying from PPL. Although I have not purchased anything from PPL other than parts, I have heard many great things about them on this and another forum. Can't say I have heard anything bad about them.
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ruwth
Oklahoma
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Joined: 04/22/2012
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jetenbu wrote:It is important you be an active part of buying and selling anything. DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT take a salesmans word for anything. Insist on seeing everything yourself so you can confirm the work is done.
mockturtle wrote:Always great advice. In fact, a lot of good advice here. Problems like this arise when you fall in love with a vehicle and make it obvious. Sounds like you had pretty well made up your mind to buy it.
Pat - The deal is not done yet. It is contingent on a satisfactory test drive. Actually, the only thing I really don't like is the fact that PPL MOTOR HOMES will not allow me to take it to the Dodge garage for their mechanic to check it out for me. I do truly love this model -- so much so that right now, I can not envision myself settling for anything else. I am not saying that I love this particular vehicle but this is the model I am looking for.
I have seen deals that I thought were better but I keep losing out to someone who gets to them first. If I decide to walk away from this American Cruiser, I will need to do something different for my upcoming trip but will be keeping my eyes open for another American Cruiser for sale down the road. (I wish there was one literally down the road, it would make it so much easier for me! LOL)
juliev wrote:By the way - what ever you do end up purchasing, be sure to ask for a vehicle history report. If they say they can't (or won't) supply it, Run some more!
Julie - They do not supply it but I did already purchase it myself. I am listening to the advice I am receiving from folks who know more than me.
The salesman did just call me. I told him to send me everything he was telling me in writing via email. I am scheduled to do the walk-through inspection tomorrow afternoon and the test drive on Thursday morning.
He tried to talk me into doing them both on Thursday but it would be too much for me physically so I insisted on doing the walk-through tomorrow and the test drive on Thursday.
I talked to him again about wanting a mechanic to check it out and he restated that they could not allow me to take it to another shop. He said I can have a mechanic come there to check it. I asked if the mechanic would be able to use their lift. He said they did not have a lift. He told me they do not do mechanical work there but send it to a shop down the road. Hmmm . . . they send units out for work but I can't take a unit to a Dodge dealership????
That is the one thing that bugs me.
Something I do not know and am afraid to ask: Will I be allowed to test drive the vehicle alone or will the salesman be with me the whole time? Also, how long a test-drive will I get?
It better be AS LONG AS I NEED!
~ ~ ~ ruwth ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ruwth ~ ~ ~
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jetenbu
Southeast Texas
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Joined: 08/03/2006
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OP the sales man will accompany you on the test drive based upon my experience. Actually, the sales man drove the unit off the lot and stopped later to let me drive it. That worked okay with me because I could listen and observe everything happening without having to worry about driving it right away.
Be sure they show you everything they fixed for the $6000-$7000 price mentioned. I would ask to see receipts they gave to who ever paid for the work as well to verify the dollar amounts.
Have you been able to make arrangements to get a mechanic there to inspect it? Maybe you need to have them take it to the shop they use and have your mechanic meet you there so he can have access to the lift, etc.
Good luck and I hope you get this unit if it is the one you really want.
Jim
RV: 2012 Montana 3625RE Quad Slide SKP#108921
TV: 2004.5 Dodge Dually 3500 HD
Favorite Quote: ''Life's tough, pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid.''-- John Wayne
Warning: THIS RIG PROTECTED BY SMITH AND WESSON!
U.S. Navy Vietnam Vet 1967-1968
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Davydd
Minnesota
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Joined: 11/27/2005
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If they allow the B off the lot for a test drive then there is no physical reason it could not be taken to a Dodge dealer. I think they have something to hide if they will not let you take the B to a Dodge dealer to inspect. You can't do a good inspection without putting it on a lift.
Davydd
2011 Great West Van Legend Sprinter B Camper Van
Visited states in an RV
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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Putting two and two together and maybe getting five, or three, on the $6500-7000 dollars of repair work.... Dodge used a big semi-floating rear axle in these vans (I owned one) instead of the more desirable full-floater normal for 3/4 and 1-ton vehicles. This may or may not be the reason for the 'axle replacement'. But if they replaced the whole rear axle, especially with a new one instead of a used one, it + the transmission would explain most or all of the repair costs. Then again, the 'axle' may have been just a rear half-shaft or a front spindle.
Whatever. I'd sure want some 'full disclosure' on what the work consisted of, who did it, and any remaining warranties. You're paying a premium price, regardless of the amount involved. Expect better treatment.
Jim, "Support bacteria... they're the only culture some people have."
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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gerrym51
unknown
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Joined: 07/31/2007
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there is an american cruiser in florida on rvt.com at this very moment.
30 photographs looks in great condition. at least you could make comparisons
also only has 48,000 miles. appears to be your required floorplan.
listed at 28,000. if yours is 19,000 firm i would see how much this dealer wants. ppl is 102,000 miles
i looked at your first post and saw you already know about this.
however 12 hours on generator. this is not necessarily good because generators need to be used not to gum up. but means generator is relativley new for parts and with good clean up will be better deal
and van is 50,000 miles less. this actually seems better deal
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georgelesley
Minnesota
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12 hours on generator. this is not necessarily good because generators need to be used not to gum up. but means generator is relativley new for parts and with good clean up will be better deal. When we bought ours it had 13 hrs. Took a new carb ($172 at PPL) and a case of beer for the neighbor to help me fix it. Runs well now. Always run it at least two hours under 1/2 load or so each month.
George & Lesley
2013 Winnebago ERA 70A
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Liketoroam
Waterford
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Joined: 04/20/2009
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-RE-2000-American-Cruiser-Class-B-Camper-Van-RV-40k-miles-LOADED-/120902775960?pt=RVs_Campers&hash=item1c265df498
American Cruiser on e-bay. I know it is scary to buy online, I did it and it worked out great.
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coco1985
Houston
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Joined: 05/03/2012
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I did not have the experience with PPL at all. I felt they were honest and upfront at all times. I just bought a class b from them and have looked all over. I never thought that they ever talked down to the vehicle, but from my perspective they were very detailed about the 3 rigs I was looking at. I appreciated the pics. I to tend to be very suspicous, and over think things, and occasionally be a bit difficult. I am very glad I did their pre inspection before I got there. They found a few minor items and were open to sharing what they found. As far as pricing I have traveled 4 different places to find my rv and found them to be priced right. I do have to remember my coach is 7 years old and it is used. If you have not been down there to see their operation it is pretty impressive and very busy. I do like the fact I did not have all the pressure, and the salesman on my tail. Now I am off to hit the road in my little motorhome..Happy camping.
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