We're renting DPs and now knew we want one. We're still renting because we want to know what we want in it. Currently we've figured out that we want more kitchen counter space, larger shower and a king size bed so i don't kick my wife in my dreams 😂. You are completely spot on about test drives.
👍🏼 I ❤️ your “Three’s Company” intro music ! Sing it Doug: “🎼Come & Knock On My Door We've been waiting for you Where the kisses are hers and hers and his Three's company, too Come and dance on our floor Take a step that is new We've a lovable space that needs your face Three's company, too You'll see that life is a ball again Laughter is calling for you Down at our rendezvous Three is company, too🎼
Doug. I agree with what you are saying, and I’m on board. Here is a slight issue though(Not your issue, but an issue). We were looking at Diesel Pushers and Super C’s. I live in New England and I actually called you guys. I wanted to look at some pushers you had. I didn’t talk to you, can’t remember his name. I was a cash buyer, and asked if it was possible to drive one of the pushers if I flew down, as I have never driven a pusher. I’m told the feel is very different from a Super C because of the position of the seat to the steer wheels. I had driven a Super C because some friends have one. I was told there were no test drives. I couldn’t possibly purchase something of this magnitude without driving it. We ended up purchasing a Dynamax Super C because I was more comfortable knowing how it handled. To this day, I’m still curious on how a diesel pusher handles compared to a Super C. So far we are happy with it, but maybe some day I’ll get a chance to drive a pusher and know if I may want one. That is the only thing I can say about a no test drive scenario. And I did explain I was a cash buyer when I talked with him. Maybe this video was needed more than you know. Good luck, and keep the great videos and coaches coming.
Completely respect your policy ! I do understand that when you are spending a Quarter Million $$ you Do Need to take test drive, and then complete the sale if it meets drivability standards. But just to walk in and expect to sunday drive a coach is Not Acceptable. There are places where you can rent one for a week and see if you can see living in it or prefer a towable. There is a lot of expense in driving a big class A and the added mileage as well, then liability if something happens , damages are excessively expensive, maybe it was a consignment coach. The owner will not want that liability. Money talks Bullshit walks ! IF this is the coach you want and sign a deal with down-payment , Yes make sale contingent on mechanical soundness as per test drive. One certainly does not live in a house for sale for a week, too see if they like it. CHEERS Steve h.
Same way in the yacht business. The broker can give you a tour of the vessel and allow a cursory inspection but the engines don't start and the boat doesn't move until a signed offer has been made and earnest money has been passed to the broker. The purchaser typically has a right to a full inspection and sea test prior to acceptance and has the right to terminate the offer based upon his findings and determination.
I agree 💯 ! It’s not like buying a car. I have one Coach , and if I’m selling it, I would make sure they are qualified to buy and I would drive them first, then we’ll see! If I was coming to your dealership, I would want you to drive so I could inspect and listen. That being said, would you be interested in a trade for one of your coaches? I would let you drive Doug !
That don't make no sense.That's what the test drivers is for to see if you're comfortable with the coach or to see if you like it... Why would Buy something i'm not comfortable with 5:31
So I can see both sides to this. For the average consumer, any purchase of a vehicle (most likely a car, suv or truck) comes with the expectation of a test drive. I think that methodology rolls over to the experience of buying a vehicle like a class A coach. However, as stated, experience of driving a large coach is needed before just stepping behind the wheel and giving it a spin. Most information that a buyer may want can be obtained through a ride along. In fact, having the seller start the coach and then ask to sit in the drivers seat can be a nice way to get a sense of the coach before heading out on the ride along. Once underway: • How is the ride? • Any major vibrations or indications of wheel or suspension issues? • does the steering wheel seem to track straight without major corrections? • does power seem to come on and push you into seat from a stop? Any hesitations? • does transmission shift smoothly? •when braking does driver need to fight the wheel or the pedal? • when stopped do you see any check engine lights illuminated on the dash? If so inquire. Beyond that we are only talking about observations of blind spots and driver seat position during a test drive.
I understand your constraints and agree with your method/policy. With this level of machinery ( $, physical characteristics, rarity, repair expense, etc), if I want an example you have on premises enough, I'd do what it takes to protect me and you in the process of seeing if this is truly the coach I will drive away with.
Makes complete responsible sense. Especially when you pose your questions concerning personally owned coaches. You just outlined the proper way to conduct business. TY
I totally agree . Too much liability. I have sold many motorcycles , and cars and they always want to test drive it.. I always tell them give me the money then you can test drive it , if you damage the bike or car you own it, . I will allow them after they give me the money and test drive it if they don’t like it I will give them there money back. I also have found that there is a lot of tire kickers that really are not wanting to buy they just want to drive your vehicle. Really who in the right mind would give there vehicle over to a complete stranger to drive hopping they will buy it??
I'm surprised you let anyone test drive a motorhome at all. When I get ready to sell ours I know that's going to be a hurdle I'll have to deal with when someone shows up to look at it. That's all you need is for someone to show up, take a $300,000+ coach out for a drive and scrape it against something not know how to make a turn then show back up and say "not interested". BTW, I know someone who did that and it was on a brand knew ENTEGRA and he wasn't a newbee to big rig RV's and should have known better.
I understand 100%. People need to figure out what they want by researching and driving coaches at the big RV dealers that can cover the liability because their profit margin is plenty high enough. We thought we wanted a Super C, until we drove one. We rented a Gas powered Class A, drove it a couple thousand miles and decided we liked the experience but it was so much better with that motor in the rear when we test drove a few pushers. (And we means me AND the wife.) You are on the very short list of dealers I will consider buying a coach from. I am a serious and qualified buyer that is planning to retire in a few months. I watch your inventory and every video you put out. (along with James'). When I do make the move to come see a coach and consider buying it I will need to drive it along with the wife but have no issues signing or paying in order to check that last box.
I think the buyer should be fully financially qualified before stepping foot in a coach. I don’t think anybody should be stepping inside of a coach unless they’re a real qualified buyer. You’ve detailed those coaches and you have them ready for the new owners. Nobody should go in them unless they truly qualified to own them. And I agree a test drive shouldn’t happen unless they’ve already decided they’re wanting to buy the coach. The test drive can even happen after the sale because the coach can be returned.
Agree 💯. Owned an automotive dealership for years and couldn't count the number of people who wasted our time just to take a joy ride. Dealing with RVs is a totally different ball game. Totally different machine and a lot more money. If someone doesn't understand that.....best not to even deal with them.
Sign purchase agreement and provide an automobile insurance card and driver’s license. That’s the way dealers do it in WA. Don’t blame your methods at all. It’s all about risk management. I also had to put down a refundable deposit also.
It makes absolutely perfect sense. I drove Prevost coaches for a few years and although driving something that size is much easier than people think, it also requires a different level of awareness. You have to watch farther ahead, think farther ahead, understand how long it takes them to stop, etc. And it's absolutely guaranteed that if you've never driven air brakes before it's going to feel like you slammed the brakes as hard as you could the first several times you stop lol
When I bought my coach from a small Southern California Dealer I actually did not drive it until the sale was completed and I took delivery. I drove it with the a rep from the dealer the first time and had a friend that had a coach for the drive home.
The only way to do business! I totally understand the reason at hand. I have driven a motorhome 15 plus years and I don't let no one driver my motorhome without knowing they can drive with lots of experience.
A lot can be learned by watching and riding. And being a retired truck driver you are correct on saying no, on a test drive. They make big UHall trucks and trailers that they could get a feel of (a large truck and a long trailer connected).
I think before you waste anytime on a buyer that they need to show proof of down payment and they are approved for the dollar amount and maybe have them sign an agreement they are liable.
Totally agree with you, it's a liability. Need more of small business Doug's Out there. I will definitely give you my business on a country coach magna
I understand the last distraction. I can't imagine buying a 10-15 year old coach with a test ride. You will never know how a vehicle handle if you are riding in the passenger seat. The steering wheel could be vibrating and you wouldn't know. I understand you are trying to protect yourself, but maybe there is some better insurance out there. I'm not willing to take responsibility for a coach before it's mine!
Definitely understand that. Looks like we couldn’t work together in the future. I personally would never have an issue taking responsibility for my own liability for anything I’m driving. In fact we all do it all the time when driving another persons automobile. With rvs it different. Liability is a grey area because of the sheer size of these machines. All the best.
Any advice for someone who doesnt have experience with driving a diesel pusher and looking at buying a 35 foot coach? I dont want to get in an accident or be into a mess right away. I would like have the basics to be able to competently operate a MH.
@@briangasser973 Plenty of for hire driving instructors available through out the country. When buying from us we will spend some time with you doing just that.
@@Sewellmotorcoach Thank you for that insight Doug. I'm in that boat of having Class C, wanting DP, have the financial resources, but totally devoid of the DP specific skills. Don't know that I'll ever have, but I didn't know how to walk when I was born either. Of course I also didn't have a sense of responsibility about breaking things then as well. Its almost a shame most have to grow up but worse when others won't. I'll look for a professional trainer and maybe some ride-along opportunities.
I agree with your business policy 100%. Who would let anyone drive a motorized anything of that dollar amount as an uncommitted test drive? When you add the massive size and weight of motor coaches, it’s an absolute NO. There is so much one can check out in a test drive without driving; noises, vibrations, etc. Your policy is very reasonable.
I would personally want a test drive before spending the money, but I would also have been ready to buy as long as the test drive was good. I have looked at used MH’s before and the salesman would always come out and ask if we needed anything. Knowing we were only looking at that time i told him I’m only looking and didn’t want to waste their time. Once we were serious buyers then we would start talking business!
Don't blame you one bit. I have been a dealer in two different industries where a shopper damaged a unit on a test drive, and one of them sustained injuries. Everybody is "an experienced operator", until it's time to pay. Just the same as folks like to use the term "stealership", some dealers say, "buyers are liars". I don't agree with either term, but there are two sides of the coin.
No test drives no nothing they need an rv or a commercial license or rv endorsement added to the dmv test. To many truck drivers and rv drivers not capable to safely negotiate the roads. You don’t fly w o a check ride and license why do we let people who are iffy in the suburban they own drive 40k vehicles with no knowledge
It’s your business so your choice. But this would keep me from ever buying a coach from you. I’ve owned two class A diesels over the last 15 years and a couple gassers before that. And have a class B license as required in California for over 40’. If I was to purchase from you I would want to look at and drive one or two coaches before negotiating price and signing a PO. I’m sure you would want to do the same if I was to trade my coach in.
We understand and appreciate your feedback We are also aware that our business practices might cost us some deals and we are ok with that. Additionally we don’t negotiate either so I’m thinking we couldn’t put a deal together with you regardless of the test drive hurdle! Best wishes to you Ted from California😎
Good business practice Doug. I think you have to protect your business and the customer. By having strong policies in place you actually protect the customer even if they can’t see it.
It's interesting to hear if from the dealer standpoint. Rare indeed to hear it from a dealer Principal. It's usually from a sales person or a guy who is paid to say things like Andrew Steele who honestly if you look at his video titles you will see the repetition and nonsense that comes from him. Everything is the cleanest or nicest until the following week when it's a different one. I do not get that from you Doug.
I have a CDL, (42 years experience) I agree with your policy it makes total sense,Even with class A and bus endorsement. Most ppl don't understand it takes more distance to stop and turn any large vehicles let alone a 45 ft bus with the steer axle behind them. I also agree these ppl have have no business even looking at that coach if they can't afford it.
This makes perfect sense to me. While many states don't require a CDL to drive a personal coach, many do. If I bought from you and drove back to my state of Kansas, I would be driving illegally in any state that requires a CDL, since Kansas requires one. Here, you can't drive any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles (like a 5th wheel), over 26,000 gvwr without a CDL. Technically, it depends entirely on the state you're licensed in when visiting a CDL state. If Kentucky doesn't require one for a personal vehicle, but does for a commercial one, as a dealer, you're in a very gray area before they own it.
We're renting DPs and now knew we want one. We're still renting because we want to know what we want in it.
Currently we've figured out that we want more kitchen counter space, larger shower and a king size bed so i don't kick my wife in my dreams 😂.
You are completely spot on about test drives.
👍🏼 I ❤️ your “Three’s Company” intro music ! Sing it Doug: “🎼Come & Knock On My Door
We've been waiting for you
Where the kisses are hers and hers and his
Three's company, too
Come and dance on our floor
Take a step that is new
We've a lovable space that needs your face
Three's company, too
You'll see that life is a ball again
Laughter is calling for you
Down at our rendezvous
Three is company, too🎼
Nice work using some “Top Gear” footage. Also, keep doing what you are doing man. Good video
Doug. I agree with what you are saying, and I’m on board. Here is a slight issue though(Not your issue, but an issue). We were looking at Diesel Pushers and Super C’s. I live in New England and I actually called you guys. I wanted to look at some pushers you had. I didn’t talk to you, can’t remember his name. I was a cash buyer, and asked if it was possible to drive one of the pushers if I flew down, as I have never driven a pusher. I’m told the feel is very different from a Super C because of the position of the seat to the steer wheels. I had driven a Super C because some friends have one. I was told there were no test drives. I couldn’t possibly purchase something of this magnitude without driving it. We ended up purchasing a Dynamax Super C because I was more comfortable knowing how it handled. To this day, I’m still curious on how a diesel pusher handles compared to a Super C. So far we are happy with it, but maybe some day I’ll get a chance to drive a pusher and know if I may want one. That is the only thing I can say about a no test drive scenario. And I did explain I was a cash buyer when I talked with him. Maybe this video was needed more than you know. Good luck, and keep the great videos and coaches coming.
Completely respect your policy ! I do understand that when you are spending a Quarter Million $$ you Do Need to take test drive, and then complete the sale if it meets drivability standards. But just to walk in and expect to sunday drive a coach is Not Acceptable. There are places where you can rent one for a week and see if you can see living in it or prefer a towable. There is a lot of expense in driving a big class A and the added mileage as well, then liability if something happens , damages are excessively expensive, maybe it was a consignment coach. The owner will not want that liability. Money talks Bullshit walks ! IF this is the coach you want and sign a deal with down-payment , Yes make sale contingent on mechanical soundness as per test drive. One certainly does not live in a house for sale for a week, too see if they like it. CHEERS Steve h.
Same way in the yacht business. The broker can give you a tour of the vessel and allow a cursory inspection but the engines don't start and the boat doesn't move until a signed offer has been made and earnest money has been passed to the broker. The purchaser typically has a right to a full inspection and sea test prior to acceptance and has the right to terminate the offer based upon his findings and determination.
Huh never had any troubles test driving
Your business, your rules!
I agree 💯 ! It’s not like buying a car. I have one Coach , and if I’m selling it, I would make sure they are qualified to buy and I would drive them first, then we’ll see! If I was coming to your dealership, I would want you to drive so I could inspect and listen. That being said, would you be interested in a trade for one of your coaches? I would let you drive Doug !
That don't make no sense.That's what the test drivers is for to see if you're comfortable with the coach or to see if you like it... Why would
Buy something i'm not comfortable with 5:31
We definitely don’t see this the same way.
But I respect your opinion and appreciate the comment.
@Sewellmotorcoach u all good with me ..keep doing what u do
Love that intro music, I was expecting to hear Michael McDonald belt out a few notes.
Since the customer signs the agreement and there by Sewell is no longer liable is rig insured & how?
Your policy is 100% on point.
So I can see both sides to this. For the average consumer, any purchase of a vehicle (most likely a car, suv or truck) comes with the expectation of a test drive. I think that methodology rolls over to the experience of buying a vehicle like a class A coach.
However, as stated, experience of driving a large coach is needed before just stepping behind the wheel and giving it a spin. Most information that a buyer may want can be obtained through a ride along. In fact, having the seller start the coach and then ask to sit in the drivers seat can be a nice way to get a sense of the coach before heading out on the ride along.
Once underway:
• How is the ride?
• Any major vibrations or indications of wheel or suspension issues?
• does the steering wheel seem to track straight without major corrections?
• does power seem to come on and push you into seat from a stop? Any hesitations?
• does transmission shift smoothly?
•when braking does driver need to fight the wheel or the pedal?
• when stopped do you see any check engine lights illuminated on the dash? If so inquire.
Beyond that we are only talking about observations of blind spots and driver seat position during a test drive.
Well said!
I understand your constraints and agree with your method/policy. With this level of machinery ( $, physical characteristics, rarity, repair expense, etc), if I want an example you have on premises enough, I'd do what it takes to protect me and you in the process of seeing if this is truly the coach I will drive away with.
I understand the liability issue but I think it might be hard to sell these things if you can’t drive it first.
Makes complete responsible sense. Especially when you pose your questions concerning personally owned coaches. You just outlined the proper way to conduct business. TY
I totally agree . Too much liability. I have sold many motorcycles , and cars and they always want to test drive it.. I always tell them give me the money then you can test drive it , if you damage the bike or car you own it, . I will allow them after they give me the money and test drive it if they don’t like it I will give them there money back. I also have found that there is a lot of tire kickers that really are not wanting to buy they just want to drive your vehicle. Really who in the right mind would give there vehicle over to a complete stranger to drive hopping they will buy it??
I'm surprised you let anyone test drive a motorhome at all. When I get ready to sell ours I know that's going to be a hurdle I'll have to deal with when someone shows up to look at it. That's all you need is for someone to show up, take a $300,000+ coach out for a drive and scrape it against something not know how to make a turn then show back up and say "not interested". BTW, I know someone who did that and it was on a brand knew ENTEGRA and he wasn't a newbee to big rig RV's and should have known better.
I understand 100%. People need to figure out what they want by researching and driving coaches at the big RV dealers that can cover the liability because their profit margin is plenty high enough. We thought we wanted a Super C, until we drove one. We rented a Gas powered Class A, drove it a couple thousand miles and decided we liked the experience but it was so much better with that motor in the rear when we test drove a few pushers. (And we means me AND the wife.) You are on the very short list of dealers I will consider buying a coach from. I am a serious and qualified buyer that is planning to retire in a few months. I watch your inventory and every video you put out. (along with James'). When I do make the move to come see a coach and consider buying it I will need to drive it along with the wife but have no issues signing or paying in order to check that last box.
I think the buyer should be fully financially qualified before stepping foot in a coach. I don’t think anybody should be stepping inside of a coach unless they’re a real qualified buyer. You’ve detailed those coaches and you have them ready for the new owners. Nobody should go in them unless they truly qualified to own them. And I agree a test drive shouldn’t happen unless they’ve already decided they’re wanting to buy the coach. The test drive can even happen after the sale because the coach can be returned.
Same should be for home buying. Doug is an honest and transparent man.
Agree 💯. Owned an automotive dealership for years and couldn't count the number of people who wasted our time just to take a joy ride. Dealing with RVs is a totally different ball game. Totally different machine and a lot more money. If someone doesn't understand that.....best not to even deal with them.
Sign purchase agreement and provide an automobile insurance card and driver’s license. That’s the way dealers do it in WA. Don’t blame your methods at all. It’s all about risk management. I also had to put down a refundable deposit also.
It makes absolutely perfect sense. I drove Prevost coaches for a few years and although driving something that size is much easier than people think, it also requires a different level of awareness. You have to watch farther ahead, think farther ahead, understand how long it takes them to stop, etc. And it's absolutely guaranteed that if you've never driven air brakes before it's going to feel like you slammed the brakes as hard as you could the first several times you stop lol
Do you ever get motor homes under 26000 lbs
Absolutely we do.
When I bought my coach from a small Southern California Dealer I actually did not drive it until the sale was completed and I took delivery. I drove it with the a rep from the dealer the first time and had a friend that had a coach for the drive home.
The only way to do business! I totally understand the reason at hand. I have driven a motorhome 15 plus years and I don't let no one driver my motorhome without knowing they can drive with lots of experience.
100 percent! I totally understand. Good job!
A lot can be learned by watching and riding. And being a retired truck driver you are correct on saying no, on a test drive. They make big UHall trucks and trailers that they could get a feel of (a large truck and a long trailer connected).
I think before you waste anytime on a buyer that they need to show proof of down payment and they are approved for the dollar amount and maybe have them sign an agreement they are liable.
You break it, you buy it.
I'm with you.
Great way to do business! Keeps the riff raff out!
Totally agree with you, it's a liability.
Need more of small business Doug's
Out there. I will definitely give you my business on a country coach magna
I understand the last distraction. I can't imagine buying a 10-15 year old coach with a test ride. You will never know how a vehicle handle if you are riding in the passenger seat. The steering wheel could be vibrating and you wouldn't know. I understand you are trying to protect yourself, but maybe there is some better insurance out there. I'm not willing to take responsibility for a coach before it's mine!
Definitely understand that.
Looks like we couldn’t work together in the future.
I personally would never have an issue taking responsibility for my own liability for anything I’m driving.
In fact we all do it all the time when driving another persons automobile.
With rvs it different.
Liability is a grey area because of the sheer size of these machines.
All the best.
Any advice for someone who doesnt have experience with driving a diesel pusher and looking at buying a 35 foot coach? I dont want to get in an accident or be into a mess right away. I would like have the basics to be able to competently operate a MH.
@@briangasser973 Plenty of for hire driving instructors available through out the country.
When buying from us we will spend some time with you doing just that.
@@Sewellmotorcoach Thank you for that insight Doug. I'm in that boat of having Class C, wanting DP, have the financial resources, but totally devoid of the DP specific skills. Don't know that I'll ever have, but I didn't know how to walk when I was born either. Of course I also didn't have a sense of responsibility about breaking things then as well. Its almost a shame most have to grow up but worse when others won't. I'll look for a professional trainer and maybe some ride-along opportunities.
I agree with your business policy 100%. Who would let anyone drive a motorized anything of that dollar amount as an uncommitted test drive? When you add the massive size and weight of motor coaches, it’s an absolute NO. There is so much one can check out in a test drive without driving; noises, vibrations, etc. Your policy is very reasonable.
I would personally want a test drive before spending the money, but I would also have been ready to buy as long as the test drive was good. I have looked at used MH’s before and the salesman would always come out and ask if we needed anything. Knowing we were only looking at that time i told him I’m only looking and didn’t want to waste their time. Once we were serious buyers then we would start talking business!
Don't blame you one bit. I have been a dealer in two different industries where a shopper damaged a unit on a test drive, and one of them sustained injuries. Everybody is "an experienced operator", until it's time to pay. Just the same as folks like to use the term "stealership", some dealers say, "buyers are liars". I don't agree with either term, but there are two sides of the coin.
No test drives no nothing they need an rv or a commercial license or rv endorsement added to the dmv test. To many truck drivers and rv drivers not capable to safely negotiate the roads. You don’t fly w o a check ride and license why do we let people who are iffy in the suburban they own drive 40k vehicles with no knowledge
It’s your business so your choice. But this would keep me from ever buying a coach from you. I’ve owned two class A diesels over the last 15 years and a couple gassers before that. And have a class B license as required in California for over 40’. If I was to purchase from you I would want to look at and drive one or two coaches before negotiating price and signing a PO. I’m sure you would want to do the same if I was to trade my coach in.
We understand and appreciate your feedback
We are also aware that our business practices might cost us some deals and we are ok with that.
Additionally we don’t negotiate either so I’m thinking we couldn’t put a deal together with you regardless of the test drive hurdle!
Best wishes to you Ted from California😎
Good business practice Doug. I think you have to protect your business and the customer. By having strong policies in place you actually protect the customer even if they can’t see it.
It's interesting to hear if from the dealer standpoint. Rare indeed to hear it from a dealer Principal. It's usually from a sales person or a guy who is paid to say things like Andrew Steele who honestly if you look at his video titles you will see the repetition and nonsense that comes from him. Everything is the cleanest or nicest until the following week when it's a different one. I do not get that from you Doug.
I have a CDL, (42 years experience) I agree with your policy it makes total sense,Even with class A and bus endorsement. Most ppl don't understand it takes more distance to stop and turn any large vehicles let alone a 45 ft bus with the steer axle behind them. I also agree these ppl have have no business even looking at that coach if they can't afford it.
This makes perfect sense to me. While many states don't require a CDL to drive a personal coach, many do. If I bought from you and drove back to my state of Kansas, I would be driving illegally in any state that requires a CDL, since Kansas requires one. Here, you can't drive any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles (like a 5th wheel), over 26,000 gvwr without a CDL. Technically, it depends entirely on the state you're licensed in when visiting a CDL state. If Kentucky doesn't require one for a personal vehicle, but does for a commercial one, as a dealer, you're in a very gray area before they own it.