Looking to buy an older motorhome in Texas and want to avoid getting burned by sketchy dealers. There's gotta be some solid places around here that actually care about their reputation, right?
I'm open to checking out dealers in neighboring states like Arizona, Oklahoma, or Louisiana too if they're worth the drive. Just need to know how to separate the good ones from the fly-by-night operations. What's the best way to research dealers and make sure I'm not walking into a disaster? Any specific resources or red flags I should know about before I start shopping?
Research dealers on iRV2, FMCA forums, and Google reviews. Ask brand-specific owner groups for recommendations. Always get an independent inspection before purchasing an older coach.
finding reputable motorhome dealers for older coaches in Texas and the surrounding states you mentioned (Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana) requires focusing on dealers who specialize in pre-owned RVs and have established track records. Based on your geographic preferences, I'd recommend McClain's RV in Corinth, Texas - they're known for their extensive used inventory and transparent dealings on older coaches. In Arizona, consider Lazydays RV in Tucson, which has a solid reputation for older motorhome sales with thorough inspections. For Oklahoma, RV One Superstores in Oklahoma City has built a good reputation with used coaches, and in Louisiana, Campers Inn RV in Rayne specializes in quality pre-owned units.
The challenge with finding reputable dealers for older motorhomes stems from the fact that many dealerships focus primarily on new units where profit margins are higher. Older coaches require more expertise to evaluate properly, and dealers need experienced technicians who understand the quirks of vintage systems. Many dealers who excel with older units have been in business for decades and have developed relationships with customers who trust their mechanical assessments.
The best dealers for older coaches typically have certified RV technicians on staff who can properly evaluate engine conditions, electrical systems, and structural integrity. They also understand that buyers of older motorhomes often need more detailed explanations of potential issues and realistic expectations about maintenance costs. These dealers have learned that transparency builds long-term customer relationships rather than quick sales.
Before visiting any dealer, prepare a checklist of what you're looking for in terms of coach age, mileage, floorplan, and budget range. Research the specific models you're considering using NADA guides and online forums to understand typical issues for those years and manufacturers. Bring a flashlight, basic tools, and ideally someone knowledgeable about RVs to help with the inspection process.
Contact the dealers ahead of time to discuss their inventory and ask specific questions about their inspection processes. Reputable dealers will be transparent about their reconditioning procedures and warranty offerings on older units. Ask about their service department capabilities - dealers with strong service departments are often better choices because they understand the mechanical aspects of what they're selling.
Prepare financing options in advance, as older motorhomes often require specialized RV lending rather than traditional auto loans. Some dealers have relationships with lenders who specialize in older RV financing, which can be valuable since conventional banks often won't finance units over 10-15 years old.
Start your dealer search by checking online reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings for each potential dealer. Call them directly and ask about their current inventory of older coaches - reputable dealers will spend time discussing options even over the phone. When you visit, observe how they present their units: good dealers will have older coaches properly cleaned and will point out both positives and potential issues honestly.
During your visit, ask to see maintenance records if available, and inquire about their inspection process for trade-ins. Quality dealers often have checklists they follow and can show you documentation of what they've checked or repaired. Test drive any coach you're seriously considering - reputable dealers will encourage this and may even suggest specific things to pay attention to during the drive.
Pay attention to the dealer's service department and parts availability. Ask about their warranty policies on older units - while limited, good dealers often provide some coverage on major systems. Discuss their relationship with local RV service centers if they don't do all repairs in-house, as this can be crucial for ongoing maintenance support.
When you've narrowed down to specific coaches, consider hiring an independent RV inspector, especially for higher-value older motorhomes. This typically costs $300-600 but can save thousands by identifying hidden issues. Many reputable dealers will allow independent inspections because they're confident in their units' condition.
If you're looking at coaches over $50,000 or specialty vintage units, consider expanding your search to include dealers who specialize in classic or vintage RVs. These dealers often have connections throughout multiple states and may be able to locate specific models you're seeking. Some also offer delivery services, which could expand your options beyond just Texas and immediately adjacent states.
For complex financing situations or if you're trading in a current RV, consider working with an RV buying consultant who can help negotiate with multiple dealers and handle the paperwork. This is especially valuable when dealing with older coaches where values can be subjective and financing options limited.
Help us improve this article by flagging technical issues or inaccuracies.
Was this guide helpful?
Try our free RV calculators and tools to help diagnose and plan your repairs.
Browse RV ToolsWeight calculator, electrical planner, propane estimator & more