Dealers La Mesa and Motor home specialists

Jank · 05-13-2018, 02:05 AM

Has any one dealt with either of these companies. We are going to buy our first B (used). We are talking to these two Dealers r now because they have the Roadtrek we like. One is in Alvarado TX and La Mesa has several locations. Any other hints as to the process is appreciated.

cruising7388 · 05-13-2018, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jank

Has any one dealt with either of these companies. We are going to buy our first B (used). We are talking to these two Dealers r now because they have the Roadtrek we like. One is in Alvarado TX and La Mesa has several locations. Any other hints as to the process is appreciated.

Is it the 210 Popular you're interested in?

Jank · 05-13-2018, 05:32 AM

Yes. The 210 popular 2010 is one.

cruising7388 · 05-13-2018, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jank

Yes. The 210 popular 2010 is one.

Isn't the 210 in TX a 2015 model?

Jank · 05-13-2018, 02:36 PM

Yes. There are 2 one at each dealer. But reviews for born dealers seemed negative. I was wondering if anyone has dealt w/either. Just looking for advice. Thanks

Phoebe3 · 05-13-2018, 03:50 PM

When I read reviews, I look at why they are negative and then decide whether they will affect me.

For example, I passed on one dealer because the negative reviews said they would agree to a price and then when the customer showed up, they wouldn't honor it or they would pre-sell the RV without holding it for a customer they knew was on the way.

On the other hand, negative reviews about service were non-issues for me since I was buying from a dealer I would never return to for service.

Just be ready and willing to walk away if the deal you've agreed to isn't upheld or if the rig has issues. You can tell them you won't buy unless the issues are fixed and tell them you will stay in a local hotel for three days, but no longer. It's your money.

Jank · 05-13-2018, 04:25 PM

Thanks so much.

Rockwood27 · 05-13-2018, 10:21 PM

LaMesa (at least in FL) adds on a $1K "dealer prep fee. I got most of it back, because LaMesa had to replace all 4 tires and the inverter after the sale.

cruising7388 · 05-13-2018, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

LaMesa (at least in FL) adds on a $1K "dealer prep fee. I got most of it back, because LaMesa had to replace all 4 tires and the inverter after the sale.

Was this a new or used coach? I assume the inverter was replaced under some warranty but who warranties tires on any RV, used or even new for that matter?

Jank · 05-13-2018, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

LaMesa (at least in FL) adds on a $1K "dealer prep fee. I got most of it back, because LaMesa had to replace all 4 tires and the inverter after the sale.

Big prep fee but it sounds like they did a thorough inspection. Thanks so much.

Rockwood27 · 05-14-2018, 02:11 AM

I bought a used, 2012 190P. The inspection found an intermittent charger/inverter. They replaced it for "free". They gave me the old one, which I gave to an electrical engineering friend to tinker with. After I picked it up and brought it home, I noticed the fairly new Michlen tires were undersized from what I've read here and on other forums. My Chevy-based Roadtrek door jamb sticker is for a Sprinter-based Roadtrek with dual rear wheels. The Michelins matched the door sticker. I brought it back to the dealer and they replaced the undersized Michelins with new, correct sized (LT245) Toyo tires for free. It rides much better on the correct size and load rating tires! BTW, I'm still waiting for RT to send me the correct door jamb stickers for a Chevy Popular 190.

Jank · 05-15-2018, 09:34 PM

Thanks. Helpful.

RUFFNIT · 05-18-2018, 06:04 PM

I tried to buy a used Tiffin, Class A from a La Mesa dealer in Florida. They were way overpriced on the unit, but I gave them what I thought was a reasonable offer to start the negotiation process. The salesman REFUSED to forward my offer to his manager. I put my experience "out there" on a forum called IRV2.com and found numerous people complaining about the business practices at La Mesa.

Joan Good · 05-18-2018, 10:47 PM

Yes, I have dealt with one of them. RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION! I ran to DeMartini in Grass Valley. CA. Waiting room full of happy people, me being one of them. They aren't one of the largest dealers in US for nothing.

bobojay · 05-19-2018, 07:54 AM

Recently talked to a Coachmen RV rep at a show. He said MHS is the last RV store he would go to.
Now this dealer handles Coachmen RV's and here a rep for that manufacturer says stay away.

cruising7388 · 05-19-2018, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobojay

Recently talked to a Coachmen RV rep at a show. He said MHS is the last RV store he would go to.
Now this dealer handles Coachmen RV's and here a rep for that manufacturer says stay away.

Their ads seem pretty competitive. Did he get into any details?

JML · 05-19-2018, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jank

Has any one dealt with either of these companies. We are going to buy our first B (used). We are talking to these two Dealers r now because they have the Roadtrek we like. One is in Alvarado TX and La Mesa has several locations. Any other hints as to the process is appreciated.

We purchased a 2013 Pleasure Way from La Mesa RV in Albuquerque. The salesman, Javier was good and the delivery was good. They worked hard to get the steering stabilizer working right (added as part of the deal) and had good follow-up. It wasn't easy and they did take a while to get it right, but they kept on it and made it right. My BIL bought a 5th wheeler from them several years ago (we did not know they purchased from them until after we bought ours) and they also had a good experience with them. We have not used them for service, primarily because like most RV dealers, they are booked far in advance. They were not a PW dealer, and the delivery expert worked hard to know and understand as much as possible the PW systems. We are satisfied, and do recommend La Mesa RV in ABQ.

bobojay · 05-19-2018, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruising7388

Their ads seem pretty competitive. Did he get into any details?

Just that MHS has their whole system set to push the sale and nothing after the fact.
If you are just going for the best possible price, they might be ok, but just don't expect a good delivery experience or anything after.
That was my take on what he was saying

cruising7388 · 05-19-2018, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobojay

Just that MHS has their whole system set to push the sale and nothing after the fact.
If you are just going for the best possible price, they might be ok, but just don't expect a good delivery experience or anything after.
That was my take on what he was saying

This seems pretty reflective of the Yelp reviews. I think there is a way to mitigate the problem of inadequate C/S and that's to take the initiative by arriving at a dealer with a comprehensive check list that verifies correct operation of every system in the coach. If there is anything that's not as it should be, just refuse delivery unless and until it's corrected, not just bandaged. Prior to taking delivery you can be the hammer and let the dealer be the nail. If there is a deposit involved, clearly determine the deposit conditions particularly regarding whether it's refundable or not. In any event, a deposit should be on a credit card that provides you with the recourse of disputing the transaction.

bobojay · 05-20-2018, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruising7388

This seems pretty reflective of the Yelp reviews. I think there is a way to mitigate the problem of inadequate C/S and that's to take the initiative by arriving at a dealer with a comprehensive check list that verifies correct operation of every system in the coach. If there is anything that's not as it should be, just refuse delivery unless and until it's corrected, not just bandaged. Prior to taking delivery you can be the hammer and let the dealer be the nail. If there is a deposit involved, clearly determine the deposit conditions particularly regarding whether it's refundable or not. In any event, a deposit should be on a credit card that provides you with the recourse of disputing the transaction.

I agree, you are the boss, not the sales manager at the dealer. These people that pay for the vehicle before driving it and testing all the systems etc are their own worst enemy and naive as hell

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