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Topic: How to know if seller is the original owner? (Read 437 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: How to know if seller is the original owner?
Reply #25 –
I paid for the 5 report package that cost $50 after tax. It saved me a bad buy. What I learned was that the class B coach I was considering had been titled in Georgia, written off as a total by insurance due to a flood claim, and retitled in WA.

It also helps to show if recall work has been done on a vehicle.

Motor coaches are covered, at least they were two years ago. RVs such as trailers and fifth wheels are not covered by Carfax.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: How to know if seller is the original owner?
Reply #26 –
A sample report is available at CarFax Sample

You can enter the VIN to confirm it will find it before buying a report.

I bought the 5 report option and used three on LDs and one SOB during my RV search in 2016.

The DMV reported items like title changes and smog certifications were on all the reports.

Service records seemed to depend on where it was serviced and whether they reported to whatever database CarFax uses.

Dealer service record reporting seemed most consistent.  Independents were not always there.  Based on comparing PO service records with carfax on the LD I bought.

It's just one more research option out there if one chooses.

I'd do it again and coincidentally just bought another 5 reports last week for toad research.

Let's see if this screen shot from a page of the carfax report on the LD I eventually bought works...

Rich
2006 MB
Re: How to know if seller is the original owner?
Reply #27 –
So apparently Carfax does do RV VIN's. The report looks pretty good- I would go that route but be aware the reports are only valid 60 days from date of purchase which could be a problem when searching for that elusive, pristine used LD!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: How to know if seller is the original owner?
Reply #28 –
I agree that any honest owner would gladly give the vin if you asked.

Note:  Carfax does not necessarily have accurate info.  I had a car I sold years ago and I was surprised that carfax didn't show major repairs nor that it was in an accident (I thought at least an insurance reported accident would show up).  Only some companies report to carfax, not many of the mechanics people use (why would they, more work for them).  I have heard more dealers report, probably so they get free car faxes in exchange.

Vehicle license records (DMV) in the state the RV is registered in has the most accurate information of who owns something and for how long.  A concern would be if you were dealing with the actual owner (one day someone will offer a LD and ask for a deposit to hold it and either not even own it or not even have one, scam artists do that for cars often but then fraud seems to be rampant here in AZ). 
DMV if you give them a vin should be able to confirm the owner and how long they had it (e.g. when it was first registered with them under that owner name).  You just say you are buying it and want to confirm the ownership (sometimes there is a small fee or a small wait). 
When I buy from private seller, I went to the bank (cashiers check) then to DMV with them and get the vehicle transferred to my name right there and then while confirming they own it and how long (they have information such as when it was first registered in the state, where it was registered before that and to whom).

Don, if someone is honest, they have no problem sharing maintenance records, vins, etc.  If someone is dishonest, they lie about things and do not share information (always a side step when they are asked).  So if you share accurate information no one would not have a reason to distrust you.  In looking for a LD, unfortunately I ran into equal amounts of dishonest and honest people, so it is a concern so a double check is important so they confirm you are one of the good guys.

I still say asking for a copy of records early on in the "talking to them" process and/or the name of the dealer they had it serviced is a way to check things out.  If the dealer gives a different story on maintenance or how long they have owned it, I would suggest walking away.  Too many people trying to sell something they know has problems or has not been maintained at all for a problem-less price.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

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