Coleman: Bought it, got it, but....
al_fi...@my-deja.com
After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
and bike rack. Thank everyone.
When I signed the orginal paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
fridge.)
But when I went to pick it up yesterday, the VIN had changed and the
tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
would expect a break for that.
Any guesses?
Al
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
mrw...@my-deja.com
al_fi...@my-deja.com wrote:
> Hi again,
>
> After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
> Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
> and bike rack. Thank everyone.
>
> When I signed the orginal paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
> had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> fridge.)
>
> But when I went to pick it up yesterday, the VIN had changed
WHOA! that would be a red flag to me! Get that dealer on the horn and
make sure everything is copastethic. You don't want to have problems
insuring and registering it. They don't change VIN numbers for the
hell of it.
-Don Crandall
99 Coleman Santa Fe
Mark J Strawcutter
>had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
>fridge.)
>
>tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
>
>Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
>a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
>that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
>would expect a break for that.
IMO dealer installed is never as good as factory.
Confront the dealer. If they start dancing, you start running :-)
Mark J Strawcutter
Indiana PA
'97 Coleman Key West
Ken
When I signed the original paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
> had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> fridge.)
Well this leaves you open to do anything you want to. You signed for a
trailer VIN #????
If you smell something fishy just tell them this is "not what I signed
for". You can accept the change, want the original trailer, or just
walk. All without any fee's. Kind of makes you wonder what they will be
like to deal with in the future when you have problems or concerns.
Maybe they would try to install a used part from their lot instead of a
new part. IMO and if I still wanted to buy a trailer from this dealer I
would tell them to order it. Can you imagine if a car dealer tried to
play musical VIN'S. This is not something to be taken lightly. Ken
--
"Only The Good Parts Of Time Fly By" ken"
Visit My RC Web Site http://home.rochester.rr.com/sar/
Al_Fi...@amway.com
al_fi...@my-deja.com wrote:
> Hi again,
>
> After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
> Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
> and bike rack. Thank everyone.
>
> had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> fridge.)
>
> tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
>
> Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
> a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
> that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
> would expect a break for that.
Update time:
The dealer says (and do I trust this?) that when they opened up the new
camper it had problems so it had to be sent back to the factory, so
they quickly prepped another.
Now IMHO, the smart thing to do would have been to contact me, but they
didn't.
Then they added the options that I asked for (bike rack) and installed
a factory furnace.
When I went to pick it up, they told me that they had the wrong VIN.
Now IMHO, I should have stopped right there, but I didn't.
The problem lies in the fact that I paid for it and took it home. I
have some paperwork with the orginal VIN and factory options that
obviously doesn't match what I got.
I still want the camper, and so far, I'm optimistic enough to think
that this was not an intentional slight.
The dealer wants to "make it right" I think he's going to offer
accessories (battery tray and battery etc) Is this suffient or is this
another minute that a sucker was born.
I don't know what to do.
Ken
Al_Fi...@amway.com
William Moore
you wanted, and the quality on the installation job of
the dealer added stuff is acceptable, I wouldn't
sweat it too much...
Regards,
Bill Moore
98 Coleman Santa Fe
Bruce & Linda
--
'98 Jayco 10 UD
'93 Astro
'?? Wife '83 & '87 Kids
"VEGETARIAN" Thats an old indian
word meaning "I don't hunt so good."
<al_fi...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:890rgv$s4t$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> Hi again,
>
> After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
> Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
> and bike rack. Thank everyone.
>
> When I signed the orginal paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
> had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> fridge.)
>
> But when I went to pick it up yesterday, the VIN had changed and the
> tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
>
> Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
> a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
> that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
> would expect a break for that.
>
> Any guesses?
Lisa Martin
live with "just lookin" damage. If I signed for and PAID FOR a new one....
Dealer may be a good guy. This one's hard to call.
Bruce & Linda <hull...@shenessex.heartland.net> wrote in message
news:891qb7$q6v$1...@ins21.netins.net...
sout...@bellsouth.net
they gave me a vin# and said this one would be mine. I am sure they have
more than 1 Cheyenne on their lot. If they had changed mine and it still
had everything I ordered, I would not worry about it. Maybe the original
vin# was the oldest one they had on the lot, and the other was just the
next one they would have sold to the next buyer. As far as registration
goes, whatever vin# is on the legal bill of sale is the one that gets
registered.
Enjoy the camper and quit worrying.
Rodney
Kevin Lawson
with the correct VIN# on it, don't you? It sound like like an okay deal, and
I would feel fine with it, though I would make sure ALL paperwork was
corrected or re-done with the VIN# you drove home with (for warranty,
registration, and insurance reasons).
just me
furnace in it. Before you sign anything else, run the VIN through your
insurance company, this will tell you what year the camper really is.
--
Colorado Campers
'95 Tahoe
'99 Cheyenne
just me
about it. If numbers aren't matching on the paperwork, your case would hold
up in court. If you want to keep the camper, get all of the paperwork
sorted out first. You don't want to end up with a title for a trailer you
don't have!
--
Colorado Campers
'95 Tahoe
'99 Cheyenne
<Al_Fi...@amway.com> wrote in message news:891950$70u$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> In article <890rgv$s4t$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> al_fi...@my-deja.com wrote:
> > Hi again,
> >
> > After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
> > Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
> > and bike rack. Thank everyone.
> >
> > When I signed the orginal paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
> > had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> > fridge.)
> >
> > But when I went to pick it up yesterday, the VIN had changed and the
> > tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
> >
> > Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
> > a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
> > that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
> > would expect a break for that.
>
>
> Update time:
>
> The dealer says (and do I trust this?) that when they opened up the new
> camper it had problems so it had to be sent back to the factory, so
> they quickly prepped another.
>
> Now IMHO, the smart thing to do would have been to contact me, but they
> didn't.
>
> Then they added the options that I asked for (bike rack) and installed
> a factory furnace.
>
> When I went to pick it up, they told me that they had the wrong VIN.
> Now IMHO, I should have stopped right there, but I didn't.
>
> The problem lies in the fact that I paid for it and took it home. I
> have some paperwork with the orginal VIN and factory options that
> obviously doesn't match what I got.
>
> I still want the camper, and so far, I'm optimistic enough to think
> that this was not an intentional slight.
>
> The dealer wants to "make it right" I think he's going to offer
> accessories (battery tray and battery etc) Is this suffient or is this
> another minute that a sucker was born.
>
> I don't know what to do.
>
patrick
Switching VIN's is a NO-NO. Sounds like your unit was sold and dealer was
"covering his @%" with another like unit. Nothing wrong with this, as long
as you are informed when it happens. If you have arranged your own financing
it would make any contract you signed at your bank worthless. As far as
factory vs dealer installed...it is a simple installation since the unit is
pre-wired for heat. Warranty is going to be the same. The main point here is
that you should have been TOLD up front if something happened.
IMHO
Pat at Sunbelt RV
<mrw...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:890v2s$utc$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> In article <890rgv$s4t$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> al_fi...@my-deja.com wrote:
> > Hi again,
> >
> > After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
> > Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
> > and bike rack. Thank everyone.
> >
> > When I signed the orginal paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
> > had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> > fridge.)
> >
> > But when I went to pick it up yesterday, the VIN had changed
>
> WHOA! that would be a red flag to me! Get that dealer on the horn and
> make sure everything is copastethic. You don't want to have problems
> insuring and registering it. They don't change VIN numbers for the
> hell of it.
>
> -Don Crandall
> 99 Coleman Santa Fe
>
> and the
> > tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
> >
> > Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
> > a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
> > that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
> > would expect a break for that.
> >
> > Any guesses?
patrick
Al,
That's what I was hoping had happened. We do get very busy sometimes. I've
been guilty of not makin' a phone call a time or two. Never on purpose, it
just happens sometimes, we are human also. Glad you got the straight scoop
from your dealer. Enjoy your Cheyenne.
Pat at Sunbelt RV
<Al_Fi...@amway.com> wrote in message news:8922p6$q1u$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> Update II
>
> I went to the dealership today.
>
> The sales manager met me at the door and we sat down and talked. I
> explained my feelings and frustrations. I concluded with that I had
> been advised by some to return it and forget the whole thing, but
> before I did that I wanted to talk.
>
> He opened with "if you want to return it, we understand and, while
> disappointed, we will willingly refund your money." Not bad.
>
> He explained that "my" unit was damaged and that the night service
> manager (9pm-6am shift) chose to prep another unit. A some point, I
> was supposed to have been notified and asked if that was okay, but that
> ball was clearly dropped. Mr Sales Manager explained that something is
> wrong (different than expected/was at show etc) a couple of times and
> then they make of point of contacting the customer. He apologized
> again for not doing that.
>
> To make a long story short, he offered to either take the return or he
> would "give" us a battery mount and battery (retail value approx
> $110). They also showed me "my" unit and there was clearly damage
> (water/dirt had leaked into the front trunk.) The damage was so bad
> that Coleman was buying it back from the dealer.
>
> So, I now have an apology and less suspicion about the circumstances.
> I think the offer to graciously accept a return says a lot. The
> battery stuff that they are offering isn't a lot, but it is something.
> The only intangible part is that I didn't feel like they were ever
> *trying* to lie or bait and switch. Given the actual damage, I'm less
> inclined to return it and thinking about keeping it and accepting the
> gift.
>
> Thanks for letting me unload.
patrick
I would have been here sooner, just missed this thread last night
Pat at Sunbelt RV
"Bruce & Linda" <hull...@shenessex.heartland.net> wrote in message
news:891qb7$q6v$1...@ins21.netins.net...
> Where is Patrick on this one? I would be interested in a dealers opinion.
>
>
>
> --
> '98 Jayco 10 UD
> '93 Astro
> '?? Wife '83 & '87 Kids
> "VEGETARIAN" Thats an old indian
> word meaning "I don't hunt so good."
>
> <al_fi...@my-deja.com> wrote in message
news:890rgv$s4t$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> > Hi again,
> >
> > After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
> > Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
> > and bike rack. Thank everyone.
> >
> > When I signed the orginal paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
> > had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> > fridge.)
> >
> > But when I went to pick it up yesterday, the VIN had changed and the
> > tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
> >
> > Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
> > a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
> > that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
> > would expect a break for that.
> >
> > Any guesses?
> >
Bloose
wrote:
> As long as you got the options you wanted, the model
> you wanted, and the quality on the installation job of
> the dealer added stuff is acceptable, I wouldn't
> sweat it too much...
I agree, I would check everything very thoroughly. If everything looks
O.K. I wouldn't worry about it to much. Now that you took it home and
the dealer probably sent in the paper work it would be considered a
used unit and I doubt they would take it back without a BIG fight. You
would most likely need a lawyer and may end up having to keep the unit
anyway.
If everything looks O.K. after carfull scrutiny just enjoy you new
camper. But, look carefully and make sure you got everything you paid
for. Also, if you can get them to throw in a free battery and mount to
"make things right" sounds like a good deal to me.
As far as installing the furnace, I don't think this is a tough job for
the dealer and would most likely be as good as a factory install. Just
check it against a factory install and make sure it looks and works
just as good.
I'm glad to hear this type of stuff happens to others, this is usually
the type of thing I go through. Not that I'm happy you had to go
through it, just that I was starting to think it was me that was the
problem.
Bloose
'98 Cherokee,
'00 Coleman Sun Valley (This Friday)
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
B. Switzer
It's still warrantied?
Do you notice anything different between yours and something on the lot factory
installed? e.g. furnace?
In article <38B40F7E...@ibm.net>, wmo...@ibm.net says...
> As long as you got the options you wanted, the model
> you wanted, and the quality on the installation job of
> the dealer added stuff is acceptable, I wouldn't
> sweat it too much...
>
> Regards,
> Bill Moore
> 98 Coleman Santa Fe
>
> Al_Fi...@amway.com wrote:
>
> > Can I do that after I already brought it home?
> >
> > Al
>
>
--
B. Switzer
1999 Ford F-150 V6 XLT (4 dr. - BRIGHT RED!)
Hope to purchase 2000(?) Coleman Niagara (or similar non-Coleman equivalent)
Purchase comments, suggestions, or notes, welcome!
Al_Fi...@amway.com
Al
Monte & Barb
the second unit, I think you'll be pleased.
Have fun
-Monte
--
98 Damon Camplite
re...@nwlink.com
>By law, you have 3 business days to change your mind, they can't do anything
>about it. If numbers aren't matching on the paperwork, your case would hold
>up in court. If you want to keep the camper, get all of the paperwork
>sorted out first. You don't want to end up with a title for a trailer you
>don't have!
>
dealership, etc.
Westcott Household
this dealer doesn't have a bad reputation, in light of the forth right
answer given, I'd take it and enjoy it. The mix up is disturbing but
geeze human nature is not perfect and we all know business certainly
aren't! So..... Smile and thank him for his generousity regarding the
battery, he may not have offered anything.
Have a great time, its a great unit.
charlene in Baltimore
BethK
"patrick" <patp...@prodigy.net> wrote:
>
> Al,
>
> That's what I was hoping had happened. We do get very busy sometimes.
I've
> been guilty of not makin' a phone call a time or two. Never on
purpose, it
> just happens sometimes, we are human also.
True enough. We recently bought a new car and when we went to pick it up
the dealer had prepped and done the sales contract for the wrong car!
This could have been a costly mistake for the dealer as the car they
prepped had about $2000 more options on it than the one we were buying.
Our loan agreement had the correct VIN number so we got it straightened
out eventually.
--
Beth
'99 Coleman Sea Pine
RSL
Personally, I do not think they send them back to the factory. if there is
a problem the dealer fixes it and the factory is billed.
This sounds extremely fishy to me. I would demand to see the paperwork on
the VIN you purchased and go from there.
Bob
<Al_Fi...@amway.com> wrote in message news:891950$70u$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> In article <890rgv$s4t$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> al_fi...@my-deja.com wrote:
> > Hi again,
> >
> > After a month of shopping and reading we settled on a Coleman
> > Cheyenne. It has just what I think we will need, furnace and fridge
> > and bike rack. Thank everyone.
> >
> > When I signed the orginal paperwork, they wrote down a VIN etc. They
> > had one 99 left for a slight ($400) discount with my furnace and
> > fridge.)
> >
> > But when I went to pick it up yesterday, the VIN had changed and the
> > tech said that he had installed a furnace that morning.
> >
> > Okay, what happened. Clearly something changed. I don't mind as long
> > a dealer installed furnace is as good as factory. I'm also concerned
> > that I may have gotten the display model - which is also OK, but I
> > would expect a break for that.
>
>
> Update time:
>
> The dealer says (and do I trust this?) that when they opened up the new
> camper it had problems so it had to be sent back to the factory, so
> they quickly prepped another.
>
> Now IMHO, the smart thing to do would have been to contact me, but they
> didn't.
>
> Then they added the options that I asked for (bike rack) and installed
> a factory furnace.
>
> When I went to pick it up, they told me that they had the wrong VIN.
> Now IMHO, I should have stopped right there, but I didn't.
>
> The problem lies in the fact that I paid for it and took it home. I
> have some paperwork with the orginal VIN and factory options that
> obviously doesn't match what I got.
>
> I still want the camper, and so far, I'm optimistic enough to think
> that this was not an intentional slight.
>
> The dealer wants to "make it right" I think he's going to offer
> accessories (battery tray and battery etc) Is this suffient or is this
> another minute that a sucker was born.
>
> I don't know what to do.
>
> Al
>
>
Mark Filice
<nob...@here.com> wrote:
>By law, you have 3 business days to change your mind, they can't
do anything
>about it. If numbers aren't matching on the paperwork, your
FWIW, the 3 "business days" rule is state law, not federal. So it
does not apply in every state. It may also not apply to vehicle
sales, but in-home sales only.
There are just too many variables involved to apply the "3 day"
rule in every case in every state. Don't expect to have a right
to rescind any contract unless it is clearly stated in the
contract you are signing....
Let's be careful out there.....
Mark Filice
1999 Starcraft Starflyer
1990 Ford Ranger
Dino
dealer if there was a problem. Why should the dealer have to pay!
Besides, it was cheaper to ship it back than to have the dealer
submit a bill for warranty repairs.
Dino
just me
interest to work with a customer to some extent. As it is, the phrase
"caveat emptor" still applies. Let the buyer beware.
I'd still make sure that ALL the paperwork was corrected to read the proper
VIN.
--
Colorado Campers
'95 Tahoe
'99 Cheyenne
Mark Filice <m_filice...@hotmail.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:1e9e16e4...@usw-ex0102-013.remarq.com...
Jim Redelfs
> Update II
>
> ...he offered to either take the return or he
> would "give" us a battery mount and battery (retail value approx
> $110).
You mean you were considering a model WITHOUT a battery?
My camper, when new, also did not come equipped with a battery. It was an
extra-cost, dealer-installed option. I had one installed. Now, many
years later, I cannot imagine camping without it. We frequently "dry
camp" for the added seclusion it often affords. Nevemind our demand water
pump, we have used the furnace A LOT while "on the battery" in national
parks.
A battery is a worthwhile investment if for no other reason than the
simple luxury of having LIGHTS available at the flick of a switch while
setting it up or taking it down in the dark WITHOUT the hassle of getting
out the extension cord.
Then there's the "Ten Minute Tech" job where one can install a emergency,
four-way flasher on the battery-equipped camper like that found on cars.
In the event of a roadside breakdown that requires de-coupling the camper
from the tow vehicle, one can simply reach inside the camper door and
activate the four-way flasher that, using the coach battery, flashes the
brake and running lights for safety.
> ...I'm less inclined to return it
Return it? This close to CAMPING SEASON?!?!? No way!
Why do you suppose he so readily offered to refund your money? Because he
know he would have absolutely NO trouble re-selling it.
> ...thinking about keeping it and accepting the gift.
Make 'em BLEED: Hold out for a LARGE "Group 27" battery and box! HA! :)
Good luck and have fun!
:)
JR
1987 Starcraft Galaxy
1997 Chevrolet S10 pickup
4.3L V6 2WD
al_fi...@my-deja.com
> You mean you were considering a model WITHOUT a battery?
Yes and no. I wanted a battery, but seeing I already blew the budget,
I was saving for it. (We only pay cash).
> we have used the furnace A LOT while "on the battery" in national
> parks.
That is why I wanted a battery plus the lights....
> Make 'em BLEED: Hold out for a LARGE "Group 27" battery and box!
HA! :)
I'll take whatever they give.
Jim and Linda King
SNIPPED
Al,
The dealer's story seems to make sense to me, especially since he showed you
the damaged trailer.
I know when we looked at the Bayside which was open on the dealer's lot, we
asked if that was the one we would be getting. The dealer said that yes it
would be, since they didn't have another one on the lot. We sure didn't want
to special order one and apparently most dealers sell the open "display" ones
and then order more as they need them.
(Same thing with our 1st popup).
Sounds like you're fine. Enjoy your camper!
Linda King
Waiting anxiously for spring
'94 Chevy Astro
'99 Coleman Bayside
Jim and Linda King
>insurance company, this will tell you what year the camper really is.
>
>--
>Colorado Campers
Pat Purvis alread y posted a way to check the year based on the VIN.
Al-make sure the orange owner's card from Fleetwood (the warranty card) has
the right VIN on it. Then you're all set.
ShelaghS
jim.r...@redelfs.com (Jim Redelfs) writes:
>Make 'em BLEED: Hold out for a LARGE "Group 27" battery and box! HA! :)
Oh Yeah!! Really good idea!! Get the BIG battery!! You'll be glad of it!!
<vbg>
Shelagh Stuart
'99 Coleman Utah
Ford F150
Ken
--
"Only The Good Parts Of Time Fly By" ken"
Visit My RC Web Site http://home.rochester.rr.com/sar/
B. Switzer
What the heck's a 'group 27' battery?
In article <20000225102804...@nso-fo.aol.com>, shel...@aol.com
says...
George & Theresa Odom
>
> >Update II
>
> SNIPPED
>
> Al,
> The dealer's story seems to make sense to me, especially since he showed you
> the damaged trailer.
>
> I know when we looked at the Bayside which was open on the dealer's lot, we
> asked if that was the one we would be getting. The dealer said that yes it
> would be, since they didn't have another one on the lot. We sure didn't want
> to special order one and apparently most dealers sell the open "display" ones
> and then order more as they need them.
>
> (Same thing with our 1st popup).
> Sounds like you're fine. Enjoy your camper!
>
> Waiting anxiously for spring
> '94 Chevy Astro
> '99 Coleman Bayside
We we bought our Jayco we looked at a display, but were told that the
one we were to get was on the back lot. When they went to get it and
prep it they found that it did not have brakes. After several rounds of
phone tag we ended up with the display camper, and deluxe plumbing a
half the price.
--
George & Theresa
99 Jayco 12UDK
99 Blazer
http://vol.com/~godom/camping.html
Jim Redelfs
switzeb0@NO_SPAM_adjusters.com wrote:
> OK - I'll bite.
>
> What the heck's a 'group 27' battery?
A substantially larger battery than the Group 24 size usually installed at
the factory or by the dealer. All RV parts suppliers and good battery
shops should have both readily displayed, complete with specifications for
output.
I started out with a dealer-installed "Group 24" battery. After it died,
I replaced it with the larger one and now get a day or two MORE of dry
camping before needing a recharge.
:)
JR