Airstream Dealer of year award--not what you think

[Classic2004]

Called Airstream today to ask about how they select Dealership of the year. Customer service did not know. They talked to sales and they have criteria but it is not open to the public as to how they select.

So since it established by the sales department ----Sales?? only.

I bought a used Airstream from a Dealership of the year --- been a big disappointing experience.

Picked up out of winter storage from their dealership, got home --refrigerator did not work, checked in winter was marked okay got cold--it was cold out side.

Batteries 5 years old, told would replace if over 2.

Upgraded to disc brakes--found 2 bad tires, wear bars. Replaced all four.

Told did not leak--Classic rear trim leak.

Found recall safety for refrigerator--took 3 times and presentation of Safety Recall notice to get him to look at it ---NOT done---been through the dealership multiple times.



Went back to the dealership and after several hours of discussions finally got some money back for tires, batteries and refrigerator. Total cost of dealership repairs would of been $1,200 refrigerator, $200, batteries, $350 tires. Got $1,000.

I rebuilt the refrig. $550, parts, Tires $450 upgrade from what dealer was going to use, $150 batteries.

Initial the Dealer only offered 1 new tire!


After 4 cycles of tongue jack "Smoked" was checked good. Replacement worked way quicker than old one. Was bad to begin with.

I found the leak and failed electric tongue jack after the initial and final refund. Fixed leak-- myself long story. Replaced tongue jack easy ($220)

Dealer leak repair: $150 per hour, plus parts, est. over a grand--- Dealer tongue jack $375.

Nice couple own the dealership; the mechanic is another story. Had to redo the weight distribution setup---way too much front end weight. The mechanic also did the inspection Check List-- (a list the required checks--right?). Inspection???

My wife is ready to throw in the towel. After $30 grand this airstream has turned into a money pit.

I thought the Airstream Dealership of the Year Award stood for something. Told everything was ready to go and hit the road. Good thing we didn't or we would of really HIT the road.

[kb0zke]

"My wife is ready to throw in the towel. After $30 grand this airstream has turned into a money pit." Do I read that to say you have spent $30,000 over and above the price of the coach? Or that you have $30,000 in it so far?

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by Classic2004

Called Airstream today to ask about how they select Dealership of the year. Customer service did not know. They talked to sales and they have criteria but it is not open to the public as to how they select.

So since it established by the sales department ----Sales?? only.

I bought a used Airstream from a Dealership of the year --- been a big disappointing experience.

Picked up out of winter storage from their dealership, got home --refrigerator did not work, checked in winter was marked okay got cold--it was cold out side.

Batteries 5 years old, told would replace if over 2.

Upgraded to disc brakes--found 2 bad tires, wear bars. Replaced all four.

Told did not leak--Classic rear trim leak.

Found recall safety for refrigerator--took 3 times and presentation of Safety Recall notice to get him to look at it ---NOT done---been through the dealership multiple times.



Went back to the dealership and after several hours of discussions finally got some money back for tires, batteries and refrigerator. Total cost of dealership repairs would of been $1,200 refrigerator, $200, batteries, $350 tires. Got $1,000.

I rebuilt the refrig. $550, parts, Tires $450 upgrade from what dealer was going to use, $150 batteries.

Initial the Dealer only offered 1 new tire!


After 4 cycles of tongue jack "Smoked" was checked good. Replacement worked way quicker than old one. Was bad to begin with.

I found the leak and failed electric tongue jack after the initial and final refund. Fixed leak-- myself long story. Replaced tongue jack easy ($220)

Dealer leak repair: $150 per hour, plus parts, est. over a grand--- Dealer tongue jack $375.

Nice couple own the dealership; the mechanic is another story. Had to redo the weight distribution setup---way too much front end weight. The mechanic also did the inspection Check List-- (a list the required checks--right?). Inspection???

My wife is ready to throw in the towel. After $30 grand this airstream has turned into a money pit.

I thought the Airstream Dealership of the Year Award stood for something. Told everything was ready to go and hit the road. Good thing we didn't or we would of really HIT the road.

Caveat Emptor. DOTY designation aside I would confirm that all agreed upon terms of the sale were fulfilled prior to inking any deal regardless of who the seller is.

[Msmoto]

I am sorry you have had these problems. I have had issues, not with Airstream, but with other businesses. One of the most important issues when I have purchased something is to have a written contract about what has been "said", "promised" "agreed to", etc., by the seller. At this point there is no discussion, but simply taking care of things as outlined in a written contract.

How well I do this is variable, as sometimes my emotions get the best of me and I want something and do not wait until all the negotiations are completed. Thus these things happen to all of us.

Hope this gets worked out to your satisfaction.

[Classic2004]

To clear up a few things; we have a little over $30 grand in the trailer. Not so mad about the price, but the unexpected surprises. The Dealer did the Inspection on the trailer and was to identity and fix any problem areas. Then tell us if anything was not fixed. That was in the contract.

After sale could not find any maintenance history; which he said they had. Been in the local area for over 6 years and sold it 2 other times. Was able to contact the PO after the sale and found out Airstream Dealer had done work on the trailer!

I had my own inspection checklist and was ready to us it; but was shown the one done by the Dealer. Trusted his inspection.

We tried to get as much as we could get in writing. An Airstream Dealer of the YEAR should know his product, what is right or wrong. I'm new to Airstream, not new to inspections. Did aircraft inspections and was in charge of Quality Assurance section, overseeing 23 QC aircraft inspectors.

Hope this is not the standard for Airstream Dealers

[wahoonc]

Just another thought...

When I buy a large ticket item, I don't sign the final paperwork and hand over the money until the punch list/QC list is COMPLETE! Unfortunately most contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on unless you want a prolonged legal battle. Also unfortunately once you hand over your money the incentive to fix or follow up has gone away. I have walked from more than a couple of deals with things weren't done to my satisfaction. I am a reasonable person... most of the time.

Aaron

[Msmoto]

I think one point I see here is possibly one of the great benefits of the Air Forums. Here we can get some idea of a dealers behavior and reputation clearly separate from any actions Airstream corporate my take in regards to how they award dealers titles.

While I cannot speak for the policy of Air Forums, certainly PM's or emails can share various experiences with dealers. My local dealer is what i would call "reliable". From a surface perspective, the staff appears to work together much like a well functioning family. Any issues I may have I can sit down with the owner and work out. I also attend rallies where some of the staff attend as well.

One factor I attempt to have in place when working with a supplier is to make every attempt to get us both on the same side of the issue and "work tougher" on a solution which is acceptable to both parties. While i almost vomit at the "win/win" thinking, put forth by some conflict resolution folks, the fact is that when we can both agree on what is best the result resembles this.

It does all rely on the basic issues of honesty, something which in our society cannot always be taken for granted.

Oh well....

[J. Morgan]

Not to minimize, but a ten year old trailer is going to have bugs the same as a ten year old house or ten year old car.

Buying used is always a risk to one degree or another. The dealer assumed this risk when it bought the trailer and then you assumed this risk when you bought the trailer.

As a primer for positivity consider how much cheaper your trailer is than a new trailer....


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow