Lemke RV

Review: We purchased a used motorhome in April; when [redacted] inspected it he found water damage beyond what I had already pointed out (vinyl was peeling and split on back wall and he claimed he had not seen it). He took vehicle to Penryn for repairs and we took delivery about 2 weeks later. We found that turn signals didn't work as we got on I-80. Pulled off to check them out and found that parking brake went to the floor and didn't hold the coach. I called [redacted] at that time; we were still in Rocklin. He told me that those are required so he would cover the cost of repairs. I proceeded home to Elk Grove; took the unit to [redacted] for repair since the problems were with the Ford chassis. Repair of turn signals was $59.50; estimate for the emergency brake is $3,022. I called [redacted] and he said to send him the estimate; sent it that night. Tried to call his cell phone the next day but he did not answer on several tries during the day. I then emailed him several times with no response. Left phone messages on the office number and an email message on their web site. I have yet to get a response (8/13/13), much less reimbursed for the $55 for repair of the turn signals. Copies of the emails available on request.

Product_Or_Service: Itasca motorhome

Desired Settlement: DesiredSettlementID: Refund

I can't sell this motorhome due to the defective emergency brake. I would like either refund of my purchase price and sales tax, or immediate payment for the cost of the estimate, and for the repair of turn signals and parking brake. I think I am also entitled to payment for all the worry and strain caused by [redacted]'s actions, and the fact that I can be cited by driving this vehicle on the highway. Someone has to place a chock under a wheel if I need to park on a slope.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

In response to Mr. [redacted]'s complaint, the RV they purchased from us was sold in "As Is" condition and we had them sign an As Is Warranty agreement. That advised them of the misc., defects that can occur in a used motor vehicle and that they may want to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. We do not own the RV's we sell as we are a consignment sales lot. However it is our policy to inspect the RV's we sell to make sure the appliances are in working order. This includes the RV's roof air, heater, range and oven water pump, fans, light fixtures, refrigerator and a few other misc., interior items. We also check the exterior awning, shower and do a limited roof inspection. We also do a road test and check the tires, brakes, lights and windshield.Other than the SMOG we do not do any service or diagnostic inspections and we advise our buyers that request a mechanical inspection a couple of local auto repair facilities we know of or that they can use one of their own choice. Our test drives did not detect any problems. Both Mr. and Mrs. [redacted] test drove the vehicle and also did not notice any problems. The sellers stated that the vehicle had no problems as well. After the [redacted] purchased the RV, as is our policy, we inspected the roof and it did seem to be a little weak over the front portion. We notified Mr. [redacted] and we recommended taking it to a repair facility and the seller did agree to cover the cost of the repair which was around $1,000. On the day the [redacted]'s picked up the RV as is our custom we spent about and hour going through the RV to verify all the appliances were in working order . Shortly later Mr. [redacted] called and said the emergency flashers were not working. I told him we hadn't had any problems but let me know what the replacement part costs, but I did remind him that unfortunately there was no warranty. The next thing I received was an estimate for repairs for thousands of dollars. One was for a noise in the rear end and also to replace the emergency brake system. These items were not evident to the seller or us, or both Mr. and Mrs. [redacted] who test drove the vehicle for an unusually long test drive. The vehicle was built in 1999. Sometimes the sellers of the vehicles rarely drive them and perhaps it was bad timing or maybe they left the parking brake on and burnt it out. It is an unfortunate situation but we sold the RV for the owner as is and the buyer must beware. We do deliver RV's in good working condition and do a test drive and extensive walk through with the buyers. Things can happen after the fact especially on older motorized units.

Final Consumer Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

[redacted] stated that my wife and I both test drove the vehicle but we did not drive the vehicle prior to close of the sale and delivery about two weeks later, as it common in sales of RV's. I found that the turn signals did not work when I entered the freeway about 3 blocks from the lot. I pulled off at the nearest exit and my wife got out to observe turn signals front and rear. I applied the emergency brake for her safety and found then that it did not work. It was on while the vehicle was on the lot but I had no way of knowing that the pedal went to the floor and would not hold the unit. I called [redacted] on his cell phone and he said that he was responsible for these mandatory safety items and would pay for the repairs. It is unfortunate that the E-brake is a $3,000 cost but something that should have been obvious when [redacted] drove the vehicle to Penyrn for repair, and again when they returned it to their lot. Lack of turn signals should have been obvious to anyone who tried to used them.

We are willing to drop the issue with the rear axle as the As Is sale would apply to that, same as it applied to front end alignment and out of balance tires. CHP has told me that turn signals and E-brake are mandatory and they will cite anyone driving a vehicle without either of those. There was no reason for us to expect that a licensed dealer would sell a vehicle that is not legal on public roads.

We expect [redacted] RV to pay for the diagnostic cost and repair of turn signals and E-brake and $500 compensation for our time and worry over a matter that could have been settled back in May if [redacted] had returned my phone calls or emails. I would like to sell the unit but am unable to do so until the E-brake is repaired as I will not sell a vehicle that is not legal to drive. We can discuss terms if [redacted] RV wants to sell the unit for me. It is stored at this time.

We have no objection if someone beside the Ford dealer performs the E-brake repair, possibly saving some cost on the labor rate.

Consumer Response

Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 10:19 AM, [redacted] wrote:

A quick follow-up. Shortly after this case was closed we were able to resolve the dispute and Lemke RV paid me $2600, which I agreed would be full settlement of the $3500 that I had requested for repairs on the motorhome that I had purchased from them.