Gander RV vs Lazy Days for new purchase

[bjohnsonmn]

This is an important question to get right, but I don't know that there is a blanket correct answer. Rather, like others have said, it is a right process.

We visited nearly all dealerships in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area last year while deciding what we needed/wanted. Once we figured out the type and brand of RV we wanted, that narrowed our search. There were three dealerships we decided we would buy from. Lazy Days, Hilltop (Jayco specialist), and a local shop on the South side of town. We did have a good shopping experience with two of the CW locations (one is CW, the other is a more uniquely branded CW shop), but they did not have the stock we wanted.

Our buying experience with Lazy Days was great, but that is largely because of the sales person (Kevin in Ramsey, MN). The sales rep at Hilltop in Fridley was outstanding as well, but inventory was a constraint as it was for many people last year.

The delivery walkthrough and inspection was very thorough. We ended up buying a 2019 Thor Axis 25.6 with fewer than 3,000 miles on it. Even though it was a used unit, we had a "new unit" experience. They fixed a couple of small issues that we discovered and really set us off on the right foot. I would say that was a combination of having a great sales person and a solid service department (which theirs is huge).

I don't really have a negative thing to say about CW with our personal experience. I would say that the most important aspect, regardless of where you go (all other things being equal) is the quality of your sale rep and if they are there for you after the first sale, and if they know they want to sell you your next units!

[racefan]

We bought a 3 year old class C motor home from Lazy Days in Nashville. Had a good experience. I also like the RV tech line support.

[EA37TS]

Gander RV is Camping World.

[MJC62]

Someone smarter than me once said 'there is hardly anything in the world another man can't make a little worse or sell a little cheaper and those that consider price only are this man's lawful prey."

I'm a firm believer in trying to keep the independent dealer around. Sadly all too many are being swallowed by the CW's of this world. We have bought the last 2 units from the same independent dealer. Yes we paid a little more for the rigs but their service after the sale and willingness to work us in on short notice has been . A good service department and a parts department with knowledgeable people goes a long way in my book

[Pete'sMH]

We’ve bought four times from 3 different CWs. No actual complaints. You just have to negotiate vigorously and be prepared to walk away. We did have a dreadful salesman one time and walked out despite liking the unit we came to see. Went back a few days later and worked with the dealership’s top salesman and had a truly wonderful purchase experience. I don’t use CW for service, parts or accessories.