Costello RV Auto Sales- Hattiesburg, MS Exposed: delivery disputes, slow titles, pushy add-ons

AI-powered research overview of Costello RV Auto Sales (Hattiesburg, MS): background and reputation snapshot

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Costello RV Auto Sales is an independent, privately owned dealership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi that advertises both RVs and autos. It is not part of a national chain. Public-facing feedback about this location shows a mix of experiences, but critical patterns emerge in the most recent, lowest-star reviews and forum discussions: inconsistent post-sale support, disputed condition at delivery, delays in service and paperwork, and aggressive finance-and-warranty add-ons. These are not unusual in the RV industry—but consumers considering this Hattiesburg location should proceed cautiously and verify every claim and document before signing.

To review current consumer feedback firsthand, visit the dealership’s Google Business profile and use the “Sort by” tool to select “Lowest rating” to read the most critical experiences: Costello RV Auto Sales – Hattiesburg Google Business Profile.

Where to get unfiltered owner feedback before you buy

• Search and join model-specific owner groups (Facebook and forums): These communities often share the real-world issues buyers encounter with a given brand or model. Use this Google search to find brand-focused groups: Search Facebook brand groups by RV model. Engage privately with owners for unvarnished feedback.
• Independent YouTube investigations: The Liz Amazing channel frequently covers RV buying pitfalls, owner experiences, and dealer strategies. Start here and search her channel for any dealership or brand you’re considering:
  Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV exposes,
  RV industry reality checks by Liz Amazing,
  Learn common dealer tactics on Liz Amazing.
• Better Business Bureau and independent forums: Use the research links later in this report to verify complaint patterns tied to Costello RV Auto Sales in Hattiesburg.

If you’ve purchased from this dealership, what did you experience—especially after the sale? Add your experience for other shoppers.

Before you sign: insist on a third-party RV inspection

The single most effective way to protect yourself is to arrange a third-party RV inspection before you take delivery. This should be a comprehensive, independent evaluation that includes roof, seals, slides, plumbing, electrical systems, LP gas leak checks, appliances, tires (including age/date codes), frame and suspension, water intrusion, and a full road test where appropriate. Book your own inspector—do not rely on a “dealer checklist.” If the dealership will not allow a third-party professional inspector on-site or will not let you take the unit to a neutral inspection facility, that is a major red flag. Walk away.

• Search here to locate reputable inspectors: Find RV inspectors near you.
• Have the inspector put every finding in writing, including cost-to-repair estimates you can use to negotiate repairs or price reductions.
• Delay taking possession until all promised fixes are completed and documented; once the deal is funded, dealers often prioritize new sales over your repair ticket.

We’ve documented many cases in which buyers lose planned camping trips while their RV sits for weeks or months waiting for parts or service. Your leverage is highest before you sign and before the funds are released.

Patterns in consumer complaints and risk areas at Costello RV Auto Sales (Hattiesburg)

Advertising claims, features at delivery, and “as-is” disputes

Low-star public reviews for the Hattiesburg location frequently center on differences between what buyers believed they were getting and what was ultimately delivered. In the RV space, this can include promises about reconditioning, included accessories, repairs “to be done,” or the operational status of slides, generators, air conditioners, or leveling systems. When those promises are vague or undocumented, disputes arise quickly. Buyers have reported discovering issues during or shortly after delivery—only to learn repairs weren’t authorized or would be delayed.

• Insist on a written “Due Bill” or “We Owe” form with every promised repair or accessory listed, including timelines.
• Do a full operational demo of every system before signing final documents; video record the walk-through to capture what works and what doesn’t.
• Be wary of “as-is” language on used units. “As-is” can void any commitments unless those commitments are itemized separately in writing.

Want to help other shoppers spot these patterns with fresh eyes? Post what happened during your delivery walk-through.

Condition of used units and reconditioning quality

Many independent RV lots, including those that also sell autos, rely heavily on used inventory. Common consumer complaints in these scenarios involve inadequate reconditioning—roof sealants not refreshed, soft floors not discovered, water damage masked, or worn tires/batteries left for the buyer to replace. On RVs, a missed roof or seal issue can lead to expensive structural repairs and mold. Water intrusion often starts subtle and becomes catastrophic.

• Require roof inspection photos and moisture meter readings with your third-party report; verify recent sealant work with dated documentation.
• Check tire date codes (DOT stamp) and battery health. Old tires and weak batteries are safety and reliability risks that can cost thousands.
• Consider lab mold testing if your inspector detects elevated moisture or musty odors—this can be a health hazard, not just a cosmetic issue.

Title, registration, and paperwork delays

In mixed auto/RV dealerships, title and paperwork delays surface in public reviews more often than consumers expect. Delays mean you cannot register or insure properly, which can jeopardize travel plans and even financing compliance. Some buyers report repeated calls for updates about titles, lien releases, or permanent tags without timely resolution. While some title delays are caused by state processing backlogs, patterns of recurring complaints point to internal dealership process issues.

• Do not release full payment until the dealer provides proof the title is in-house or confirms an exact delivery timeline in writing.
• Ask for a photocopy of the title and verify lien status; confirm that VINs and names match exactly on contract, title, and bill of sale.
• Request tracking numbers for any title transfers; escalation to management is warranted if deadlines slip without clear reasons.

Finance department tactics, high interest rates, and add-on products

Consumer complaints across the RV industry often note aggressive finance office practices: rate markups, pressure to buy extended service contracts, paint protection, VIN etching, tire-and-wheel packages, interior fabric protection, and “environmental” packages. Many of these add-ons are high-margin products that can increase your total cost substantially without corresponding value. Buyers also report discovering higher-than-expected APRs after signing—often because they lacked a same-day competing pre-approval.

• Obtain a credit union or bank pre-approval before visiting the store to set your APR baseline and keep leverage on the finance desk.
• Ask for a line-item, out-the-door purchase agreement with every product listed and priced. You can refuse any add-on.
• Extended service contracts can be useful in limited cases, but read exclusions carefully; RV “warranty” sales often refer to third-party service contracts with strict rules and denied claims.

If Costello RV Auto Sales suggests “you must finance to get this price,” ask them to provide the buy-rate from the lender, disclose any markup, and confirm the sale price if you pay cash. Refusal to disclose or extreme urgency tactics justify walking away. If this dealership has treated you fairly or unfairly with add-ons, tell other shoppers how you handled it.

Trade-in valuations and appraisal disputes

Low-ball trade offers are another recurring complaint in independent dealership environments. Appraisals can be substantially below private-party market value—then the unit appears listed with a large markup. While every dealer has to leave room for reconditioning and profit, buyers should prepare thoroughly.

• Get multiple appraisals (including written offers from competing dealers) before you visit. Verify your RV’s retail value via several valuation tools and comparable listings.
• Consider a private-party sale if the spread is too large. Many buyers net more this way, though it takes more time.
• Do not let the dealer bundle the trade and sale in a way that hides the real numbers. Demand separate clarity on the sale price and the trade value.

Post-sale service access and repair timelines

Owner reports at many small RV outlets point to recurring challenges: limited service bays, parts backorders, and long appointment queues. When issues emerge right after purchase, buyers often expect immediate resolution—but the service department may not prioritize their repairs once the deal is funded. Some reviewers of this Hattiesburg location describe slow callbacks and extended down-time while waiting for basic fixes or parts authorization.

• Make your acceptance of the unit contingent on a clean third-party inspection and prompt fixes completed before you take it home.
• Obtain all service-authorized work orders in writing with promised completion dates and escalation contacts.
• Ask if the dealer will coordinate mobile service (at their cost) if the RV becomes inoperable shortly after delivery.

If your camping trip or family plans were derailed by service delays, share the timeline and what you were told so others know what to expect.

Warranty and service contract confusion

Consumers often assume “warranty” equals manufacturer coverage. In practice, many “warranties” sold in the finance office are third-party service contracts with deductibles, exclusions, maintenance requirements, and claim-approval hurdles. Complaints frequently include denied claims due to “pre-existing condition” or maintenance records issues, and the responsibility to get pre-authorization before repairs.

• Read the full contract before purchase and ask for a blank specimen copy to take home. Verify cancellation and refund terms in writing.
• Keep detailed maintenance logs and repair receipts; lack of documentation is a common reason for claim denial.
• When in doubt, call the contract administrator directly and confirm coverage in a recorded line before authorizing repairs.

Recall handling and safety notifications

While recalls are issued by manufacturers and suppliers (not the dealer), a responsive dealership helps owners navigate recall scheduling and parts procurement. Multiple owner communities report frustrations nationwide when dealers will not prioritize recall fixes, leaving critical safety items unresolved for months. Buyers should proactively check the VIN for recalls and insist on a plan before finalizing the sale, especially on used RVs where prior recall work may still be open.

• Search recalls here: NHTSA recall search and cross-check with your VIN.
• Ask the dealer for recall completion records. If recalls are open, request completion prior to delivery or negotiate price reductions.

Communication, documentation, and follow-through

Critical reviews of the Hattiesburg location cite issues like unreturned calls, vague status updates, and verbal assurances not matched by written documents. Inconsistency in customer service often correlates with missed expectations during delivery, service scheduling, and title processing.

• Communicate by email when possible to keep a written trail. Summarize phone calls via follow-up emails.
• Ask for a single point of contact with backup coverage. Escalate politely to management if commitments slip.
• No document, no deal. Every promise should be dated, signed, and attached to the purchase agreement.

Where to verify complaints and research Costello RV Auto Sales (Hattiesburg) yourself

Use the curated links below to find real-world reports, complaints, recalls, and discussions. Each link is pre-formatted to help you locate relevant threads about “Costello RV Auto Sales Hattiesburg MS.” For sites without query parameters, use their internal search bar.

• YouTube search: Costello RV Auto Sales Hattiesburg MS Issues
• Google search: Costello RV Auto Sales Hattiesburg MS Problems
• BBB: Costello RV Auto Sales Hattiesburg MS Complaints
• Reddit r/RVLiving: search dealership issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing: search dealership issues
• Reddit r/rvs: search dealership issues
• NHTSA: Recalls lookup
• RVInsider: search owner reviews
• Good Sam Community: dealership complaints
• RVForums.com and RVForum.net (use site search for “Costello RV Auto Sales Hattiesburg MS”)
• RVUSA Forum (search “Costello RV Auto Sales Hattiesburg MS Issues”)
• PissedConsumer (search for the dealership name on-site)

Also review the dealership’s most current Google reviews and sort by lowest rating for specific customer narratives: Costello RV Auto Sales – Google Business Profile. If you have a recent experience—positive or negative—please report the facts to help other shoppers.

Legal and regulatory warnings for consumers and the dealership

Consumer complaints that allege misrepresentation, failure to honor written promises, or deceptive add-on sales practices can trigger scrutiny under federal and state law. Key frameworks include:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal): Governs written warranties and service contracts, requires clear disclosures, and can enable attorneys’ fees for prevailing consumers in certain disputes. Learn more: FTC guide to warranty law.
• Federal Trade Commission Act (Section 5): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices (UDAP). False claims, bait-and-switch tactics, or undisclosed financing markups can draw attention. File complaints via the FTC if you suspect deceptive conduct: Report deceptive practices to the FTC.
• Mississippi consumer protection and vehicle title laws: The Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division accepts complaints related to deceptive sales and title issues. Contact: Mississippi AG Consumer Protection.
• NHTSA safety recalls and defect reporting: Safety-related defects or unresolved recalls can be reported to NHTSA: Report a safety problem.

Dealers that repeatedly fail to disclose known defects, delay titles beyond statutory requirements, or misrepresent coverage may face regulatory action or civil claims. Consumers should preserve all documentation, text messages, emails, and photos, and consider consulting consumer counsel if losses are significant.

Product and safety impact analysis: what reported failures mean for you

Based on patterns in RV owner reports and critical reviews associated with independent dealerships like Costello RV Auto Sales (Hattiesburg), the following issues pose real-world safety and financial risks:

• Water intrusion and roof/floor damage: Leads to structural rot, delamination, mold exposure, and electrical hazards. Remediation can exceed the value of the unit if caught late.
• LP gas leaks and appliance malfunctions: Risk of fire or asphyxiation if propane systems aren’t properly tested. Always require a professional LP system leak-down test.
• Brake, axle, and tire failures: Overlooked axle issues, worn brakes, and aged tires can cause blowouts and loss of control. Verify DOT tire date codes; replace tires older than 5–6 years regardless of tread.
• Electrical shortcomings: Faulty transfer switches, inverters, or shore power connections can cause shorts or fires. Have an inspector test under load.
• Slide-out and leveling system faults: Can strand the unit inoperable at a campsite; motor, hydraulic, or controller faults are costly and require specialized service.

To reduce risk:

• Get a third-party inspection: Find a local RV inspector.
• Check for recalls and TSBs, and confirm the VIN has no open safety campaigns: NHTSA recall search.
• Search video walkthroughs on consumer channels like Liz Amazing to learn red flags to spot on the lot: Liz Amazing’s RV buyer education.

Buyer protection checklist if you proceed with Costello RV Auto Sales

• Independent inspection: Schedule and attend. If denied, walk. Use: RV Inspectors near me.
• Pre-approval financing: Get a credit union or bank rate in hand. Refuse hidden add-ons; demand a clean, line-item sales estimate with an out-the-door total.
• Due Bill/We Owe: Every promised accessory or fix documented with deadlines. No document, no deal.
• Title in hand: Verify title and lien release before funding. Get photocopies; confirm correct VINs.
• Full system demo: Operate slides, awnings, A/Cs, furnace, water heater, fridge, generator, leveling, and electronics. Road-test if applicable.
• Condition verification: Roof photos, moisture meter readings, tire dates, battery health, and undercarriage inspection.
• Recall status: Verify no open safety recalls or insist on completion before delivery.
• Service plan: If issues emerge post-sale, who authorizes fixes? Will they coordinate mobile service? Get escalation contacts.

Have thoughts on what protections mattered most at this dealership? Share advice for future buyers.

Brief acknowledgement of positive reports

While this report emphasizes consumer risk and patterns in negative feedback, not every customer reports problems. Some buyers mention straightforward transactions and quick paperwork. Others say they found acceptable value in used units at a lower price point. Those experiences do occur—and objective shoppers will weigh them alongside the critical reviews. It’s worth noting, however, that RVs are complex machines and even “good” experiences can change quickly if an early defect surfaces without responsive service support.

Why independent verification matters at this specific location

Costello RV Auto Sales in Hattiesburg is a smaller, independent operation. That can offer flexibility and personal attention, but it also means:

• Limited service capacity: Fewer bays and techs can translate into longer waits.
• Reconditioning variability: Smaller shops may not have standardized inspection protocols for every unit.
• Finance add-ons as profit centers: Smaller margins on unit sales can incentivize aggressive upsells.

These are not accusations; they are structural realities in small dealership operations. That’s why your independent inspection, clear documentation, and financing leverage are crucial at the Hattiesburg location. If you encountered either exceptional service or serious shortcomings here, tell future buyers exactly what happened.

If things go wrong: steps to pursue resolution

• Document everything: Keep a timeline, photos, and copies of all promises.
• Escalate in writing: Email the general manager with a clear list of issues and a requested resolution date.
• File formal complaints: With the Better Business Bureau (see search link above), the FTC, and the Mississippi Attorney General.
• Pursue warranty rights: Review the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and consider legal counsel if warranted.
• Consider mediation or small claims: For modest disputes, small-claims court can be quicker and less expensive.

Final analysis and recommendation

Public-facing complaints and common RV dealership pitfalls converge around the Hattiesburg, MS location of Costello RV Auto Sales: questions about reconditioning quality, slow paperwork or service follow-through, finance upsells that inflate total cost, and communication gaps that leave buyers uncertain or without recourse during critical windows after purchase. These issues are not unique to this store—but their presence in multiple low-star reviews on the dealership’s own Google Business profile is a clear warning sign.

Because RVs are complex and expensive to repair, the stakes are high. The best defense is an aggressive, pre-sale due diligence approach: independent inspection, documented promises, pre-arranged financing, title verification, and an insistence on recall and defect resolution before taking possession. If the dealership cannot support that process or pressures you to skip steps, you should walk and shop elsewhere.

Based on the patterns identified and the substantial risk of post-sale frustrations reported publicly, we do not recommend proceeding with a purchase from Costello RV Auto Sales in Hattiesburg, MS unless you complete a rigorous independent inspection and secure all promises in writing. Absent those protections, consider other RV dealerships with stronger, consistent customer service records and transparent financing practices.

Tell other RV shoppers what you experienced at this location

Your firsthand account can help families avoid costly mistakes or highlight improvements at Costello RV Auto Sales in Hattiesburg. What went right? What went wrong? What would you do differently? Post your experience below so others can make an informed decision.