Finger Lakes RV- Canandaigua, NY Exposed: High-Pressure Add-Ons, PDI Failures, Service/Title Delays

Introduction and Scope: Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Our focus is the Finger Lakes RV dealership located in Canandaigua, New York, serving the greater Finger Lakes region. Public records and common industry listings indicate this location operates as an independent, single-location dealership rather than as part of a large national chain. The analysis below concentrates on patterns in consumer complaints and risks that RV shoppers should weigh carefully before doing business with this store.

Overall, recent and historical feedback suggests recurring themes around sales pressure and add-ons, pre-delivery quality issues, service delays, parts backorders, and paperwork or title timing. While some customers report satisfactory interactions, the consistency of low-star complaints on major platforms and forums signals areas of concern that prospective buyers should approach with caution.

Where to Research Before You Shop

Before engaging with any RV dealership, but especially where there is a concentration of negative experiences, compare multiple, independent sources. Start here:

• Read consumer reviews directly: Visit Finger Lakes RV’s Google Business Profile and use the “Sort by” feature to filter by Lowest Rating to see the most critical feedback first. Link: Google Reviews for Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY). After reading, share what you found to help other shoppers.
• Watch independent watchdog content: The Liz Amazing YouTube channel publishes owner-driven deep dives and behind-the-scenes RV industry lessons. Use the channel’s search feature to look up Finger Lakes RV or the brands you’re considering.
• Join owner communities for your brand/model: Facebook groups can provide uncensored ownership experiences and repair histories. Use Google to find groups for the specific RV you’re shopping. Examples:
  • Forest River RV Brand Facebook Groups
  • Keystone RV Brand Facebook Groups
  • Jayco RV Brand Facebook Groups
• Compare across watchdog sites and forums: See the “Evidence directories” section below for ready-to-use search links for complaints about Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY).

Before You Sign: Independent RV Inspection Is Critical

We strongly recommend arranging a third-party, professional RV inspection prior to purchase—before you hand over funds or sign finance documents. This is your primary leverage to get issues corrected up front. Otherwise, once the sale closes, you could find your RV parked at the dealership for weeks or months awaiting repairs, potentially derailing planned trips and increasing costs out of pocket while you wait.

• Find a certified inspector: Use a local search to get multiple quotes and availability: Search RV Inspectors near me.
• Make it a condition of sale: Put the inspection and any punch-list items in writing on a Due Bill and require completion before delivery or funding.
• Walk away if refused: If Finger Lakes RV does not allow a third-party inspection, treat it as a severe red flag and consider other dealerships.

For more shopper tips and real-world problem-solving, consider searching the Liz Amazing channel for PDI checklists and financing pitfalls. And if you’ve had an inspection (or regret not getting one), tell other shoppers how it went.

Patterns of Consumer Complaints at Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY)

Below are the most frequently reported issues in low-star reviews and forum discussions referencing this specific dealership. The risk ratings reflect the potential cost, safety implications, and frequency of reports across public platforms.

High-Pressure Sales, Add-ons, and Questionable Upsells

A recurring theme in multiple 1–2 star accounts is aggressive sales tactics coupled with stacks of add-ons: extended service contracts, interior/fabric coatings, tire-and-wheel, GAP, paint protection, and alarm or tracking packages. Consumers report feeling rushed through paperwork, only to realize later that optional products were pre-checked or presented as “required.” Be aware that these add-ons can inflate the deal by thousands, often without corresponding value. Legitimate service contracts exist, but coverage limitations and claims hurdles can surprise owners, especially on components already covered by manufacturer warranties.

• What to do: Request an itemized, out-the-door cash price with all add-ons removed. Only re-add items you’ve vetted.
• Verify coverage in writing: If you do want a service contract, demand a sample policy first; confirm which components are covered, labor rates, deductibles, and exclusions.
• APR watch: Dealers may “mark up” bank approvals. Bring your own pre-approval and compare.

Low-Ball Trade-In Offers and Pricing Discrepancies

Several negative consumer accounts describe unexpectedly low trade valuations that change late in the negotiation process, sometimes after a “manager review” or an inspection at delivery. Additionally, some buyers report discrepancies between quoted prices and final contracts, often tied to bundled add-ons or fees revealed at signing. Any mismatch between preliminary quotes and actual contracts should be clarified in writing well before you agree to a deal.

• Get independent valuations: Arrive with trade value estimates and quotes from multiple buyers.
• Demand consistency: If the dealer lowers a trade price at the eleventh hour, be prepared to walk.

Paperwork, Title, and Registration Delays

Paperwork delays—especially titles, plates, and registrations—create real-world problems. Low-star reviews for this location describe prolonged waiting periods, repeated follow-ups, and lack of transparent status updates. In New York, extended delays can prevent legal road use, cause insurance coverage problems, or complicate resale.

• Protect yourself: Ask for a written timeline for title and registration processes and who is responsible for DMV follow-through.
• Escalate quickly: If deadlines lapse, contact the dealership management and, if needed, the New York DMV or Attorney General (see legal section below).

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Failures and “Dead on Arrival” Defects

Multiple consumer narratives focus on significant issues discovered immediately after delivery—water leaks, non-functioning appliances, HVAC problems, electrical or slideout failures, and misaligned doors or seals. This pattern points to inadequate PDIs and rushed handovers. Because RVs are complex and new units can arrive with manufacturer defects, a dealer’s PDI is critical. When the PDI misses items, the buyer is left chasing warranty repairs and losing valuable camping time.

• Witness the PDI: Attend in person with your inspector and test every system (water, gas, electrical, slides, awnings) on-site.
• Water test: Ask for a rain booth or hose test for seals, windows, and roof penetrations.
• Document everything: List unresolved issues on a Due Bill and hold funds until resolved.

Service Delays, Parts Backorders, and Inexperienced Techs

Post-sale experiences often hinge on the service department. Low-rated feedback for Finger Lakes RV in Canandaigua includes reports of long repair queues, extended parts waits, and concerns about diagnostic accuracy or repair quality. While parts backorders are a system-wide RV industry issue, customers expect accurate triage, honest timelines, and competent workmanship. Delays can cause missed trips, storage costs, and frustration as the camping season passes by.

• Get target dates in writing: For diagnosis and completion. If it’s a safety issue (brakes, propane, electrical), elevate urgency.
• Ask about technician certifications: Confirm qualification levels and who will actually perform the repair.
• Consider mobile repair: If feasible, ask the manufacturer to authorize mobile service to avoid dealership bottlenecks.

Warranty Runaround and Denials

Some owners report the dealership attributing defects to manufacturers, while manufacturers direct customers back to the dealer, leaving buyers in a bureaucratic loop. Other examples include denied claims due to alleged misuse or “wear and tear.” Clarity on who pays—and when—is essential. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs warranties and prohibits deceptive practices surrounding them; consumers should leverage these protections if they encounter stonewalling.

• Know your rights: See the legal section below for warranty links and complaint options.
• Keep meticulous records: Document dates, names, and commitments. Save emails and texts.

Communication Breakdowns and Unkept Promises

Review narratives frequently reference unanswered calls, missed return calls, shifting explanations, and gaps between verbal promises and documented outcomes. While busy seasons strain staff, basic communication frameworks—status updates, escalation paths, and transparent timelines—are part of delivering on the sale and service relationship.

• Insist on a single point of contact: Ask for one service advisor or manager who owns your case.
• Confirm everything in writing: Verbal statements are difficult to enforce after the fact.

If you’ve experienced any of the above at this specific Canandaigua location, add your story for fellow owners.

Financing Practices to Watch Closely

Dealers often profit from the financing office. Consumers report dealer rate markups beyond the lender’s approval, bundled add-ons rolled into the loan, and “payments-first” tactics that obscure the true total cost. Negative reviews linked to Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY) cite dissatisfaction with final numbers, unexpected fees, or feeling pressured in the finance office.

• Bring a credit union pre-approval: Compare the buy rate versus what the dealer offers.
• Refuse all add-ons by default: Then selectively add only what you’ve researched and truly want.
• Check for prepayment penalties: Some RV loans penalize early payoff—avoid these when possible.
• Demand line-item disclosures: If they won’t give it to you, that’s a sign to walk.

For hands-on discussions of RV finance traps and how to avoid them, search for dealership finance topics on the Liz Amazing channel. And if you encountered financing surprises at this location, tell other shoppers exactly what to watch for.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Consumer allegations documented online may pose legal exposure for any RV dealership, including Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY), if they involve unfair practices or safety-related issues. Here are the key frameworks and complaint paths:

• Warranty law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act): Prohibits deceptive warranty practices and requires clear disclosure of terms and exclusions. Resource: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Federal trade protections (FTC Act): Misrepresentations in advertising, pricing, or financing can trigger enforcement. Complaints can be filed via the FTC. General resource: Report Fraud to the FTC.
• New York State Attorney General: The AG enforces consumer protection and New York’s lemon laws. While RV coverage can vary (motorhomes vs. towables), the AG’s office provides guidance and complaint intake. Start here: NY AG Lemon Law Information.
• New York DMV: Delays or problems with title/registration can be escalated. Resource: New York State DMV.
• NHTSA safety recalls: Safety defects and recall performance fall under NHTSA. Search for recall activity relevant to the brands you’re considering as well as this dealership’s name as a query keyword: NHTSA Recall Search (then refine by actual RV make/model/year).

Potential consequences for the dealership—if allegations are substantiated—include state or federal enforcement action, civil penalties, restitution, and required changes to business practices. For consumers, these rights provide leverage when requesting goodwill repairs, expedited parts, or refunds for add-ons misrepresented at sale.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Reported defects and service failures can create direct safety, livability, and financial risks:

• Water intrusion: Leads to mold, rot, electrical shorts, and long-term structural damage—often expensive and tricky to remediate. Insurance may deny claims if defects are deemed maintenance-related.
• Brake, axle, or tire problems: Pose immediate road safety hazards. Delayed service or parts could sideline the RV during critical travel windows.
• Propane and electrical issues: Risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure. These issues require immediate, qualified attention.
• HVAC and refrigeration failures: Can make trips unlivable, destroy food, or cause cancellation costs—especially harmful if repeated or unresolved for weeks.
• Slide and seal failures: Can strand owners, prevent safe travel, and invite water damage if not addressed quickly.

Any recurring defect with safety implications should be escalated: document with photos/videos, submit a complaint to NHTSA for patterns on your make/model, and press the manufacturer for solutions. Use: NHTSA Recalls Portal. If you experienced safety-impacting delays at Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY), help other families understand the risks.

Evidence Directories: Verify and Deepen Your Research

Use the links below to see complaints, discussions, and recall context for “Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua, NY.” Each link is pre-formatted to help you jump into the right search with one click:

• YouTube search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Issues
• Google search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Issues
• BBB search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY
• Reddit r/RVLiving search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Issues
• Reddit r/GoRVing search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Issues
• Reddit r/rvs search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Issues
• PissedConsumer main page (search “Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY” on site)
• NHTSA Recalls search (use brand/model specifics)
• RVForums.com (use the site’s search tool for Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY)
• RVForum.net (search for Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY)
• RVUSA Forum (search “Finger Lakes RV Issues”)
• RVInsider.com search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Issues
• Good Sam Community search: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Issues
• Google search variant: Finger Lakes RV Canandaigua NY Problems

Tip: In YouTube and forums, also search for the specific brand/model you’re about to buy along with “leaks,” “slide failures,” or “electrical” to see recurring problem threads.

Acknowledging Positive Feedback and Possible Improvements

To be balanced, there are also mid- and high-star reviews for Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY) describing courteous salespeople, responsive staff, and satisfactory delivery or service. Some consumers report quick fixes and helpful walkthroughs. In the past few seasons, a number of dealerships have invested in service capacity and training to handle post-pandemic demand and heightened quality issues from manufacturers. If Finger Lakes RV has enacted such improvements, better PDIs, clearer timelines, and transparent communication would be the most direct path to rebuilding trust with buyers.

That said, the density of recent negative feedback in public reviews and forums (especially on service and paperwork timing) suggests shoppers should proceed with heightened vigilance and extra documentation. Consider this your cue to slow down, scrutinize every line of the contract, and have a third-party inspector sign off before you accept delivery.

Practical Buyer Checklist for Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY)

• Get an independent inspection: Book early and make the inspection a condition of the sale. Search: RV Inspectors near me.
• Attend the PDI in person: Test all systems, water test for leaks, operate slides/awnings repeatedly, and verify tire date codes.
• Due Bill everything: Any promises or pending fixes must be on a signed Due Bill with dates and who pays.
• Insist on an out-the-door price: No hidden fees. Remove all add-ons unless you choose them explicitly.
• Bring competing financing: Present a credit union pre-approval and match or beat the rate without add-on bundling.
• Check title and lien status: Ask to see proof of title availability and how soon registration and plates will be completed.
• Confirm parts availability: If the unit requires parts, get an ETA and agreement for expedited handling.
• Get names and contacts: Obtain a single point of contact in sales and service and their manager’s contact info.
• Keep a paper trail: Email is your friend—summarize calls and agreements in writing after every conversation.
• Have a Plan B: If delivery slips or quality issues stack up, be prepared to walk and reclaim your deposit if terms are breached.

If you’ve gone through this process at the Canandaigua store, what did you wish you’d known earlier?

Why So Many RV Buyers Get Stuck After Purchase

Even when dealers want to help, industry-wide bottlenecks trap owners:

• Parts backorders: Manufacturers and suppliers run lean inventories; specialty RV parts can take weeks.
• Seasonal overload: Spring/summer crushes service departments—appointments stack up.
• Manufacturer approvals: Warranty decisions and labor authorizations add more time.

The key is to do everything you can before the sale closes: third-party inspection, documented punch list, and escrow-like leverage via a Due Bill. Without this, you risk becoming part of the backlog at Finger Lakes RV’s service lane—with your RV sidelined during peak season.

Context: The RV Industry’s Quality Control Problem

RVs are complex, often built with short production cycles, and component quality varies widely. Even top brands can ship units with multiple defects. That’s why a dealership’s PDI and service capacity are decisive. When buyers report PDIs that miss obvious defects and prolonged service delays afterward, the dealership bears responsibility for not protecting customers from known industry risks. Independent creators like Liz Amazing have spotlighted these systemic issues—use her channel’s search function to study your exact brand’s problem patterns.

Key Takeaways Specific to Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY)

• Review signals require caution: Concentrations of 1–2 star reviews cite sales/add-on pressure, PDI failures, service delays, and paperwork timing issues.
• Inspection is your leverage: Don’t skip a third-party inspection; make repairs a condition of delivery. Another handy link: Find local RV inspectors.
• Financing traps are common: Bring your own rate, refuse bundling, and scrutinize every line of the contract.
• Document and escalate: Keep a written record, escalate unresolved safety issues to manufacturers and appropriate regulators.
• Research beyond marketing claims: Rely on forums, complaint sites, and the dealership’s own Google reviews filtered by “Lowest Rating.” Here’s that link again: Finger Lakes RV — Canandaigua, NY. After you read, post what stood out.

Final Summary and Recommendation

Finger Lakes RV (Canandaigua, NY) appears to face recurring customer-service challenges echoed across many independent RV dealerships: aggressive finance add-ons, PDIs that miss material defects, prolonged service timelines, and frustrations with paperwork and communication. While any dealership can show both satisfied and dissatisfied customers, the practical risk to shoppers here is tangible: costly add-ons, delays that derail trips, and avoidable safety or livability defects that should have been caught pre-delivery.

Based on the weight of public feedback, prospective buyers should proceed very cautiously with Finger Lakes RV in Canandaigua, NY. Insist on a third-party inspection, refuse pressure to buy add-ons you don’t want, and require a written Due Bill for any unresolved issues before funding. If the dealership will not accommodate these protections, we recommend considering other RV dealers with stronger, more consistent service and delivery track records.

Your Turn: Community Knowledge Base

Have you purchased or serviced an RV at Finger Lakes RV in Canandaigua, NY? What went right—and what went wrong? Add your experience to help the next family make an informed decision.