Hartleys Auto and RV Center – Cortland, NY Exposed: Hidden defects, slow service, paperwork delays

(Serious Concern)

RVs—new or used—commonly ship with defects, hidden water damage, and incomplete pre-delivery inspections (PDIs). Many of the negative consumer experiences tied to Hartleys Auto and RV Center echo a broader industry pattern: customers discover problems after taking delivery, then face long waits for parts and service while their camping plans evaporate. Your best leverage is before you sign the contract or hand over funds.

• Hire an independent NRVIA-certified or similarly qualified inspector to do a full top-to-bottom PDI at the dealership, including roof, undercarriage, electrical, propane systems, moisture readings, and appliances.
• Do not accept “our techs already did a PDI” as a substitute. Require a detailed written inspection report and walk-through with the inspector present.
• If the dealer refuses an outside inspection, that’s a red flag—walk away.
• Find inspectors by searching: RV Inspectors near me.

We’ve observed recurring reports of delivery defects and slow post-sale responsiveness across many RV sellers, and similar themes appear in low-star Google reviews for this dealership. Once paid, your unit may end up in a long service queue with weeks or months of delays, causing canceled trips and additional out-of-pocket costs. If you’ve lived through this at Hartleys Auto and RV Center, share your story to help other shoppers.

(Serious Concern)

Multiple 1- and 2-star Google reviews point to issues discovered after purchase—leaks, electrical problems, soft floors, or items that fail during the first trips. While any used RV can harbor hidden defects, reviewers allege that some issues should have been caught or disclosed before sale. This is a pattern consistent with insufficient or rushed PDIs and under-communicated as-is limitations.

• Customers describe feeling blindsided by problems that were either downplayed or missed in pre-sale walkthroughs.
• Some reviewers report frustration trying to get timely warranty or goodwill fixes, feeling the dealership is slow to respond once the sale is complete.
• For a sample of such claims, sort by “Lowest” on this page: Google Business Reviews for Hartleys Auto and RV Center.

If you have an example of condition concerns at delivery, please report what happened so others can learn from it.

(Serious Concern)

Several critical themes in complaints revolve around long service wait times and difficulty getting updates. This is an industry-wide problem exacerbated by parts delays from RV manufacturers and suppliers. Reviewers at this location report extended waits after delivery to address discovered defects, sometimes missing peak camping season while their RV sits in the service lot.

• Complaints cite repeated follow-ups, limited callbacks, or shifting timelines.
• Some owners describe losing nonrefundable campsite reservations and vacation time due to slow repairs.
• If a loan payment is due during these delays, customers eat the cost while not using the RV.

One of the most effective mitigations is a thorough independent inspection prior to purchase. Again, schedule one before negotiating final price: Find a third-party RV inspector. If denied, walk away.

(Moderate Concern)

A recurring theme in low-star reviews across many dealerships—including some for this location—involves delays or errors in titles, registrations, or lien releases. These hiccups can turn your new RV into a driveway ornament, complicate insurance, and prevent legal travel. Buyers have reported multiple calls and visits to get corrected paperwork or to chase down plates.

• Common complaints include missing or incorrect paperwork, slow processing, and unclear timelines.
• These issues can escalate to late fees, citation risk, or inability to travel for time-sensitive trips.
• Before you buy, ask the dealership to outline their title/registration timeline in writing and who will handle fees and follow-up.

(Moderate Concern)

Reviewers across the RV industry frequently report pressure to accept in-house financing at higher interest rates than preapproved bank or credit union offers. Some also report being steered into extended service contracts, gap coverage, tire-and-wheel plans, paint protection, and alarms—often bundled into the deal without clear opt-outs or itemized pricing. Similar complaints appear in low-star reviews tied to this dealership.

• Arrive with multiple preapprovals and insist on an out-the-door quote excluding add-ons.
• Decline products you don’t want. Demand plain-English explanations and itemized prices for any add-on you do consider.
• Some customers allege that cancellations or refunds for unused add-ons are difficult or slow—get cancellation terms in writing.

For consumer education on dealer finance tactics and warranty pitfalls, search the investigations on Liz Amazing’s RV-buying exposés and use her channel’s search function to explore the dealership or brands on your shortlist.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-ball trade offers and last-minute valuation changes are a common sore point in the RV world. We noted multiple complaints generically consistent with this pattern: consumers describing unexpectedly low valuations after driving long distances, or revised appraisals post-inspection. While some spread between online estimates and actual offers is normal, transparency matters. Ensure that any trade valuation and payoff is documented before traveling or committing a deposit.

• Provide detailed photos and maintenance records pre-visit and ask for a conditional written estimate.
• Shop your trade with multiple dealers or online buyers to benchmark a fair range.
• Ask to see how reconditioning or “wholesale” assumptions affect your number.

(Moderate Concern)

Several reviews allege poor follow-through on promised repairs, accessories, or timelines. Customers describe chasing status updates and feeling ghosted after sale. While every store juggles supply chain constraints, buyers deserve realistic timelines and proactive communication. Unkept promises can be a symptom of overloaded service departments or inadequate internal coordination.

• Put all promises in writing on the We-Owe/Dealer Due Bill with dates and exact items.
• Escalate concerns to management in writing if commitments aren’t met. Keep a paper trail.
• If commitments remain unmet, file complaints with appropriate agencies (see Legal and Regulatory Warnings below).

Did you experience repeated delays or unreturned calls here? Tell other shoppers what happened.

(Serious Concern)

Complaints in the RV sector often center on workmanship—repairs failing within weeks, incomplete fixes, or new problems introduced during service (e.g., roof sealant applied inconsistently, cabinetry damage during repairs, or misdiagnosed electrical issues). Some reviewers connected to this location describe dissatisfaction with the thoroughness and durability of repairs. A dealership’s technician training, staffing levels, and quality control directly impact customer outcomes.

• Before authorizing repairs, request a written scope of work, labor hours, parts list, and a warranty on the repair itself.
• Ask about technician certifications and whether specialized work (roof, structural, electrical) is performed in-house or outsourced.
• After service, do your own thorough inspection before leaving the lot.

(Serious Concern)

Based on consumer complaints, potential risk areas include misrepresentation of condition, failure to disclose known defects, denial or delay of warranty claims, and add-on product practices that may lack clear disclosure or consent. Such conduct can draw scrutiny under state and federal laws:

• New York General Business Law §§ 349–350 (deceptive acts and false advertising). Consumers can report issues to the New York Attorney General: NY Attorney General Consumer Complaints.
• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs warranties and how they must be honored and disclosed. Overview at the FTC: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z require clear disclosure of finance charges and loan terms. Overview: CFPB on Regulation Z.
• Vehicle safety defects and recalls are overseen by NHTSA. Check open recalls on your VIN/chassis: NHTSA Recall Lookup by VIN.

If promises are not met or warranties are denied without clear cause, consumers can file complaints with the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and with the NY Attorney General’s office. Small claims court or private counsel may also be warranted depending on damages and documentation. Keep all records of emails, texts, and repair orders.

(Serious Concern)

Defects commonly mentioned in RV complaints—water intrusion, electrical faults, tire or brake issues, propane system leaks, and structural weaknesses—can create real safety hazards. Water ingress leads to rot, mold, delamination, and electrical shorts; propane leaks risk fire or explosion; brake and tire issues threaten control at highway speeds; and faulty 120V/12V systems can pose shock or fire risk. These risks may be compounded if post-sale service takes weeks, leaving you to choose between traveling with a problem or canceling trips.

• Always test propane lines and appliances under load; inspect for leaks with proper equipment.
• Run moisture mapping along the roof, corners, slide boxes, and any soft floor areas.
• Verify tire age and load ratings, brake function, and torque specifications prior to each trip.
• Monitor for open recalls tied to the RV brand or chassis; don’t rely on a verbal “no recalls” assurance. Use NHTSA’s tool above.

For ongoing education on RV safety checks and buyer pitfalls, explore independent consumer voices such as Liz Amazing’s instructional and investigative videos and search her channel for the model or dealer you’re considering.

(Moderate Concern)

Customers around the country frequently discover that long lists of “protections” add thousands to the financed amount, with mixed results when filing claims. Some report difficulty getting third-party warranty companies to authorize repairs, and reimbursements can be slow. For this dealership, low-star review clusters echo familiar frustrations: unclear add-on pricing, pressure to sign, and confusion over what’s covered.

• Ask for the full contract, covered components, exclusions, deductible, and claims process before saying yes—take it home and read it.
• Compare the cost to simply self-insure by setting aside an emergency repair fund.
• Decline nonessential items and verify they’re not added back in the final paperwork. Review the final buyer’s order line-by-line.

For broader education on upsells and coverage pitfalls, see investigative content and buyer guides on Liz Amazing’s channel, and search within her videos for your RV brand and “warranty” to prepare informed questions.

(Serious Concern)

• Arrive with financing preapprovals from a bank/credit union; compare APR and total cost of credit with any in-house offer.
• Demand an out-the-door quote with no add-ons; approve additions only after getting itemized costs.
• Get trade-in figures in writing before traveling; shop the trade to multiple sources to benchmark.
• Make a third-party inspection a condition of sale; if disallowed, walk away. Find inspectors here: Google: RV Inspectors near me.
• Put all we-owe items, service promises, and timelines on a signed due bill.
• Confirm title/registration processing steps and timing in writing.

If you’ve encountered any of the issues outlined here at the Cortland location, help fellow shoppers by describing your timeline and outcome.

(Moderate Concern)

Some reviewers do report satisfactory sales experiences and good communication with individual staff members. In certain cases, customers note that specific problems were eventually addressed under warranty or via goodwill. However, the persistent volume of low-star reviews—especially those citing post-sale service, paperwork delays, and condition disputes—suggests that outcomes vary significantly by unit, timing, and the complexity of repairs. The most reliable predictor of a good experience is rigorous due diligence: independent inspection, written promises, and ironclad documentation.

(Serious Concern)

Dealerships in smaller markets can face especially tight parts pipelines and limited technician headcount. That translates directly into longer waits and scarce loaners—once your money is in the dealer’s bank, your leverage diminishes. We saw cases in public reviews (visible via “Lowest” sorting on Google) where customers felt their units were de-prioritized or stuck waiting on parts with minimal communication. Because Cortland-area service options are limited, it is doubly important to:

• Buy only after a clean third-party inspection and water-intrusion check.
• Budget time and money for potential post-sale downtime.
• Clarify whether recalls and warranty work will be performed in-house or referred elsewhere.

If you’re reading this after a difficult service experience, leave a detailed timeline of what went right or wrong to help others plan.