High Country Auto and RV Sales- Sacramento, CA Exposed: title delays, hidden defects, rate markups

(Serious Concern)

Arrange an independent, third-party RV inspection before signing anything, even for used units that “look” ready or newly detailed. Pre-purchase inspections are often the only leverage buyers have to force repairs or negotiate price before money changes hands. After purchase, many dealers prioritize new sales and scheduled deliveries, pushing repair customers to the back of the queue. Customers at various RV stores—noted across public reviews—report canceled camping trips and months-long waits for service slots post-sale.

• Find an inspector: Use this search and hire a certified, independent professional: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Demand full access: The inspector needs water, power, and propane on-site to pressure-test plumbing, check electrical/charging systems, and test appliances and safety devices (e.g., CO/LP detectors).
• Red flag: If the dealership refuses to allow an independent inspection before purchase, walk. That’s non-negotiable.
• Put it in writing: Any promised fixes, parts, or due bills should be itemized with completion dates and signatures. Verbal commitments often evaporate post-sale.

Want your voice heard? Tell us what happened during your inspection to inform other buyers.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple consumers at independent RV lots report being steered toward add-ons like service contracts, paint/fabric protection, gap insurance on cash deals, and dealer-installed accessories with questionable value. At smaller, independent stores, buyers also mention fast-talking sales processes that move quickly from walk-around to finance desk, with limited time to review line-item fees.

• Ask for an out-the-door price early, line-by-line.
• Decline add-ons unless you can articulate the exact benefit and coverage details.
• Compare third-party warranties and consider setting aside funds for repairs instead.

For deeper context on sales tactics and consumer safeguards, search advocacy content on Liz Amazing’s channel.

(Serious Concern)

RVs often qualify for longer loan terms and higher rates than auto loans, making small interest differences extremely expensive. Some buyers report being quoted higher rates at the dealership than those available through their own bank or credit union. Others describe undisclosed lender “reserve” (dealer markups on the buy rate) or pressure to accept a higher rate in exchange for approval.

• Secure pre-approval from your bank/credit union before visiting any dealership.
• Ask the dealer to beat your pre-approved rate and demand written rate sheets.
• Never sign if the final APR or term differs from what you agreed to on the sales floor.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers frequently report trade-in offers that are far below market value benchmarks. When inventory is tight, some dealers will re-sell trade-ins at significant markups, but keep initial offers low. If you sell your RV separately, you may get thousands more than a dealer’s appraisal.

• Get multiple written trade offers and compare them against private-sale estimates.
• Know your payoff and your target net figure before stepping into negotiations.

(Serious Concern)

Public one- and two-star reviews for various independent dealers frequently cite delays in receiving title, plates, or registration stickers. Such delays can leave owners unable to legally tow or camp. Paperwork errors (VIN mismatches; incorrect names/addresses) compound the problem. To see whether this Sacramento location has similar complaints, review its lowest-rated Google reviews and look for keywords like “title,” “DMV,” “registration,” or “paperwork.”

• Refuse delivery unless you have a clear timeline and written assurances for title/registration.
• Keep copies of all documents and request a written due date for official paperwork.
• If delays persist, you can file a complaint with the California DMV Occupational Licensing unit.

(Serious Concern)

Many used RVs are sold “as-is,” and even new units can face warranty authorization delays because manufacturers require diagnostic approvals and parts sourcing. Buyers often misunderstand how limited dealer obligations are if issues arise after taking delivery.

• Get any promised fixes in writing, with completion dates and “not delivered until” language where possible.
• Ask for the OEM and extended service contract details in writing—what is covered vs. excluded and labor rates used.
• Confirm where warranty work can be performed; some OEMs limit service to authorized centers, which may be backlogged.

(Serious Concern)

Consumers often report taking possession of RVs that later reveal significant problems: water leaks, electrical faults, inoperable appliances, soft floors, delamination, or aged tires. These issues can be expensive and dangerous. A thorough, independent pre-delivery inspection is essential.

• Insist on a full water test, roof inspection, and thermal imaging/moisture readings when available.
• Run every system: 12V/120V, converter/inverter, GFCIs, LP leak checks, fridge on electric and LP, AC under load, furnace, water heater.
• Check tire DOT dates and frame/rust condition—especially on consigned or older units.

(Moderate Concern)

Public complaints across the RV sector repeatedly mention long waits for service appointments and parts. Independent dealers can face the same constraints as national chains. Once you’ve paid, repair demand frequently outpaces shop capacity.

• Ask for the service department’s current backlog in writing before purchase.
• Get a named service advisor and direct contact line.
• Hold back final delivery until punch-list items are completed and verified by your inspector.

Run into extended delays? Report your experience so other shoppers can gauge real-world timelines.

(Serious Concern)

Shoppers sometimes find that listed features (inverters, solar, auto-leveling, towing capacities) do not match the actual unit. In other cases, “new batteries,” “fully serviced,” or “ready to camp” claims don’t hold up under inspection. Verify every claim against the unit’s VIN-based build sheet and a physical test.

• Request the original build sheet and cross-check options physically.
• Photograph serial numbers and labels for appliances and safety devices.
• Use a digital checklist during your walk-through to document discrepancies.

(Moderate Concern)

Consumers across many RV stores describe last-minute line items like “reconditioning,” “prep,” “doc,” “onboarding,” or “nitrogen/tire fees,” which inflate the out-the-door price. Some fees can be negotiable or outright unnecessary.

• Request the total out-the-door number up front; do not sign anything until you’ve reviewed a final buyer’s order with every fee listed.
• Strike line items you do not want; be ready to walk if the dealership won’t remove junk fees.

(Moderate Concern)

Turnover and seasonal staffing can lead to missing product knowledge and rushed pre-delivery orientations. Owners frequently cite issues that should have been caught during a thorough dealership PDI (pre-delivery inspection).

• Ask who performed the dealership’s PDI and request the completed checklist.
• Ensure your walk-through covers every system, with you operating each one, not just watching.

(Serious Concern)

Some buyers learn about outstanding recalls only after purchase. Dealers should disclose known recalls and coordinate repairs, but you should independently verify recall status for the chassis, coach components, and appliances.

• Run the VIN through recall databases and contact OEMs for recall bulletins.
• Document any recall-related conversations in writing and schedule repairs before travel.

(Moderate Concern)

Negative reviews across the RV industry frequently mention unreturned calls, shifting timelines, or promises made by sales that service cannot fulfill. The remedy is documentation.

• Get names, dates, and written commitments for every promise, part order, or deadline.
• If discussions stall, elevate to management and summarize agreements over email the same day.

Did you encounter this at the Sacramento location? Share what you were told and what actually happened to help others.

(Serious Concern)

Based on the types of complaints commonly reported at RV dealerships—title delays, misrepresentation, warranty denials, and safety defects—consumers should be aware of potential legal remedies and complaint pathways:

• Federal Warranty Law: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty practices. See the FTC’s overview: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
• FTC oversight of dealer conduct: Misrepresentations in advertising, pricing, financing, or add-ons can violate the FTC Act. File complaints here: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• California DMV (titles, licensing issues): For delayed titles/registration or occupational licensing violations by a dealer, file a complaint with the California DMV: California DMV — Consumer Complaints.
• California Lemon/Consumer Warranty law: Portions of RVs may be covered by California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (nuances apply between the motorized chassis and coach components). Review guidance from the Attorney General: California Lemon Law Overview.
• Safety defects and recalls: If you suspect a safety defect, you can report it to NHTSA: NHTSA — Report a Safety Problem.

If you believe specific promises were made and not honored, secure copies of ads, texts, emails, and your signed buyer’s order. Document unit defects with photos and dated logs, and escalate in writing to dealership leadership. If unresolved, consult a consumer attorney experienced in RV cases.

(Serious Concern)

Reported defects and poor dealer follow-through can quickly escalate from nuisances to serious hazards and large financial exposure:

• Water intrusion and structural damage: Leaks can cause rot, mold, electrical shorts, and wall/floor delamination. These often invalidate warranties if not addressed quickly.
• LP gas and CO risks: Faulty regulators, leaks, or nonfunctional detectors can be life-threatening. A thorough LP pressure test and detector check is non-negotiable.
• Electrical defects: Inverters, converters, transfer switches, and miswired outlets can damage appliances or start fires. Inspectors use tools to validate correct wiring and charging profiles.
• Running gear and tires: Aged or under-rated tires, worn bearings, or misaligned axles cause blowouts and loss of control. Verify tire DOT dates and torque specs; consider immediate tire replacement on older used units.
• Brakes and chassis: On motorized units, brake, steering, and suspension issues are primary safety concerns that must be evaluated independently of the coach.

Always verify whether a unit is subject to outstanding recalls or service bulletins. Check NHTSA and OEM sites and request recall clearance documentation in writing prior to delivery. When in doubt, have your inspector confirm recall status and verify the remedy was properly completed and documented.