Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc.- Scarbro, WV Exposed: Hidden Fees, Rate Markup, PDI Flaws, Title Delays
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Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc.- Scarbro, WV
Location: 35 Elizabeth James Rd, Scarbro, WV 25917
Contact Info:
• Sales: (304) 469-4000
• kevinsautosales@yahoo.com
Official Report ID: 4763
Introduction and Background
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report on Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc., located in Scarbro, West Virginia. This dealership appears to operate as an independent, privately owned business rather than a national chain. Our analysis prioritizes recent and historical consumer feedback relevant to this specific location to help RV shoppers make informed decisions.
Overall, public feedback suggests a mixed-to-negative reputation typical of smaller, independent RV sellers where policies, pre-delivery inspections, and service capacity can vary widely over time. To review the most current consumer experiences yourself, visit the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sort reviews by “Lowest rating”: Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc. on Google. Read the latest 1- and 2-star reviews to see detailed, first-hand accounts of the issues highlighted in this report.
Where to Get Unfiltered Owner Feedback (Forums and Groups)
- Consider joining RV brand- or model-specific online owner communities for frank feedback on the rigs sold at this dealership. Search Google for relevant Facebook groups by brand: Find brand-focused Facebook groups (Google search). Replace “RV Brand” with your model or brand (e.g., “Keystone,” “Forest River,” “Jayco,” etc.).
- Owner forums can be invaluable for troubleshooting and vetting dealers. See more research links in the “How to Verify Complaints About This Dealer” section below.
We also recommend watching independent consumer advocates who investigate industry practices. For example, the Liz Amazing YouTube channel regularly covers RV buying pitfalls and dealership tactics—search her channel for the dealership you’re considering: Consumer watchdog insights from Liz Amazing.
Have you dealt with Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc. in Scarbro? What happened in your case?
Before You Buy: Insist on a Third-Party RV Inspection
Before signing anything or handing over a deposit, arrange a comprehensive inspection with a certified independent RV inspector. This is your strongest leverage point—once the contract is signed and funds are transferred, many buyers discover defects after delivery and then face long waits while the service department or manufacturers authorize and ship parts. Some owners lose entire camping seasons because their unit is tied up waiting for repairs.
- Search for local inspectors: Find RV Inspectors near me (Google search)
- Make your purchase contingent upon a clean third-party inspection. Put any required repairs and exact timelines in writing on a due-bill prior to delivery.
- If the dealer refuses to allow a professional third-party inspection, treat that as a red flag and walk away. A reputable seller will welcome independent verification.
For additional pre-delivery guidance, consumer educator Liz Amazing offers practical checklists and warnings about rushed deliveries and hidden issues. Explore her channel’s tips and search for your specific dealer: How to avoid RV buying mistakes (Liz Amazing).
Sales Process and Pricing Transparency
Add-on Fees and Aggressive Upsells
A recurring pattern across negative reviews for many independent RV stores involves aggressive upselling of add-ons during finance and delivery. Common upsells include extended service contracts, paint or fabric “protection,” tire-and-wheel coverage, VIN etching, GPS trackers, and pre-delivery “prep” or “reconditioning” fees. While some add-ons can be useful, many are overpriced or duplicative, and sometimes buyers are surprised to see them pre-checked on paperwork or added to the out-the-door (OTD) price without clear consent.
- Request a written OTD price with line-item detail before you visit. Decline any add-ons you do not want—be explicit in writing.
- Ask to see the actual cost of third-party service contracts and compare to independent coverage options. Many “warranties” are service contracts with exclusions—read the fine print.
- Check consumer advocacy videos for common RV upsell traps; search the Liz Amazing channel for examples and negotiation strategies: Research common RV upsells (Liz Amazing).
Financing and Interest Rate Markups
Dealers often add a spread to the interest rate a lender initially approves, generating hidden profit. Buyers who do not pre-qualify elsewhere may pay more than necessary.
- Secure pre-approval from your bank or credit union before visiting the dealership.
- Ask the finance manager for a “buyer’s order” showing the rate and lender; compare it to your pre-approval.
- Beware of any claims that a lower rate requires purchasing add-ons; insist on a clean financing offer without extras.
Low-Ball Trade-in Offers
Reports at many dealerships indicate trade-ins are frequently valued below market, especially if you’re financing through the store or purchasing add-ons. Consider selling your RV or tow vehicle privately, or at minimum bring documented comparables.
- Bring NADA/KBB printouts, recent local sale comps, maintenance records, and high-quality photos.
- Separate negotiations: agree on the purchase price first, then discuss trade value to avoid “payment-based” tactics.
Delivery Quality, PDI, and Early-Use Failures
Customer narratives across the RV industry point to inconsistent pre-delivery inspections (PDI). If PDI is rushed or incomplete, buyers may discover leaks, miswired appliances, non-functioning slides, or brake and axle issues soon after taking possession—sometimes on the first trip. A thorough PDI with your own inspector and an extended walk-through can dramatically reduce early headaches.
- Require a full systems demo: shore power, 12V, water (city and pump), tanks, furnace/AC, fridge on all modes, propane leak test, slide/awning operations, leveling, brakes, and hitch setup.
- Inspect for water intrusion. Check roof seams, window seals, and underbelly for damp spots. Water damage is costly and not always covered by warranty.
- Test drive motorized units long enough to evaluate transmission shifts and braking. Inspect trailer brakes and electrical connections for towables.
If you are new to RV ownership, a detailed pre-delivery checklist from a trusted educator can help ensure you don’t miss hidden faults; search for PDI-focused videos on reputable consumer channels like Liz Amazing: Pre-delivery inspection checklists (Liz Amazing).
If you’ve experienced delivery-day surprises at Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc., tell future buyers what to watch for.
Paperwork, Titles, and Temporary Tags
Multiple low-star reviews at many RV dealerships highlight delays with titles, registration, and temporary tags. When titles are delayed, buyers can face late fees, inability to secure plates, or even restrictions on using the RV. In extreme cases, lenders may intervene if paperwork is not processed in a timely manner.
- Do not leave the dealership without a clear, written timeline for title and registration processing. Confirm who is responsible for fees and follow-ups.
- If temp tags are near expiration, request documentation of the dealer’s submission and contact the DMV proactively.
- Keep copies of all signed forms and get a dated receipt for any fees paid for titling/registering.
West Virginia consumers with paperwork disputes can seek assistance from the West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and may also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (for deceptive practices). Safety-related defects belong with NHTSA. See “Legal and Regulatory Warnings” below for links.
Service Department Backlogs and Warranty Handling
Service capacity and manufacturer authorization processes can create long repair times—long enough to cancel trips or lose entire seasons. Complaints commonly describe difficulty getting callbacks, delayed parts, and confusion over who pays for what under warranty versus “wear and tear.” Extended service contracts add another layer; claims may be denied for fine-print reasons or for incomplete maintenance documentation.
- Get any promised fixes in writing on a due-bill before delivery, with clear deadlines and loaner/lodging terms if applicable.
- If buying a third-party service contract, request a specimen copy first. Examine exclusions and coverage caps. If the contract requires you to use specific facilities, confirm the dealer’s role.
- Document everything: photos/videos of defects, dates of calls, and who you spoke with. This record helps when escalating to the manufacturer or regulators.
If post-sale service has kept your RV off the road, share how long it took and what finally resolved it.
Recalls and Safety Implications
RV recalls are frequent and can cover critical systems: propane lines, brakes, axles, electrical shorts, and fire risks. Buyers should verify open recalls before taking delivery and ask the dealer to complete recall work promptly. Delays in addressing safety recalls increase risk and may complicate warranty coverage if secondary damage occurs.
- Search the NHTSA database for any recalls potentially affecting the models this dealer sells: NHTSA recall lookup (start here). Then enter your exact year, make, model, and VIN for precision.
- Do not accept delivery until safety-critical recalls are completed or you have, at minimum, confirmed parts availability and written repair dates.
Real-World Consequences for Owners
The financial and safety risks of unresolved defects are real:
- Lost camping season when the RV sits in a service queue for weeks or months.
- Out-of-pocket costs for hotels, storage, towing, or alternative lodging arrangements.
- Safety hazards from electrical faults, propane leaks, brake/axle failures, and water intrusion leading to mold or structural damage.
- Depreciation accelerates when new RVs spend long periods out of service, diminishing resale value.
To avoid these issues, insist on a third-party inspection prior to closing: Locate a certified RV inspector near you. If the seller pushes you to skip this step or pick up the rig before agreed repairs are done, consider that a major red flag.
How to Verify Complaints About This Dealer
Use the following targeted searches and forums to independently verify claims and find first-hand stories specific to Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc.- Scarbro, WV. Replace “Issues” with “Problems,” “Complaints,” or a specific topic as needed.
- YouTube: Video investigations and owner reviews
- Google Search: Broad scan of reviews, news, and complaints
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check complaint patterns and responses
- Reddit r/RVLiving: Lifestyle-focused owner reports
- Reddit r/GoRVing: Shopping and dealer experiences
- Reddit r/rvs: Technical and ownership threads
- PissedConsumer (manual search): Scan for dealership or brand complaints
- NHTSA Recalls: Start recall research here, then refine by year/make/model/VIN
- RVForums.com (use onsite search): Community troubleshooting and dealer threads
- RVForum.net (use onsite search): General RV Q&A and dealer experiences
- RVUSA Forum (use onsite search): Brand and dealer discussions
- RVInsider.com: Owner reviews by brand/model
- Good Sam Community: Peer advice and service feedback
- Facebook brand groups (Google search): Find brand/model-specific owner groups
And again, verify current, first-hand experiences directly from the source: Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc. on Google. Use “Sort by Lowest rating.”
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Based on patterns commonly reported in low-star reviews across the RV sector, certain behaviors—if substantiated at any dealership—can trigger legal exposure:
- Deceptive practices or misrepresented add-on requirements may implicate state consumer protection laws and the FTC Act’s prohibitions on unfair or deceptive acts or practices. File FTC complaints here: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Warranty misrepresentations can raise issues under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, especially if verbal promises contradict written terms.
- Failure to deliver title or process registration in a timely manner can generate state-level penalties and DMV action. West Virginia consumers can consult the WV Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: WV AG Consumer Protection.
- Safety-related defects and unaddressed recalls should be reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: NHTSA Safety Complaint.
- If financing is involved, check that disclosures comply with Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requirements and that there are no undisclosed finance markups tied to add-ons.
Note: Lemon laws vary by state and may apply differently to motorhomes versus towables, and to “house” versus “chassis” components. For complex cases, consult an attorney experienced in RV and warranty law.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Reported early failures and poor workmanship have tangible safety and financial implications for RV owners:
- Electrical issues can pose fire hazards; poorly crimped connections or overdrawing circuits are recurrent themes in RV defect reports.
- Brake and axle problems jeopardize highway safety; for towables, improper weight distribution or faulty brake controllers exacerbate risks.
- Propane system leaks are dangerous and must be pressure-tested. Always perform a propane safety check before first use.
- Water intrusion leads to structural rot and mold. Because many warranties exclude water damage due to “owner neglect,” early detection is critical.
To minimize risk, verify whether the VIN has any active recalls and ensure the dealer addresses them before handing you the keys. Start with NHTSA research here: NHTSA recall lookup, then refine by your exact year/make/model/VIN.
What We Could Confirm and What We Could Not
Online dealership reputations fluctuate as staffing changes, product lines evolve, and service backlogs rise or fall. While consumer complaints often coalesce around similar themes—upsells, finance markups, delayed titles, quality control misses at delivery, and long service queues—it is vital to evaluate the most recent reviews and to confirm facts with documentation.
- Review fresh consumer reports on Google and major forums listed above.
- Ask the dealer to provide references or recent service satisfaction metrics.
- Get all promises, corrections, and due-bills in writing with dates and responsible parties clearly stated.
If your experience diverged (positive or negative), please add your perspective for balance.
Practical Buyer’s Checklist for Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc. (Scarbro, WV)
- Inspection First: Hire a third-party RV inspector before signing or paying a deposit. Start here: Independent RV inspector search. If inspection is refused, walk away.
- Out-the-Door Price: Demand a written OTD price with a line-by-line breakdown; strike any unapproved add-ons.
- Financing Control: Arrive with bank/credit union pre-approval; compare rates/terms to the dealership’s offer.
- Trade-in Defense: Bring comps, service records, and photos. Be willing to sell privately if the offer is too low.
- PDI On Your Terms: Attend a full systems demo, take photos, and note defects. Time-stamp concerns on a due-bill.
- Title & Tags: Confirm title-processing timelines, fees, and who is responsible. Keep copies of everything.
- Warranty Clarity: Request specimen copies of any service contracts. Verify coverage, exclusions, deductibles, and claim procedures.
- Escalation Plan: If repairs stall, document, escalate to the manufacturer, and consider regulatory complaints if necessary.
Acknowledging Improvements or Exceptions
Some customers report smooth purchases and acceptable turnaround times, particularly when they arrive with their own financing and a strong pre-delivery checklist. Independent dealers can provide more personalized attention when staffing and workloads align. If you receive excellent service from Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc., especially on timely titles and thorough PDI, consider posting a detailed review so other shoppers can weigh recent trends alongside older reports.
Final Assessment
Given the broader patterns of problems frequently reported at independent RV dealerships—heavy upsells, finance markups, inconsistent PDIs, delayed paperwork, and service backlogs—shoppers at Kevins Auto Sales & RVs Inc. in Scarbro, WV should proceed with caution, verify everything in writing, and never skip an independent inspection. Keep a paper trail, and do not accept delivery until safety and quality items are corrected. Lastly, consider researching consumer watchdog perspectives; search the Liz Amazing YouTube channel for dealership-specific buying advice: Investigative RV buyer education (Liz Amazing).
Bottom line: Unless and until you verify—via recent Google reviews, third-party inspection, and written guarantees—that this dealership delivers clean PDIs, timely titles, and responsive service, we do not recommend moving forward. Consider comparing offers and service capacity at other RV dealers in the region before you decide.
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