Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store- Fountain Valley, CA Exposed: Finance Add-Ons, Weak PDI, Slow Service
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Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store- Fountain Valley, CA
Location: 10480 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Contact Info:
• sales@mikethompson.com
• info@mikethompson.com
• main (714) 968-0089
• sales (714) 475-6990
Official Report ID: 5652
Introduction: Who Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store (Fountain Valley, CA) Is—and Why This Report Matters
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Our focus is on Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store located in Fountain Valley, California (address per Google Business Profile), part of a Southern California-based multi-location dealership group known for a very large inventory of new and used motorhomes and towables. This report concentrates on the Fountain Valley store specifically, drawing from public reviews, forum threads, consumer protection resources, and recall/safety databases to map the most common risk areas for shoppers.
Big inventories and high sales volumes often come with complex customer service realities. For the Fountain Valley store, consumer experiences span from smooth purchases to deeply frustrating post-sale service and paperwork delays. Our goal is to present a clear-eyed, consumer-first view of the patterns you should know before you sign.
You can read first-hand reviews directly from the source. Visit the dealership’s Google Business Profile and use “Sort by lowest rating” to study the most recent, detailed complaints for yourself: Google Business Profile for Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store (Fountain Valley).
Note: Review content changes frequently. Rather than quoting lines that may be edited or removed, this report paraphrases recurring issues and links you to the primary sources so you can verify exact language and timelines.
Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback Before You Buy
Cross-checking many sources is the fastest way to identify a dealership’s strengths and blind spots—especially at the specific store level in Fountain Valley.
- Google Reviews (Fountain Valley location): Start here and sort by “Lowest rating” to see the most serious complaints. Open the Google Business Profile.
- Facebook owner groups: Join make/model-specific communities for uncensored feedback about quality and service experiences. Use this Google search and add the brand you’re shopping (e.g., Grand Design, Thor, Jayco): Search RV Brand Facebook Groups.
- Independent YouTube analysis: Liz Amazing’s channel routinely educates RV buyers on dealership tactics, warranties, and inspection strategies. Search her channel for the dealership or brands you’re considering.
Action First: Protect Yourself with a Third-Party RV Inspection
Before you sign anything or take delivery from Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store in Fountain Valley, arrange a fully independent, third-party inspection. This is your only real leverage pre-sale. Once the deal is funded, many buyers report being pushed to the back of the service line for warranty fixes, with delayed repairs leading to cancelled trips and extended downtime. A robust inspection reduces expensive surprises—especially on complex systems like roofs, slides, leveling, electrical, plumbing, LP gas, and chassis components.
- Find qualified inspectors near you: Search for RV Inspectors near me.
- If the dealership refuses or restricts a third-party inspection, treat that as a major red flag and walk.
- Put inspection findings in writing and require all promised fixes on a signed “We Owe/Due Bill” with completion dates before funding.
Have you dealt with inspection roadblocks at this location? Add your story for other shoppers.
What Recent Consumer Reports Say About This Fountain Valley Location
Public feedback for the Fountain Valley store frequently references pre-delivery defects slipping through, high-pressure finance add-ons, delays in service scheduling, and slow follow-through on promised repairs or paperwork. Below are the most recurrent themes tied specifically to the Fountain Valley address, aggregated from the Google Business Profile and other open sources. Use the links later in this report to verify individual claims and read first-hand accounts.
High-Pressure Sales and Upsells
Multiple buyers report aggressive sales tactics on the Fountain Valley lot—fast-paced negotiations, sudden “manager” interventions, and attempts to fold expensive add-ons into monthly payments with minimal explanation. Shoppers consistently mention being steered toward extended service contracts, paint/fabric protection, tire-and-wheel packages, and other extras that inflate the total out-the-door price.
- Common complaints: Non-itemized “packed” payments, difficulty opting out of add-ons, and pressure to “sign now” to avoid losing a unit.
- Risk: Paying thousands more than expected for protection plans of questionable value and narrow coverage exceptions.
- Consumer tip: Demand a clean buyer’s order with every fee line-itemed. Say “no” to any product you don’t understand or don’t want.
Want to see how other buyers handled add-on pressure? Share your tactics or results.
Finance Office Surprises: Interest Rates and Add-Ons
Some Fountain Valley customers report feeling blindsided in the finance office—discovering higher-than-expected interest rates, optional products pre-loaded into the deal, or unexplained fees. This aligns with broader RV industry patterns where financing can be a profit center.
- Watch for: Service contracts, GAP, etching/anti-theft, nitrogen, and other add-ons bundled into the payment.
- Preventative steps:
- Get your own pre-approval from a credit union for rate leverage.
- Insist the finance manager remove all optional products you don’t want and reprint the contract.
- Never sign digitally until you’ve reviewed every page and line item.
Independent education helps: see Liz Amazing explains dealership finance tactics and search her channel for RV finance pitfalls.
Low-Ball Trade-Ins and Valuation Disputes
Several reviews for Fountain Valley describe trade-in values coming in far below expectations, sometimes after earlier verbal estimates. While markets fluctuate, a lack of transparency on how the dealer arrives at the final number leaves buyers feeling misled.
- Get multiple offers in writing from other dealers/consigners and your bank (if they have an in-house valuation desk).
- Photograph your unit, document maintenance, and present comparable sales to strengthen your position.
- Be willing to sell your RV yourself if the delta is large—especially in the spring/summer season when demand rises.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Failures and “Not Ready at Delivery” Surprises
One of the most common frustrations attached to Fountain Valley is taking delivery of a unit that “wasn’t actually ready.” Buyers recount missing keys and remotes, unaddressed water leaks, non-functioning slides or appliances, unclean interiors, scratched body panels, or incomplete propane setups—issues that should be caught in a thorough PDI.
- Impact: You may discover defects only after you’ve driven off the lot, losing leverage and delaying your first trips.
- Mitigation: Bring your third-party inspector on delivery day, run every system, and do a water test. Refuse delivery if promised fixes aren’t done.
- In writing: Get a signed “We Owe” listing all items and dates before funding.
For a general primer on what to check, search for “PDI RV checklist” and compare multiple sources. Also, watch consumer breakdowns on Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel and search her videos for PDIs and delivery-day problems.
Long Service Delays and Backlog After the Sale
Fountain Valley reviews routinely mention lengthy wait times for service appointments, multiple returns for the same issue, and units sitting on the lot awaiting parts or technician time. Owners report cancelled camping trips and months-long downtime for repairs that should be triaged quickly—especially on brand-new rigs.
- Consumer impact: Lost deposits and reservations, storage costs, missed vacations, and accelerated depreciation for a coach you can’t use.
- What to do:
- Document defects with photos/video and submit detailed written repair requests.
- Ask for ETA on parts and a target completion date in writing.
- If safety-related, elevate to the manufacturer and consider an authorized alternate service center if permitted by the warranty.
Have you experienced long repair times at Fountain Valley? Report what happened so others can prepare.
Warranty Runaround and Manufacturer vs. Dealer Blame
Consumers often describe being bounced between the Fountain Valley store and the manufacturer—each pointing to the other when a repair stalls. This can be especially pronounced for non-chassis components, third-party appliances, and specialty systems (slides, leveling, solar/inverters).
- Pain points: Claims denied as “customer damage,” premature failures not covered, or “working as designed” determinations despite clear malfunction.
- Tip: Ask for the denial rationale in writing along with the specific warranty language cited. Escalate with the manufacturer if needed, and consider the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act if you believe a valid warranty claim is being wrongfully refused.
Paperwork, Titles, and DMV Delays
Fountain Valley feedback includes complaints about slow title work, delayed plates/registration, and repeated trips to resolve contract or DMV issues. Delays can complicate financing and insurance coverage and may leave you driving with expiring temporary tags.
- California dealers are obligated to process transfers promptly. If your paperwork stalls, escalate in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
- Check California DMV guidance for dealer sales and title transfer timelines.
Communication Breakdowns and Unkept Promises
Reviews point to trouble reaching staff after the sale, unreturned calls, and vague updates on parts/repairs. Buyers also mention “We Owe” items slipping through without proactive follow-up.
- Strategy: Stay polite but persistently written—email summaries after every call; note dates, names, and commitments. Ask for one accountable point of contact.
- If commitments aren’t met on schedule, escalate to a manager, then to corporate leadership in writing.
Service Quality and Technician Experience
Several Fountain Valley reviews describe repeat visits for the same issue, misdiagnoses, or incomplete fixes. Given the complexity of modern RVs, experience and training matter. When turnover is high or schedules are packed, quality can slip.
- Ask: Who will work on your rig? What certifications do they hold? How will the dealer verify the repair before you pick up?
- Test: On pickup day, spend time validating every repair line item before leaving. Don’t rush walkthroughs.
Fee Stacking and Contract Discrepancies
Some customers allege undisclosed fees or numbers that differ from earlier verbal commitments. Even small shifts can significantly change your total cost of ownership.
- Insist every fee is itemized: doc fees, PDI, prep, freight, nitrogen, etching, dealer-installed options, etc.
- Compare the signed buyer’s order against the final contract and funding documents line by line.
Balanced View: Any Positives?
Not every Fountain Valley experience is negative. Some buyers report smooth transactions, good selection, and salespeople who worked hard to match needs and budget. A few note that management intervened to resolve issues or that technicians ultimately fixed complex problems under warranty.
However, the consistency of serious complaints about PDIs, service backlogs, and finance add-ons suggests that shoppers should move cautiously, build protection into the process, and verify everything in writing.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Defects that slip past PDI can quickly escalate into safety and financial risks:
- Water intrusion: Roof, slide, and window leaks can compromise structure, cause mold, and damage electrical systems—expensive repairs that lower resale value.
- LP gas and electrical issues: Misrouted lines, faulty regulators, or wiring faults can cause fire/explosion hazards or equipment failures.
- Brake/suspension/tire mismatches: On motorized units and heavy towables, improper setup or missed recalls can degrade handling and braking.
- Slide and leveling failures: Stranded campers, damaged floors/walls, and safety risks if slides move unexpectedly or fail mid-use.
Always run a VIN search for recalls and technical service bulletins and ensure recall work is completed before delivery. Use the federal NHTSA portal for recalls and safety notices: NHTSA Recall Search. If the defect is safety-related and unresolved, file a complaint with NHTSA to help trigger investigations.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
If you encounter warranty denials, deceptive practices, or unresolved safety defects, consider the following frameworks and agencies:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Protects consumers against improper warranty denials and requires clear written warranties. More: FTC guide to the Warranty Law.
- FTC Act (Deceptive Practices): False advertising, undisclosed fees, or unfair financing tactics may draw scrutiny. Report serious issues: Report to the FTC.
- California Consumer Protections: California maintains robust consumer rights for vehicle purchases and dealer behavior. Consider contacting the California Attorney General for unfair/deceptive practices: File a complaint with the CA Attorney General.
- California DMV Dealer Licensing: Issues involving title/registration delays can be raised with DMV Investigations. Start with DMV guidance: California DMV Vehicle Registration.
- NHTSA: Safety defects and fire/propane/electrical issues should be documented with NHTSA: Report a Safety Problem.
If disputes persist, consult a consumer protection attorney familiar with RV transactions. Strong documentation—dated photos, repair orders, emails, texts, and signed “We Owe” forms—is essential.
Research Shortcuts: Verify Patterns and Cross-Check Evidence
Use the following pre-formatted search links to locate public discussions, complaints, recall information, and reviews specific to the Fountain Valley store. For best results, open each and scan for “Fountain Valley” mentions and recent dates.
- YouTube search: Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store Fountain Valley CA Issues
- Google search: Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store Fountain Valley CA Problems
- BBB search: Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store Fountain Valley CA
- Reddit r/RVLiving search
- Reddit r/GoRVing search
- Reddit r/rvs search
- PissedConsumer (open and search for “Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store Fountain Valley”)
- NHTSA Recalls query placeholder (use exact brand and VIN for accurate results)
- RVForums.com (use site search for the dealership and “Fountain Valley”)
- RVForum.net (search for “Mike Thompson’s RV Fountain Valley”)
- RVUSA Forum (search for dealership issues)
- RVInsider search
- Good Sam Community search
For deep dives into dealership tactics and consumer protection strategies, search analyses by independent creators. For example: Explore Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV content and use her channel’s search tool for topics like “warranty,” “inspection,” and your target brand/dealer.
Best Practices If You Still Want to Buy at Fountain Valley
- Inspection leverage: Book an independent inspector before funding. If denied, walk. Search: RV Inspectors near me.
- Contract clarity: Demand a clean, itemized buyer’s order. Decline unwanted add-ons. Verify that the final finance contract matches your agreement.
- We Owe/Due Bill: List all promised repairs/accessories in writing with dates. Do not accept “verbal” promises.
- Delivery day discipline: Allocate several hours to test every system—water, slides, roof, generators, LP gas, HVAC, leveling, appliances. Don’t rush.
- After-sale plan: If you need service, request written ETAs and a single point of contact. Keep detailed logs of conversations.
- Alternate service: If the store backlog is long, ask the manufacturer for other authorized service centers. Many warranties allow alternate shops for covered work.
If you’ve navigated a successful purchase at this store, what worked best? Tell fellow shoppers how you did it.
Context for Shoppers: Why So Many RV Buyers Get Burned
New RVs—across many brands and dealerships—often ship with defects due to high factory throughput and the complexity of modern rigs. That makes the dealership’s PDI rigor and post-sale service capacity crucial. When a store pushes volume but under-invests in PDI and service scale, buyers shoulder the fallout in repair delays, warranty disputes, and missed trips. That’s why you must front-load your protection via independent inspections, surgical contract review, and written commitments.
For a practical walk-through on common missteps and how to avoid them, browse consumer education content on YouTube. Try searching within Liz Amazing’s channel for the dealership or brand you’re considering.
Limited Acknowledgements of Improvement
Some recent public comments suggest Fountain Valley staff have, in certain cases, prioritized fixes once escalated—particularly when customers arrive with comprehensive documentation and specific deadlines. A few owners mention good experiences with particular salespeople or prompt resolution on straightforward issues. These positive stories show that outcomes can vary significantly by unit, timing, and which staff members you’re working with.
Still, the recurring patterns above—especially service delays and delivery-day defects—should be treated as structural risks until proven otherwise by your own due diligence and signed commitments.
Final Checklist Before You Commit
- Independent inspection arranged and completed? If not, pause the deal. Search: RV Inspectors near me.
- All optional add-ons removed unless you explicitly chose them?
- Buyer’s order and finance contract match—down to the penny?
- We Owe/Due Bill lists every promise with firm dates?
- VIN checked for recalls; safety fixes completed pre-delivery?
- Written plan and contact for post-sale service, with ETAs?
Already bought here? Post your review so others can learn from your experience.
Conclusion: Should You Buy from Mike Thompson’s RV Super Store – Fountain Valley?
Publicly available feedback about this specific location indicates repeat patterns consumers should weigh heavily: aggressive upsells, finance add-ons, weak PDIs, slow service timelines, and inconsistent communication after the sale. While positive experiences are not unheard of, the concentration of serious complaints—especially involving readiness at delivery and service delays—raises a caution flag for time-sensitive buyers and first-timers who lack RV repair know-how.
Our consumer-focused recommendation: Unless your third-party inspection is spotless, your contract is stripped of unnecessary add-ons, and you have ironclad written commitments for any promised fixes, you should consider purchasing from a different RV dealership with a stronger service track record. Protect your investment—and your travel plans—by choosing a store that demonstrates reliable PDI and prompt post-sale support.
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