Motorcycle Warehouse, Inc- Portland, OR Exposed: Title Delays, Pushy Upsells, Unsafe PDI Failures

(Serious Concern)

Whether you’re purchasing a motorhome, towable, toy hauler, or a trailer from Motorcycle Warehouse, Inc (or any dealer), your only real leverage is before you sign and take possession. Arrange a third-party, professional RV inspection—one you hire independently and pay for directly. If the dealer refuses to allow an independent pre-purchase inspection on-site, or at a nearby service bay, treat that as a major red flag and walk. Inspections often uncover hidden water intrusion, frame issues, axle/brake problems, electrical defects, and safety hazards that are expensive to repair later. Use a local search to find certified inspectors: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.

We repeatedly hear about buyers missing out on short camping seasons because their newly purchased RV goes straight into the shop for months, waiting on parts or approvals. Insist on a full pre-delivery inspection (PDI) report and your own independent inspection. If the dealership balks, assume they know something you don’t.

(Serious Concern)

Several low-star reviewers allege problems obtaining plates, titles, or completed paperwork within reasonable timeframes. In Oregon, dealers have firm obligations to process titles and registration promptly. Prolonged delays can leave you unable to legally tow or camp, and can complicate insurance and lienholder requirements. Buyers report return trips or repeated calls to chase paperwork status after the sale.

• What to do: Before paying, ask to see the title in hand, verify the VIN, and get the exact date the dealer will submit your title/registration. Make this part of the purchase order with penalties if missed.
• Keep a timeline: Document every call and message. If delays exceed state guidelines, contact the Oregon DMV and Oregon DOJ Consumer Protection.

(Moderate Concern)

Multiple reviewers describe pressure to commit quickly, with last-minute add-ons (extended warranties, gap, anti-theft, appearance packages) added to the menu without clear explanations or opt-out clarity. Some buyers only understand the cost of add-ons after seeing the final finance contract. For RVs and trailers, coverage plans can be of limited value if exclusions apply to the most common failures, or if the service network is restricted.

• Insist on an itemized out-the-door price: All fees and optional products should be listed line by line, with your initials next to each item you accept.
• Skip questionable coverage: Ask for the full contract including exclusions and labor caps; take it home to read before signing.

(Serious Concern)

Negative reviews raise concerns about units presented as “checked out” or “ready” but delivered with mechanical or cosmetic issues that buyers discover later. For towables, common hidden defects include soft floors, delamination, roof seal failures, slide-out alignment issues, brake/electrical faults, and water damage—problems that may be expensive to repair and rarely covered under “as-is” sales. Consumers also report difficulty getting prompt post-sale support when problems surface after delivery.

• Require independent inspection: Use RV Inspectors near me to book a local inspector and do not waive this step.
• Photograph everything: Document pre-delivery condition (tires, brakes, suspension, roof, undercarriage, VIN, and mileage) and get any promises in writing.

(Moderate Concern)

Low-rated reviews frequently mention trade-in offers that feel far below fair market value, along with out-the-door figures that expand late in the process. This is common in the industry, but consumers should treat it as a cue to slow down and gather comparable sales data. If the dealership sells a mix of vehicles, a less precise appraisal method can produce wider pricing swings.

• Bring third-party valuations: Present multiple comps (recent sales, NADA, RVTrader listings) and be prepared to walk.
• Demand a written, locked OTD price: Ensure taxes, DMV fees, doc fees, and any add-ons are fully itemized before you leave a deposit.

(Moderate Concern)

Some consumers allege they were routed into higher-interest loans or felt upsold on products financed into the note. RV financing often stretches longer than auto loans—small increases in APR or add-ons can balloon total cost by thousands.

• Secure pre-approval first: Bring a credit union offer to benchmark the dealership’s APR, term, and fees.
• Don’t finance “wants” as “needs”: Refuse any add-on that doesn’t clearly reduce your risk or cost of ownership.

(Serious Concern)

Among the harshest reviews are complaints about slow callbacks, repair delays, or unfulfilled promises made during the sale. While inventory constraints and parts backorders affect many dealers, it’s the communication gaps and unmet expectations that most frustrate customers. RV owners report cancelled trips and extended downtime when the dealer can’t schedule timely repairs or help with warranty processing.

• Use writing over phone calls: Confirm all service commitments via email or text, and save everything.
• Know your escalation path: If you financed through a lender, they may assist in pushing for repairs on financed collateral.

(Moderate Concern)

Independent dealers that sell a range of vehicles sometimes have limited in-house RV service capacity or outsource specific repairs. When that happens, turnaround times can stretch, especially during peak season. Consumers on review sites mention long waits for appointment slots and parts. If you’re buying an RV or trailer here, directly ask who will repair your unit, what the warranty process looks like, and the typical lead time for parts and scheduling.

(Serious Concern)

We see recurring allegations that “checked out” units still arrive with faults—suggesting a superficial or rushed PDI. For towables and small trailers, a proper PDI includes brake function, wheel bearing condition, tire age and pressure, lighting, 7-way connector continuity, breakaway switch, frame integrity, coupler/hitch fitment, propane leak checks, 120V/12V system loads, GFCI function, and water system pressure testing. Insist on witnessing the PDI results, or better, send your independent inspector.

(Serious Concern)

Dealers are legally obligated to process titles and registration promptly. Prolonged delays can violate state rules and create exposure if you’re involved in an accident or stopped while towing. If you face excessive delays, contact the Oregon DOJ Consumer Protection and Oregon DMV for guidance and complaint avenues.

• FTC Consumer Advice – Vehicle buying and warranties
• FTC Business Guidance – Advertising and sales practices
• Oregon resources (via U.S. Attorney’s Office – links to state/consumer agencies)
• NHTSA Recalls and Safety Complaints

(Moderate Concern)

Dealers often sell used units “as-is,” which limits your rights, but they may also sell third-party service contracts. Service contracts (extended warranties) are regulated: terms must be disclosed, and deceptive claims can trigger FTC action. If a salesperson promises coverage or repairs beyond the contract, request it in writing on dealership letterhead. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties on consumer products; misrepresentations can be actionable.

• FTC Guide to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

(Serious Concern)

Safety defects—especially on towables—can be life-threatening: faulty brakes, under-torqued wheel lugs, miswired 7-way connectors, cracked frames, or aged tires. Always run a VIN through NHTSA to check for recalls and owner complaints. Dealers should disclose known safety issues and not release unsafe vehicles. If you encounter resistance, file a complaint with NHTSA.

• Check recalls by VIN on NHTSA

(Serious Concern)

Consumer reports about condition discrepancies and weak PDIs translate directly into safety risks on the road. For towables, marginal or uninspected components can cause loss of braking, trailer sway, blowouts, and lighting failures—especially dangerous at highway speeds or on mountain grades common in the Pacific Northwest. If a unit leaves the lot with a slow propane leak, a bad GFCI, or compromised 12V wiring, the risk of fire or shock increases drastically when shore power and appliances are used at a campsite.

(Moderate Concern)

Even when safety is not at issue, hidden defects are costly. A trailer that needs tires, brakes, bearings, a new converter, and roof resealing can easily consume thousands of dollars and weeks of shop time. If you financed the purchase, you may be making payments while the RV sits at a service center waiting for parts—potentially invalidating planned trips and reservations.

• Mitigation: Pre-purchase inspection, written we-owe statements for any open items, and holdback of final payment until documented repairs are completed.

(Moderate Concern)

Reviewers frequently complain about “menu selling”—a rapid series of add-on pitches in the finance office. Extended service contracts, tire-and-wheel coverage, gap insurance, alarm/theft etching, and appearance packages can be valuable in limited cases, but are often overpriced relative to the likelihood of benefit. Some policies restrict where you can get repairs, impose labor caps, or exclude common failure modes (water intrusion, seals, delamination).

• Best practice: Ask for the full contract documents to read at home. Decline if they refuse.
• Benchmark pricing: Get a quote for independent gap or tire/wheel coverage from your insurer. Compare apples-to-apples before agreeing.

(Moderate Concern)

Doc fees, prep fees, and “safety check” charges can inflate the final price without adding real value. If the dealer claims a comprehensive PDI, ask for the checklist and technician sign-off. If the checklist is generic or incomplete, negotiate fee removal or reduction.

(Moderate Concern)

As an independent dealership in the Portland area, Motorcycle Warehouse, Inc may shift inventory based on market demand—sometimes carrying towables or trailers along with other vehicles. This can influence appraisal accuracy, PDI rigor, and service capacity on RVs, since not every independent lot is set up like a full-service RV dealership. Ask pointed questions about RV-specific technician training, parts sourcing, and warranty claim experience. If answers are vague, assume delays and plan accordingly.

(Moderate Concern)

Balanced analysis means acknowledging that not every transaction goes poorly. Some customers report acceptable purchases and satisfactory staff interactions. Management responses to reviews appear periodically, indicating at least some willingness to address complaints publicly. That said, the volume and consistency of low-star themes around paperwork, pressure, and post-sale support cannot be ignored and should guide your due diligence before placing a deposit or signing finance documents.