Old But Classy RV Renovation INC- Gary, IN Exposed: Title Delays, Hidden Defects & PDI Failures

(Serious Concern)

Whether you’re purchasing a renovated used RV or commissioning work on your current rig, insist on a truly independent, third-party RV inspection before signing anything or taking delivery. This is your leverage point; once the money changes hands, the dealer’s incentive to prioritize you diminishes. An unbiased inspector can verify structural integrity, roof condition, water intrusion, electrical systems, propane safety, slide mechanisms, suspension and brakes, and the quality of any “renovation” work claimed. If a dealer refuses to allow a third-party inspection on or off site, consider that a red flag and walk away.

• Find qualified inspectors near you: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
• Make the sale contingent on the written inspection report, and have deficiencies corrected in writing.
• Do not accept “we’ll fix it after the sale.” If you close with open issues, your RV can sit for weeks or months waiting for parts and labor—ruining planned trips while your money is already spent.

(Moderate Concern)

Independent dealers sometimes rely on profit from add-ons like fabric/paint protection, tire-and-wheel coverage, service contracts, and GPS/anti-theft devices. Some buyers later regret these products, calling them unnecessary or poor value. Before agreeing to any extras, request a line-item breakdown and decline anything you don’t need. Many third-party “warranties” exclude pre-existing conditions and wear-and-tear—two categories that often swallow real-world repair needs after a renovation. If reviews for this dealership mention surprise add-on fees or pressure to purchase coverage, treat that as an actionable warning to slow down and trim the contract.

• Ask for out-the-door pricing in writing before you visit the finance office.
• Compare extended service contracts to a self-funded repair reserve—you may come out ahead.
• Don’t sign if the dealer refuses to remove products you decline.

(Serious Concern)

Delayed titles, incorrect paperwork, or missing lien releases can prevent registration and legally driving your RV. This is especially risky with rebuilt, renovated, or out-of-state units. If any Google reviews for Old But Classy RV Renovation INC report title delays, insist on proof the title is valid, transferable, and clear of liens before payment. Pay by a method that preserves leverage (e.g., escrow or bank draft conditioned on title handover). Indiana law requires dealers to deliver title within a reasonable period; chronic delays can justify complaints to the state.

• Call the Indiana BMV to verify title status and documentary needs for RVs purchased from a dealer.
• Require a written commitment: Delivery date for title and registration documents.
• If delayed beyond promised dates, escalate with a written demand and consider filing with the Indiana Attorney General.

(Serious Concern)

With renovated units, “freshly remodeled” can hide sub-surface issues—water damage, soft floors, roof leaks, delamination, or DIY electrical/propane work that’s unsafe. If previous customers at this location noted undisclosed defects or items not working at delivery, that’s a red flag. Make the sale contingent on a third-party inspection and a written We-Owe form listing all items the dealer promises to address before pickup. Photograph every defect during your walkthrough and refuse delivery until repairs are complete and verified.

• Bring a moisture meter and inspect roof seams, slide edges, and window frames.
• Demand invoices or documentation for major renovation work—roof membranes, subfloor repairs, rewiring, propane appliance servicing.
• Test every system on shore power, generator, and battery—multiple times.

(Serious Concern)

Small shops can face capacity constraints. If multiple reviews cite long repair times or repeated re-work, assume the service lane is backlogged or under-experienced for certain issues. Post-sale service is where many dealers fall short: you’re effectively moved from “sales priority” to “repair queue.” If the shop struggles to diagnose issues (electrical gremlins, slide alignment, water leaks), you may lose months of prime camping while paying storage, insurance, and loan costs.

• Ask for the shop’s average turnaround time and whether they subcontract specialized repairs.
• Get commitment dates for any We-Owe repairs in writing before pickup.
• If quality is uncertain, hire your own technician to re-check completed repairs. Find one here: RV Inspectors near me.

(Moderate Concern)

Extended service contracts and “limited warranties” can contain fine-print exclusions, pre-authorization requirements, and strict timelines. Buyers sometimes report that dealers promised “comprehensive coverage,” but the provider later denied claims as pre-existing or “maintenance-related.” If any Old But Classy RV Renovation INC customers reported warranty runaround, request a sample contract before you buy and review what’s actually covered. Consider a shorter warranty you fully understand over a longer one with broad exclusions.

• Obtain the full contract document—not a brochure—before purchase.
• Get the dealer’s warranty commitments on the Bill of Sale or separate We-Owe form.
• Keep meticulous records: timestamps, texts, emails, and photos of failures.

(Moderate Concern)

It’s common for dealers to anchor buyers with low trade-in values, offset by seemingly strong sale prices on the outgoing unit. If you’re trading in at this location, arrive armed with comps from NADA, RVTrader listings, and any recent maintenance records. Be prepared to walk if the numbers don’t pencil out. Some consumers report late-stage “re-appraisals” after they’ve invested time in the deal—don’t let urgency push you into a bad trade.

• Obtain at least two outside offers for your trade before shopping.
• Separate the transactions: negotiate sale price and trade-in independently.
• Never leave the title or keys until the deal is complete.

(Moderate Concern)

Dealers may “pack” interest rates above what your credit qualifies for. If Old But Classy RV Renovation INC offers in-house financing, compare it to quotes from your bank or credit union. Bring your own financing approval to pressure-test the offer. Carefully review the finance menu for add-ons you did not request.

• Get a credit union RV loan pre-approval first.
• Check the APR against your pre-approval and ask for the buy rate.
• Decline any products slipped into the contract; verify your monthly payment against a loan calculator.

(Serious Concern)

A thorough PDI is essential for renovated units. In weak PDIs, owners discover leaks, non-functional appliances, battery/charging issues, or unsafe propane connections days after purchase. If reviewers for this dealership flagged poor PDI quality, treat it as a sign to slow down and expand your own checklist. Take at least two hours on-site with water, power, and propane connected, and insist on demonstrating every function—slides, jacks, HVAC, water heater, all outlets, GFCIs, and converter/charger behavior.

• Bring a printed PDI checklist and don’t rush. Video-record the walkthrough.
• Refuse delivery until all items are rectified. If they say “we’ll order parts,” do not close until installed.
• Hire a third-party inspector if you’re not confident. Search: RV Inspectors near me.

(Serious Concern)

Renovations complicate OEM coverage and recall remediation. Dealers should check VINs for outstanding recalls and disclose them clearly. If any public feedback indicates missed recalls, that jeopardizes safety—think brake system faults, tire defects, propane leaks, CO detector issues, or wiring that risks fire. Insist on a current recall printout tied to your RV’s VIN and proof of completion for applicable recalls before purchase or pickup.

• Run your VIN at NHTSA: NHTSA Recall Lookup (by VIN).
• Ask for dated proof of completed recalls. If pending, require completion as a pre-delivery condition.
• Propane systems must be leak-checked and certified; request documentation and appliance service records.

(Serious Concern)

Consumer complaints about misrepresentation, undelivered titles, or warranty runaround can carry legal consequences for any dealer. While RVs have different rules than passenger vehicles, key protections still apply:

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties on consumer products. If a dealer provides a written warranty or sells a service contract, they must honor its terms. Learn more at the FTC: FTC Guide to the Federal Warranty Law.
• Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act: Prohibits deceptive or unfair representations in consumer transactions. You can file complaints with the Indiana Attorney General: IN Attorney General Consumer Protection.
• Financing and Add-Ons: The FTC enforces actions against unfair auto financing practices, including add-on packing and payment deception. RV dealers can face scrutiny for similar behavior. See guidance: Federal Trade Commission.
• Safety Recalls and Defects: Dealers should disclose known safety issues. Check recall status through NHTSA: NHTSA Recalls.

If you experience unresolved defects, denied warranty claims contrary to written terms, or title delays beyond promised timelines, document everything and escalate. File complaints with the Indiana AG, consider BBB mediation, and if financing was involved, report deceptive financing practices to the CFPB. For reputational pressure, public reviews (Google, BBB) often prompt quicker responses.

(Serious Concern)

Subpar renovation work or rushed pre-delivery checks can create real hazards:

• Water Intrusion and Structural Rot: Soft floors indicate hidden rot; structural compromise can lead to slide misalignment or wall separation while towing.
• Electrical Risks: Improperly wired inverters, converters, or transfer switches can cause fires or damage appliances. GFCIs that won’t reset may indicate upstream faults.
• Propane Safety: Loose fittings or unsealed connections risk leaks and explosions. Every renovated unit should undergo a pressure/leak test and appliance service.
• Brake and Tire Failures: Aged tires (over 5-6 years) are blowout risks, and neglected brake systems imperil stopping distance—especially in towables. Always check DOT tire date codes.
• Weight and Balance: Added cabinetry, flooring, or fixtures in renovations can change weight distribution and exceed GVWR/CCC limits. Overloading degrades handling and safety.

Owners shoulder financial risk when repairs stack up post-purchase: missed trips, storage and loan payments, and diminished resale value. If a dealer downplays inspection requests or refuses to put promises in writing, the likelihood of costly surprises rises. For a safety-first checklist, study consumer educators like Liz Amazing’s buyer alerts and apply them rigorously before committing.

(Moderate Concern)

If you’re facing delays or unresolved defects, move swiftly and document meticulously:

• Write, don’t just call: Send a dated, detailed letter or email with photos/videos describing the issues, requested remedies, and deadlines.
• Right to cure: Offer a reasonable period to fix, but set clear expectations in writing.
• Escalate: File a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and consider BBB mediation: BBB profile search.
• Independent assessment: If disputes arise over “what’s normal,” hire a certified RV inspector or master technician to produce a report that can support your claim.

For community advice, search RV forums using the links above. The collective experience of other owners can help you solve issues or strengthen your case. And if you’ve navigated a dispute with this dealer, please share the outcome so others can learn.