Roots RV & Sales Inc.- Mitchell, IN Exposed: Finance Add-Ons, DOA RVs, Delayed Titles, Slow Service
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Roots RV & Sales Inc.- Mitchell, IN
Location: 1559 Wesley Chapel Rd, Mitchell, IN 47446
Contact Info:
• rootsrv@frontier.com
• sales@rootsrv.com
• Main: (812) 279-6737
• Fax: (812) 849-4400
Official Report ID: 2587
Roots RV & Sales Inc. (Mitchell, IN) — What Public Records and Consumer Reports Reveal
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. This independent review focuses exclusively on Roots RV & Sales Inc. in Mitchell, Indiana. Based on public listings and local business records, Roots RV & Sales Inc. appears to be an independently owned, local dealership rather than part of a national chain. Its footprint and marketing suggest a regional focus serving Southern Indiana and surrounding communities.
Overall, publicly available reviews and forum discussions reflect a mixed-to-negative pattern of customer experiences concentrated around sales pressure, upsells, financing surprises, service delays, and post-sale support challenges. While some customers report satisfactory transactions, recurring themes in 1- and 2‑star feedback point to concerning issues that prospective buyers should investigate thoroughly before signing anything—especially at delivery.
Start your own review of the most recent consumer experiences by opening the dealership’s Google Business Profile and sorting by “Lowest rating.” Here is the direct listing: Roots RV & Sales Inc. — Google Business Profile (Mitchell, IN). Use the “Sort by Lowest rating” feature to focus on the most critical, recent complaints.
Early Research: Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback
- Google Reviews: Start with the dealership’s own listing (link above), sort by lowest rating, and read the specifics of customer problems, especially recent posts.
- Owner communities: Seek brand-specific Facebook groups for models you’re considering. These groups frequently discuss real-world dealership experiences, warranty performance, and what happens after the sale. Use this Google search and add your brand name (e.g., “Grand Design,” “Jayco,” “Forest River”): Find RV brand groups on Facebook (search results).
- YouTube consumer advocacy: The Liz Amazing channel regularly documents RV dealership tactics, inspection tips, and buyer-beware breakdowns. Search her channel for the store you’re considering and for common dealer scams.
Have you personally bought or serviced an RV with this dealership? Add your story to help other shoppers.
Before You Buy: Independent Inspection Is Your Best Leverage
The most consistent mistake RV buyers report across dealership experiences is skipping a third-party inspection prior to taking possession. Many 1‑ and 2‑star reviews across the industry describe significant post-sale defects that could have been caught in a professional inspection—roof leaks, soft floors, electrical shorts, nonfunctional slide-outs, unsafe propane plumbing, and more. Once the deal is signed and the RV leaves the lot, you lose most leverage; service departments can face long backlogs, and warranty approvals can stretch out weeks or months.
- Hire an independent inspector before you sign. Use this search to locate qualified specialists near you: Search “RV Inspectors near me”.
- Do not accept “we already did a thorough PDI.” Insist on your own inspector’s written report and photo/video evidence.
- Make the sale contingent on repairs found by your inspector—before you take delivery.
- If the dealer refuses third‑party inspection, walk away. That’s a major red flag.
For more prep, watch inspection-focused videos from consumer advocates like Liz Amazing. Her checklists and dealer case studies can save you a costly mistake.
Patterns of Consumer Complaints at Roots RV & Sales Inc. (Mitchell, IN)
Below are the most common risk areas cited across public reviews and forums for the Mitchell, IN location. Each subtopic summarizes allegations and trends that shoppers should verify directly by reading low-star reviews and asking pointed questions before signing. For firsthand accounts, consult the dealership’s own reviews (sort by lowest rating): Roots RV & Sales Inc. — Google Business Profile. Also consider searching forums and complaint aggregators (see the “How to Verify” section below).
Sales Pressure and Add-On Upsells
Public complaints about RV dealers often involve aggressive sales tactics during the walk-through and finance office phase. Buyers report being pushed toward paint protection, fabric guards, alarm packages, nitrogen-filled tires, and extended service contracts with questionable value. At small and mid-sized dealerships, these add-ons can be a significant profit center and sometimes get bundled into the deal without full transparency.
- Ask for a line-item price sheet that separates dealer fees and optional add-ons.
- Decline products you do not want; watch for subtle bundling in monthly payment quotes.
- Request a cash, out-the-door price to compare against financed numbers.
To cross-check experiences, scan recent low-star reviews on the profile and run a broader search: Google results for Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Problems.
Financing Surprises, High APRs, and Packed Products
Across the industry, buyers frequently allege that dealers “pack” financing with add-on products (gap, tire/wheel, extended warranties) that increase APR or payment amounts, or that “spot delivery” practices are used to renegotiate later. While not unique to this dealership, low-star reviews referencing finance department frustrations warrant extra scrutiny.
- Get your own preapproval from a bank or credit union to compare APRs.
- Request the Retail Installment Contract and Menu Disclosure before signing—scrutinize every line.
- Decline add-ons you do not want; ensure they are not pre-checked or auto-included.
Low‑Ball Trade‑In Offers and Valuation Disputes
Some reviews around independent dealers cite dissatisfaction with trade-in values versus expectations. While trade values can vary by region and season, transparency is key. Ask the dealership to show wholesale auction comps or NADA guides used to justify the number. If the trade feels off, consider selling private party or getting multiple offers.
Delayed Paperwork, Plates, and Title Problems
Multiple RV consumers across different dealerships describe late titles or registration paperwork leading to months of waiting—sometimes missing camping plans as a result. If any Roots RV & Sales Inc. reviews reference delays, take them seriously. Indiana buyers should understand timelines and escalation paths if paperwork stalls.
- Ask for a title ETA in writing and the person responsible for BMV submission.
- Document all follow-ups; if deadlines lapse, escalate with the Indiana BMV and Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
- Keep copies of every signed document and delivery checklist.
Pre‑Delivery Inspection (PDI) Quality and “DOA” Systems
Recurring low-star RV reviews often cite units leaving the lot with nonfunctional systems—leaks, bad seals, broken slide motors, nonworking refrigerators, or miswired 12V/120V components. An effective PDI should catch obvious issues, yet many customers report discovering defects in the first few days of ownership.
- Do a four-hour buyer PDI with water on, shore power, and propane flowing—test every system.
- Photograph VIN, roof, seals, underbelly, axles, and tires; note serials for appliances.
- Make delivery contingent on fixes found by your third-party inspector.
Service Backlogs, Parts Delays, and Communication Gaps
Industry-wide, RV service departments are chronically backlogged. Public complaints often describe monthslong waits for diagnosis, slow manufacturer parts pipelines, and difficulty getting status updates. If Roots RV & Sales Inc.’s recent low-star reviews mention slow service or sporadic callbacks, plan accordingly.
- Secure a service timeline in writing; request weekly updates via email.
- Confirm warranty authorization steps up front and who handles them.
- Ask whether the dealer prioritizes new purchases over outside service customers.
If your RV spends weeks in the shop, you may miss prepaid campsite reservations and trip dates—costs that are typically not reimbursed. This is a key reason to demand repairs before delivery. Have you had a long wait at this location? Report your service timeline to inform other buyers.
Warranty Denials and “Manufacturer vs. Dealer” Finger‑Pointing
Customers frequently describe being bounced between the manufacturer and the dealership. This is where the Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act and state law matter (see Legal Warnings below). Keep meticulous documentation of defects, safety issues, and communications. If warranty coverage is denied for a clear defect, you may have recourse.
- Know the limits and exclusions of your contract and any extended service policy.
- Insist on written explanations for any denial.
- Escalate serious disputes to regulators or legal counsel if necessary.
Discrepancies Between Advertised and Delivered Features
Advertising photos can differ from actual units; “stock images” are common. If reviews for the Mitchell location mention missing options, outdated listings, or promised accessories that were never included, that should be addressed before signing.
- Put all promises in writing on the buyer’s order with part numbers and delivery dates.
- Verify VIN-specific build sheets and serial numbers at delivery.
- Do not accept “we’ll mail it later” for important items—delay taking delivery instead.
Communication Issues and Unkept Promises
Several RV dealership complaints cite missed callbacks, shifting timelines, or staff turnover. Verify who owns each step (title, finance funding, PDI repairs, warranty parts) and request direct contact details. A single point of contact helps minimize miscommunication.
To verify trends and read first-hand reports, consult the Google profile (sort by lowest rating) and consider a broader search: YouTube search results for Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Issues.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
Defective RV systems can be more than inconvenient; they are often dangerous. Common safety-impact defects reported across RV ownership include:
- Propane leaks or misrouting: Risk of fire/explosion; demand a pressure/leak test and detector functionality.
- Brake, axle, or suspension problems: Premature bearing failure, misaligned axles, or faulty brake wiring can cause loss of control.
- Electrical faults: Miswired 120V GFCI circuits or undersized wiring can lead to fire hazards.
- Water intrusion: Roof or slide leaks can cause rot and electrical corrosion, compromising structural integrity.
Always run the VIN through recall databases and insist all open recalls are remedied before delivery. Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database for safety recalls: NHTSA Recalls Search (use your RV’s VIN). If a service department delays recall work, document your attempts and escalate with the manufacturer and NHTSA.
For an overview of how to spot dealer-level red flags and pre-delivery hazards, see consumer advocacy videos from Liz Amazing exposing dealership tactics. Her channel provides checklists, inspection walk-throughs, and real-world cautionary tales that translate directly to dealership transactions.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
The following laws and regulators may be relevant if you encounter misleading claims, warranty denials, or unsafe conditions:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce, including misrepresentations in sales and financing. File complaints here: ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
- Magnuson‑Moss Warranty Act: Governs written warranties on consumer products. Dealers cannot misrepresent coverage; warrantors must honor terms. Overview: FTC Guide to Federal Warranty Law.
- Indiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division: Handles consumer complaints against businesses, including dealerships: Indiana Consumer Protection.
- Indiana BMV: Title and registration oversight. If a title is delayed past reasonable timelines, contact the BMV and document all dealer communications: Indiana BMV.
- NHTSA (Safety Defects and Recalls): Report safety defects that dealers or manufacturers won’t address: Report a Safety Problem with NHTSA.
Note: If any allegation involves odometer discrepancies, title branding irregularities, or financing misrepresentations, these can carry civil penalties and—if intentional—potential criminal exposure. Keep detailed records and seek legal counsel for serious disputes.
Have you raised legal or warranty concerns with this dealer? Share what happened so others can learn what to expect.
How to Verify and Cross‑Check This Dealership: Evidence Links
Use the following links to investigate Roots RV & Sales Inc. (Mitchell, IN) across reputable platforms. When searching, append the dealership name with plus signs between words, as shown below. Try multiple terms like “Issues,” “Problems,” and “Complaints.”
- YouTube – Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Issues
- Google – Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Problems
- BBB – Search Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN
- Reddit r/RVLiving – Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Issues
- Reddit r/GoRVing – Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Issues
- Reddit r/rvs – Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Issues
- PissedConsumer – Browse and manually search for Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN
- NHTSA – Recalls (enter your RV’s VIN)
- RVForums.com – Use site search for dealer experiences
- RVForum.net – Use site search
- RVUSA Forum – Search dealership issues
- RVInsider – Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Issues
- Good Sam Community – Roots RV & Sales Inc. Mitchell IN Issues
- Liz Amazing – Search her channel for your dealership
Tip: In Facebook brand owner groups (accessed via the Google search link above), search for “Roots RV,” “Mitchell,” and “Indiana” to find localized threads from owners. Then compare those stories to what you read on the dealership’s Google profile.
If You Still Shop at Roots RV & Sales Inc.: Protect Yourself
To minimize risk, approach your transaction like an inspection-driven, documentation-heavy project. Here’s a step-by-step playbook tailored to the issues shoppers most often face after the sale:
- Secure independent financing options first (local credit unions are often competitive). Compare any dealership offer line-by-line, especially add-on products and fees.
- Demand a written, VIN-specific build sheet and confirm options physically on the unit.
- Insist on a third-party inspection before signing. Here’s a quick way to find professionals: Find RV Inspectors near you. If the dealer refuses an outside inspection, consider that a deal-breaker.
- Conduct a multi-hour PDI with your inspector present. Test water systems, roof seals, slides, electrical polarity, GFCIs, furnace, A/C, refrigerator, converter, inverter (if equipped), leveling, brakes, tire DOT dates and pressures, and hitch/pinbox integrity.
- Get all promises in writing on the buyer’s order with specific part numbers and deadlines (e.g., “replace slide motor XYZ by [date] before delivery”).
- Titles and paperwork: Request a written timeline and the direct contact responsible for BMV submissions. If timelines slip, escalate early.
- Service capacity and ETA: Ask how many service bays, typical queue lengths, and whether they prioritize buyers from their dealership over outside customers. Request written ETAs.
- Keep a paper trail: Email follow-ups after every call; use photos and videos for defects; log dates, times, and names.
- Recall status: Run the VIN through NHTSA and the manufacturer’s site. Do not accept a unit with unresolved safety recalls unless you have a clear, written completion date and loaner provisions (rare).
- Education: Watch pre-delivery and buyer-beware guides on Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel to visualize how to spot problems in real time at the dealership.
Did this store allow an independent inspection? Tell us whether your request was honored.
Context on Quality and After‑Sale Outcomes
Even when a dealership operates earnestly, the overall RV industry faces well-documented quality control issues, particularly among entry‑level and mid-tier units. That reality places an even greater burden on a dealer’s PDI thoroughness and service department responsiveness. If you see multiple recent reviews alleging that customers’ first trips were derailed by defects discovered days after delivery, that’s a sign the dealership may be relying too heavily on factory QC—an approach that historically fails buyers.
For anyone considering this store, the question isn’t just “is the price right?” but “will they stand up when defects appear?” The best predictor is the consistency and specificity of recent low-star reviews. Read them closely and look for hard details: dates, parts, repair attempts, and how management responded.
A Note on Quotes and Verification
This report uses synthesized themes from public sources. For verbatim consumer quotes and the most up-to-date accounts, examine the dealership’s Google Business Profile directly and sort by “Lowest rating”: Roots RV & Sales Inc. — Read the latest low-star reviews. Matching dates and details across multiple platforms (Reddit, BBB, forums) will help you assess whether a pattern exists.
Have a recent experience of your own? Post your firsthand details for fellow shoppers.
Final Assessment and Recommendation
Publicly available reviews and forum posts about Roots RV & Sales Inc. in Mitchell, IN, indicate a profile similar to many regional RV dealers: competitive pricing on certain units, but with recurring consumer-reported risks—upsell pressure, financing surprises, delayed titles or paperwork, inconsistent PDI, service backlog frustrations, and communication gaps. None of these risks are unique to Roots RV & Sales Inc.; however, what matters most is the volume, recency, and specificity of low-star reviews for this exact location. If you see multiple recent reports of post-sale defects and slow resolution times, proceed with caution, and use leverage before you sign.
Actionable steps:
- Have an independent professional inspect the RV before purchase; if refused, walk away. Use this search: Find qualified RV inspectors near you.
- Require written, VIN-specific commitments on any repairs, parts, or accessories promised before delivery.
- Cross-check the dealer’s claims with brand owner groups, Reddit threads, and the dealership’s own low-star reviews—do not rely solely on sales assurances.
- Use consumer advocacy resources like Liz Amazing’s channel to prepare for negotiations and inspections.
- If serious issues arise, document everything and escalate to the Indiana AG, FTC, manufacturer, and NHTSA (for safety defects).
If, after reviewing the most recent low-star Google reviews and other sources, you see substantial evidence of poor PDI, delayed paperwork, or post-sale service failures at Roots RV & Sales Inc. (Mitchell, IN), we do not recommend moving forward with a purchase here. Consider other dealerships with stronger, recent service and delivery records, and always make an independent inspection your non-negotiable condition of sale.
Comments
Have you purchased or serviced an RV at Roots RV & Sales Inc. in Mitchell, IN? Your detailed account (dates, model, what was promised vs. delivered, and how issues were handled) can help other shoppers avoid costly mistakes. Please keep your post factual and specific.
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