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Topic: Foretravel of Texas question (Read 1168 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel of Texas question

Hi again, We are still looking for a 2001 thru 2004 FT (36' to 40' DS) that makes DW happy. I have been watching the various adds and have been impressed by "Foretravel of Texas" and "Motorhome of Texas" which seem to be the same company. While the information presented is the best I have seen on the coaches the prices seem to be higher when compared to similar units on other sites. So the question - Are these companies that much better, more reliable, more honest etc? Do they check out the units before they list them for sale? Any information will be of help as we will be in Texas late next month and intend to stop at both locations on the way through.  Thanks 

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #1 –
Foretravel of Texas FOT is the Foretravel Factory and Motorhomes of Texas MOT is a reseller of used motorhomes. Not the same company but only a mile or two apart. They know Foretravels better than anyone else.

Mark

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #2 –
They are not the same company.  Foretravel of Texas is part of Foretravel, the manufacturer of the coaches.  They offer sales and service.  Motorhomes of Texas is a different company that sells consignment and pre-owned coaches and provides service.  They are located fairly close to each other in Nacogdoches.

Both are reputable companies; as with any sales (think vehicle) you are best served by getting an independent inspection done.  They may point out obvious concerns to the seller, but they likely do not check over everything.  In some cases, the owner of a consignment coach may agree to pay for repair of issues found, in other cases they will not.  You should not expect the consignment dealer to inspect or guarantee the coach for you; they are merely acting as an agent in the sale and it would actually be a conflict of interest for them to point out the issues in a coach they were hired to sell.  You wouldn't ask a realtor to inspect a house for you; same goes with a coach and the consignment dealer.

Also keep in mind in both instances, many coaches don't even make the website.  Sales reps at both companies have lists of what folks are looking for and if a coach is coming in for sale, they will contact those people first.  If you have an interest, contact both and let them know what you are looking for. 

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #3 –
Welcome, Glen and Barb. No, MOT and FOT are not the same company, but are "friendly" competitors. Both sell used Foretravels. The ones FOT sells are generally trades on new(er) coaches and are usually fairly new. MOT has both trades and consignment coaches on their lot, and they often have older coaches. MOT, as a used coach dealer, specializes in Foretravels, Newells, and Country Coaches, although they sometimes have other brands on their lot.

Both companies are quite honest and reliable. FOT is the factory, and you need to get a tour when you visit. Much of FOT's business is in their remodel shop, and you can probably get a peek at some of that work, too. You will probably find more of what you are looking for at MOT, and they also have a pretty good network of coaches that aren't officially for sale, so be sure to talk to them about what you want.

The other Foretravel-related business in Nac is Extreme Paint and Graphics (think I got the name right). We didn't get to visit them when we were down there a couple of years ago, but will when we're there next. They don't sell coaches - they do the body repairs and upgrades. By all accounts there work is out of this world.

Advertised prices don't mean a lot. When you find the right coach make an offer you like. If the seller accepts it, that means both of you are happy. If they don't accept it they will probably make a counter offer. Few coaches sell for asking price these days. Both FOT and MOT do take time to thoroughly inspect the coaches they sell. If it is a consignment coach, of course, the seller has the final say as to what can be done (since the seller has to pay for the work). On a trade-in the company makes that call, since it is their coach. Be sure to find out what has been done recently, either by the owner/previous owner or the company.

One other thing: if you find a coach that interests you, be sure to ask about it here. Most likely someone here knows the coach.

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #4 –
I'm not sure where the 4th Foretravel entity fits in the scheme of things any more, but Encore RV is also in Nacogdoches.  The owner was a Foretravel employee if I have my story straight.

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #5 –
We purchased our coach from Foretravel of Texas FOT) in July 2013. It was a consignment coach. The following only applies to our purchase. I have no other knowledge of their sales polices and procedures. When our coach was placed on consignment, FOT performed what was called an 87 point inspection. Problem issues identified during that inspection were noted on an inspection form. I am not sure when the actual work was performed to correct the problems identified, either before we signed the purchase agreement, or after, but almost everything on the inspection form was fixed. Some of the things repaired were minor, but others, such as a new inverter/charger were expensive.  I am sure that an agreement was reached between FOT and the prior owner as to what was to be repaired, but we were not involved in those decisions. As part of the sale, FOT offered us the option of purchasing a four year, 40,000 mile maintenance warranty contract. We purchased the service agreement. We did not have an independent inspection performed. We probably should have had one. However, after eight months and 8,000 miles there have only been a couple of things that have broken. The step would not return to the closed position after shutting the door and starting the engine. And, the refrigerator ice maker water line developed a leak. Good luck in your search. 

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #6 –
Glenn, I will send you pm with my phone number, I may, may, have a lead on a coach I just heard about.  As for MOT and FOT, several have covered those.  Encore business is for sale, a few coaches left there but status and condition I am not aware.

You did not ask, but try to get maintenance records on whatever you want to consider.

 Mike

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #7 –
Hi Glen, during my search I've found that FOT & MOT have the more reasonable prices, and they discount as necessary to move the coaches. They also have pretty good disclosure policies, and have the ability to fix things as needed before the sale. A good place to buy a Foretravel.

The Foretravel that ends up at a random dealer can be at either extreme, a bargain or rip-off, or anywhere in between.

Private parties more often seem to be the dreamers, with prices often out of touch with the market, and a reluctance to discount to the point where the coach ever sells. Disclosure runs the gamut from the ultra-honest, to the naive, to con-artist. A much more difficult marketplace to navigate.

Good luck and enjoy your search,

Scott

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #8 –
Scott,

Since you are in southern California, check out California Coaches in Costa Mesa. When I bought my FT there, ther were still a FT dealer.  Mine was a consignment,  and they did everything right.

Unfortunately,  there website shows no FT inventory at the moment, but a call might tell you what is coming in.

Tom

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #9 –
Thanks to everyone that replied. I will add a couple of days to my travel thru Texas and make sure I can stop for a couple of days. I think I will also take my financial info because I am getting really tired of what I have. I drove home yesterday in a 40+ mph cross wind (full side on) and nearly bit the ditch twice.

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #10 –
Glen,
If you take the "Factory Tour" in Nacadoches, You WILL be Hooked for sure!!
Any of the Sales guys can help You. Mine was Tyle Fore!

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #11 –
That time are the tours given

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #12 –
Not sure what it is now, but a couple of years ago ours was at 9:00 or so. I think it is pretty much whenever one of the sales guys is available.

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #14 –
Thanks, Michelle
 

Re: Foretravel of Texas question

Reply #15 –
Recently was be there 9:45 to sign up I guess liability waiver? And meet and then tour 10 am.  Sorry for repeat if others already posted, have only read last two posts