MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

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MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

August 26, 2020, 08:45:11 am

I truly hate it that my first post here has a less than positive tone; but, I feel it could be a meaningful tidbit for this community. .........I recently identified a used Foretravel that fit my preset parameters of size, condition, cost, etc. As I was several states from Texas at the time and wanted "eyes on" I started searching for an inspector that would travel to Nac and came up empty handed (20/20 hindsight it looks as if I should have inquired here). Anyhow, I'm no novice to the inspection process having purchased several vehicles on-line (and always with a satisfactory result - I believe inspections work). In all cases the "deliverable" of an inspection is a written report describing what systems were verified, how verified, to what standard, and pass/fail. Many times comments are added quantifying/qualifying the finding. Anyhow, I advised MOT I was having difficulty locating an inspector and they offered that service from within for the price of $700 (which seemed market $$ to me). So, we (I) agreed to purchase that service. A couple of days later I received a "text" with some 8-10 deficiencies noted (light inoperative, oil drip, roof needs resealed, etc). No words of explanation, photos, a list of what all was checked, or anything else. I did challenge the product and many days later received an email that said "I thought so and so called contacted you". Well please benefit from my $700 lesson learned and hold fast to a "3rd party" inspection process. I heard great things about MOT going in. Know that YMMV. Travel Safe!

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #1 – August 26, 2020, 10:17:20 am

Being personally on hand for an inspection is CRITICAL. You want Keith or whoever you have inspect the coach be able to SHOW YOU what he is looking at. Wear old clothes.

To be fair, an inspector needs to know a reasonable amount about YOU to be able to communicate. How is he to know if you are a reasonable shade tree mechanic or don't own a screwdriver and have zero interest in ever getting your hands dirty.

How is he to know if you have the time to do reasonable "shade tree skill" maintenance over the next year or are leaving that afternoon for a 6 month trip with no place to work on it.

Communication by remote on something as complex as a diesel pusher is NOT a simple process.

And, I hope that this kind of communication goes on between the inspector and any potential buyer.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #2 – August 26, 2020, 10:39:37 am

Wow,
I agree with Texas Shriner.
$700 dollars spent and that's what you got. I paid 600.00 for my inspection which took 6 hrs to complete and included 5 different fluid samples for analysis. A written report was included and lots of photos. I was there and asked lots of questions because it was my first RV.
I found the inspector on line at NRVIA and when I spoke to him I asked about his background in the RV world.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #3 – August 26, 2020, 11:04:13 am

Personally I would never buy a coach without an in person visit with Keith or Brett on hand. It's too big and too complicated of a purchase to not see it in person.

TS, I suggest you call MOT on the phone and express your dissatisfaction. I'm sure they will resolve it.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #4 – August 26, 2020, 11:28:37 am

I have had the honor to experience an inspection by Brett Wolfe, it is beyond thorough, with plenty of explanations, clear communications, it takes time and yes, wear some old clothes, if you wish to fully experience everything that is being pointed out. Take notes or video the session, it is a learning experience. Thanks Brett.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #5 – August 26, 2020, 02:14:16 pm

Not that it matters now. This "inspection" was a way to "vet" the coach condition before reversing direction and traveling the 900+ miles for a first hand inspection. The end result was the same I guess as it allowed me to "vet" MOT in the process (I'll likely not return to that well). This is just a friendly reminder to everyone - understand the "deliverable" prior to agreeing to the process. $700 for a small texted burn down list is unethical in my opinion. Regardless, I'm $700 light and will be watching the classifieds.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #6 – August 26, 2020, 03:32:55 pm

Classified section here seems to always have some nice coaches lately. Good luck in your search

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #7 – August 26, 2020, 03:39:02 pm

TS, only because you are accepting it.

If you call the owner of MOT and expressed your dissatisfaction there is no doubt that they would fix it. MOT has built a successful business all based on providing excellent customer service.

Venting here won't fix it but calling MOT and speaking to the right person undoubtedly would.

MOT is a business like any other. This one happens to be Foretravel centric. My free advice, worth what you paid for it

... if you want a Foretravel a trip to NAC would serve you well. Meet the staff, explore the vast inventory, figure out what works for you and have them find a coach. Pay Keith or Brett to inspect it and attend the inspection and learn about these amazing coaches and how to care for them and what to avoid.

Best wishes on your search.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #8 – August 26, 2020, 04:16:29 pm

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – August 26, 2020, 03:39:02 pm

TS, only because you are accepting it.

If you call the owner of MOT and expressed your dissatisfaction there is no doubt that they would fix it. MOT has built a successful business all based on providing excellent customer service.

Venting here won't fix it but calling MOT and speaking to the right person undoubtedly would.

MOT is a business like any other. This one happens to be Foretravel centric. My free advice, worth what you paid for it ... if you want a Foretravel a trip to NAC would serve you well. Meet the staff, explore the vast inventory, figure out what works for you and have them find a coach. Pay Keith or Brett to inspect it and attend the inspection and learn about these amazing coaches and how to care for them and what to avoid.

Best wishes on your search.

Thanks for the advice, I'll seriously consider contacting MOT Ownership. Although it does kinda read that way "venting" wasn't my intent. I DID agree to the fee, the deliverable was just not in tune with industry standards and in the end resulted in me halting further negotiations. I was just hoping to save other potential buyers the aggravation.

Thanks

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #9 – August 26, 2020, 04:21:53 pm

I had a bad experience there several years ago. Once I explained my frustration they promised it will never happen again...and it hasn't. They have bent over backward to take care of us. I believe they will do the same for you.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #10 – August 26, 2020, 06:02:53 pm

TS, do you have the name of the guy that did the inspection? Don"t post it here, but if it wasn't Keith you may been mislead. It is possible that a different mechanic at MOT decide he could make a few after hour $$ by doing inspections, that he isn't qualified to do.

It is possible that Keith dropped the ball on the inspection, but that is not the reputation he has here based on other inspections performed

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #11 – August 26, 2020, 07:07:55 pm

Keith is EXCELLENT in person.

I have no information on how his written/photographic skills are (either way-- as I am a strong believer in "let me look at the coach through YOUR eyes").

The few times I have been doing a coach inspection at MOT and been stumped, Keith has always had the answers. Things like "wavy fiberglass bottom"

Turns out that a diesel leak will dissolve the foam and as the diesel evaporated the foam "reforms" in unusual lumps, deforming the bottom FG. Only seen one of those in 22 years of Foretravel experience, but needed to know.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #12 – August 26, 2020, 08:16:57 pm

TS; I would contact Mr. Robertson on your dissatisfaction and he will make it right. He certainly took care of us when we had a disagreement on things fixed, etc. Keith charged me $500 and I was there with him over the whole coach. However, I did not know that the bill was going to be run through MOT, as when I tried to give the money to Keith, he told me that. Just saying...........

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #13 – August 26, 2020, 09:16:41 pm

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will get the contact info for Mr Robertson and engage. Tomorrow; however, will likely involve getting out of Laura's way ;-).

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #14 – August 27, 2020, 01:24:37 pm

When I had my coach inspected by Keith several years ago it was a private arrangement between him and me. Seems that MOT want's their cut now. Consequently the price has risen a LOT.

Keith

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #15 – September 05, 2020, 06:40:30 pm

Is Keith with MOT?

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #16 – September 05, 2020, 06:43:46 pm

Quote from: jimgior13 – September 05, 2020, 06:40:30 pm

Is Keith with MOT?

Yes, he is the shop foreman.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #17 – September 05, 2020, 07:12:19 pm

Quote from: jimgior13 – September 05, 2020, 06:40:30 pm

Is Keith with MOT?

He is also highly recommended by many on this forum as someone to do a pre-purchase inspection on a Foretravel.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #18 – September 05, 2020, 07:16:32 pm

Quote from: Jan & Richard – September 05, 2020, 07:12:19 pm

He is also highly recommended by many on this forum as someone to do a pre-purchase inspection on a Foretravel.

I agree.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #19 – September 10, 2020, 08:44:26 am

Final update from me on this topic - I reached out to Motor Homes of Texas CEO on 1 September and have not received a reply. So, I doubt I'll be dealing with MOT again. My recommendation to all is tread carefully. For full disclosure, I've attached the ONLY communication I received for my $700 expense. Travel safe all!

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #20 – September 10, 2020, 09:49:43 am

Item #8.............isn't that for water runoff in the rain?

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #21 – September 10, 2020, 10:51:48 am

Take away number 8 and it cost you $100 an item,seems kind of pitiful to me.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #22 – September 10, 2020, 11:49:55 am

Could it be that these are the only issues found that need addressing? All other components checked good.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #23 – September 10, 2020, 12:27:33 pm

If you haven't done so already I'd give Jason Haskins a call. He is general manager now and should be able to help you.

Re: MOT "Inspection" Experience PSA

Reply #24 – September 10, 2020, 01:28:18 pm

I have to agree that I think $700.00 for a report like that is very poor. I would expect a full report such as AC's , Outside temp 92, AC 1 putting out x and AC 2 putting out Y. I can not believe you did not get any up close pictures of the items they were talking about and other items.

I would think if I wanted to buy the coach and asked the salesperson what the age of the tires were I would get that answer without paying $700.00

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