Mr. Oliver

[Pete Masterson]

I purchased my coach from Mr. Oliver's (owned by Paul Davis). It's a very small dealership that only handles used RVs and other equipment. He usually focuses on the more high end models, mostly. (Prevost, Wanderlodge, Newell, Country Coach, Monaco, and the other 'better' brands -- I'm a little surprised to see a Fleetwood among his current listings.)

My coach was purchased sight unseen -- but I was able to discuss the coach with the previous owner (who had traded it in at a dealer in Oregon, who "wholesaled" it to Mr. Oliver's). The photos on the Mr. Oliver's web site were a fair representation -- but photos sometimes make things look a bit better than they are. This is not a criticism of Mr. Oliver's, it's just a factor that film (or digital camera) under the bright 'flash', etc. tends to make some things look cleaner, or less worn than they might in person. Just be aware of that tendency. Interestingly, I didn't like the color of my coach in the photos as much as I do in person. The photos are taken by a professional photographer who has learned to photograph RVs very well. The photo array on the Mr. Oliver's web site should be an example to other RV owners as to what a complete photographic documentation of an RV might be.

Mr. Oliver's does do one interesting thing (if you can stand to wait), if a coach doesn't sell as quickly as he'd like (after about 4 or 5 months) he'll put it up on eBay with a no reserve, very aggressive price. I was able to buy my coach through Mr. Oliver's eBay auction at a very satisfactory price.

If at all possible, you should go and see the coach -- and test drive it -- but as far as I'm concerned, I got a fair deal, and there was no misrepresentation of the coach. Paul Davis is fairly knowledgeable about Wanderlodges (but I did get a couple of incorrect bits of info, quickly resolved on this list) -- and he wasn't aware that my coach had a "safe" located in a rather non-intuitive spot.

When I went to get my coach, I spent the afternoon with Paul Davis going through all the systems (this was my first RV ever) and we went out for a practice drive. The next morning, I headed off, driving from near Ft. Worth/Dallas via Denver to Northern CA. 

Note. There was a member of this list who had a dispute with Mr. Davis. I discussed the comments repeated on this list with him, and about all I can say about it is that there are two sides to the issue -- and that you can't please every one.

If I were to buy another RV, I'd certainly consider getting one from Paul Davis at Mr. Oliver's.

BTW, the "Mr. Oliver's" name comes from the antique (or just old) farm tractors that the dealership also handles. The name reflects the "Oliver" tractors he often has in stock. I note that he handles a rather eclectic range of vehicles and equipment.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 11, 2008, at 10:38 AM, bingomaster05 wrote:

Hi All,

  Was browsing for BB's and noticed a nice looking unit on Mr. Oliver's 

site. Is Mr. Oliver's a respectable dealer?  Does he stand by his sales?

Unit looks good, but looks don't tell the story.

Thanks alot.