1993 wanderlodge bought on e-bay for $51,300----LEFT IT IN SOUTH CAROLINA !

[Bob & Carol Howald`]

What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93 wanderlodge
ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful bider on e-bay
my son and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up the coach.
Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we would arrive,
I gave them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check
for the remaining amount.
When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we were met
by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready to go.
We went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the doors
etc open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned on.
Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered with
red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It had
been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all, dings
painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission around
rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the cargo doors
would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third one was
missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn completely out
of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in the generator
fan area to patch or ? something on the floor under the drivers seat. Upon
further examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint markings on
the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots of white
rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine compartment was
a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with dirt and rust.
Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to be
ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the
water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet
bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the
safe that would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running
down the isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed
in GREAT amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him
to turn off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is
flooded by now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc
and start mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every
crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After
the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look
around we found the broken pipe's under the bed (bacteria filter completely
cracked in half) pipes under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and
leaking. That's on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water
could get to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the
right side.
Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized???I don't
know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems. He says
he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had bought
it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach and
that it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had to be
touched up)
To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take it.
He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would release me
from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give me money for
my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on e-bay.
My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois ,
thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were
leaving her in SC.
Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach, I've
owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird had
problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for the
next year or years.
This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing put
back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the mean
time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and 10-13
mpg (anyone want to trade), ha
Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be shared
with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator needed
water and the generator smoked.......

Regards to the group..Bob..

[mbulriss]

Bob,

Very sorry to hear that it wasn't in better shape for you. We need you back in
another Bird! Thanks for another great cautionary tale of 'buyer beware' on
fleaBay. I guess that is why Leroy noted that it had been out there several
times before. The pictures on eBay looked good, but the added ones on their web
site showed some of the paint problems. I had wondered why there were no engine
compartment pics. IF it looks too good to be true......

At least you got the deposit and travel expenses back! Worth positive feedback?

Keep looking and keep posting on your search.

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX - on way to Louisville KY later today



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob & Carol Howald`"
wrote:
>
> What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93 wanderlodge
ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful bider on e-bay
my son and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up the coach.
Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we would arrive,
I gave them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check
for the remaining amount.
> When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we were
met by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready to
go. We went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the
doors etc open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned
on. Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered
with red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It
had been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all,
dings painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission
around rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the
cargo doors would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third
one was missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn
completely out of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in
the generator fan area to patch or ? something on the floor under the drivers
seat. Upon further examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint
markings on the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots
of white rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine
compartment was a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with dirt and
rust.
> Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to be
ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the
water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet
bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the
safe that would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running
down the isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed
in GREAT amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him
to turn off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is
flooded by now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc
and start mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every
crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After
the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look
around we found the broken pipe's under the bed (bacteria filter completely
cracked in half) pipes under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and
leaking. That's on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water
could get to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the
right side.
> Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized???I don't
know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems. He says
he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had bought
it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach and
that it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had to be
touched up)
> To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take it.
He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would release me
from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give me money for
my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on e-bay.
> My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois ,
thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were
leaving her in SC.
> Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach,
I've owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird had
problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for the
next year or years.
> This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing
put back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
> Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the mean
time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and 10-13
mpg (anyone want to trade), ha
> Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be shared
with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator needed
water and the generator smoked.......
>
> Regards to the group..Bob..
>

[Ernie Ekberg]

WOW, What a nightmare, Bob. This is the new meaning to the term fixer-upper. Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/erni...gandrepair --- On Sat, 4/25/09, Bob & Carol Howald` wrote: From: Bob & Carol Howald` Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 1993 wanderlodge bought on e-bay for $51,300----LEFT IT IN SOUTH CAROLINA ! To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 9:33 AM What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93 wanderlodge ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful bider on e-bay my son and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up the coach. Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we would arrive, I gave them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check for the remaining amount. When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we were met by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready to go. We went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the doors etc open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned on. Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered with red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It had been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all, dings painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission around rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the cargo doors would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third one was missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn completely out of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in the generator fan area to patch or ? something on the floor under the drivers seat. Upon further examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint markings on the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots of white rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine compartment was a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with dirt and rust. Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to be ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the safe that would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running down the isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed in GREAT amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him to turn off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is flooded by now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc and start mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look around we found the broken pipe's under the bed (bacteria filter completely cracked in half) pipes under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and leaking. That's on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water could get to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the right side. Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized?? ?I don't know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems. He says he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had bought it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach and that it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had to be touched up) To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take it. He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would release me from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give me money for my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on e-bay. My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois , thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were leaving her in SC. Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach, I've owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird had problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for the next year or years. This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing put back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the mean time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and 10-13 mpg (anyone want to trade), ha Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be shared with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator needed water and the generator smoked...... . Regards to the group..Bob..

[jburgessx2]

That is quite the story and very unfortunate. I've had very good luck with Ebay
(knock on wood) and it's bad when people try to take advantage of others. I'm
sure they were well aware of most of the problems (maybe not the water - surely
they wouldn't have flooded the coach again in front of you if they knew). I'm
sure they knew of the paint problems, doors, cabinets, etc.

I bought my coach from just looking at the pictures on the internet.
Fortunately, the PO (he originally wanted a bank transfer before I arrived)
allowed me to bring a cashiers check and gave me the opportunity to check it out
prior to me buying. I knew the coach needed a few repairs and I fully accepted
it. And, I've discovered a few other problems and I'm sure the PO didn't even
know about them (tie rods, leaking wheel seal on tag). But, I got a good price
and have freely paid for the fixes.

I'm sure you will find the coach you want for the price you want. It seems
there are plenty available right now and the prices continue to drop. It surely
is a good time to buy.

Jerry
85 PT40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Ernie Ekberg wrote:
>
> WOW, What a nightmare, Bob. This is the new meaning to the term fixer-upper.
>
>
> Ernie Ekberg
> 83PT40
> Wanderlodge
> Weatherford, Tx
> http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/erni...gandrepair
>
> --- On Sat, 4/25/09, Bob & Carol Howald` wrote:
>
> From: Bob & Carol Howald`
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 1993 wanderlodge bought on e-bay for
$51,300----LEFT IT IN SOUTH CAROLINA !
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 9:33 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93 wanderlodge ended
up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful bider on e-bay my son
and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up the coach. Karolina
Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we would arrive, I gave
them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check for the
remaining amount.
> When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we were met by
Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready to go. We
went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the doors etc
open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned on.
Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered with
red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It had
been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all, dings
painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission around
rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the cargo doors
would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third one was
missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn completely out
of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in the generator
fan area to patch or ?
> something on the floor under the drivers seat. Upon further examination of
the paint we discovered that half the paint markings on the side were vinyl
decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots of white rust. The engine
compartment door would not latch. The engine compartment was a mess with lots of
lose insulation hanging along with dirt and rust.
> Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to be ok,
some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the water
system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet bowl. Bob
said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the safe that
would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running down the
isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed in GREAT
amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him to turn
off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is flooded by
now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc and start
mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every crack in
the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After the water
stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look around we
found the broken pipe's
> under the bed (bacteria filter completely cracked in half) pipes under the
sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and leaking. That's on the left side,
because of the leaks on that side no water could get to the stool, washer,
vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the right side.
> Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized?? ?I don't know
who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems. He says he
did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had bought it
as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach and that
it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had to be
touched up)
> To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take it. He
disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would release me
from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give me money for
my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on e-bay.
> My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois , thinking
about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were leaving
her in SC.
> Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach, I've owned
4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird had problem's
that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for the next year or
years.
> This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing put back
together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
> Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the mean time I
still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and 10-13 mpg
(anyone want to trade), ha
> Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be shared with the
group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator needed water and
the generator smoked...... .
>
> Regards to the group..Bob..
>

[timvasqz]

Did you sell them the good feed back on ebay?
Greg of Tim&Greg
94ptca

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob & Carol Howald`"
wrote:
>
> What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93 wanderlodge
ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful bider on e-bay
my son and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up the coach.
Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we would arrive,
I gave them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check
for the remaining amount.
> When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we were
met by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready to
go. We went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the
doors etc open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned
on. Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered
with red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It
had been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all,
dings painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission
around rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the
cargo doors would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third
one was missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn
completely out of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in
the generator fan area to patch or ? something on the floor under the drivers
seat. Upon further examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint
markings on the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots
of white rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine
compartment was a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with dirt and
rust.
> Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to be
ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the
water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet
bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the
safe that would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running
down the isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed
in GREAT amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him
to turn off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is
flooded by now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc
and start mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every
crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After
the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look
around we found the broken pipe's under the bed (bacteria filter completely
cracked in half) pipes under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and
leaking. That's on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water
could get to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the
right side.
> Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized???I don't
know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems. He says
he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had bought
it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach and
that it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had to be
touched up)
> To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take it.
He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would release me
from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give me money for
my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on e-bay.
> My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois ,
thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were
leaving her in SC.
> Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach,
I've owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird had
problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for the
next year or years.
> This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing
put back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
> Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the mean
time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and 10-13
mpg (anyone want to trade), ha
> Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be shared
with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator needed
water and the generator smoked.......
>
> Regards to the group..Bob..
>

[Jon]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "jburgessx2"
wrote:
>
> That is quite the story and very unfortunate. I've had very good luck
with Ebay (knock on wood) and it's bad when people try to take advantage
of others. I'm sure they were well aware of most of the problems (maybe
not the water - surely they wouldn't have flooded the coach again in
front of you if they knew). I'm sure they knew of the paint problems,
doors, cabinets, etc.
>
> I bought my coach from just looking at the pictures on the internet.
Fortunately, the PO (he originally wanted a bank transfer before I
arrived) allowed me to bring a cashiers check and gave me the
opportunity to check it out prior to me buying. I knew the coach needed
a few repairs and I fully accepted it. And, I've discovered a few other
problems and I'm sure the PO didn't even know about them (tie rods,
leaking wheel seal on tag). But, I got a good price and have freely paid
for the fixes.
>
> I'm sure you will find the coach you want for the price you want. It
seems there are plenty available right now and the prices continue to
drop. It surely is a good time to buy.
>
> Jerry
> 85 PT40





Boy what a nightmare! That coach looked so nice on E-Bay and the
interior looked so new! But I do think if I was going to invest 50,000
dollars in anything I sure would check it out first. I think your
almost oft better by buying from a private person as then you can get a
feel of how he or she has kept up there equipment. My Wanderlodge I
bought oft of the Vintage Bird site and one of the main reasons I bought
it was that I saw that the guy who owned it before has a garage as neat
as a pin and really like keeping up his equipment. Some of the people
think nothing of buying a rig and then spending thousand of dollars
after that fact but in reality you should be able to buy something today
that has been well kept up and not haft to go broke just trying to get
the rig ready for the road. So anyway I hope Bob has better luck next
time and if possible buy a rig owned by someone on this site that has
really loved his old coach. Jon
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Ernie Ekberg ernietex@ wrote:
> >
> > WOW, What a nightmare, Bob. This is the new meaning to the term
fixer-upper.
> >
> >
> > Ernie Ekberg
> > 83PT40
> > Wanderlodge
> > Weatherford, Tx
> > http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/erni...gandrepair
> >
> > --- On Sat, 4/25/09, Bob & Carol Howald` rhowald@ wrote:
> >
> > From: Bob & Carol Howald` rhowald@
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 1993 wanderlodge bought on e-bay for
$51,300----LEFT IT IN SOUTH CAROLINA !
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 9:33 AM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93
wanderlodge ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the
successful bider on e-bay my son and I left early Tuesday to go to
Piedmont SC to pick up the coach. Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire
them the full amount before we would arrive, I gave them a $500,00
deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check for the
remaining amount.
> > When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we
were met by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in
and ready to go. We went out behind the building and there was the 93
plugged in all the doors etc open plus air conditions, radios, light,
televisions etc all turned on. Immediately we could see that the coach
did not look very clean, covered with red mud and dirt. that part was ok
so we started looking beyond this, It had been repainted and who ever
painted it did not prep the surface at all, dings painted over instead
for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission around rivets fiberglass
cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the cargo doors would not
close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third one was
missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn
completely out of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was
used in the generator fan area to patch or ?
> > something on the floor under the drivers seat. Upon further
examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint markings on
the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots of
white rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine
compartment was a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with
dirt and rust.
> > Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared
to be ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask
about the water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or
in the toliet bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we
were looking at the safe that would not open although we had the key's
we saw water start running down the isle. Water was running from under
the cabinets and from under the bed in GREAT amounts. I thought he had
turned the city water on and called for him to turn off the hose, but it
was the coach water pumps running. The coach is flooded by now with
water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc and start
mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every
crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side.
After the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside
and look around we found the broken pipe's
> > under the bed (bacteria filter completely cracked in half) pipes
under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and leaking. That's
on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water could get
to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the
right side.
> > Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized?? ?I
don't know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big
problems. He says he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay
ad. and that I had bought it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to
think I would take that coach and that it was totally mis-represented on
ebay ( pictures of the exterior had to be touched up)
> > To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take
it. He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They
would release me from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00
deposit plus give me money for my expenses. All they asked in return was
a positive feed back on e-bay.
> > My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois ,
thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad
we were leaving her in SC.
> > Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach,
I've owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this
bird had problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to
work on for the next year or years.
> > This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing
put back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
> > Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the mean
time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and
10-13 mpg (anyone want to trade), ha
> > Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be shared
with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator
needed water and the generator smoked...... .
> >
> > Regards to the group..Bob..
> >
>

[timvasqz]

I have good luck on ebay (except for my first ebay purchase where I lost a
$7,000.00 deposit to start shipping) I sell very little mostly buy things. I
never again send a deposit of more than $100. as that is all I am willing to
walk away from. Even if the seller wants more, you can usually let them know
you are sending only $100 and get an agreement. let them know that you view
the $100 as an option contract (like buying a house). If they get concerned or
pissed, you can tell them to look at your ebay rating and if they tell you
"that means nothing" then you have a clue that they negotiate good review with
deposit refunds. If they demand more, I kind-of think they are trying to get an
unfair advantage on a product that is not the OFFER your bid ACCEPTED.

To have a better idea of the person on the other side of the phone and other
side of the deal ;when they call you, ask for a cell number to call them back,
then google the number. (I hired a guy to build a database program for my diesel
smog company who's google review showed he was up on criminal charges in SC. I
asked him about it before I set up the contract. I didnt want an explanation
just wanted to give him a chance to run. when he fessed up, escrow was easy
payment option to sell and I never had to give him the polite benefit of doubt
in out dealings)

Pictures of Wanderlodges usually look better than what they look in person!!!!
they do, dont ask my why, I guess we just want the deal to be too good to be
true?????



Greg of Tim&Greg
94ptca

[sfedeli3]

Hi Bob,

The same dealer now has a '94 wanderlodge listed on ebay. VIN is
1BBCNBK87RF056305. Is that the same bird that you looked at?

Shane Fedeli
85PT40
Hershey, PA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob & Carol Howald`"
wrote:
>
> What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93 wanderlodge
ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful bider on e-bay
my son and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up the coach.
Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we would arrive,
I gave them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check
for the remaining amount.
> When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we were
met by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready to
go. We went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the
doors etc open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned
on. Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered
with red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It
had been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all,
dings painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission
around rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the
cargo doors would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third
one was missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn
completely out of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in
the generator fan area to patch or ? something on the floor under the drivers
seat. Upon further examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint
markings on the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots
of white rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine
compartment was a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with dirt and
rust.
> Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to be
ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the
water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet
bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the
safe that would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running
down the isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed
in GREAT amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him
to turn off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is
flooded by now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc
and start mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every
crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After
the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look
around we found the broken pipe's under the bed (bacteria filter completely
cracked in half) pipes under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and
leaking. That's on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water
could get to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the
right side.
> Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized???I don't
know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems. He says
he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had bought
it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach and
that it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had to be
touched up)
> To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take it.
He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would release me
from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give me money for
my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on e-bay.
> My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois ,
thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were
leaving her in SC.
> Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach,
I've owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird had
problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for the
next year or years.
> This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing
put back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
> Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the mean
time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and 10-13
mpg (anyone want to trade), ha
> Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be shared
with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator needed
water and the generator smoked.......
>
> Regards to the group..Bob..
>

[Bob & Carol Howald`]

---
Shane, No, I was involved with the 93 they have. I noticed last night that on
the 94 they have on e-bay with a buy it now price of $83,060 they also have it
on trader-on-line price at $69,000 I don't know what that's all about. The 93
that I refused in now on trader-on-line priced at $59,000......Bob birdless in
Illinois...



In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "sfedeli3" <sfedeli3@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> The same dealer now has a '94 wanderlodge listed on ebay. VIN is
1BBCNBK87RF056305. Is that the same bird that you looked at?
>
> Shane Fedeli
> 85PT40
> Hershey, PA
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob & Carol Howald`"
wrote:
> >
> > What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93 wanderlodge
ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful bider on e-bay
my son and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up the coach.
Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we would arrive,
I gave them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a cashier check
for the remaining amount.
> > When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we were
met by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready to
go. We went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the
doors etc open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned
on. Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered
with red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It
had been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all,
dings painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission
around rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the
cargo doors would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third
one was missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn
completely out of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in
the generator fan area to patch or ? something on the floor under the drivers
seat. Upon further examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint
markings on the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots
of white rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine
compartment was a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with dirt and
rust.
> > Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to
be ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the
water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet
bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the
safe that would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running
down the isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed
in GREAT amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him
to turn off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is
flooded by now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc
and start mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every
crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After
the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look
around we found the broken pipe's under the bed (bacteria filter completely
cracked in half) pipes under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and
leaking. That's on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water
could get to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the
right side.
> > Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized???I
don't know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems.
He says he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had
bought it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach
and that it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had
to be touched up)
> > To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take
it. He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would
release me from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give
me money for my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on
e-bay.
> > My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois ,
thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were
leaving her in SC.
> > Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the coach,
I've owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird had
problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for the
next year or years.
> > This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the plumbing
put back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
> > Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the
mean time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and
10-13 mpg (anyone want to trade), ha
> > Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be
shared with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator
needed water and the generator smoked.......
> >
> > Regards to the group..Bob..
> >
>

[mbulriss]

Even more interesting pricing on the 94. On the Karolina Koach site, that 94
shows at $97,570. Lots of pics there. Looks good at 50 feet. Close up shots
show lots of paint problems and the tires might even be safe enough to get off
the lot and to the nearest tire shop! That's the problem you have to be willing
to face up to with repos - if the prior "renters" (not "owners" for sure)
couldn't afford the payments, they couldn't afford the maintenance - or had no
interest in doing it. Tires, paint, so what, easy fixes - but the drive train
problems generated from lack of maintenance could be a killer. But if the price
is low enough......

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX - woke up in Louisville, KY today


-- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob & Carol Howald`"
wrote:
>
> ---
> Shane, No, I was involved with the 93 they have. I noticed last night that
on the 94 they have on e-bay with a buy it now price of $83,060 they also have
it on trader-on-line price at $69,000 I don't know what that's all about. The
93 that I refused in now on trader-on-line priced at $59,000......Bob birdless
in Illinois...
>
>
>
> In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "sfedeli3" <sfedeli3@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Bob,
> >
> > The same dealer now has a '94 wanderlodge listed on ebay. VIN is
1BBCNBK87RF056305. Is that the same bird that you looked at?
> >
> > Shane Fedeli
> > 85PT40
> > Hershey, PA
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob & Carol Howald`"
wrote:
> > >
> > > What I thought could end up being a really good deal on a 93
wanderlodge ended up being a waste of time and money. Being the successful
bider on e-bay my son and I left early Tuesday to go to Piedmont SC to pick up
the coach. Karolina Koaches wanted me to wire them the full amount before we
would arrive, I gave them a $500,00 deposit and told them I would hand carry a
cashier check for the remaining amount.
> > > When we arrived at their place in Piedmont on Wednesday morning we
were met by Bob the sales manager who told us the coach was plugged in and ready
to go. We went out behind the building and there was the 93 plugged in all the
doors etc open plus air conditions, radios, light, televisions etc all turned
on. Immediately we could see that the coach did not look very clean, covered
with red mud and dirt. that part was ok so we started looking beyond this, It
had been repainted and who ever painted it did not prep the surface at all,
dings painted over instead for being sanded out etc. Lots of paint mission
around rivets fiberglass cracked bumpers out of alignment etc. Three of the
cargo doors would not close as the hinges were broken on two of them and a third
one was missing completely. The generator auto-start control box was torn
completely out of the bay wall and lots and lots of great stuff foam was used in
the generator fan area to patch or ? something on the floor under the drivers
seat. Upon further examination of the paint we discovered that half the paint
markings on the side were vinyl decals which were cracking and pealing off. Lots
of white rust. The engine compartment door would not latch. The engine
compartment was a mess with lots of lose insulation hanging along with dirt and
rust.
> > > Now we decide to check out the inside, upon first look it appeared to
be ok, some lights out and some drawers with broken hardware. I ask about the
water system as there was no water coming from the faucets or in the toliet
bowl. Bob said he would turn on the water pump, While we were looking at the
safe that would not open although we had the key's we saw water start running
down the isle. Water was running from under the cabinets and from under the bed
in GREAT amounts. I thought he had turned the city water on and called for him
to turn off the hose, but it was the coach water pumps running. The coach is
flooded by now with water every where. Several cleaners come in with towels etc
and start mopping up the mess. When we go outside water is running out of every
crack in the coach and running into all the bay area's on the left side. After
the water stopped and the mess cleaned up enough to go back inside and look
around we found the broken pipe's under the bed (bacteria filter completely
cracked in half) pipes under the sink dripping and the instant hot cracked and
leaking. That's on the left side, because of the leaks on that side no water
could get to the stool, washer, vanity etc so who knows how many breaks on the
right side.
> > > Ok, so now he says I guess the bank diden't get it winterized???I
don't know who or what ever but I do know that the plumbing has big problems.
He says he did not put that the plumbing was ok in the e-bay ad. and that I had
bought it as is. and I replied that he was nuts to think I would take that coach
and that it was totally mis-represented on ebay ( pictures of the exterior had
to be touched up)
> > > To shorten this story, I told him I would give him $47,000 and take
it. He disappeared for a few minutes then came back and said " They would
release me from the deal and write me a check for my $500,00 deposit plus give
me money for my expenses. All they asked in return was a positive feed back on
e-bay.
> > > My son and I got back in the car and started home for Illinois ,
thinking about what a Junker the once lovely 93 bird had become and glad we were
leaving her in SC.
> > > Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be problem's with the
coach, I've owned 4 bluebirds and feel that I know the birds well, and this bird
had problem's that I could not over look or that I was willing to work on for
the next year or years.
> > > This coach will probably be back on e-bay when they get the
plumbing put back together. What kind of job or repairs they'll do???? who knows
> > > Iam still looking for a bird and hopefully a bargin but, in the
mean time I still have my 06 PonyExpress Super C with the Duramax diesel and
10-13 mpg (anyone want to trade), ha
> > > Hope I diden't bore anyone but felt that this story should be
shared with the group. O' both primus boilers were bone dry and the radiator
needed water and the generator smoked.......
> > >
> > > Regards to the group..Bob..
> > >
> >
>