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Old 03-09-2018, 02:24 PM   #1
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Thor an La Mesa RV 2018 Thor Motor Coach ARIA 3901

My wife and I are thinking about buying our second motor home. We are trading in a 2001 Winnebago Adventurer 35U its been great but we can't fine a layout we like in the new Winnebago. We like the size and layout of 2018 Thor Motor Coach ARIA 3901. We are looking at one in Florida at La Mesa RV.

Anyone out there that can give us pros and cons on Thor or La Mesa RV would be great. We both are retire and looking for a long a happy road.

Thanks
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Old 03-09-2018, 02:30 PM   #2
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Since Thor is not a Forest River company and this forum focuses on Forest River units, you MAY not get usable information here.
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Old 03-09-2018, 07:47 PM   #3
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My bother in law bought a 2017 class C Thor .not happy at all
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Old 03-10-2018, 04:28 PM   #4
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We have a Thor Windsport 27K. Other tan being on the F53 chaise it is very good. Thor has been good to work with. When we had our FR, they took care of us too, fixing problems after the warrantee was up.

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Old 03-11-2018, 01:36 PM   #5
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I have heard very few "good" comments about La Mesa RV. Both is regards to sales and service. I would consider another dealer.
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Old 03-11-2018, 03:09 PM   #6
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I have heard very few "good" comments about La Mesa RV. Both is regards to sales and service. I would consider another dealer.


If that La Mesa is anything like the one in SoCal I would agree. We’ve never purchased from there because we never got that far due to them being very judgmental about what I could afford by my appearance and age I guess.

Little did they know I have 32 employees and could write a check for anything on their lot. Oh well, their loss.
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Old 03-11-2018, 03:46 PM   #7
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The biggest problem you will have is being happy with whatever you buy with regards to its comparison to the Winnie. Not a Winnebago owner but I have sold and serviced all types and you have to give Winnebago credit for the service they provide their dealers in the parts and service areas. Second to none.
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Old 03-11-2018, 04:19 PM   #8
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Chris, Ito have had that same flippant attitude at both Cramping World and LaMesa here in Mesa.
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Old 03-11-2018, 05:47 PM   #9
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Don't understand the concern for dealership attitude. We pick a unit and then buy it from whomever has the lowest out the door price. Never expect/want to see the dealer again. We use independents for warranty work. Much happier.
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Old 03-11-2018, 06:00 PM   #10
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Don't understand the concern for dealership attitude. We pick a unit and then buy it from whomever has the lowest out the door price. Never expect/want to see the dealer again. We use independents for warranty work. Much happier.


When a salesman at a dealership has a piss poor attitude in the way they treat me. I don’t care how much money I could save going through them I’ll take my money elsewhere even if I spend more for the same unit.

As far as service I agree with you. Much easier either fixing it yourself or using an independent person who will earn the money.
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Old 03-11-2018, 06:06 PM   #11
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When a salesman at a dealership has a piss poor attitude in the way they treat me. I don’t care how much money I could save going through them I’ll take my money elsewhere even if I spend more for the same unit.

As far as service I agree with you. Much easier either fixing it yourself or using an independent person who will earn the money.
That's why we do most of the deal online. Only show up to the dealer to do pdi and then sign papers. Easy peasy. Bought our last three rigs this way. Lots less frustrating. I abhor dealing with sales folks in person.
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Old 03-11-2018, 11:10 PM   #12
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X2 on la mesa rv. I havent heard anything good.
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Old 03-12-2018, 09:26 AM   #13
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X2 on la mesa rv. I havent heard anything good.
Does that mean you get all your info from forums?
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Old 03-12-2018, 09:49 AM   #14
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Don't understand the concern for dealership attitude. We pick a unit and then buy it from whomever has the lowest out the door price. Never expect/want to see the dealer again. We use independents for warranty work. Much happier.
Both Forest river factory's in Indiana and California have always required me to get my work done at a dealer that handles Forest river. How did you get the independents to do your warranty work and get reimbursed?

Jack
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Old 03-12-2018, 09:52 AM   #15
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Both Forest river factory's in Indiana and California have always required me to get my work done at a dealer that handles Forest river. How did you get the independents to do your warranty work and get reimbursed?

Jack
Never had a problem. Most Independents are certified to do warranty work. They call and get pre-authorization. We did have a few that required we pay up front and get reimbursed, but the majority did not.

Of course when you call FR they will always direct you to one of their dealers.
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Old 03-12-2018, 09:59 AM   #16
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Past experience with Thor products is very poor in regards to standing behind their product.
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Old 03-12-2018, 10:12 AM   #17
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La Mesa here in Tucson refuses to do any more warranty work for Forest River. They claim they have too hard of time getting paid. I never liked there sales people. Always reminded me of small low life used car salesmen. Never had any problems with service and warranty until they broke all ties with Forest River.

I now use Lazy Days here in Tucson. They have always treated me fairly.

Jack
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Old 03-12-2018, 10:54 AM   #18
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We have looked at the Thor and outwardly were impressed. We spoke with an elderly couple that owned a Thor Vegas and they were happy.

LaMesa in Fort Myers advertises some pretty low prices. I would say they are volume sales oriented.

I have dealt with a lot of sleazy sales people over the years as-well-as some really great people. All I want is the best deal, a contact with no mud, and the item.t I want. I have no intention of marrying the sales person or taking them along with me. At times, I will intentionally dress down.

My in-laws asked me to help them deal on a MH when they were not making progress with a less reputable dealer.
At one point, my MIL said she was embarrassed. I suggested to her that once they got the deal, they would never see them again. It took some time, but we got the deal and they never saw them again. My in-laws were happy and my victory was beating the dealer at his own game.

No matter whom you decide to deal with, make sure to hawk every figure in the contract. If it is an add-on, tell them that that is not the figure you agreed on. The negotiated price is the price plus applicable taxes.
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Old 03-12-2018, 11:28 AM   #19
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A good friend bought a Thor ACE motorhome last year and had it to the dealer 5 times for warranty work. Never had anything fixed correctly. He finally took it to the factory in Elkhart and they fixed everything on his list plus more they found. Had it all done in 3 days. He is very picky and felt they out did themselves in service provided. Very happy now.
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Old 03-12-2018, 11:37 AM   #20
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Quote:
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Both Forest river factory's in Indiana and California have always required me to get my work done at a dealer that handles Forest river. How did you get the independents to do your warranty work and get reimbursed?

Jack
It's pretty well known that most RV manufacturers will allow for warranty work that's done by mobile or independent RV shops.

You have to get pre-approval from the manufacturer and be willing to be reimbursed.
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