We have recently decided to take the plunge and purchase a new RV. Our kids are growing up way too fast, carpe diem, and many other reasons that can basically be summarized as "we want to roam the roads of America and have a blast". So we are kindly asking for your advice on how to navigate the RV sales game. Neither of our families have ever owned an RV and we are completely out of our element.
Why we are so confused
Our budget is around 57,000-60,000 max and we are looking at Class C coaches. Our confusion/concern is all based on new RV pricing. What we have found makes no sense whatsoever. We have gone to dealers that are selling a small RV for 25% more than a better equipped larger RV of the same year and vendor because it has "dealer incentive". We have also found dealers trying to sell us used RV's for the same price as identical 'new' RV's. (Note to sales people, we are not brain dead.) Next it seems that the "Factory Direct" dealers offer very similar products for the same price as RVs sold at dealer lots. I thought the "factory direct" idea was to pass savings on to the customer? I know RVs are a business and people need to make money, but it feels like a 'game' of trying to dupe buyers and is a huge turn-off. If we had lots of money we might not care, but the nonsense is scaring us away from the whole process. We met a guy at an RV show who said he has bought multiple RVs and we should always offer at least 30% below MSRP on new RVs. Say what?? Why not just offer the RVs for a reasonable markup? My hope is to clear up our confusion so that we can have an honest and civil negotiation with an RV vendor/manufacturer/dealer.
Our question for you fine folk
Any expert advice on how to negotiate? We are in no hurry, is there a best time of year to buy new? What is a realistic offer below MSRP? Are the manufacturer/dealer incentives touted by sales people real or a shell game? Do Factory Direct dealers also negotiate? Has anyone been allowed to negotiate with the mysterious 'manager' in the back office who approve a sales price?
Thanks in advance for reading this.
Happy trails,
The Andersons
The Bear II said
01:33 PM May 5, 2014
Welcome to the world of wheeling and dealing.... Car dealers have become a lot less aggressive than they used to be. Unfortunately RV dealers haven't learned the lesson. The best technique is to do a lot of research.
The best place to shop for an RV is at a large multi-dealer, multi-manufacturer RV Show. This gives you the opportunity to find the type and model of RV you would like. I would choose at least two to three as the one you want... First, second and third choice.
Use the internet to research your choices. Advertised costs, testimonials, reviews, new vs. used prices, prices around the country also pay attention to after purchase comments...lots of problems, good customer service, recurring problems...etc.
Once you have exhausted the available information on the internet you should have an idea of what would be a great price to pay and what is the price you are willing to go up to to get the RV. If you can have the cash or pre approved financing.
In your internet research keep track of the good dealers that people write about. Choose a dealer that has the model(s) you want. Start off with a very low offer then let them counter it usually takes 3 - 5 counter offers before you reach an agreeable price or the dealer walks you off of the lot. Don't come up much on each of your counter offers. Leave the dealer before you reach that great price. They will call you with counter offers...it's a game. Have fun with it.
Consider buying a Class A used. The Class A's are built using commercial truck components designed to give fleets many miles of trouble free service. Class C's are vans built out to the maximum capacity using light truck components. You take a big hit in value as soon as you buy a new RV.
And finally, you can hire a buyer to do the negotiating for you.
MarkS said
03:13 PM May 5, 2014
At a show, or dealer, or on the internet, find a few you like and write down the model numbers. Get the msrp. Using RVT or RV Trader, search the internet for the best price. The final step is to take your wife with you and she will pick something out you hadn't considered and you will spend a hell of a lot more than you expected but, you'll still be married.
I negotiated my fifth wheel down to 85% of msrp with a local dealer. Then I bought it off the internet from across the country for 70% of msrp. Same coach, same color, same options.
Mike Anderson said
08:38 PM May 5, 2014
Thanks very much all. Greatly appreciate it. Especially the advice for patience. The wife already vetoed mudflap girl as a prenuptial. She is actually good with whatever as long as it has an awesome kitchen (her words).
So it sounds like 30% off MSRP is legit. That is crazy. I suppose I can do the wheely dealy shenanigans as long as I know whats up. Once again, patience and trying to make it fun is certainly more appealing than my initial frustration.
I am off to further research, and now considering a Class A. Had not even thought of that. If anyone knows of good dealers in Southern California please let us know.
Again, thank you very much. Look forward to joining you on the road.
The Bear II said
08:21 AM May 6, 2014
I've only dealt with Barber RV in Ventura and was satisfied.
Altmans
Giant RV
And La Mesa RV
Have all been in Southern California for a long time. I know of two couples that bought from La Mesa and were happy.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Tuesday 6th of May 2014 08:21:56 AM
jengle said
09:19 PM May 14, 2014
The RV buyer's Survival Guide is a good place to start. You can read a review at http://rvbuiltfortwo.com/rv-book-reviews/ along with a few other books we have found useful doing our research.
Hello Everyone,
Why we are posting here
We have recently decided to take the plunge and purchase a new RV. Our kids are growing up way too fast, carpe diem, and many other reasons that can basically be summarized as "we want to roam the roads of America and have a blast". So we are kindly asking for your advice on how to navigate the RV sales game. Neither of our families have ever owned an RV and we are completely out of our element.
Why we are so confused
Our budget is around 57,000-60,000 max and we are looking at Class C coaches. Our confusion/concern is all based on new RV pricing. What we have found makes no sense whatsoever. We have gone to dealers that are selling a small RV for 25% more than a better equipped larger RV of the same year and vendor because it has "dealer incentive". We have also found dealers trying to sell us used RV's for the same price as identical 'new' RV's. (Note to sales people, we are not brain dead.) Next it seems that the "Factory Direct" dealers offer very similar products for the same price as RVs sold at dealer lots. I thought the "factory direct" idea was to pass savings on to the customer? I know RVs are a business and people need to make money, but it feels like a 'game' of trying to dupe buyers and is a huge turn-off. If we had lots of money we might not care, but the nonsense is scaring us away from the whole process. We met a guy at an RV show who said he has bought multiple RVs and we should always offer at least 30% below MSRP on new RVs. Say what?? Why not just offer the RVs for a reasonable markup? My hope is to clear up our confusion so that we can have an honest and civil negotiation with an RV vendor/manufacturer/dealer.
Our question for you fine folk
Any expert advice on how to negotiate? We are in no hurry, is there a best time of year to buy new? What is a realistic offer below MSRP? Are the manufacturer/dealer incentives touted by sales people real or a shell game? Do Factory Direct dealers also negotiate? Has anyone been allowed to negotiate with the mysterious 'manager' in the back office who approve a sales price?
Thanks in advance for reading this.
Happy trails,
The Andersons
The best place to shop for an RV is at a large multi-dealer, multi-manufacturer RV Show. This gives you the opportunity to find the type and model of RV you would like. I would choose at least two to three as the one you want... First, second and third choice.
Use the internet to research your choices. Advertised costs, testimonials, reviews, new vs. used prices, prices around the country also pay attention to after purchase comments...lots of problems, good customer service, recurring problems...etc.
Once you have exhausted the available information on the internet you should have an idea of what would be a great price to pay and what is the price you are willing to go up to to get the RV. If you can have the cash or pre approved financing.
In your internet research keep track of the good dealers that people write about. Choose a dealer that has the model(s) you want. Start off with a very low offer then let them counter it usually takes 3 - 5 counter offers before you reach an agreeable price or the dealer walks you off of the lot. Don't come up much on each of your counter offers. Leave the dealer before you reach that great price. They will call you with counter offers...it's a game. Have fun with it.
Consider buying a Class A used. The Class A's are built using commercial truck components designed to give fleets many miles of trouble free service. Class C's are vans built out to the maximum capacity using light truck components. You take a big hit in value as soon as you buy a new RV.
And finally, you can hire a buyer to do the negotiating for you.
I negotiated my fifth wheel down to 85% of msrp with a local dealer. Then I bought it off the internet from across the country for 70% of msrp. Same coach, same color, same options.
Thanks very much all. Greatly appreciate it. Especially the advice for patience. The wife already vetoed mudflap girl as a prenuptial. She is actually good with whatever as long as it has an awesome kitchen (her words).
So it sounds like 30% off MSRP is legit. That is crazy. I suppose I can do the wheely dealy shenanigans as long as I know whats up. Once again, patience and trying to make it fun is certainly more appealing than my initial frustration.
I am off to further research, and now considering a Class A. Had not even thought of that. If anyone knows of good dealers in Southern California please let us know.
Again, thank you very much. Look forward to joining you on the road.
I've only dealt with Barber RV in Ventura and was satisfied.
Altmans
Giant RV
And La Mesa RV
Have all been in Southern California for a long time. I know of two couples that bought from La Mesa and were happy.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Tuesday 6th of May 2014 08:21:56 AM
The RV buyer's Survival Guide is a good place to start. You can read a review at http://rvbuiltfortwo.com/rv-book-reviews/ along with a few other books we have found useful doing our research.
Jengle