I've read and re-read JohnnyT's First Time Buyer thread. We are looking at used Class A's, both diesel and gas. I haven't made an offer on a vehicle yet. In our current economy, I am wondering if 5 to 10 percent less than NADA would be an appropriate offer on a vehicle in a dealership.
Now is probably a good time to purchase a vehicle due to the economy and fuel prices. We've been planning on semi-full time RVing for years, and the time has almost arrived. We aren't going to let the cost of fuel deter us.
You don't have to be fair. Its your money we're talking about here. Offer less than you think they will take and negotiate from there. What do you have to lose?
hershey - albuquerque, nm Someday Finally Got Here
My wife does all the driving - I just get to hold the steering wheel.
Superman was an illegal alien.
Expedition - Suzuki Grand Viagra
Like hershey said, its your money. We found our perfect class A, DW & I played "good cop-bad cop" she like it, I didn't. I actually walked out on the sales person twice. I offered 50% of asking price & we agreed at 40% off asking price which was 35% below NADA list. Remember, you are in control.
2004 Newmar Dutchstar 4009, Cummins ISL375
2005 Jeep Liberty Toad
Traveling Man
A good rule of thumb on a used unit is 10% below NADA low for a perfect, well maintained and close to new unit. I suggest looking at private party used coaches, as they may offer the best deals. Subscribe to oodle.com and have new ads for the year and models you're interested in e-mailed to you the moment they come out.
Do your research, test drive a bunch and buy your last coach first.
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
hershey wrote: You don't have to be fair. Its your money we're talking about here. Offer less than you think they will take and negotiate from there. What do you have to lose?
Perhaps I should have said "What's a reasonable starting point for negotiating?"
hershey wrote: ... Offer less than you think they will take and negotiate from there. What do you have to lose?
I would not recommend doing this. Salesmen are very good at negotiating and it is exactly at that point that they do their stuff. They are professionals at jacking that price right back up to where they want it. What you want to do is to anticipate what they will sell it for and offer something just slightly less, but something they will still probably take. Then you stick to your guns. As soon as the negotiation offers go back and forth, you've lost the battle. They way to get a good deal is to keep it short and simple.
Dave
The Flying Fortress
FMCA F298817
'83 Revcon Prince 31' FWD
502 w/Howell/GM 16197427 ECM/Edelbrock MPFI,Thorley's & Magnaflows,
4L85E 4 speed, KoniFSD,
6% grade = wanna drag? MISC photos Revconeers Forum
I think you will find the best buys from a dealer, most private sellers owe more than it is worth an can not pay off the difference. The ones that are not financed think it is worth a lot more than it is. The dealer more than likely took his in on trade and has a lot less in it than it is worth. Do ypur homework before making an offer, if he takes your first offer it was too high. Most dealers will fill it with fuel and propane, private sellers will not. Check tires and batteries and if they need replacing take that amount off the offer.
As far as I know no one has been shot yet for offering too low a price. You can always go up but once you have agreed on a price you can't get them to go lower. When I bought my Mountain Aire I gave a low price that I knew they would refuse. I was real surpised when the salesman came back and said yes. To this day I wonder if I should have offered a lower price.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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