We've been RV shopping. We found several that we really like but got messed up price-wise by a totally different dealer.
We looked at trailers last week and asked the dealer for a quote and an estimated monthly payment. He said the trailer should cost X amount of dollars and here is the monthly payment. I asked if there would be any extra fees associated with it. I guess I could have used some more tact in how I asked the question because both dh and the dealer looked at me like I was accusing him of scamming us. "Of course not! I'm giving you the true figure."
Fast forward to today. Different dealer, different vehicle. As this guy is crunching the numbers, he's telling us... "X amount for the trailer; x amount for the tax (should have seen that one ourselves); x amount for the tow hitch and installation; x amount for registration, filing, doc fees etc." All these extra costs added approx. $3,000. to the cost of the vehicle.
"Aha! This is what I was talking about!" Yes I jumped out of my chair. While it was nice to be right, this is one instance where I'd rather have been wrong. The new dealer was happy to explain how HE doesn't play those kind of games with the numbers.
No, we still don't have a trailer because the number came in higher than we expected. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal but we just this week bought a truck in order to pull the trailer we were planning to buy. No, it's not the dealer's problem. But we need to see where we stand and if we want to change our expectations. Very frustrating.
Not sure what the issue is. Hitches, base plates, sway bars all cost $$$ and they are NOT included in the price. Generally speaking you can price shop them locally as 3k does sound high for that but the fact they are charging you for it isn't a big deal.
25% off MSRP
+tax
+extra
= Total cost
If they start combining stuff I'd think they are trying to screw you, I prefer to see everything out in front of me. You are going to pay sales tax, title fees and any extras no matter where you go. If they aren't charging you its because you paid too much for the trailer to begin with.
You end up paying one way or another might as well see exactly what it is.
When we bought ours I told the dealer that it would be an all cash deal (no financing); we would write him a check for the full amount agreed upon. You have no idea how much leverage this gives you.
I realize that not everybody is in the position we were. What you should do, is join a credit union (if you aren't already a member). You will get the best possible financing through a local credit union.
As a previous poster mentioned I would start the bargaining process at about 25% - 30% below MSRP. If you don't know the MSRP than start even lower than the advertised or sticker price. A reasonable profit for a car or RV dealer is about 5% over their cost (not MSRP, but dealer cost).
What you should do is this: tell the dealer that the agreed upon price must be a bottom line price. That means it includes everything! Not just the RV but any hitches, extras, tax, or other fees.
When I gave the dealer my final price he asked me why I thought I should get it for so little. I answered that it was all I intended to pay and that I was sure if he didn't take the deal I would find another dealer within 100 miles who would! He took the deal.
Remember, these people are on the ropes right now due to the economy and fuel prices. Many of the dealers around us including a huge chain dealership have folded. You are in the driver's seat when it comes to the purchase, use your leverage and you'll get a great deal.
* This post was
edited 07/21/08 07:40pm by firecapt1 *
Frank, Martha & Ryan
2007 Ford F-250 SD Crew Cab
2006 Cougar 289EFS
Actually I don't think the first dealer was wrong, unless you specifically asked for a drive away, out the door final price, which is not what you say in your post. "He said the trailer should cost X amount of dollars and here is the monthly payment." You then asked about "extra fees" He truthfully answered you, he wasn't adding any "extra fees"
Did you SPECIFICALLY ask if it included the tax (which is not an "extra fee") or the hitch and setup?
You asked for a price on a TT, he gave you the price of the TT. You need to know what you're asking for. Also, you would know if tax was due on the TT when you go to license it. Did the paperwork show the tax or the hitch and wiring? If not then you should have asked.
Sounds to me like you gave the full story to the second dealer but not the first one.
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor Life Member
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam, Newmar DP Owners Group
51st yr of RV'ing
firecapt1 wrote: When we bought ours I told the dealer that it would be an all cash deal (no financing); we would write him a check for the full amount agreed upon. You have no idea how much leverage this gives you.
Actually it's probably less as the dealer doesn't get his kickback that they usually get from doing the financing. That can amount to several thousand $ lost on the deal.
Aridon wrote: Not sure what the issue is. Hitches, base plates, sway bars all cost $$$ and they are NOT included in the price...
...If they start combining stuff I'd think they are trying to screw you, I prefer to see everything out in front of me. You are going to pay sales tax, title fees and any extras no matter where you go. If they aren't charging you its because you paid too much for the trailer to begin with.
You end up paying one way or another might as well see exactly what it is.
This is exactly my issue. It's not that I shouldn't have to pay for those things. It's that I specifically asked, up front, if this was all the cost and they said yes. It took a different dealership to spell out all the costs. They should be up front about the costs.
firecapt1 wrote: When we bought ours I told the dealer that it would be an all cash deal (no financing); we would write him a check for the full amount agreed upon. You have no idea how much leverage this gives you.
That is awesome. I'd love to be in a position to be able to do that.
For some reason dealers don't work deals with us very well. One guy gave us a price higher than the internet sale price. When I called him on it, he dropped down to the sale price mentioned online but no further.
I found a nearby dealer who has four '08 models in stock, of one of the trailers we liked. I'll call them tomorrow and see if they'd like to make a deal. Wish me luck.
If the dealer won't come down to your price, just walk away. Make sure he/she has your phone number. I have gone home, only to receive a call the next day saying that they had "re-run the numbers" and could now do the deal at the price you offered.
And just like jtbeck said good luck!
* This post was
edited 07/21/08 08:10pm by firecapt1 *
try 84rv in port jervis, not sure where you are in NJ but Ezra was honest and open about all the numbers. www.84rv.com
2008 Chevy 3500 cc DRW Duramax
2009 Cedar Creek Silverback, it's here and pretty neat, now where do I put all my stuff
2004 United Specialties Sold, bye baby I will miss you!!!
Offline
