Forum Discussion

bob8687's avatar
bob8687
Explorer
Sep 03, 2013

How low can you go?

We're about a couple weeks away from buying a new fiver--looking at either the Keystone Mountaineer 290RL or the Grand Design Reflection 303 (REALLY like this one!). Both come in right at $48K MSRP.

Couple of buying questions:

Is there a great deal of difference in "haggle room" between an "on the lot" unit or ordering a new one from the factory via the same dealer? (neither has the second A/C and that is a must, we are in the Tucson area and will be traveling summers in the southwest)

Realistically, how much of a reduction from MSRP can one expect without going through six months of back and forth? I HATE THAT GAME! I've read somewhere that profit margins run about 35% and to expect about 20% from MSRP as a point to shoot for-- everybody wins. Is that at all realistic?

If you would weigh in on this question very honestly I'd really appreciate it--and that said, I know some will have gotten screaming deals on a year old unit that had sat on a lot for 15 months, or because they 'know someone', or....well I think you know what I mean. I'm looking for some reference point from where I sit--never bought one before, don't have any contacts in the business, etc. and don't want to drive away with my new fiver only to find out that I should have gotten it for several thousands more off; nor do I want to get into a stalemate with the dealer over a figure that is unrealistic.

Give me your best folks.......we are so jazzed about joining the "on the road" community!!!!!!
Bob
  • All,
    Thanks much for all the insight and advice. I get it about the game they play with the MSRP--all over the map if you look nationally at identical units in various locations, and the disparity can't be just transport costs. And I most certainly get it concerning a need for the dealer to be profitable on a sale--can't stay in business long if you are constantly selling short.

    Great advise about accessories being a bargaining tool during negotiations. Gotta have the second A/C and want a hard-mounted Surge Protection, along with some other seemingly insignificant items like vent covers, storage cover, etc.

    The truck is being built as I type, with a delivery date around the end of this month; then a hitch, then serious negotiations on a trailer at various dealerships that handle the rig we want (REALLY looking hard at that Grand Design Reflection 303).

    I'll pop in with updates and complete my signature line when both are MINE.......MINE!!!! ALLLLLL MINE!!!!! ;)

    I don't want to get sappy, but......Again.....thanks....I cannot tell you how valuable and educational this forum has been for me over the past year. Each of you who waded into the various discussions with realistic comments and suggestions need to know you are deeply appreciated. Spending this kind of $$$$$ isn't easy for me and you have made the decision processes much more comfortable.
    Bob
  • CYNCWBY wrote:
    We just bought a new ('13) Montana Mountaineer 295RKD from Pete's RV in Indiana. The list price was about $54K with all the packages you can get, we paid $32,990 + $99 doc fee, and $60 to fill the LP tanks. It will cost about $1800 to have it towed to Grand Junction, Co. where we will pick it up next Monday and bring it home to So. Utah. Fortunately we were able to use a portion of our home equity to purchase it.

    There was no haggling.....that was the website price, get a hold of Scott O, he's very easy to work with. The only drawback is no PDI but I've heard good things about Pete's and Scott assured me that they will check all of the systems.........We'll see:@. If something is amiss then I'm pretty handy, the local Camping World couldn't even come close to that......their best was $39,900.

    Unfortunately the rig has GY Marathons made in China so I'm purchasing 4 Sailun 637's for it and maybe new wheels, just have to wait and see if the stock wheels are 110 psi.


    I will second that with Pete's RV and Scott O. We got our Cougar 40% of MSRP as did my dad when he bought his '13 Montana. Scott is your man and Pete's RV is the place!
  • since evidently retailers can pretty much put a MSRP of their choice on any unit, one might give you 40% off which might be worse than another dealer giving you 30% off. the bottom line is the important figure.
    bumpy
  • The wife and I just completed a deal on a new Montana 3750FL. The MSRP on the unit was 97k. We negotiated with the dealer and he came down to 57k. The trade in allowance for our Blue Ridge was more that acceptable. It is hard to pass up a deal like that. We take delivery on the 11th.
  • Remember that the "market" is where a willing buyer and a willing seller meet.

    Determine the price you want to pay, and of course it may vary with thrown in extras, but if you can't get that price, walk away since you're not in the market at a higher price.

    If you are happy with YOUR unit and you were willing to pay the price, it doesn't matter whether you got X% off the MSRP or not...you made the deal you're happy with.

    How much you enjoy the RV and the times in it isn't (or at least shouldn't be) affected by whether you can brag on an internet forum about how much you got off of MSRP.