How reliable are NADA figures?

2oldman wrote:
Have you even looked at this unit? Do first things first.

That is a moot point. I am trying to learn the art of RV negotiations and working with the NADA figures, so that I will be educated and prepared BEFORE we get there, in case we fall in love with one of the ones that we have found online and need to jump on it. I am strategizing beforehand.

It really is about supply and demand.

If you like the local unit and feel you can offer and secure the deal at 25% less then go ahead....but..be prepared to lose the one you like because you were greedy and someone has a better offer and swoops it out from under you as you try to renegotiate.

The NADA prices are not based on any actual market values. They appear to be based on a percentage progression that does not take into account model popularity or demand... In general the low retail versus Avg retail is roughly comparable to the difference between MSRP and street price. In my view I look at low retail as the starting point adjusted by condition, availability and demand.

JohnnyT

Have you even looked at this unit? Do first things first.

OK. A used 5'er is listed as $39,000 in our area, but the cheapest I found it for, is $29,000 in TX (WITH washer / dryer) and it said to call for best price, which indicates that I could possibly get it for less.

What is the story here? Would it be insulting to our local dealer if we offered below $29,000?

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Buying is all about negotiating..........and both parties feeling they got the best deal without feeling that the other party is being unreasonable.

Know what you are willing to spend then negotiate up to that price.

I've walked on many a car/truck/rv deal because we couldn't come to an acceptable price......no big deal. Lots of them out there for sale.

Differ slightly with OB......

Buying *USED* is all about *negotiations*
whether with a private party or a dealer.

*If* you have a trade-in, buying new or used - "negotiating" is ALL one-sided .....and it's not in your favor, LOL!

Purchasing a new or used unit on a dealer's lot is "competitive".
You are "competing" with other buyers - well before any negotiations.

World of difference between purchase of new RVs and autos/trucks.
For the latter you can come *very* close to knowing the dealer's COST.
Also, an almost endless supply of cars & trucks.
Not true for RVs.

If you are willing to order a new RV:
1. Know *exactly* what you want & with what options.
2. Line up your own financing if you need it.
3. Shop #1 around to get the best price you can find - local, statewide, out-of-state, "wholesalers", etc.
4. Shop the best deal around again to the local dealers.
Will they meet or beat it? - Come close?
5. Decide if you will travel for your purchase or buy closer to home.

Used -
IMO....stick with Private Party sellers, know what you are looking for "should" cost.
"NADA" in Spanish is "Nothing" - very appropriate - forget it.:W

~

MookieKat wrote:
Should we just make an offer about 40% below asking price ..?

Not if you want to be taken seriously.

Agree with Old-Biscuit. We walked on our trailer because they were asking $8000. A month later they called us and asked if we still wanted it for $6000 :)

Being newbies, we really do not know what is a reasonable price or offer.

Buying is all about negotiating..........and both parties feeling they got the best deal without feeling that the other party is being unreasonable.

Know what you are willing to spend then negotiate up to that price.

I've walked on many a car/truck/rv deal because we couldn't come to an acceptable price......no big deal. Lots of them out there for sale.