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Hedgehog's avatar
Hedgehog
Explorer
May 31, 2015

Purchasing from a distant dealer

We have a dealership that is 45 minutes from our house that we were looking at purchasing a brand new ordered fifthwheel from. This would be my third rig from this dealership. Well, today we went to a dealership 2 and a half hours away that had the same fifthwheel we are looking to order. I just wanted to see it before I ordered it from the local dealer. Well, the dealer that has a 2015 model of the unit I want to order gave me a price of $4800 cheaper than the ordered 2016 locally. So to be fair, I asked for a quote on a identical ordered unit from them. It came in $3300 cheaper. the local dealer keeps blaming the thorough service and a lifetime warranty on all there units for there higher price. After warranty, I do my own repairs for the most part. Would you buy local or save $$ and buy further away?

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  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    we,ve owned five rv,s all bought out of state cheaper than our on home town. your local guy just doesn,t want to give in. buy the other one ,and I,d bet you could dicker that price down another couple grand.
  • GypsiesAtHeart2's avatar
    GypsiesAtHeart2
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2015
    Wow, that can be a tough call. Depending on your financial situation, $3300 can be a ton of money, a lot of money or not enough for the inconvenience of the longer ride, especially if you get into a situation where you have to make multiple trips. Maybe driving into or thru a major metro area would also play into my decision.

    Since this would be your 3rd RV from this dealer I'm guessing you are happy with them. Check out reviews on the new dealer.

    Being a local business man for over 30 years I understand the benefits and disadvantages of trying to keep local.

    Good luck with your decision & your new RV.
  • x96mnn's avatar
    x96mnn
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2015
    long as your going into it knowing any warranty item needed is 2.5hrs away and have no issues with that. For 5k you can pay for a lot of trips back and forth!
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Jun 01, 2015
    $3300 is a big difference. I would give the local a chance to match or at least get close. If they make an effort to close the gap I'd by local. But if they refused to dicker I'd take the savings and make the drive.
    I have been in your same predicament twice now.
    Once I made the drive and once I purchased locally.
    In both cases I was satisfied that I made the right decision.
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    tbred wrote:
    Halmfamily wrote:
    Our new fiver was purchased three hours away and we saved several thousand dollars, purchased sight unseen. I gave my local dealer three opportunities to meet there price but no luck. Had an awesome experience with the new dealer and they took care of every detail without question.

    Do your due diligence and research the dealer thoroughly. Ask lots of questions and don't sign or pay anything until you're satisfied.


    Same. We gave local dealers many opportunities to match price to no avail. No regrets traveling to save thousands.


    Same here except we travelled 3 days away! Best decision! Saved thousands and made friends with the dealer. Local didn't want to come close to matching price.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    As most dealers are notoriously crappy on service after the sale go for the cheaper price. You probably should not take the unit to the local dealer for service though. Is it a Forest River? If so call the company and ask if you have an alternative for warranty service in your area. Like will they pay for a mobile repair man
  • tbred's avatar
    tbred
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    Halmfamily wrote:
    Our new fiver was purchased three hours away and we saved several thousand dollars, purchased sight unseen. I gave my local dealer three opportunities to meet there price but no luck. Had an awesome experience with the new dealer and they took care of every detail without question.

    Do your due diligence and research the dealer thoroughly. Ask lots of questions and don't sign or pay anything until you're satisfied.


    Same. We gave local dealers many opportunities to match price to no avail. No regrets traveling to save thousands.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2015
    Our new fiver was purchased three hours away and we saved several thousand dollars, purchased sight unseen. I gave my local dealer three opportunities to meet there price but no luck. Had an awesome experience with the new dealer and they took care of every detail without question.

    Do your due diligence and research the dealer thoroughly. Ask lots of questions and don't sign or pay anything until you're satisfied.

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