What is the buying procedure?

Coach-man wrote:
First, does the floor plan suit your needs? Spend some time inside the unit, without the salesman, and imagine you are camping. Do you cook? Pretend to cook something, are there enough draws, and storage for food and pots & pans, go through the motions. If satisfied, then negotiate the deal. Some of these suggestions I have read I would not deal with a salesman/dealer that I did not trust. I was in sales over 33 years and have a good idea if I am being lied to. Presumably you will have to go back for service issues, so the whole dealership is what I would be comfortable with. Upon delivery, and before signing any documents, they should walk you thru every item in your rig, from water and electric hook up to how to tune the radio. If you are confused or do not understand something have them go over it again until you are comfortable with everything! If something appears to not work, get it in writing as part of the contract that it is the dealers responsibility,(not warrenty but dealer), and a time frame for fixing it, have them check inventory is the part in stock, etc before finilizing your paperwork. If you have to wait, then have a reasonable time frame for completion written into the contract, and add dealer responsible for anything else found defective while waiting! Then enjoy your rig, use it have fun in it.

Thank you! So, should I expect dealerships to fix everything on the rig that I am buying? All the repairs should be included in the sale price?

Does this process work with a private party sale?

What about consignment units?

First, does the floor plan suit your needs? Spend some time inside the unit, without the salesman, and imagine you are camping. Do you cook? Pretend to cook something, are there enough draws, and storage for food and pots & pans, go through the motions. If satisfied, then negotiate the deal. Some of these suggestions I have read I would not deal with a salesman/dealer that I did not trust. I was in sales over 33 years and have a good idea if I am being lied to. Presumably you will have to go back for service issues, so the whole dealership is what I would be comfortable with. Upon delivery, and before signing any documents, they should walk you thru every item in your rig, from water and electric hook up to how to tune the radio. If you are confused or do not understand something have them go over it again until you are comfortable with everything! If something appears to not work, get it in writing as part of the contract that it is the dealers responsibility,(not warrenty but dealer), and a time frame for fixing it, have them check inventory is the part in stock, etc before finilizing your paperwork. If you have to wait, then have a reasonable time frame for completion written into the contract, and add dealer responsible for anything else found defective while waiting! Then enjoy your rig, use it have fun in it.

Regardless if one is buying from a dealership or a private party, there is going to be a bottom line price. The sales staff are versed in all these tactics, so they know the lines and tricks people use in an attempt to lower the sales price. Private parties (if newer) selling their unit have to have at least have a pay-off price and at least expect a reasonable return on their investment. Wouldn't you?

rhagfo wrote:
Sales persons favorite line "Are you going to let $xxxx keep you from buying this RV?"

The best response "Are YOU going to let $XXXX keep you from selling this RV?" Works way better than you can believe!

Thx! I like that!

Sales persons favorite line "Are you going to let $xxxx keep you from buying this RV?"

The best response "Are YOU going to let $XXXX keep you from selling this RV?" Works way better than you can believe!

janegowest wrote:

Jayco-noslide wrote:
It's pretty much like buying a car. The seller will typically price the RV much higher than they are willing to sell it for. If it's new many feel that a dealer will often sell it for around 80% of the sticker price so make an offer way less than the posted price and see what happens. If it's used, look up the value in the Kelly blue book or Edmunds as a rough guide and offer much less. Don't worry about offending the seller.

So...if they are already asking way below NADA, should we still offer way less?

Yes!!!
We did exactly that and they took our offer without even quibbling.

laknox wrote:
If you're looking at a pre-owned unit, find a good RV inspector local to you and get a written report on the condition of it. It will be worth what you pay for it if there's any hidden issues.

Lyle

usedrvinspection.com

Jayco-noslide wrote:
It's pretty much like buying a car. The seller will typically price the RV much higher than they are willing to sell it for. If it's new many feel that a dealer will often sell it for around 80% of the sticker price so make an offer way less than the posted price and see what happens. If it's used, look up the value in the Kelly blue book or Edmunds as a rough guide and offer much less. Don't worry about offending the seller.

So...if they are already asking way below NADA, should we still offer way less?

bob34787 wrote:
1.expect that you are being lied to
2.expect to find many little problems and a few major problems.
3.expect it to lose 1/2 its value the minute you sign the papers
4.do not sign loan documents until unit is prepped and you are happy
5.buy the biggest RV you can find, if not you can expect to trade in a few months
6.after you buy it expect the dealer to ignore your requests for service
7.expect to never get the RV site you want unless you plan your trips well in advance.

What a grim scene. Sadly, I am learning that dealerships and salesmen cannot be trusted for the most part.

IMO, it depends on what one is able to afford and lifestyle. To stay at one spot, I would say bigger is often better. But to travel around the country and going into some tight spots with a 35' or more 5th wheel does not make for an enjoyable trip.

We had a smaller TT, due to in part, having a 1/2 t. p/u. But with all the rebates GM offered, we were able to get a diesel and then decided to buy a larger 5th wheel.

My premise is "try to buy used." The new ones depreciate way too much.
We did buy our 4th unit new and regret that decision, but the service was great. Anyway, my hubby is very handy and can do practically all the work on the 5th.

Oh yeah....now I do remember...one lie from a dealership, "TT units keep its value." HA!