How much does your dealer location matter in a purchase?

I would say if the local dealer does not get close in price I would walk. We bought ours about 5 hrs away and it was never an issue. We had a problem once with a local dealer that would not service the hot water heater under warranty. Called the manufacturer of the water heater and mentioned it to them manufacturer called back and said they are no longer an authorized dealer and they removed them from the website.