How Much is Local Dealer Worth in Purchase Price?

I would have made the same decision you did.

To me, if you pitched the local dealer against the distant one in a pricing battle, then chose the distant one, I think the majority of local dealers would then tell you to flake off if you needed some urgent warranty work done. Or at the very least, put you to the back of the line.

And I think that's completely fair. Support your local folks if there is a way you can. But that's just me. (Yes there are limits, but not for a grand.)