Buying New Class A - Purchase Local or Thru RV Wholesaler??

Yeah, I realize warranty issues will likely arise, but just seems like price gouging by the local dealers. Ones I've tried talking to don't want to budge much on their pricing, even when I tell them what kind of WAY lower written price quote I've rcvd on the exact same unit (usually with MORE equipment options) thru one of the big dealers up north. And dealership overhead doesn't seem to be a valid excuse, because the two places I'm talking to up north have full service dealerships & similar overhead themselves. Again, a few thousand extra for transportation and such would be fine by me, but not $12-15K! I just don't get it...

You might have more responses in the class A section. But good question. We have purchased many different RV' s from TT - fivers - and now MH.

We most likely will purchase one more. But our experience buying this one From General RV, the service end of their business is terrible. Sad how you are treated after the deal. Every appointment we've made they never look at it for days after when dropped off. They way over book their service department capabilities. And the new sales gets put to the top of the list.

Ours was dropped off after a appointment made two months ago on Monday this week. They haven't done a thing to it. The last time it was in for service they had it for a month and damaged it while on their property. It's only two years old.

Of course this is my experience with them, and I'm sure all dealers aren't the same. But I bet most are. So in hind-site and responding to the question ...

I wouldn't hesitate getting the best deal I can next time. There isn't any loyalty from the dealer after the sale IMHO. Especially if your on the road a lot. Most likely you'll not be going back to who you bought from anyway.

Buy local if possible. Choose your dealer4 carefully. Take your best price with you and let the dealer deal. I good local dealer is a great allie when warranty stuff arises, and it will.

I've purchased three RVs from my local dealership. Each time I price check with the best I can find. There are three big ones. Each time I took that price with me, and factored in a fair price for shipping. Each time they came within reasonable amount so I kept my business local. Part of the reason why is that local buyers are first in line for service, plus they've taken good care of me and continue to earn my business and loyalty. If I were saving a lot I'd be fine with waiting for service but if I can get a good deal and great service I'm even happier.

You need to spend lots of time looking. Prices do vary depending on the add ons. I don't mind driving. However, RVs are not like cars. It is difficult to get warranty service at other dealerships. I travel and buy but keep that in kind. If I had major problems I would drive back to the factory. Some people don't want that hassle. For me it is worth it to save $10k. I have also found you can get good buys on RVs in the lots. They have to move them. Don't he afraid to walk if the price is high.

Don't worry about supporting local business if you can get the exact same thing and save tens of thousands. Just make sure you have one or more places nearby to get it serviced when needed.

I've ordered two new motorhomes from dealers and wished I hadn't both times. Neither provided any kind of before or after sale support. I would not hesitate to buy from the cheapest source I could. There are many here who would say, what about support, when you don't buy local. In my case there was no support.