Cost of new B - room to bargain?

We have been looking to purchase our second class B and have received quotes from 8-20% off MSRP. I think there are some differences in the cost models of different brands. Discounts this time of year seem to be highest on the new 2013 or 2014 models on 2013 chassis, then 2014 on 2014 chassis, and then 2015 on 2014 chassis. The best discounts may be at dealers not close to you and you will have to consider transportation costs with the purchase price. Do your research and see who is discounting, make phone calls. You will get your best price when a dealer is certain you are ready to buy from him/her and not just shopping.

The sweet spot for pricing on RVs is usually the Class C's. B's do cost more and it may be similar to what happens in back-packing equipment - you pay a higher price for the lighter weight compact gear. There are also fewer companies building B's so there's less competition on price. Don't forget supply and demand - with high gas prices a lot of folks may be looking at switching to smaller units and if they're selling, why reduce the price? And of course there's the quality issue - a lot of the cheaper Class C's are probably not real high quality, but one could argue about some of the quality seen in B's as well.

I'd say that Winnebago is probably the most likely to carry the lowest price. Pleasure way probably close to that or par. The rest carry a premium. Some may chime in and say the are worth it. Perhaps, but if your primary concern is price, I'd look at those brands, as well as "leftovers" and odd ducks.

Thanks for your advice. That is a good idea to look for new units that are leftovers. We will also check Winnebago.

Don & Carolyn wrote:
Are there brands that are firm on their prices and will not negotiate?

Here in Florida, we live near one of the largest Class B sellers in the US, and they usually have between 60 and 100 new Class B's on their two lots. Mostly Roadtreks, Winnebagos, & Leisure Travel Vans.

Looking at their current inventory, they have sales on their B's, with at least $15,000 off the sticker price of most.

For example, they have a new 2014 Roadtrek Ranger listed for under $70,000 - and that's the starting price. They usually will deal a bit from even their discounted prices.

Last year they had a Great West Sprinter Class B on their used lot. The asking price was $44,000. I offered them $30,000 and the salesman laughed. But he took the deal to the sales manager, and they accepted my offer.

My guess, most larger RV dealers that have a lot of Class B inventory will be more able to offer deep discounts through arrangements with the factory and their financing arm.

Bill

A lot depends on the dealer. When I bought last September, the closest Roadtrek dealer wouldn't even make a counteroffer on the 2012 RT 210 that was still on his lot. Never budged from their advertised price, which was below MSRP but didn't really reflect that it was a 2012, IMHO. After that, I e-mailed 2 other dealers that had similar 2013 RT 190 units, offering about 21% off the MSRP, which didn't appear inflated by any unnecessary add-ons. Both dealers quickly accepted my offer. End of the model year is probably the best time to get a deal, but it still takes work. Start low, you can always raise your offer, and shop around.

The worst they can do is say no.

2013 Winnie ERA owner. 30%+ Come October/November on 2014. Some close to that right now. Just do not be afraid to travel to get it.

You need to know what you are bargaining for. A coach built on a year older chassis will almost always sell for less. Always ask what year the chassis is.

Arizona Kid wrote:
You need to know what you are bargaining for. A coach built on a year older chassis will almost always sell for less. Always ask what year the chassis is.

But then, after you've got the unit, you can take it to your state's DMV and get the whole unit registered as the coach make and year. Mind you, we had to take ours to DMV for inspection abd a call to sacramento had to be made, somebody there had to look up the proper codes, but then it was done. Don't let them register it as a Ford, Dodge, Chevy, etc.