Negotiation Process

[Pinikki36]

My husband and I are new to the RV buying process, but we do know "Do not buy sticker price!". If a 2014 Class A Motor Home is priced at $119,955, what could we expect to walk away with actually paying? What is the mark up on these things? We appreciate any advice on the negotiation process. TIA!

[cKarlGo]

I am also currently in the same process. I did not choose a dealer and a coach. I chose 7 dealers and 7 coaches. They have been sent a list of specific requirements and conditions in order to participate in the bidding process for my business. They are also required to respond in a specific format. This allows me to compare apples to apples.

If you are interested in the bare bones requirements letter that I've written, private message me your email address and I will send it to you.

[Bob___Ann]

In most cases 26% off window is what one should push to hit as that is aggressive but realistic. As said do not let them start adding things other then taxes after you get your 26%. Good luck.

[summerhouse]

Iryob9301 is very good to point out "out the door". I specified that on our negotiation and that is what we paid. They will attempt to tack on dealer prep, doc fees, etc. They will also attempt to sell you interior protection, exterior protection, windshield/tire protection, roadside assistance policies, etc.
don't be pressured into these 'impulse" purchases. Sure they make them sound hugely important and hard to refuse, but do. Unless you absolutely want them, say no. They can add thousands to your final dollar amt.
I negotiated 25% percent off our 2014 Tiffin. That was tax, title, doc fees out-the-door. We DO NOT pay 'dealer prep'. We took no protection plans either.
I heard, but do not know for certain, that mark ups were appox 40%. I figured 25% was good for me and the dealer.

[bigdogger]

Regardless of what some people post, there is no set rule. The definition of a good deal is where both the seller and the buyer feel they have gotten fair value for their money and their product. Sometimes paying asking price is fair and sometimes getting a 50% discount is a ripoff. You need to research that exact make and model to get an idea of what is and is not reasonable. The internet is your friend, use it for direct information and do not rely on second and third hand antecdotes.

[lryrob9301]

One other thing to add to the mix, ALWAYS negotiate an "OUT THE DOOR PRICE". That is a absolute, bottom line, final price. Dealers love to negotiate a sales price then hit you with all kinds of fees and add on charges. Don't fall for this tactic, always negotiate "OUT THE DOOR" price.

[cochise49]

List/factory invoice prices are very inflated. 25 to 35% off is common. Also, "show prices" can be had anytime. Was quoted a "special Winnebago Factory promotion" at RV Show and told those prices would go up the next week. A couple of months later, we bought the same unit for less that the so called "show" price. Kind of agree with the travel and save idea. If...you have the time to do so. Like the idea of buying close to factory so the rig doesn't have 2000 miles on it from the transport. Large dealers especially like to sell in volume so may hae more incentive to deal. They also have better selection.

[Effy]

bullydogs1 wrote:
What kind of motorhome are you buying//Brand/Model etc..would help...certain Tiffins don't command as much a discount..but the 30% given previously is a norm on most of them...but also some dealers alter the sticker price so that is not the true MSRP anyway. Be specific and you will get more specific answers..just trying to help

X2 - I have found some brands won't negotiate much at all while others can be deeply discounted. A leftover model year can be had for less. There is no hard and fast this is the best deal percentage or number. Find a floorplan you like, then shop brands for that particular floorplan, then do as much research as you can on pricing throughout the US. Travelling far might seem crazy but a few hundred bucks on airfare might save you thousands. AT any rate, take your best deal back to your closest dealer and ask to match or you'll go where you can get it. A few resources can offer close to the best deal, RV direct, Lazy Days, and few other big dealerships.

[Pinikki36]

Here is the link for the specific specs:
http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2014-winnebago-vista-35b-111858059/2014-Winnebago-Vista-35B-111858059?zmc=cfem1&

[BobandShaz]

Many posts here on that subject some claim 40%?? I see many many more 25 to 35%. But no real answer about further discounts on marked down units.

[bullydogs1]

What kind of motorhome are you buying//Brand/Model etc..would help...certain Tiffins don't command as much a discount..but the 30% given previously is a norm on most of them...but also some dealers alter the sticker price so that is not the true MSRP anyway. Be specific and you will get more specific answers..just trying to help

[Dog_Folks]

The best advice regarding negotiations was given to me years ago by a self-made multimillionaire: “He who cares less…. wins.” It works with anything you buy/sell where there are negotiations.

Here is an example:
Upon selling a business, the buyer tried to lower the price $10,000 at the closing! I refused, said I would keep the business and started to leave. The buyer quickly reversed course and wanted to buy at the previously agreed price. I wasn’t having that. Before I sat back down, they had to agree to pay $10,000 MORE. I really did not care and it worked. They paid dearly for their last minute games.

Be ready to walk. If that camper you absolutely love is at a dealer you that won’t give you a deal, remember, there are more dealers out there carrying that exact same unit.

30% off MSRP is a very common number with trailers, I am not sure about class "A."