Percent off of MSRP Purchasing New

[GORVN4FUN]

I know this topic has been discussed many times before, but I am curious if negotiating purchase has changed at all. I'm interested in the Sprinter chassis type class C motorhomes. They are pretty pricey, but really nice. So, as an example... if the real MSRP is $125,000 as an example, what type of offer is possible while still respectable? For the sake of a simple example, keep trade-in's and financing out. Any other advice?

Thanks in advance.

[ron_dittmer]

Hi GORVN4FUN,

I live in West Dundee, IL also in the Chicago suburbs. If you are considering a Phoenix Cruiser 2350 or 2400, both offered on the Sprinter as an option, please contact me directly to discuss details off-line.

It seems negotiating a percentage off MSRP depends on the make. When a company like Phoenix USA sells exclusively factory direct to consumers, there is less negotiating, but sometimes can be more affordable because there is no dealer take. I can't nail a specific % discount from Phoenix because it varies pending the health of the economy, hence RV sales, and the time of year. The best % off is in October/November which I would estimate to be around 24%-28%, maybe as high as 30%. During peak season which is early spring, it drops to around 22%. Mind you that my information dates back a number of years.

When negotiating on a rig built specifically for you, I think you can negotiate over options more easily.

[Dakzuki]

Markiemark32 wrote:

GORVN4FUN wrote:
I know this topic has been discussed many times before, but I am curious if negotiating purchase has changed at all. I'm interested in the Sprinter chassis type class C motorhomes. They are pretty pricey, but really nice. So, as an example... if the real MSRP is $125,000 as an example, what type of offer is possible while still respectable? For the sake of a simple example, keep trade-in's and financing out. Any other advice?

Thanks in advance.

First REAL MSRP --- is misleading, I'm not sure there are real MSRP's.

General rule you will hear and see is 25%-35% off the so called MSRP.

Beware, some dealers, will try to get admin fees for paperwork, transportation fees for when rig delivered to them, and PDI (pre-delivery inspection)….. Some charge them, some don’t, and some try then bargain them out to make a sale.

MSRP: can be different throughout US, although fairly close, normal is to get 25-35% off MSRP. MSRP do seem sort of made up, they will say depends on how a unit is equipped, etc….

Do your homework, through the internet, you can find what a fair selling price, can be had. There are whole-sale dealers, and some dealers that advertise discounted selling price available.

Also local dealers will also, say they will work closely through any warranty issues (usually 1 year), if you purchase from them. Many dealers, will not work on units they did not sell (warranty work that is), or not quickly work on warranty work.

So get to know service options in your area, including how competent their service department is.


Many negotiate accessories also with a new purchase.


Good Luck

Markiemark:C

The "real" MSRP is what is published by the manufacturer. If you get a build sheet from a dealer you can see the RV and options to total up if you were ordering from the factory. Add that up, take 25% off and there's your target.

I placed a factory order and worked 3 dealers. One local and two that are noted for having very competitive pricing. The local dealer came within several hundred dollars of another (in Ohio) onece I presented them with what I was being offered so that kept me in town.

[WyoTraveler]

klutchdust has some good posted info. You can get nailed by impulse buying. You have to shop a lot and compare. You may not find a true MSRP but if you have done your homework you will see diferences in diferent MHs. Prices vary a lot depending on options and quality. For example a built in EMS may increase the cost of a unit quite a bit. If I see a coach I like and have a trade I encourage the salesman to look at my trade in. I still don't discuss amount for trade in or cost of the new unit. I tell them I have 2 or 3 coaches at other dealers I have looked at so for now just looking. I do give the salesman my calling card. If you don't have some print some up. About a week later I call that salesman and make an offer over the phone which includes my trade. When the salesman says they will never accept the offer I respond by saying if you are interested give me a call otherwise I have a couple of other coaches I'm still looking at. The dealer is going to accept your offer or lose you. They don't have you captive.

I like to get personal with the salesman and give them my calling card so they will remember me and the trade I have, if any. Plus that I am going to buy but not sure about which one yet. Of course when I drive in with my trade I let him know I was just driving by on my way to wherever RVing.

I usually get a call back after I make an offer within 24 hours. For me it is usally a yes or no and I'm on to the next dealer. Be prepared for NOs. Lots of dealers and lot of MHs out there.

[midnightsadie]

as others have said do your home work and KNOW what it really sells for.if the dealer jacks the msrp high enough he could give half off, and still be high on its true value.

[klutchdust]

For a purchase that large I would even consider traveling to get it. My used coach was in Minnesota and Im in California. Working one dealer against the other though works well. Consider the end of the month also, they sometimes need to clear it off that month or need one more sale.
Family takes me to negotiate their car deals and one thing I have learned, you need to know what you are talking about and that your numbers are correct. Throwing goofy numbers at them will get you no where. Number 1-don't be afraid to walk away. They have the 'fish' on the line and now they want to set the hook, let them come to you. Go home,let them call. Be sure you read and understand ALL the terms of an extended warranty. I personally do not purchase them and have come out ahead, rarely do you need an engine or trans replaced, that's just a scare tactic. Put that money in an account and after 5 years send me what you didn't spend on repairs. I never buy on the first visit. Resist impulse buying and PM me if you need more one on one. Look at RV trader and compare the same vehicle nationwide. Enjoy your new rig and remember, they don't have the last one on this earth and they will make more. If a salesman's lips are moving he may not be telling the truth. Keep us posted.

[Markiemark32]

GORVN4FUN wrote:
I know this topic has been discussed many times before, but I am curious if negotiating purchase has changed at all. I'm interested in the Sprinter chassis type class C motorhomes. They are pretty pricey, but really nice. So, as an example... if the real MSRP is $125,000 as an example, what type of offer is possible while still respectable? For the sake of a simple example, keep trade-in's and financing out. Any other advice?

Thanks in advance.

First REAL MSRP --- is misleading, I'm not sure there are real MSRP's.

General rule you will hear and see is 25%-35% off the so called MSRP.

Beware, some dealers, will try to get admin fees for paperwork, transportation fees for when rig delivered to them, and PDI (pre-delivery inspection)….. Some charge them, some don’t, and some try then bargain them out to make a sale.

MSRP: can be different throughout US, although fairly close, normal is to get 25-35% off MSRP. MSRP do seem sort of made up, they will say depends on how a unit is equipped, etc….

Do your homework, through the internet, you can find what a fair selling price, can be had. There are whole-sale dealers, and some dealers that advertise discounted selling price available.

Also local dealers will also, say they will work closely through any warranty issues (usually 1 year), if you purchase from them. Many dealers, will not work on units they did not sell (warranty work that is), or not quickly work on warranty work.

So get to know service options in your area, including how competent their service department is.


Many negotiate accessories also with a new purchase.


Good Luck

Markiemark:C

[vic46]

I am not sure how one determines what the REAL MSRP may be. There has been a lot of conjecture on this board that the MSRP declarations are produced by the dealership. I don't know if this is factual or not! The advice above regarding tracking down sell price of a comparable unit at a number of different dealerships is truly valid. The discount from there is solely your call. Historically the reported discount from MSRP has ranged up to 35%. Perhaps that is the starting point, one can always go up. This is a business negotiation, your apparent concern about what may be a respectable offer is invalid. Determine what you would reasonably like to do the deal at and make an offer. The seller can accept, reject or counter. They are in the business of selling RV's. If the offer is reasonable but not acceptable to the dealership, the counter will likely follow. The number of qualified buyers is shrinking with the changing economic times. The sellers are likely a little more motivated than in the past. Financing inventory is very costly!

[wildtoad]

Some folks will say hey got "X" off but that may not be the whole story. What does the deal include in regards to the PDI, follow on services, delivery charges, etc. so in addition to comparing list prices, find out what the deal includes.

[Hemi_RT]

Before I would think about making an offer I would find out the price of the same unit at at least 2 different dealers. Just make sure that the options are the same.