Buying a new Class A diesel pusher

[AB2SS]

In the process of researching a purchase. What information can you all give on the real skinny of offering a purchase price? I've got the new car purchase down pat. Research dealer invoice on specific model and options (it's out there), and then offer $200 over invoice. It's worked perfectly for the last 3 car purchases. Is there such information available on motor homes? I would tend to doubt it since there's so many manufacturers out there. Am I going into the sales office unarmed and merely having to stab at a price hoping that I got the best deal I could? Interested in your experiences and insights.

Thanks,
Kirk

[dspencer]

I would start your offer at 35% off of MSRP then go from there.

[GoPackGo]

I second what Big Katuna stated. I have a 5th wheel and also got it from Holman's. After I decided what I wanted, I called them and a few other internet dealers to get quotes. I got around 40% off MSRP from them. Very hassle free. They ordered it to my specs and called me when it came in. I drove up and stayed there for a few days doing the PDI and then headed back home.

I had my financing lined up but they asked if they could take a shot at that too and ended up beating my lowest quote.

Come on down to the HUGE Florida RV show at Tampa in Janusry and spend a few days going thru rigs to find out exactly what you want. Then, after you get back home, use the internet and your phone.

IMHO you MUST buy as cheaply as possible because RVs seem to depreciate so fast.

Tim

[mvpmich]

During my last search, the only manufacturer that didn't fit the +25% discount was Tiffin. It also is good to buy at and during shows and early in the model year when dealers and manufacturers want to move product.

[wbwood]

Yeah I would go no less than 25% off of msrp. Not what they may be selling it for but off the msrp. I say no less. You want to start higher. Around the 30% range, give or take a few. But that doesn't mean they will accept it. We've been denied one year and accepted the next year. Just depends on when they are ready to sell the unit and at what price. I watched my father for years buying new vehicles and fighting back and forth on prices. I inherited his tactics and walked out of many dealerships and embarrassed my wife many times. She hates it when it comes down to time to make a deal and knows now from experience to not be present. But several years ago my father told me that good deal was when both the seller and buyer were happy. Geez! He could of told me that one a long time ago and saved a lot of heartburn. Lol

You will always see stories on here where people fight to make people think they got the best price on their rv. Personally, who cares. If you accept the price you paid and are happy, that's all that matters.

[2gypsies1]

When we bought ours new in '04 we didn't care where we bought it because as full-timers we would just drive anywhere to pick it up. Plus, you don't have to return to the selling dealer for any warranty repairs - any Newmar dealer will be just fine. Newmar will do just about any option/change you'd want so first we 'designed' our home down to where the electric outlets would be placed. When we had it down as to our liking, we sent out the specs to approx. 20 Newmar dealers. The one that came back with the best price got our sale. Newmar is a little different from other mfg in that they don't mass produce, they build by orders received. This was a very effortless way to purchase and we got 30% off MSRP. We were updated constantly as to the building stages and we saw it on the line at one time. We are extremely happy with our Newmar!

We bought our Jeep using the same procedures but for it, we limited it only to 3 states that we would travel to get it.

[Big_Katuna]

I bought my 2005 Fleetwood Expedition for 31% off of MSRP.
I got about 15% below low retail for my trade in. If you are buying with no trade it is simpler. 30% is about the max they have to play with. Some mfrs even less.
Shop, shop, shop. I bought out of state and can tell you I had NO PROBLEMS getting it serviced locally in Florida. Beware the huge dealers with high overhead. Lazy Daze couldn't come close to the price I found in Ohio at Holman Brothers.
They were EXCELLENT to deal with.
Also call lenders and get finance amount quotes for specific rigs you look at.

Having said all this, I would buy a used quality DP like a Foretravel.

[ependydad]

For my fifth wheel, I went to the various Internet dealers and got quotes. There is still wiggle room in that number, but it gives you a pretty good feel for "rock bottom" prices. I approached my local dealers with a deal based on that and got what I was asking for.

[RoadLife]

I'd start with 30-35% LESS than sticker. I think that was the figure about 5 years ago. You can always go up. It is a quite a trick to go down. That'll give you wiggle room to go up 10% or so. You Know they will always come back with a counter offer once or twice.

[michelb]

I don't think you'll really find that sort of info because I think each manufacturer has different ranges they'll accept. Also depends on the dealer (e.g. if it's a unit that they have on their lot and paid X for, they might be firmer on the price than a factory order where they are really just processing the order but have no holding costs).

Best thing to do is look around all over the US for the best price on the unit you want and then perhaps approach a local (or closer) dealer and see if they'll match or come close.

[GGeorge]

I am also looking for a new diesel pusher. I currently have a 1999 Fleetwood coach (gas). I have read many books from the "experts" about the purchase of a new MH and all say offer 10-15% less than sticker. BUT the minute you drive it off the lot the value drops 25-35% so, I figure let someone else pay the depreciation and buy used. I have found 2009-2011 34-38' in my price range and most have less than 25,000 miles which is good for a diesel MH. Hope this helps!