Negotiating with dealers to Nada "average price"?

[cchorney]

I am new to RVs, and I did search on this topic first, so please forgive me if the answer is obvious or it's a daily topic that I managed to miss finding.

Is it possible (or likely) to negotiate to the Nadaguide "average price" with a dealer? If not, how aggressively can a price be negotiated down from "list price" for a used RV?

Looking at this example (which looks like I won't be looking at for long - sale pending - but lets use it anyway):

2000 Coachmen Catalina 195K
Selling Price: $17,995.00
Mileage: 33,000

Nadaguide says that for my zip code and the listed mileage, the average retail price should be $10,986.

That's a big difference in price between what they are listing it at and what the guide says it should be selling for. Is it realistic for me to expect that level of flexibility on the dealer's part? Assuming there are no extra accessories added that would increase the value of the RV, how low can I negotiate (excluding dealer setup, taxes, title, and other fees)?

Thanks, Chris

Link to ad: http://www.flaggrv.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=791693&p=2&vc=class%20c&s=Price&d=D&vt=motorhome

Link to nadaguide for that yr/made/model: http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/2000/Coachmen/M-195-RK-Ford-_/3005035/Values

[2012Coleman]

Agree with darsben - you need to find out what options are on it, then check the boxes on tha NADA site to get a more realistic number. The rest of his advice is sound. don't fall in love and be ready to walk, actually doing so if needed.

[darsben]

Of course the rig could have options driving the price higher.
Also RV prices are dependent on time of year and type of rig.
Right now in the northeast people are shopping for new rigs (to them) for the winter trek down south. IN early January the price on a rig can be much lower as there is no demand for the product.

If you want a real ballsy way of negotiating a price do the following.
This is what I do.
Have a piece of paper with your name, address and phone number on it.
Go to dealer
Look at rig thoroughly.
If it is what you want make a reasonable offer that you can live with. remember the dealer has to feed his family he just doesn't need to feed them Filet
Tell the dealer you are not willing to negotiate, it is a take it or leave it offer. He will not believe you because everyone negotiates up from their first offer. Tell him If he does not accept your offer you will leave.
He will come back and say no. At that point you hand him the paper with your name and number on it and tell him that if he changes his mind this is how you can be reached. You probably will not make it home before you get a call if your offer was reasonable.
Done this 3 times and never had a moments buyers remorse as I paid exactly what I feel is fair. I also had one dealer that never called back.

[the_bear_II]

The dealer will always list a high price knowing the buyer will either pay that price (good for the dealer) or negotiate the price down to what the dealer is willing to sell it for (still good for the dealer). Or if the dealer needs to move inventory will let it go for a lower than hoped for price (good for the buyer).

Keep in mind NADA is a guide. When buying anything, I look through online resources like RVtrader.com, Ebay, Craigslist and others to see what dealers and private parties are listing like items at. I also pay attention to how long the item has been listed...longer listed means the price may not be where the market is.

Your best bet is to find an RV you like and set a price you are comfortable with based on research and then negotiate until you find a seller willing to accept the price. If you need the RV and can't wait then you try to get the price as close to your price as possible.

Dealers will typically say no 5 times before lowering the price to a price you are comfortable with.