Buying New Class A - Purchase Local or Thru RV Wholesaler??

[OswaltHut]

Rookie on the net here contemplating the purchase of a new Class A, custom-ordered just the way I want from one of the major super wholesalers like RV One Superstores or Wholesale RV Club, etc. Like to hear feedback, both positive & negative, from others who have gone this route. So far, my local dealers aren't even on the same planet with respect to pricing! If they were only a few percent apart, I'd say maybe... But can anybody tell me why I should pay a local dealer well over $90K, when it appears I can get the very same coach custom-ordered for less than $78K from one of the big wholesalers (with no quibling)? Local dealers don't seem to want to budge on pricing, so that seems like way too much extra to pay just to get a little preferential treatment in the service line. What am I missing here?? Thanks in advance for any advice!

[OswaltHut]

Yeah, with regard to new vs used, I'd certainly consider buying used if I could find the right unit at a significant cost savings, but so far I'm just not seeing it. The Georgetown 270 (which is what we want) is one of the smaller Class A coaches avail and the later models (with the equip upgrades we want) appear to be few & far between, and demand premium prices when you do find them. Frankly, I think part of the reason is the folks who bought them DID vastly OVERPAY for them in the first place, and simply don't want to let them go for such a loss. Even the low mileage "creampuffs" a year or two old are priced HIGHER than what I'd pay for a better-equipped, brand new, 2016 model ordered thru one of the big wholesalers. Just seems kinda silly to pay MORE for an OLDER, PREOWNED, unit...

PS - Still very much like to hear if anyone has specific experience (good OR bad) buying new factory-order model thru RV One Superstores or RV Wholesale Club?

[et2]

Well to recap from my last post. We purchased our MH new from General RV. Just over two years old. Every service appointment has been a circus getting the work done, and it being damaged while there ( last appt. - they fixed it - but tried to give it back noticeably damaged).

It was dropped off last Monday ( had appointment for two months) and it sits as of today in their lot without any work done. I don't have much of a choice of capable dealers in the area as they're the top dog. Last time in they had it for a month with delays and excuse after excuse for the delays.

I only got them to move the last time as I complained to my salesman if he wanted any future business they better do something. It seems like this is the case again. We are within 2 to three years of considering a new one and their lack of support after the sale is extremely dismal.

I can surely get the same bad service someplace else. Next time the best deal will get my money, even if from a wholesaler.


Should have looked here first
http://general-rv.pissedconsumer.com

[Geocritter]

I strongly suggest purchasing a 1-2 year old low-mileage used RV. RV’s (and boats) are notorious for leaving the factory loaded with factory defects that the new owner has to get sorted out. Even if it’s covered by a new vehicle warranty it’s still a big hassle. By purchasing a 1-2 year old low-mileage RV you get one that someone else has gone through all that new RV hassle for you, and you’ll save a bunch of money too!

Steve

[ol_Bombero-JC]

jamway wrote:
I have never owned a class A but our 5th wheels don't always break at home. The first one the drain broke some place in Idaho. No we didn't go back to TX. to get fixed under warranty. In fact we only had two warranty repairs done at the purchased dealer.

I would save the money and buy more fuel. The manufacture will help you find some dealer that will help you.

Well said!

If you only travel 50-100 miles from your local dealer, you will always have that great (gag!) local service.

Follow the 'benchmark' plan the mod posted.
Always compare *exactly* apples to apples.

Get the best price you can country-wide, then re-check yout locals.
If they can come close enough to your benchmark price - maybe they will be rewarded with your business..:W

Maybe *you* will be rewarded with great service - maybe not...:@

.

[tjfogelberg]

Part of what you have to realize is that there is strong demand right now for RVs. Dealers have a limited supply of inventory and a steady stream of buyers - why should they sell at rock bottom price if someone else will come along and pay more? As far as service, again, this boom in the industry has strained customer service which is mostly poor at most of the dealers I have researched in MN. It's "buyer beware" - no one out there is looking out for you or giving you a second thought after you drive off the lot with your new RV.

[mark1228]

Bring your local dealer for the same brand a written, out the door quote from the out of town dealer. Telling a dealer you can get it cheaper doesn't work, you have to prove it if you want to buy local and get the best buy you can. Factor in freight because the further away from the factory a dealer is, the more they have in freight costs.

Keep in mind that RV dealers are not required to do warranty work on units they don't sell so if you decide to buy out of your local area, don't go back online bashing a dealer that didn't sell you a unit and won't take on your warranty headaches.

I understand your point about overhead, but there are huge differences in overhead that we will never know. A dealer in a metro area likely has much higher real estate costs and property tax's than one located in a small, rural community or in a field, even if both have first rate buildings and service departments.

I always support local business if I can but if in the end the difference is 10-15k I would have a hard time paying that to.

[wildtoad]

Id make sure I was doing an apples to apples comparison. Same make, same model, same options and give the local guy the chance to bid on it. If he can come close go local. If not, just say thanks for his time and go buy where you can get the better deal.

[hbillsmith]

Motor Home Specialists RV in Alvarado Texas (near Ft Worth). Best deals on Class A anywhere in the world. No kidding. Usual starting point is 35% off MSRP. I am just a fan, not an affiliate or owner.

[imgoin4it]

One needs take into account the service reputation of the local dealer. There are some I would not buy from if they were the least expensive. Also depends on the manufacturer. For example some will allow independent maintenance facilities to do warranty work, some may not. Guess I'm saying consider the whole package, Price, service, and service reputation history.

[jamway]

I have never owned a class A but our 5th wheels don't always break at home. The first one the drain broke some place in Idaho. No we didn't go back to TX. to get fixed under warranty. In fact we only had two warranty repairs done at the purchased dealer.

I would save the money and buy more fuel. The manufacture will help you find some dealer that will help you.

[OswaltHut]

Yeah, I realize warranty issues will likely arise, but just seems like price gouging by the local dealers. Ones I've tried talking to don't want to budge much on their pricing, even when I tell them what kind of WAY lower written price quote I've rcvd on the exact same unit (usually with MORE equipment options) thru one of the big dealers up north. And dealership overhead doesn't seem to be a valid excuse, because the two places I'm talking to up north have full service dealerships & similar overhead themselves. Again, a few thousand extra for transportation and such would be fine by me, but not $12-15K! I just don't get it...

[et2]

You might have more responses in the class A section. But good question. We have purchased many different RV' s from TT - fivers - and now MH.

We most likely will purchase one more. But our experience buying this one From General RV, the service end of their business is terrible. Sad how you are treated after the deal. Every appointment we've made they never look at it for days after when dropped off. They way over book their service department capabilities. And the new sales gets put to the top of the list.

Ours was dropped off after a appointment made two months ago on Monday this week. They haven't done a thing to it. The last time it was in for service they had it for a month and damaged it while on their property. It's only two years old.

Of course this is my experience with them, and I'm sure all dealers aren't the same. But I bet most are. So in hind-site and responding to the question ...

I wouldn't hesitate getting the best deal I can next time. There isn't any loyalty from the dealer after the sale IMHO. Especially if your on the road a lot. Most likely you'll not be going back to who you bought from anyway.

[Oasisbob]

Buy local if possible. Choose your dealer4 carefully. Take your best price with you and let the dealer deal. I good local dealer is a great allie when warranty stuff arises, and it will.

[Y-Guy]

I've purchased three RVs from my local dealership. Each time I price check with the best I can find. There are three big ones. Each time I took that price with me, and factored in a fair price for shipping. Each time they came within reasonable amount so I kept my business local. Part of the reason why is that local buyers are first in line for service, plus they've taken good care of me and continue to earn my business and loyalty. If I were saving a lot I'd be fine with waiting for service but if I can get a good deal and great service I'm even happier.