Dave Pete wrote:
That's probably the MSRP. So when the savvy buyer negotiates down the generally accepted 35% to $31,490.55, they THINK they got a good deal. But then you ask, $31.5K? Is that a good deal?
I think that's actually kind of a "low price" if you want quality of build and materials (sarcasm BTW). Anybody will tell you - you get what you pay for. Trim that falls off, stereos that fail, vinyl flooring that scuffs from the slide pads, high r-value insulation that was "stuffed" instead of "placed", cheap carpet pad and carpet that must be replaced too soon (see latest Trailer Life article on RV renovations), cold air drafts in the bedroom at the headboard - these are just some of the things such a "cheap" price will net you. (Nothing against Lance here, it's the industry).
But then I might be considered a Negative Nellie.
I have a few of the same sentiments, in that while I have purchased 2 new vehicles since I began driving in 1982, I have never paid sticker price. In 1994 it was 8% under sticker, which was 1% over deal invoice. In 2005 it was 25% under sticker which was .5% over invoice. That all to say I tend to be more fugal and cheap than some. I have bought over 30 different vehicles in that time period. 5 RVs. After first moving to Alaska, we realized we wanted to continue camping, but that we would have to reasses how. Trailers are challenge for clearance, maneuverability, and cost on the Alaska Ferry System. Motor homes are another drive train to maintain, and if not driven often, and the damp wet environment of Kodiak, combined with the afore mentioned concerns about clearance and ferry costs steered us to the TC world. I already had a used, low mile F350 CCSB 4x4 that was my daily driver, and all around work truck, the big challenge was finding a TC that would handle my family of 6, handle the rough terrain of Alaska roads, fit in a short bed truck, deal well with a damp wet climate and still fit in a budget... Buying a well built 1960s TC and rebuilding it to suit our needs has been the solution. I know that this is not for everyone, but my family, while now down by one as he is in Marine Corps Boot Camp right now, by building a rather inexpensive TC from our 1966 shell, allowed us no loans, no payments, and a functional TC and money still allowing us to take the kids camping all around Alaska while they are still home, making memories. I see our younger generation not as wiling to tackle projects themselves, and save considerable cash, while learning things, doing the work with the kids teaching them, than being able to get out camping on a budget and still live the dream of living in Alaska to boot!
Sorry for the long post, just the drabbleings of a gray haired ole dad who enjoys tinkerin' and not spendin' tons of cash...
Garry
Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper
