MSRP BS? Buy new or used?

[Mountianeer]

So is there a decent rule of thumb about MSRP discounts? I gather things are cheaper "off-season". But for a basic, new TT with a sticker of 21-22k, is it reasonable to expect a negotiated price of 16-17k? Or less?

And with such a short warranty, what are the advantages of buying new?

I'm great at buying cars/trucks (used to sell them) but this RV pricing business is a whole different animal.

Many thanks for your responses.

[goducks10]

Remember that shipping costs affect the price. Some may get an RV cheaper than others. Out here on the west coast it's close to $3,000.00 to get a unit shipped out here. So depending on where you are and where the unit is at will affect the end price. Apples to Apples though the % off MSRP could be the same. In other words the same MSRP of $22,000.00 with a 25% discount is $16,500, but out here it's $18,500 because of shipping. Assuming it's coming from Indiana. So read between the lines when people say they got such n such deal on theirs.

I have looked at Palomino Columbus 5'ers out here and on the net @RV Wholesalers. It's about $8-9,000 cheaper @RVW. Well worth the drive to one of their locations to buy.

[APT]

My MSRP was over $28.5k and purchase price was $18.5k. If MSRP is really $22k, then under $16k should be possible. Once you narrow down a model, search the interwebz for prices. Get some quotes from the big "wholesale" RV dealers for comparison to how low your local dealer can really go.

What are the advantages to buying new? No one else screwed it up! Quality control is not as high as passenger cars so good inspections during that warranty time are important IMHO.

[handye9]

The term MSRP, in most other industries, stands for Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. In the RV world, that MSRP number is set by individual dealers. It is based on what the dealer actually pays for the unit, dealer installed options, shipping costs, and dealer mark up (profit margin). Some dealers are a little more greedy than others. Manufacturers have little to nothing to do with RV MSRP's.

You could see twenty trailers, all the same make / model / options, at twenty different dealers, with twenty different MSRP's, and they could vary by as much as 10 - 15 thousand dollars.

[dadmomh]

While I wouldn't totally rule out a used TT, the fact is that you don't know for sure just how diligent the previous owner was in maintenance...regardless of what they say. New? Your chances are much better that you won't have issues, but if you do, there is time to remedy.

We purchased both our HTT and our TT new and were slightly better than the 30% discount. Both came from RVW. In doing online searches, we were able to compare like units and confirm that we were actually getting a good price. Suggest you spend some time online, check locally, and try not to let your heart overrule your good sense. It's easy to get emotionally attached to a trailer when it looks and feels just like the right one for you. And if you can't come to an agreement that suits you....agree to walk. They'll either call you or you continue your search. Back to online with the model and specs of your perfect trailer...it's out there, just sometimes takes time to find it.

[Markiemark32]

Off-season maybe better deals (more likely due to how long they have had the inventory).

Dealers play the MSRP, here is your killer deal ALL the time (for the most part). Shoot for 25-30% off MSRP.

Do internet searches, to see pricing throughout the US, some dealers show MSRP (which are all over the place), some show real selling prices.

Site for MSRP & Dealer Costs

RV Trader for general pricing

Get ready, even when getting to a selling price; too add on costs (transportation, PDI, administrative fees, starter equipment)

And with such a short warranty, what are the advantages of buying new?

Warranties are 1 year, with a few MFG giving 2 years.

Most dealers will try to sell extended warranties, do a search here to see varying opinions on extended warranties.

Buying new you know you are getting a new unit (some trade-ins may have been traded in due to issues).

It is almost normal to have issues to workout with NEW units.

Some say by a used one, where all the bugs are worked out, just make sure they are not major issues, somewhere hidden. Bying used, you may also can find better deals, since RV depricate qucikly. some times new deals are pretty close to NICE fairly new used one.

If buying new from a local dealer, be sure to feel out their service department, a big part of RV happiness is how issues are dealt with after he sale. Many of the nightmare stories out in the internet are when someone buys a new unit and struggle with getting it fixed correctly and quickly. Part of buying from a local dealer is buying the after purchase service, so keep that in mind.

This site is a wealth of knowledge, search the forums, see RVing FAQ's, ask questions.

Good luck!

Markiemark:C

[wmoses]

I have seen and used the 30% off MSRP "Rule" (which l have seen somewhere) to make an offer on an RV. Personally, I would by used only as a last resort and only if the previous owner is proven to be meticulous with maintenance and upgrading the RV. I really abhor buying into someone else's problems and mistakes. The previous owner would also have to be genuinely knowledgeable about RVs and RVing. If that can't be achieved then I would by new and have bought all my RVs new. Others may have other experiences and opinions of course and that is understandable.

When you buy new, the 1-2 year warranty is long enough for items that are reasonably going to fail, to fail, and also for the owner to fully get familiarized with the RV with normal usage of the RV. Buying used, the owner has to be prepared to fix things themselves and consequently that should figure into the price paid.

The important thing to do is to separate the left brain and right brain when it comes to buying RVs. Also beware of most RV salesmen especially those who talk faster the further you are apart and the more the trailer does not pass the informed "sniff test".

[ford_truck_guy]

You will see that the listed MSRP will be different at each place you go... It is a bogus number that is usually inflated to show the buyer that they are getting a big discount (most of the time). Some on here swear by the 30-35% off MSRP rule ??I guess it all depends on the manufacturer and price point. With that said , if homework is done properly , you can search the exact TT online and get closer to a bottom line number to compare.. Usually manufacturers show (Hershey PA) are the best to buy at due to the fact that what does not sell , has to be taken to the local dealer and placed on their lot and listed.... Aim Low and hold your guns,,, walk away .. IF they can sell it and want to sell it,.,, they will call you back..