Question about new at dealer 2016 model year TT

[Atlee]

Any thoughts on why a 2016 model of a popular brand of travel trailer, that's not an orphan, would still be on a dealer's lot when the 2018's are either on the lot already, or are about to arrive?

Also, I would assume tires would be a major negotiating point if I decided to get one of those two trailers. Those tires would be 2+ years old by now.

And another thing, what about the caulking at the seams, especially on the roof? I doubt anyone has checked the roof since it was first brought in from the factory, if then.

The dealer provides a picture of the MSRP sheet from the manufacturer, which provides a description, and vin nunber, etc., plus a list of all options and the factory MSRP for each option. The MSRP sheet also has hand written in the freight charge and a line for Dealer Prep.

Any suggestions on what a good percentage off the total MSRP, including freight and prep, would be?

Anything else to look for on a trailer that is now 2 model years old, since the manufacturer is now building 2018 models, and has begun to ship some of the 2018 models?

[Atlee]

I realize that. It's just the one's from Jayco are a little more known. I've never seen any other manufacturer list their MSRP.

That why, any claimed MSRP by a dealer of those RV's, is pure fiction.

Even with car dealer MSRP's which are real, and must follow Federal rules, the MSRP or sticker on the window, while not fiction, is just a starting point in negotiating the purchase price.

With some so called MSRP's, 30 or even 35% off would be pure gravy to the dealer, while others, 30 or 35% off MSRP would be a pretty good deal.

eichacsj wrote:
All RV's (including trailers) the MSRP is not realistic, including Jayco. It is strictly a starting point. Most of the time for an RV you can start at 30 - 40% under sticker price (MSRP).

[rbpru]

The cost of a TT is whatever the dealer will sell it for and of course whatever the buyer will pay.

There are three things I do when shopping for a major purchase.
1. Never buy on the first trip. Let the dealer know his is one of the your final selections.
2. Make sure that the sale price includes all taxes, fees, preparation charges, etc. I bring one check and the number we agree on is what goes on it. Any thing else comes out of their pocket. I tell them this up front.
3. Stay within budget, it is a hobby, it should not be a financial burden. Also, the resale value drops like a stone.

Good luck

[eichacsj]

All RV's (including trailers) the MSRP is not realistic, including Jayco. It is strictly a starting point. Most of the time for an RV you can start at 30 - 40% under sticker price (MSRP).

[Atlee]

This is a Jayco trailer, so the MSRP is less made up than normal.
Jayco does a good job letting folks figure out what the MSRP is for the trailer they want, or see on a lot. Jayco gives the base price plus the price of the mandatory "options". Plus the price for any real options. This total is the MSRP from Jayco.
To this, the dealer would add his freight costs and what he wants to add as dealer prep.

So the MSRP of thus trailer is real, since I compared it to what Jayco listed as MSRP.

But I do understand about some dealers coming up with a sales price that is out of touch with reality. They will make up a listed MSRP by adding several thousands of dollars to the real MSRP and then will discount that number by 20%.

If a customer buys at that 20% or even 30% discounted price,
the dealer wins big and then some.

darsben1 wrote:
MSRP is not a real number on most units so 40% off a made up number may not be a good deal. Check the web to see the lowest price for a 2018 if comparable size etc. Use that number as a starting point. So for instance if you find a comparable unit With a supposed MSRP of $32000 but "on Sale" for $28000.. Negotiate the discount off the "on sale price". In my example I would start at 50% off the price or $14,000 because you will get caught up in the dickering game.

[DutchmenSport]

When we purchased our Springdale, it sat on the lot for a year. Sold as new, but a year old. The floor plan was simply not appealing, and it had no slides. We did get a good break in the price negotiation because it was a last years model.

The only problem I found with the camper was an excessive amount of rust on the trailer frame. The underbelly was covered with the tarp material with insulation on the inside, but it was between the frame and floor. So the frame was completely exposed. After purchase, I took the time to sand and scrub off as much as I could and repainted the entire frame with Rust-o-lium black, a combination of spray and brush on type. The next year, I touched up areas again where it was quite obvious I missed. It turned out to be a good trailer. I only had to touch up one spot on the roof the entire 8 years we owned it. And I had to re-anchor the radio antenna and re-caulk it in place when it pulled loose from the roof in it's 5th or 6th year.

If this is the camper that really interests you, then there's nothing wrong with going for it. I would still expect a 1 year warranty, and that would include the tires, and still possibly negotiate a lower price. Talk to the dealer and see what they are willing to do. Take that information, then go out and inspect the camper again. Sit on it a couple days and think it through with your head, not your heart. Crunch the financial numbers, and then go back and give your answer to the dealer.

MSRP and percentages off that MSRP are all part of the negotiation. You'll never know until you find out where they are starting at what their supposed "bottom dollar" price will be. If you are OK with that, then go for it! Once you get the camper home, just like all of us, you'll use the camper a time or two and then fix everything you discover and make your own modifications anyway.

Considering the camper has been sitting for almost 2 years, I would think the dealer would be willing to negotiate. He's loosing money the longer it sits on his lot.

[darsben1]

MSRP is not a real number on most units so 40% off a made up number may not be a good deal. Check the web to see the lowest price for a 2018 if comparable size etc. Use that number as a starting point. So for instance if you find a comparable unit With a supposed MSRP of $32000 but "on Sale" for $28000.. Negotiate the discount off the "on sale price". In my example I would start at 50% off the price or $14,000 because you will get caught up in the dickering game.

[MFL]

Yes, if sitting in the sun/weather for that long, roof caulking issues are likely, tires not rolling/sitting in sun, likely problem too. Often times bearings are very lightly greased from factory, so could rust from sitting. I would expect dealer to address all issues, before purchasing, and checked by you, before signing purchase agreement. With freight/prep added, I would expect not less than 40 percent off list price.

Jerry

[donn0128]

Not a desirable color or floor plan