Would you expect a discount on a "new" 2011 5-er?

[EricandAlice]

Since it's Feb of 2012 there are still several "new" 2011 5th wheels on lots we've visited. Would you expect any sort of discount on those? And if so, how much? I know that several car dealers have told us that "new" 2011 trucks would have a deeper discount...

To me... it's still new. But on the other hand, it's probably been sitting on the lot longer, with more foot traffic...

Thanks for your thoughts.

Alice

[Cat320]

I would expect a discount on both the 2011 and 2012 models. FWIW, I'd opt for the newer model. If you buy a 2011, it's value will be considerably lower since it's already nearly two years old...some manufactures are coming out with the 2013 models.

[macantic]

Yes,our first 5th wheel we bought new as a year old leftover that sold new for $75K and we got it for $50K.

[camperme2]

I have been doing a lot of research on new 2011 and 2012. Depending on manufacturer and retailer you can expect to get discounts of about 35-40% on 2011 and good discounts on 2012. I would never pay full MSRP these days. I have seen prices on new 2011 30' 5th such as Heartland, Chaparrel, Cruiser and Evergreen which normally sell in the $40,000 to $45,000 range, down to under $25,000. With full warranty I will be buying 2011 when I a ready to go. There are some 2010's also available. You may have to travel a few miles but they are out there. And for $10,000 I'll drive half way across Canada or US. Good luck.
Mark

[smiller]

I think sometimes these threads (filled with 'I bought my new $80k rig for $40k' reports) may set up buyers for a disappointment. It is true that you should never pay anything close to MSRP but not all dealers will be willing to give a 40% discount either. A lot will depend on whether you are willing to buy long-distance, negotiate hard, and accept the fact that the hottest-selling units won't be discounted as heavily. At some point you will have to balance getting exactly what you want and convenience/service with price, and everyone values those things differently.

[EricandAlice]

Thanks everyone. I just did the math. The new 2011 we're currently considering is almost 40% off MSRP. I've heard of the "offer 40% off of MSRP rule" before but don't remember if there was any more to it than that.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by EricandAlice

Thanks everyone. I just did the math. The new 2011 we're currently considering is almost 40% off MSRP. I've heard of the "offer 40% off of MSRP rule" before but don't remember if there was any more to it than that.

Which MSRP? The factory one or the one stuck on the unit by the dealer? RV sticker prices aren't the same as car sticker prices. Some states allow the dealer to replace the factory one with one of their own, usually much higher so they can give more discount (sort of)

[EricandAlice]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Which MSRP? The factory one or the one stuck on the unit by the dealer? RV sticker prices aren't the same as car sticker prices. Some states allow the dealer to replace the factory one with one of their own, usually much higher so they can give more discount (sort of)

I can't find an MSRP listed by the manufacturer so I'm having to go by the one listed on the dealer's website. I also don't know the "factory price" of the options installed, but I think the only option was partial paint.

[ralphie]

That's right; you don't know the real MSRP. I'd be looking to pay no more than 50% of the real MSRP, if you can determine what it is. The dealer isn't going to want to take a loss, but there comes a point when it has to move the unit, and you may strike it lucky. You can always bargain up from your low ball offer.

[camperme2]

EricandAlice. I do my research on RV Trader which has thousands of units for sale. I also use Yahoo and Google and just type in the year, make and model of the unit I want. Generally, I prefer Google for most searching but Yahoo seems to be a lot better for Rv's. For example: A 2011 Evergreen Everlite 30 RLS-5 is listed in MO at $40 693 MSRP however it is available for sale in WI for $21,995. NOt quite 50% Off but close enough. BTW the MSRP quoted is consistant on a few sites in RV Trader. Give it a try. I have seen internet prices on this unit at $26K and 35K also.If the dealers have large stock of previous years models they will sell below cost to get it off the lot and bring in new units.
Hope that helps.
Mark

[mikell]

I think we saved about $50 a mile going with a new end of year model out of state. Even with gas and motels it was a very good deal. Close to 50% off

[wingnut60]

Camperme2 has very good recs--pricing comparable models both new and used will give you a decent value for the one you are looking at. Normally, there is no problem getting 25-30% off on any new fiver, so a new last-years should have more, otherwise there is no incentive for the buyer to consider it over a current model.
Just went to RV show in Ft Worth--DRV dealer had a '11 model with $101,000 list at $45000 off. And the more expensive the unit, the more you can expect to shave off list...
Joe

[dave&ginny]

Good luck on getting what you want. My rule of thumb was to drive no more than 8 hours to get a good deal. When I ordered my 5er I searched for dealers and compared what they each offered. This way I knew they didn't come up with their own MSRP. If you have a trade give all of them the same information on the trade. I ordered a trailer just the way I wanted it and still got the price I wanted close to the 40% mark. If the dealer was rude on the phone I crossed them off my list. I had dealers fighting for my buisness.

[TXiceman]

A 2011 is already a model year old and soon to be 2 model years. For a comparison, look at the difference in price for a used 2010 and a 2011 for the same model. The minute you drive off the lot, it becomes a used 2011 and not a new 2011.

Ken