Buying strategies on a new TT

[8ptspike]

Wife and I are finally (after two of talking about it) ready to jump in and buy our first TT. We are buying new.
Several questions.
What time of year do you get the best deals? We are coming into fall as I'm sure up here in the north dealerships want to get rid on inventory before winter. Or in the spring at the RV shows?

How much is negotiating like buying a car. We have looked at some trailers on the lots and online. They are already Hugely marked off of MSRP (I know, I know). Example MSRP $33,000 but listed at $25,000. Auto dealerships do the same thing but not by such a huge percentage. How do I know if I am getting a good deal? I'm a newbie but for $25k I feel like it's a good deal already but I just Do Not pay sticker price. Newbie to TT's not life. LOL. Hence, I know when I need to tap into experience.
Any input is greatly appreciated.

[OlYeller]

The best time to buy an RV is when you find the one you want. Prices will drop some in the Fall and over Winter but so will inventory. Dealers will not have a huge stock on hand then because they have to pay flooring costs. You may fall in love with an RV that just isn't available anymore. The new models come out generally in the Spring.

Generally the norm is 25-30% off MSRP for purchase. Be aware the MSRP isn't like it is in the automobile market where there is a federally mandated Mulroony sticker on every car. Sometimes it is a made up number by the dealership so comparative shopping for price is necessary. An RV Show is a great place to shop but in my opinion, not a great place to buy. I have found I get a better price when people aren't standing in line waiting for a salesperson to wait on them. This means that while Spring and Summer have the best inventory you will find that the dealers are less likely to get to the 30% discount. That is the reason for my opening sentence.

[plasma800]

Ok look, couple things...

First things first, no small talk with the salesman. A quiet buyer has the advantage.

Second, a personal recommendation goes a long way. If you can call a dealer, get a person, and say So and So sent you, for whatever reason, that opens things up.

If you want a little more off the 25k, ask for it. "What would you say if I offered you 16,000 dollars for this trailer?" It's okay to go ridiculously low, it's their turn to return with a different number. If you like the return number, go for it! 25% off is 24750

Look around at what the 1 year old units are selling for...... if they are selling for 22k, 24k.. that's a good sign... if they are listed for 14k, that's a bad sign.

33k MSRP to 25k is over a 20% discount, not bad really, there's probably some more meat on the bone, up to you if you want to chase it.

Don't forget there are many dealers within an 8 to 10 hour circle. I use the phone a lot when shopping, and I've been known to just "show up" first thing when they open. When I bought my trailer, it was 8 hours away, and I was in their lot when they unlocked the door, unannounced. After fiddling with me via email and phone, they made me an offer I could not refuse on the spot - i think they knew if I walked, it would pretty tough to get me back in person considering I was 3 states over.

Sure glad I bought right then too, the following models came out with a huge price increase right after I bought one of the last 15's left...

[Badlands Bob]

When you get the price, make sure it is an out-the-door price. RV dealers are famous for tacking on all sorts of extra documentation and PDI fees. I've seen them add up to over $1,000 on a trailer.

[Bamaman]

Buying a RV is nothing like buying a car. RV (and boat) dealers are 6 month businesses, and sales usually stop in August. A car dealer sells more cars in 1 month than a RV dealer sells in a year. But their operating expenses are comparable. In other words, there are no $100 over cost deals in RV's. Your best bet is getting a "fair" deal.

I went shopping on RVTrader.com and filtered my search by 250 miles. It's not hard to figure out what dealers are the "leaders of the pack"--pricewise. I called on the phone and told them I was a "cash buyer" and not a tire kicker. What's your absolutely lowest price, and can you email me your deal? I then went to other dealers in 250 mile radius, saw fifth wheels and dropped the other dealer's email on the table. One dealer was too high by $9K. Another beat the original price by $1K--over 30% off MSRP.

In my case, the lowest price dealer was one of the better dealerships around. I always suggest trying to shop close to home if they're willing to deal, as price is not everything. Service is also very, very important and not every dealer's service dept. is good.

It also helps if you have more than one comparable brand that's acceptable to you. That often opens up more dealerships to your shopping.

It'd be nice to know where you're looking at RV's? City?

[8ptspike]

I'm located near Erie, PA.
Great info all.
Thanks for the input. I really am interested in this. Nice analogy between boats and RV's. Bought a few boats.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi again Paul!

First, I would set a price range that you want to stay within, and decide if you want a new or used TT. Then go to RVTrader.com and do a search within that price range. That will show you what you can expect. They allow you to search under many different parameters, but the price range should be the first step, then narrow it down from there. Don't forget to check the Classifieds here on IRV2 also!

Personally, if I was looking for a used TT I would rather buy from an individual than a dealer. I think that, in most cases, they would probably be more honest and take whatever time you want to check out the unit.

Don't jump on the first deal that sounds good to you! There will always be others out there just as good! Take your time and do the research!

I think that winter would probably be the best time to get better deals, because that's the slow season for camping.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Spdracr39]

Don't let them confuse you with throwing in add ons instead of lowering the price. The extended warranty and add on accessories cost them a fraction of what they claim. Negotiate the price first then negotiate the price of any additional features or warranties.