Community Forums

GoodTimes · 05-08-2012, 03:30 PM

Advice Please:

We currently own a 2009 TT and are considering a Class C. In speaking w/ a dealer, they've come down considerably on a new rig but are offering $5k less that what we would like to get for the TT. Is this the norm?

The TT was our first, so this trade-in and buying a new C is a first time for us. We don't have 'experience' under our belts and could use any insight yall could share w/ us!

**NLOVNIT** · 05-08-2012, 04:24 PM

One of our Commercial Members posted this BLOG a while ago. It explains the process pretty well.

Ever since reading that, no matter whether I'm buying a car, boat, RV or whatever, if it involves a trade-in, the "difference" (what I'm gonna have to pay or finance) is all that matters to me & I want it to be as little as possible.

Lori-

TXiceman · 05-08-2012, 05:28 PM

Figure a fair price for the motorhome and a fair trade for the trailer. You have to leave some room for the dealer to add some profit to the trailer you are trading. Once you come up with the difference, that is the number you work toward. At this point pay no attention to how much they price the motorhome at or how much they allow for your trade....as long as they deference comes out where you want to be.

Ken

greystroke · 05-08-2012, 05:31 PM

Great Blog.

Check the value of your trailer at NADA.com so you know your not getting cheated. You can also check what they are selling for on the internet. pretty easy to find out.

Once you know what the value is approach the dealer close to the end of the month that you decide. This way you get the salesman working for you. He will want to put a mark on the board before the first of the month. maybe the end of a quarter.

It is normal to take a little beating on trade ins. The dealer will probably wholesale it out but they have to pay to do this. Advantage of trade ins is sales tax is paid on the difference, not the full price.

You can sell it yourself and maybe you can get a lower price without tradein. If you sell it yourself you risk buyers remorse that may cause you to end up in court.

When we finally decided to buy we were astounded at the paperwork. We agreed on the difference but the price of the motorhome was way above advertised price. But they give us maybe 4 times what the tradein was worth. Looked great on paper.

So anything can happen when you sign on the dotted line. Don't go into shock when you find figures are different than you expected.

Never considered selling my trailer because it had de-lamination problems and didn't want give a buyer a bunch of problems. Would not have slept well. The wholesalers have delt with these problems and can fix them.

So good luck with your trade. See you around the forum.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-08-2012, 06:15 PM

Of course it's less than what you would like to get. The dealer is paying you wholesale value for your RV, so he can make a profit when he re-sells it at retail. Anything above and beyond wholesale for the trade is a discount off the price of the new one. You should be able to negotiate a discount deep enough to make you fairly happy. Bargain hard and get the difference down to what you are willing to pay. Or walk away.

Go Dawgs · 05-08-2012, 07:52 PM

Why don't you sell it yourself? That way you get the price you want and then go deal with the dealer. That way you win on both accounts. Sometimes we get impatient and we lose that way. Take your time and pocket the difference. JMHO

Arnold

cdstrohm · 05-08-2012, 07:59 PM

Have you thought about trying to sell yourself via craigslist? We just. Bought a new to us TT. Dealer offered us $2k for ours, came as high as $3.5k .... sold on craigslist in 1 week for $5.5k. Price it reasonably and see what happens .... you have nothing to lose. Well except being camperless until you get a class c.

GoodTimes · 05-08-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awarnes

Why don't you sell it yourself? That way you get the price you want and then go deal with the dealer. That way you win on both accounts. Sometimes we get impatient and we lose that way. Take your time and pocket the difference. JMHO

Arnold

We are trying to sell it ourselves but looking at trading as an option in the meantime. Just looking at all the scenarios and trying to be careful in making such a huge decision! Thanks to everyone for their help!

cb5300 · 05-09-2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greystroke

It is normal to take a little beating on trade ins. The dealer will probably wholesale it out but they have to pay to do this. Advantage of trade ins is sales tax is paid on the difference, not the full price.

NOT TRUE in Virginia!!!! The sales tax is paid on the full selling price!

greystroke · 05-09-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb5300

NOT TRUE in Virginia!!!! The sales tax is paid on the full selling price!

Sorry. Did not know that.

Davdeb1 · 05-09-2012, 07:55 PM

Normally though, the saved sales tax doesn't make up for the lower price you received for the trade. Trading is a convenience. Do what feels right and comfortable for you.