Community Forums

TandCplusRV · 06-21-2013, 01:46 PM

I've read here numerous times that, if buying a new coach, I should aim to negotiate roughly 20-30% off of the listed MSRP - but is there a comparable rule of thumb for used coaches? I've been checking online via NADA guides for used coaches I'm interested in, but some dealers have certain coaches seemingly below and way above the NADA guidelines - hard to figure out what to come in at.

irv2fan · 06-21-2013, 01:54 PM

seedealercost com is an idea

clyon51 · 06-21-2013, 02:00 PM

I don't think there is any rule per se. I offered 20% less on a used one from a privare party via consignment from a friend who owns an RV repair shop. The coach was priced about right, but they did take the offer on a cash deal. On another coach years ago, they asked $11k and they took 7.5k. Mostly depends how long it's been for sale and how desparate they are.

I would never start at anything higher than 20% off with a private seller and about 30% with a dealer. You can always come up if refused, but once you commit, you can't lower your offer.

cb1000rider · 06-21-2013, 02:00 PM

NADA is a guideline for used.
I'd do two things:
1) Search tradeonline.com for the year/make/model nationwide. This will give you the "asking" range.
2) Search craigslist nationwide for the same thing. You can do this with google via "1998 Holiday Rambler Vacationer site:craigslist.org" (don't put the quotes in)

From there, you come up with a range.
Used coaches will have a pretty wide range because they can be found in varying conditions. Additionally dealers seem to be the worst as they'll try and get $X for a coach that they have no history on (auction unit).

Hope that helps. If you're thinking about something in particular, post it up here and people will give you opinions on it..

TXiceman · 06-21-2013, 02:06 PM

Used coaches are not sold the same way as new coaches. Used are priced all over the place. Owners are often upside-down on them and want to get enough to pay them off when the market is not there. What we have seen over the past few years in this economy is that used RVs sell for NADA Guides, low retail with no options added . This is for an RV that is in good shape. Worn and dirt units sell for less. Needing tires and maintenance lowers the value.

Ken

CampDaven · 06-21-2013, 02:25 PM

Start low enough to make them look at you like you had 3 heads, and negotiate from there. It is YOUR money on the line.

TandCplusRV · 06-22-2013, 05:34 AM

Thanks for all of the advice. As a first timer, I'm taking it really slow and trying to take in as much information, theories, etc. as possible.

Playtime III · 06-22-2013, 07:38 AM

Timing and location are also important. I went looking in October-November. Here in Northern VA the inventory of used MHs were low so the dealers were asking high NADA values for the clean/maintained coaches. However, in AZ the inventory was plentiful so most of the units in similiar condition were below NADA values. By going to AZ, we found a coach that had the features we wanted (king bed, 1.5 bath) and tons more instead of settling for a coach that only had one or the other features we wanted. Trip to AZ, Coach, delivery, TT trade pick up and extended warrantee for thousands less than the local dealers wanted on a "smaller" coach.

Dmorgan6375 · 06-22-2013, 07:10 PM

Playtime hit the nail on the head, timing is everything, this time of the year you're appt to pay much much more than waiting till late fall. We bought our first MH in Late Oct. Also bought our first and second 5th wheels in late Sep/Oct, Best time to buy, more for your money!

Medico · 06-22-2013, 07:47 PM

Dealer was asking $259K, we settled on $215K for our 2006 CC. The longer a coach sits on a lot the more they will be willing to negotiate. Ours was only on the lot for 3 months, but that's 3 months of interest payments for them.

ahicks · 06-24-2013, 06:29 AM

Regarding used coaches, EVERY one of them is different. A fair price is going to be almost completely about condition, and maybe options to a lesser extent.

After shopping for a while, you should get a feel for a range of prices for a particular model, but there's no way you're going to get much closer without touching it. Do not trust pictures or the seller's comments.

A fairly priced coach in good (or better) condition may demand asking price. Depending on how "used" you're talking about, they can be pretty difficult to locate?

Jack1234 · 06-24-2013, 06:57 AM

If you are negotiating with a Dealer, I think you should be very aggressive...you can always go up and they don't take negotiation personally. Regardless, remember to always be polite because they do take rudeness personally and you may shoot yourself in the foot!

When negotiating with a private Seller you need to be both polite and more careful with your initial offer as they WILL take the negotiation personally...it's there baby! Regardless, you need to have a price and be prepared to walk if necessary.

UsualSuspect · 06-24-2013, 09:08 PM

Once you pick out your rig, go to NADA and sign up for a trial account, which is good for 10 days. Input what the rig has on it in the way of options, then see what the wholesale value is. The number they show you as a consumer is higher than the one they give to dealers.
When I bought my rig, I used the wholesale number from the trial account. I stood firm on it, and ended up getting it for that price. They tried to get me to budge, I didn't. I told them summer was already half way over, and they would be sitting on it for another year. I walked out the dealership, told them to call me when they want to sell it. Took them a few days, and a few more offers, but they gave in. With a dealership I will take no prisoners.
If it is a private party, tread lightly, they want it to go to a good home, and most if you ask what is the lowest they will take for it, you can bypass the back and forth negotiations, and you will know if it is what you want to spend. Private Parties are so much easier to deal with.