Community Forums

Rick Coleman · 02-06-2006, 11:58 AM

I have concluded after much reading and test driving different brands of motorhome that I love how the Alpine drives and that is the coach for me. I have seen a few new "leftover" 2005 coaches (36' is what I have in mind) and the price discounts are very substantial from sticker price. Like everyone, I would rather order "exactly" what I want, but I don't know if that is in the works for me...certainly at list price. What kind of price flexibility can one expect on a custom ordered '06 coach... or in the alternative, what kind of price flexibility should one expect on an '06 dealer inventory coach? I have never purchased a coach before, and I have no point of reference.
A friend said I should expect 22%-25% off of sticker, as that is what you get on large SUV's and diesel pickups these days. I haven't a clue! Any advice, or recommendations on a dealer who is going to be fair?

Thanks, Rick Coleman

Rick Coleman · 02-06-2006, 11:58 AM

I have concluded after much reading and test driving different brands of motorhome that I love how the Alpine drives and that is the coach for me. I have seen a few new "leftover" 2005 coaches (36' is what I have in mind) and the price discounts are very substantial from sticker price. Like everyone, I would rather order "exactly" what I want, but I don't know if that is in the works for me...certainly at list price. What kind of price flexibility can one expect on a custom ordered '06 coach... or in the alternative, what kind of price flexibility should one expect on an '06 dealer inventory coach? I have never purchased a coach before, and I have no point of reference.
A friend said I should expect 22%-25% off of sticker, as that is what you get on large SUV's and diesel pickups these days. I haven't a clue! Any advice, or recommendations on a dealer who is going to be fair?

Thanks, Rick Coleman

Ted III · 02-06-2006, 02:41 PM

Rick, large SUV's and elephants are in great demand.

Ted & Carol
2005 Alpine 34FDDS
2006 PT Cruiser GT

EngineerMike · 02-06-2006, 02:43 PM

We ordered a coach cuz we wanted options that don't come as a package on dealer-floored units. Don't know exactly cuz of the trade-in schmooze, but it was in the ballpark of what to expect from a dealer lot. Your numbers of 22-25 are right on w/the lower being where the dealer thinks they can sell the deal, and the higher where they've floored something too long and are ready to move a unit.
If you are not too concerned w/what you get in options, there should be some nice pricing on 05's. If you are concerned about options, get the options sheet filled out for an "ordered" coach, & get quotes from 2 dealers to compare. Realize that ordering takes time & has a hassle factor of its own, vs. on-the-lot where you get what is there.
Good luck & welcome to the "club."

lundy · 02-07-2006, 05:39 AM

I purchased an '06 - 36' for one major reason. The vanity now goes out with the rear slide and opens up the bath area on that model. One major drawback (IMO)of the earlier 36' model was that the bathroom was a little cramped.

jerry davis · 02-07-2006, 05:26 PM

we ordered an 05 36' FDDS with all the options we wanted. It came with the larger bath slide even though it was an 05.
Like EngineerMike, we sent a copy of exactly what we wanted to two dealers telling them what we would pay (about 22-23% off list). They both accepted our offer as all they had to do was order the coach with what we wanted.
Give it a try.
What do you have to lose?

Jerry and Judy
2005/2006
36'FDDS

swansnest · 02-07-2006, 06:05 PM

Hi Rick! I see you are in Manhattan Beach. Not too far from us. Don't know where you have gone to test drive - but we, as well as many other owners, think Saddleback is one of the worst Dealers. Guaranty has a lot in Indio (760-3424311 at 80-425 Highway 111, Indio 92201) and Lindsey & Richard(Alpine Specialists from Junction City, Oregon) are going to be there this next week. You might call them and check it out exactly. They have an '05 - 38' advertised for $209,000. That's 30% off. We think Lindsey & Richard try real hard to please and make a deal. If we were to buy another one - that is probably where we would go!

Good luck!

Tris & Carolyn
2003 Alpine 40' MDTS
2005 Avalanche Toad

Sully · 02-07-2006, 09:48 PM

Rick,

Dale and I were just at the show in Indio that Tris wrote about. I agree that these guys are great to deal with and they made us a great deal at Homecoming in October.

If you can't make it to Indio Lidsays's phone # is 541-915-2768 and Rich's is 541-954-5023.

There are few RV or aouto salesmen that I would trust, but these two qualify.

Sully

1peddler · 02-08-2006, 01:47 PM

Tris, I agree with you about Saddleback. We got a great price on a 05' 40FDQS from them. But the aftermarket support is poor at best.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by swansnest:
Hi Rick! I see you are in Manhattan Beach. Not too far from us. Don't know where you have gone to test drive - but we, as well as many other owners, think Saddleback is one of the worst Dealers. Guaranty has a lot in Indio (760-3424311 at 80-425 Highway 111, Indio 92201) and Lindsey & Richard(Alpine Specialists from Junction City, Oregon) are going to be there this next week. You might call them and check it out exactly. They have an '05 - 38' advertised for $209,000. That's 30% off. We think Lindsey & Richard try real hard to please and make a deal. If we were to buy another one - that is probably where we would go!

Good luck!

Tris & Carolyn
2003 Alpine 40' MDTS
2005 Avalanche Toad </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

pamelashere · 02-08-2006, 03:47 PM

We too learned the hard way with the coach we ordered from Saddleback. A nightmare. We would do whatever it took to deal with Guaranty, Indio or Oregon. Lindsey is great.

Jack Gentry · 02-09-2006, 07:15 PM

Hmmm...I guess opinions are like elbows. Everybody's got one. I was at the RV show in Pomona and happened to talk to 4 Alpine owners who bought from Saddleback. All were happy with the coach and the service and 2 were planning to buy new ones. I also am ready to "pull the trigger" and will probably deal with Saddleback.

swansnest · 02-09-2006, 09:08 PM

Yes, everybody has a right to their opinion. But as an active member of the Alpine Association for 3 years, and after meeting many Alpine owners, the general consensus is that Saddleback's after market support is a joke. It doesn't take a genius to see that they are ill equiped for service. I could write a book about the horror stories I and other's have experienced. All I can say is good luck and don't say you weren't warned!

rockcj · 02-13-2006, 11:15 AM

I got great service from Saddleback. Maybe I got lucky but Saddleback stood by me dealing with WRV with all my issues. It has been very positive for me from purchase of the coach.

David
05 Alpine