Community Forums

CB3 · 12-04-2008, 01:24 PM

My wife and I have decided a motorhome would be a great addition to our family-oriented vacationing. After a good deal of research, I am very comfortable with Damon as a value-oriented manufacturer. For our first venture into owning an MH (have rented before), we are aware that we may find in a few years that we want something different than what we first spec'd. Therefore, we are looking for entry level pricing but decent features.

We are currently looking at a new 2008 Astoria 3776 (bunk beds) with some upgrades already installed. The dealer has it incorrectly listed as a Pacific Edition, which is easy to spot by the graphics package on white vs. the full body paint on the PE. In looking outside of our geogrpahic area, I have found five other new Astorias, some of which are also listed as PEs, but none of them are. That seems a little strange to me. Surely dealers know what they have?

Also, I understand that internet prices may not always be current, especially considering this is the end of the model year and economic conditions are deteriorating rapidly, adversely affecting MH sales, I presume. Yet I see a range of prices from $110,000 to full list at $180,000. There are some different features (options) installed on some of them, but the total value of these items is less than $5,000. There is even one used (5,600 miles) for more $$ than two of the new ones!

The one locally is at the lower end of this range, but it is not the lowest. That one is across the country but it is $10,000 less. That seems like enough of a difference to fly there and drive it home if our dealer won't come close to that lower price. Is that a decent strategy?

One final question. Those of you who have the 3776, would you comment on it? I have researched these posts and the last analysis was about a year ago. We are interested because of the capacity to sleep 8 (grandchildren and a set of parents in addition to us)and the apparent quality/value of Damons (slight imperfections to be dealt with).

TIA CB3

CB3 · 12-04-2008, 01:24 PM

My wife and I have decided a motorhome would be a great addition to our family-oriented vacationing. After a good deal of research, I am very comfortable with Damon as a value-oriented manufacturer. For our first venture into owning an MH (have rented before), we are aware that we may find in a few years that we want something different than what we first spec'd. Therefore, we are looking for entry level pricing but decent features.

We are currently looking at a new 2008 Astoria 3776 (bunk beds) with some upgrades already installed. The dealer has it incorrectly listed as a Pacific Edition, which is easy to spot by the graphics package on white vs. the full body paint on the PE. In looking outside of our geogrpahic area, I have found five other new Astorias, some of which are also listed as PEs, but none of them are. That seems a little strange to me. Surely dealers know what they have?

Also, I understand that internet prices may not always be current, especially considering this is the end of the model year and economic conditions are deteriorating rapidly, adversely affecting MH sales, I presume. Yet I see a range of prices from $110,000 to full list at $180,000. There are some different features (options) installed on some of them, but the total value of these items is less than $5,000. There is even one used (5,600 miles) for more $$ than two of the new ones!

The one locally is at the lower end of this range, but it is not the lowest. That one is across the country but it is $10,000 less. That seems like enough of a difference to fly there and drive it home if our dealer won't come close to that lower price. Is that a decent strategy?

One final question. Those of you who have the 3776, would you comment on it? I have researched these posts and the last analysis was about a year ago. We are interested because of the capacity to sleep 8 (grandchildren and a set of parents in addition to us)and the apparent quality/value of Damons (slight imperfections to be dealt with).

TIA CB3

doc · 12-04-2008, 01:54 PM

We are on our first Damon coach now. I was surprised by the quality of the cabinetry and the overall quality of the coach itself. It is on a Freightliner chassis. I have never seen a coach (outside of a tour bus) with bunk beds. I would actually like to see one.

Have you asked the local dealer to match the price? Ten thousand is a good incentive to cross the country certainly. Will you be able to get it serviced/warranty issues taken care of if you cross the nation to buy. I know that was a dealer rep they are required to make warranty repairs, but they don't always have to put you on the top of the list for service.
Is there another dealer in the area if this one turns sour on you?
Man what a first trip that would be!!

John H... · 12-04-2008, 03:29 PM

CB3, If you are actually willing to fly cross country to make a buy, then I would first, let your dealer know what sacrifice your willing to make to not pay him what he's asking and tell him about the other dealer's price and tell him you'll buy from him if he's willing to sell for the same price. If not, you haven't lost anything. With 09 models out and the economy the way it is, he should be more than willing to make a sale on an 08 model.
If that doesn't work, contact the other dealer and see if they would offer you anything better if you were willing to fly across the country to buy from them. They might at least knock off the cost of your flight. Whatever, good luck and let us know how you make out on either deal. John H....

John-D · 12-04-2008, 04:24 PM

While I was awaiting delivery I had some folks say disparaging things about Damon Coaches. I don't know, perhaps they had a "Bad" period.

I do know that what was delivered was a first class product. As you note quality cabinets and trim. So far I've had very few problems that are coach quality issues,, a few that are 3rd party issues.. More on that in a sec

I have found two screws that missed their mark, neither inportant. And I've had to tighten a lot of screws (Well.. consider that the thing runs up and down Michigans nice "smooth" (right) roads... Home of (Voice of doom mode) THE POT HOLE (/voice of doom mode) a few loose screws.... Well... There are those who say we all have a few loose screws

At least I have a #2 square bit to tighten them with

Door lock, Tri-mark IIRC.. Not pleased, likewise the storage compartments (Basement) locks... That's not Damon's fault however.

Other issues: Dash display (Repaired under warranty) Dash A/C (likewise) Self Removing Windshield (This one really IS a Damon issue) also fixed under warranty THREE TIMES, The last time properly at the factory (nice factory)

VCR: Zenith used to be a quality product before Goldstar bought them) Microwavfe (Dometic,made by L.G., See comment on VCR,, I did a bit of engineering, replaced one Goldstar part with an equivlent GE part, Works fine now) And that's about it.

Good points

Batteries Interstate U-2200, Ok, so they are not Trojan's but ... But when you compare dollars they may well be the better value.

COnverter PD-9180 with wizard.. It don't get better than that. (A few are as good but it don't get better)

Battery control system Intelletec Charges both house and chassis batteries on both shore and alternator power

Generator Onan Emerald Gold 5500
'
Water Heater.. If I had my choice I'd choose Attwood.. And so did they

Air Conditioners Carrier V Good units but I'd like a wall t-stat instead of the one they use

Quality plumbing, well layed out.

Toshiba Televisions (Very nice)

Pioneer Sound (likewise)

IN short.. Most all of it is first rate stuff.

I just wish LG would go bankrupt instead of GM

CB3 · 12-04-2008, 06:17 PM

Thanks for the replies. No surprises, but such confirmations are welcome.

Before I pressure the dealer for the lower price, I want to have financing in place, know my insurance, storage and operating costs. I know the monthly payment on the coach will not be our only financial commitment. I think it only fair that if he commits to the lowest possible price that I commit to buy. We are still dipping our toes, and so far the water is warm, but we are days away from diving in.

CB3

doc · 12-05-2008, 07:03 AM

Hey CB3, what part of the country are you in? Dry, heated storage that some of the folks I know 'up North' gets expen$ive. Think about that when factoring in all your incidental costs.

John H... · 12-05-2008, 07:30 AM

CB3, If you hold off till early spring, pricing should even be better when 09 sales are in full swing. John H....

CB3 · 12-05-2008, 08:01 AM

We are considering indoor winter storage for 3-4 months as a cost--Utah.

Concerning spring as a better time for lower prices, I have not been in this market, so that may be, but if I owned a dealership and had an '08 sitting on the lot for about 8 months with '09s on their way, I would desperately want to turn that cash I had tied up in the '08.

That to me is a motivated seller at a time of the year when most people are not buying MH's (begining of a snowy winter in Utah) vs. spring when they are buying for spring/summer trips.

Our salesman said they would only special order coaches now--no new spec coaches coming in for '09. He offered to give me pricing on an '09, so I am going to look at it, but I can't imagine I could get the same price break as on the '08, which is basically already discounted for 1 year's depreciation (30%+ off MSRP). Not only would I likely pay more for the increased price of the '09 (with more standard features that were options on the '08), but I doubt I'll get the depreciation break. We'll see.

CB3

KC1BUD · 12-05-2008, 10:50 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CB3:
We are considering indoor winter storage for 3-4 months as a cost--Utah.

Concerning spring as a better time for lower prices, I have not been in this market, so that may be, but if I owned a dealership and had an '08 sitting on the lot for about 8 months with '09s on their way, I would desperately want to turn that cash I had tied up in the '08.

That to me is a motivated seller at a time of the year when most people are not buying MH's (begining of a snowy winter in Utah) vs. spring when they are buying for spring/summer trips.

Our salesman said they would only special order coaches now--no new spec coaches coming in for '09. He offered to give me pricing on an '09, so I am going to look at it, but I can't imagine I could get the same price break as on the '08, which is basically already discounted for 1 year's depreciation (30%+ off MSRP). Not only would I likely pay more for the increased price of the '09 (with more standard features that were options on the '08), but I doubt I'll get the depreciation break. We'll see.

CB3 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

For my first new MH, but 4 overall, I bought an '07 Damon Daybreak at the end of '06. I actually bought it during a sales promotion called Damon Days. I got my '07 for what people were willing to pay for an'06.

It was tha last day of the sale and I bought the factory display model.

doc · 12-05-2008, 12:07 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...if I owned a dealership and had an '08 sitting on the lot for about 8 months with '09s on their way, I would desperately want to turn that cash I had tied up in the '08. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I tend to agree with that as well. IF he has held it to Spring, he may no longer be in business in the spring. However if he IS still in business, the chances of the price being lower is significant. If he has not already cut it to HIS cost to liquidate for some positive cash flow.

John H... · 12-05-2008, 12:49 PM

I have read on-line where people have bought new,-year old MH's for 60 to 65% of MSRP. The dealers still made money.If he offers you a good deal on an '09, you might want to consider it over the '08 and the added depreciation you'll lose on a year old model.It's not unheard of to get a new one at 70% of MSRP. You have got to be very careful with all dealers. John H....

CB3 · 12-05-2008, 07:10 PM

"It's not unheard of to get a new one at 70% of MSRP."

Do you mean 70% of MSRP = 30% discount off MSRP?

Or do you mean 70% discount off MSRP?

The coach I am looking at locally is advertised at 33% off MSRP now (67% of MSRP) without any negotiating, and the other across the country is advertised at 38% off MSRP (62% of MSRP). I figure the latter must be close to if not at dealer cost. As I understand MH negotiating, we have to establish a base price to deal from, and if we don't actually know dealer cost to deal up from that, then we have to work back down from MSRP.

The quote for the '09 starts at $158,900 for the Pacific Edition, but without some options we would get. Damon website lists MSRP at $196,000, so the starting offer from the dealer for ordering in the '09 is only 19% off MSRP. Even at a 30% discount off MSRP, the '09 would cost $137,200. Then there would be depreciation from that as soon as I drive it off the lot.

I believe if I pick up the '08 for ~36% off MSRP I would be getting it at a fair price, discounted for 1 year's depreciation. I don't think that would leave the dealer with a lot of profit, but I doubt they would lose money. It has most of the features and the low price I want.

I don't know for sure, but I kind of doubt a dealer has more than 40% mark up, defined here as the % difference between MSRP and dealer cost, not the % that a dealer marks up the coach over his cost. If the coach cost a dealer $110,000, and MSRP was $180,000, his mark up from cost would be 63% to get to MSRP.

CB3

John H... · 12-06-2008, 07:19 AM

I meant 70% of MSRP or 30% discount. If they are offering 33% off, then it should be a pretty good deal. I believe that dealer cost is around 60% of MSRP. I also think this is why a dealer will settle for something around 65% of MSRP if they want to move it quickly and still make a little money. Every time I was in the market and looking, I would be looking at the 70% OF MSRP to start. You do lose a lot of money driving a new one off the lot and you gain some of that buying the year old model. If anyone out there has anything to add to this, jump in. John H....