Community Forums

draschka · 02-14-2019, 11:09 AM

Hello everyone, new to IRV2 but have been reading posts on here for awhile and looks like a great place to get some feedback from other RV owners.

We are in the process of purchasing a 2019 Tiffin Phaeton 40IH , the dealer Mike Thompson had it listed for $349,000 . We are trading in our 2008 Fleetwood Bounder 35H. After two weeks of haggling we got the dealer down to $329,000 out the door with the trade in.

I have been seeing a lot of posts that you should expect to get 25%-30% of MSRP - I believe that would be less that they are offering.

We have looked at 2018 models out there, which aren't many on the west coast, and we looked at used models, not that much of a difference.

We Also considered Thor Venetian J40 and Thor Tuscany 40RT. The workmanship on the THor just doesnt seem to up there in line with Tiffin. The models we were shown had broken cabinets, doors, ceiling fan which did not impress us much.

Wanted to get some feed back if we are getting a deal or should we be looking more into the Thor Diesel pushers even tho there were clear issues with construction already.

thanks in advance

Chief Alen · 02-14-2019, 11:22 AM

Go look at Newmar .

Steve70605 · 02-14-2019, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draschka

Hello everyone, new to IRV2 but have been reading posts on here for awhile and looks like a great place to get some feedback from other RV owners.

We are in the process of purchasing a 2019 Tiffin Phaeton 40IH , the dealer Mike Thompson had it listed for $349,000 . We are trading in our 2008 Fleetwood Bounder 35H. After two weeks of haggling we got the dealer down to $329,000 out the door with the trade in.

I have been seeing a lot of posts that you should expect to get 25%-30% of MSRP - I believe that would be less that they are offering.

We have looked at 2018 models out there, which aren't many on the west coast, and we looked at used models, not that much of a difference.

We Also considered Thor Venetian J40 and Thor Tuscany 40RT. The workmanship on the THor just doesnt seem to up there in line with Tiffin. The models we were shown had broken cabinets, doors, ceiling fan which did not impress us much.

Wanted to get some feed back if we are getting a deal or should we be looking more into the Thor Diesel pushers even tho there were clear issues with construction already.

thanks in advance

Depending on the options on the Tiffin, the price is in line with the "asking price" from many dealers. The 25%+ thumbrule is based on the MSRP. Usually, there is some dealing you can get down from there. The price they are offering allows for some dealing. In this case, you are hampered by your trade due to its age.

Comparing a Venetian to a Phaeton is a no go. Different class. A Venetian is more in line with an Allegro RED and should be a little cheaper. The Tuscany is closer. Tiffin makes some fine motorhomes as does Thor in the higher lines. There is more wiggle room on Thor products - you cant go by MSRP apples to apples. All of them can and do have issues. I had a friend who had to have his Phaeton returned under lemon law. (actually dealer bought it back to keep it off list).

I would buy the floor plan you love, suits your needs, in the model you like, in your budget and enjoy the ride! I would not rule out the Newmar line. While they are pricier, the quality is very good. Might look at Ventana models to see if it suits.

FWIW

vito.a · 02-14-2019, 11:39 AM

Some RV dealers (especially in CA) are still operating under the old Used Car sales rules trying to make a killing on every sale.
I'm not sure that's a good deal for you.
It all depends on what MSRP is on that coach?

Have you compared to other dealerships around the country?
I would leave your Bounder out of the deal completely and try to work several different dealers on a new coach. Then ask for at least wholesale bluebook for your Bounder, or sell it yourself.
Best of luck!

vsheetz · 02-14-2019, 11:45 AM

Take 25% off the MSRP of the new coach. Determine what your coach is realistically worth trade in value. Then you can answer you own question.

The Tiffin 40IH is an excellent coach. Well made. Well supported. Great value.

Chief Alen · 02-14-2019, 11:51 AM

Go to a large rv shows such as Hershey, Tampa, then you can compare the coach's, we did that for 3 years, then at a small show in Wildwood NJ we saw the coach we have now.

**Lt Dan** · 02-14-2019, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draschka

Hello everyone, new to IRV2 but have been reading posts on here for awhile and looks like a great place to get some feedback from other RV owners

That's too high and are basically selling it at MSRP. PM Sent.

Nigel0434 · 02-14-2019, 12:35 PM

I would buy preowned 3-5 years old. They do not appreciate!

MikeyG · 02-14-2019, 12:37 PM

Call Tom Lindstrom RV.
Our choice was between the Tiffen Bus and Newmar DS. Both beautiful coaches, but I felt the DS had the edge and a tag on the 40' model. I also wanted a lighter color coach. Newmar had that for me.
Tom gave us a fair trade on our 2008 Monaco Camelot and a very good price on the DS.
We could not be happier with the coach and the whole experience with Tom and his team.
Best of luck.

Chief Alen · 02-14-2019, 12:40 PM

I didn't even mention Comfort Drive ... if you havn't driven a MH with it, you will be surprised, personally i will never buy another coach without it.

Crasher · 02-14-2019, 01:26 PM

What is the MSRP of the 40IH? The starting point should be 25% below that and then expect low to mid wholesale for your Bounder trade in depending on condition. It looks like your dealer is going to make a BIG profit that you will be financing it.

mike625 · 02-14-2019, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Take 25% off the MSRP of the new coach. Determine what your coach is realistically worth trade in value. Then you can answer you own question.

The Tiffin 40IH is an excellent coach. Well made. Well supported. Great value.

https://www.mikethompson.com/inv/201...-City-PH19017/

If this is the RV are are looking at - It looks like the MSRP is 349,891

Agree with vsheetz MSRP - 25% to 30% give you a ballpark of what you are looking at - we purchased out of state for the last RV - which open up a lot more deals

If you look for awhile you could do better 30% but it's all based on timing.

Dutch Star Don · 02-14-2019, 02:18 PM

This is a horrific deal! They're asking full list and giving you nothing for your coach.

We just purchased a 2019 Newmar Dutch Star, fully loaded, with custom additions and the price without tax was around $315K. The Dutch Star is a half level above the Phaeton. The Phaeton falls in between (price wise) the Newmar Ventana and Newmar Dutch Star.

If the Phaeton at $350K, is MSRP, then the purchase price should be around $270K - $280K, a reasonable discount of around 20% - 25%. In California, for easy calculating, you just add 10% for license and registration (really about 9.50%). That brings the price to right around $300K to $310K.

The Bounder, even if abused, is worth a low trade in of $25K. That brings the out the door price to about $285K. They're raping you for about $45K. A common practice at Mike Thompson RV.

Crasher · 02-14-2019, 02:23 PM

I looked up MSRP of different 40IH Phaetons, they range from $349,000 up to $358,000 stated in the ads. If these are average, then the cash price should be near $270,000 minus your trade plus tax and other fees. Might save you a bunch of cash to check around for a dealer who actually wants to deal.