Community Forums

aimhigh46 · 01-03-2014, 09:33 PM

Attended an RV show today, here in San Antonio and we believe we have found the MH we will eventually purchase...the Fleetwood Discovery 40E. We seem to like everything about it, our only concern is if we want to spend so much on an RV when we have never RV'd. The unit is for a show price of $222k; their "original price" is $299k. I looked on the internet and have found "normal" prices as low as $219k. I'm thinking we will contact the dealer with that price and see if/when an RV show will be in their area...then go up there and hopefully save a bunch of cash. Anything wrong with my thought process here?

no3putt · 01-03-2014, 09:44 PM

Check prices carefully, show prices and prices from a lot are usually about the same. What I understand 30% off MSRP is normal when buying a new coach.

Our first camper was a 40' MH that we are in now and loving it, traveling about 6-7 months a year to see the USA?

StevenNSteph · 01-03-2014, 10:10 PM

#1 Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Options on MH's can add $30, $40 even $50K to the price.
#2 Show deals are usually close to the bottom that you can get. Can you do better, sometimes, sometimes not, it depends upon a myriad of issues.
#3 If this is your first coach are you sure you want to buy new? It might behoove you to look at similar coaches several years old and save a whole bunch of money OR if you really want to spend that money you could get a higher-end coach.
#4 I really like the floor-plan of the 40E, she is a beauty so if you do buy that coach I am sure you will enjoy it.

Good luck.

Mr_D · 01-03-2014, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenNSteph

#1 Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Options on MH's can add $30, $40 even $50K to the price.
#2 Show deals are usually close to the bottom that you can get. Can you do better, sometimes, sometimes not, it depends upon a myriad of issues.
#3 If this is your first coach are you sure you want to buy new? It might behoove you to look at similar coaches several years old and save a whole bunch of money OR if you really want to spend that money you could get a higher-end coach.
#4 I really like the floor-plan of the 40E, she is a beauty so if you do buy that coach I am sure you will enjoy it.

Good luck.

#1 when we ordered our 2002 DSDP we added some $35,000 in options (in 2002 $$) and even then we left some, like real tile floors, off.
Also, be SURE to check the weights. It's not as bad now as it used to be but lots of MH's are near maxed out when delivered. Our's was, it only had 663#'s of CCC before we loaded a thing aboard and no driver/passenger.
#2 Sometimes and sometime not, depends on the unit, the dealer and factory incentive.
#3 Good advice, I've seen people drop a bunch of money on a new rig then decide they didn't like RV'ing at all.
#4 Never looked at one so I don't have an opinion, we're sold on Newmar's so I really don't looked at many others.

Longweekends · 01-04-2014, 04:16 AM

Just one thought about spending over 200k on a new unit. Because of the many systems in a motor home, there will be some problems with any one you buy regardless of the amount you pay. If you can find a slightly used unit that someone else has already worked out all of the kinks, you might save cash, time and frustration (especially if this is your first unit). Sometimes you can find really good deals where someone has decided that RVing isn't what they expected and are selling very slightly used units for great prices.
Good luck with your purchase!

bruceisla · 01-04-2014, 04:59 AM

I would rent an RV first and make sure RVing is for you ...

tagcat · 01-04-2014, 06:02 AM

My wife and i are also looking we also never owned one.The wisdom you get from these people on this forum is priceless.We have been traveling all over to shows,dealers,owners.This is a big investment so take your time(we are,we will also be full timers) We found a dealer just south of FtWorth -motor home specialist-mhsrv.com. I have not found any one better on selection or price.They keep over 450 units on there lot.I you can take the time look them on line or take a trip there its worth it.We also been looking at the fleetwood,tiffin and newmar.I believe buying a used 2010 up with low millage will be the way we go.There a bunch of them out there.This dealer stands behind his used units as well as the new he has.This lot has a few consignment but they are as is. Worth the trip there.
Please let us know what you get.Good hunting.
Tim.Newbe also

Steve N Sal · 01-04-2014, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

I would rent an RV first and make sure RVing is for you ...

+1 on that suggestion. Then if you like it take a look around the used market for the same model. The depreiciation hit on a new unit can knock your socks off. There are plenty of slightly used coaches out there and probably one of the same model you like. Good Luck on your journey and hope all works out. JMHO of course.

MSHappyCampers · 01-04-2014, 08:38 AM

If money is not a problem then go for the new one, but I guess I'm just too tight to do that! I would much rather buy a slightly used unit, maybe 5 years old or less, and let someone else that that huge hit when it is driven off the lot! You can still spend the same amount of money but get a much nicer MH! JMHO!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tha_Rooster · 01-04-2014, 11:44 AM

Just because it's a show price doesn't mean they want take less probably less than 200,000.

becks · 01-04-2014, 12:24 PM

Give much thought to buying a used coach. There are many available for a good price.

plasma800 · 01-04-2014, 12:51 PM

and also listen, IF your budget really is that high, you could get a KICK BUTT 2 year old MH, like totally top of the line in every way... think FW/ american coach revolution, winnie tour, tiffin phaeton, you name it.... I personally would not want to pay that much for a discovery, when I knew I could get a top of the line coach that's 2 year old for less. BUT that also requires a little patience and looking around, and patience can be hard to come by

Gary1965 · 01-06-2014, 04:18 PM

I would not pay too much attention to a "show" price. As mentioned earlier, use the 30% off method. So, find the exact coach/floor plan you want, and then shop the country at various Fleetwood dealers with the "MSRP less 30% price". You will find a dealer that will accept ! Good luck !

GaryKD · 01-06-2014, 04:37 PM

Hi aimhigh46,
Not sure what your circumstances are, but if you want to see all there is to see consider coming to Tampa, Florida January 15-19. The Tampa RV Super Show is a full 5 days. It is really large. Go to Florida RV Trade Association - Florida RV SuperShow for details. There is a link on that page to get a show map.