Community Forums

tomwootton · 11-30-2022, 04:16 PM

I hear a lot of people saying something like "prices are going down and I should wait" and "Prices are inflated since covid and the surge of buyers, but in the past list price was often discounted up to 30%."

What about used prices? If things return to normal or even recession related pricing, what would a 2008 $500,000 list price rig go for in great condition? It seems that now they run from $150,000 to $200,000 or so list price at dealers.

Depreciation tables suggest a $500,000 rig from 2008 should be worth $95,000 by now. I am hoping to pay maybe $120,000 or less for one in good shape. Is that realistic now or by waiting till spring or so? Would one now listed for $150,000 go for $120,000? Is there a difference between dealers and private sellers in that regard?

I hear that before covid dealers negotiated way down from asking price. Is that true again? How much is way down? What should I start as an offer for something I like listed for $150,000? Armed with such a sense from the community might help all of us handle it better when relooking at rigs to buy and in negotiating the purchase.

Flyer15015 · 11-30-2022, 04:41 PM

Depends on what you are looking for.
Coaches like mine are at or very near what I paid for mine in January of '21.
I've got my "forever" rig, but sometimes I just like to look. Makes me feel good about my paid off coach.

Mike in Colorado

Nwcid · 11-30-2022, 04:50 PM

If we had that crystal ball we would all be rich. So many big or small things could change the market greatly. One example, if diesel should fall to $3.50/gallon in the spring rapid buying will happen again. If it exceeds $6/gallon buying will slow and prices will drop.

For new rigs, on average you should be able to get 20% off MSPR with minimal effort. You may have to work a bit but 25% is fairly average and with some serious work 30% or more being a great deal.

By work I mean dealing with more than one dealership. Being patient and persistent. Doing your homework and seeing what others are paying for theirs. If it is a non-popular model that has been sitting on the lot 30% should be easy, if it is popular model that is selling faster than stock, 20% might be a dream.

I would bargain similarly on used units from a dealer. See what others are selling for elsewhere and go armed with that knowledge.

Marine359 · 11-30-2022, 05:04 PM

Dealers don’t like to keep used (trades) on their lots for a long time, because they don’t floorplan them. And, typically dealers take in trades well under book. Used DPs and high end Class As are big time profit items for dealers. More profit than on new units. So, your best bet for getting a used unit at a great price is to tell the dealer to call you after they’ve been sitting on it for a few weeks. On new units, 30% off MSRP should be obtainable in today’s market where dealer lots are full, and sales are down. The best deal of all is an “invoice” deal where you offer a certain percentage over dealer invoice. What you think is a fair but skinny profit for the dealer can actually be a good deal for the dealer, because invoice does not include dealer incentives. Not all dealers will talk with you if you suggest an invoice plus deal. Some will be takers on units that have been in inventory for a long time and manufacturer flooring support has run out.

Duster73 · 11-30-2022, 05:44 PM

I would personally wait for the end of winter at least here in MI. The economy is slowing and prices are lowering due to slow selling. First time I've see this in a couple years.

RV_Lee · 11-30-2022, 06:16 PM

make an offer

hohenwald48 · 12-01-2022, 06:15 PM

I would gladly tell you what to do except my crystal ball is on the fritz. I suspect everybody else's is pretty unreliable too.

Sent from my SM-S127DL using iRV2 - RV Forum mobile app

johninsd · 12-01-2022, 06:26 PM

Offer what you're willing to pay - if the seller says "No" go look for another one - but leave your phone number in case he has a change of heart -

PKI · 12-01-2022, 10:32 PM

Wait until you find what you want for an acceptable price. As posted prior, make an offer. Note - small is not a bad way to start. Quality is never a bad purchase.

jacwjames · 12-02-2022, 08:15 AM

You never know what the prices will do but a lot will depend on the economy, stock markets, interest rates, fuel prices.

As others suggested, if you find a rig you like make an offer and it they don't want to sell for that walk away.

Crasher · 12-02-2022, 01:34 PM

If you find the one you want, negotiate the best deal you can. If that number is within your Recreation Budget and won't affect you long term, go for it and start enjoying it. It shouldn't matter what happens after the sale if you are happy when you drive it home.

nbluesky · 12-02-2022, 02:33 PM

If you are just waiting for the perfect deal at the perfect price life might just slip by. I say go for whatever you can afford as soon as you are ready to use it. Timing the RV market is silly. It's not an investment and will cost you money no matter what. Get out and explore, you never know what tomorrow brings