Quote:
Originally Posted by mtlakejim
Since your getting ready to buy let me suggest a different path from others who say "the dealer matters above all else". I almost totally disagree with that premise. My recommendation is to do your research and decide on a brand and floor plan. Then COMMODITY price that floor plan with a minimum of at least 3 dealers and preferably several more than that. Once you get the best "out the door price" then and only then start working financing. Once you get the very best overall deal buy from THAT dealer no matter how far away they are from you. BEFORE you sign, do a VERY through inspect or even hire a professional to inspect the unit. There are entire threads and lists here on how to do that. Make sure that the inspection is completed with electric and water hooked up and that every single appliance and device is tested several times! DO NOT SIGN for the unit and take possession until the purchase dealer has fixed EVERYTHING that was found on the pre inspection!! Once you drive off the lot you have just about zero power to get the unit fixed in a timely fashion. DO NOT FALL for the "if you buy it from us we will take good care of you" BS. If its not on paper that is total BS! Once you buy the unit find a good local SERVICE ONLY business with experienced RV technicians. Those businesses will by design do better, faster and often less expensive work than any sales dealership so called service department!
Some folks on here are going to come down on me for being so negative about sales dealerships. Let me just say you don't have to be mean to salesmen but you do have to approach the purchase as the business transaction it is and leave the emotions at home. Don't believe any of the sales hype from the smiling salesman and understand that your only real power is the ability to walk away. Be prepared to do that at any point during the deal!! Be sure EVERYTHING is taken care of to YOUR satisfaction before signing that bottom line. If they suggest you have to make a "down payment" before they do anything then tell them you can do the deal elsewhere and walk out. Trust me once they know your serious they will stop with the games!
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I won't come down on you for being negative about sales dealerships, but I will say I think I understand why you are getting the results you are...
Basically, if I understand this correctly, you clearly indicate to any and all dealerships that you are not interested in a win/win relationship, but one where you dictate all of your needs and will drive as far as it takes to find someone who might be willing to make a deal.
But of course, it costs money to employ good people, whether in sales, service or finance. So, the lowest cost dealer who has to have a lower cost model often does not pay their folks as well; or pushes them so hard they don't stay for long.
On the other hand, the dealer who does pay his folks better, and provides better benefits may ask a few dollars more. But, it sounds like they don't get your business...
So, as to my opinion, I believe there is a more balanced way to do things; look for a good dealer with a good reputation with long term employees and ask them to make you the best deal that works for both of you. In my experience with RVs and vehicles that is usually similar in price, perhaps a few hundred at most... and in the case of buying both a new truck and RV just this month, the local dealers matched the lowest price.
Maybe my area is different, but my experience is there are still good dealers out there, who are staffed by people who actually care. Some in my area I know will travel to buy wherever they find a deal; but I seem to have much better relationship with the service departments than they do
Again, YMMV
Brad
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