Newbie Advice on FR3 Purchase

[Edmo]

Hello,

I just registered for this site knowing by experience that forums are filled with knowledgeable folks. Having said that, I live in Nj and my wife and I put one foot in the water over the weekend at an RV show to purchase a 2016 FR3 30 DS which is a step up from our 2010 Winnebago Access Class C that we purchased last August. Anyhow, I believe we got a good deal on the unit and trade in but I am a person who relies on outside opinions. The dealer gave us what we paid for our class c back in August plus 2k off the 85k show price. Lastly, the manufacturer who was on hand threw in a table by the captains chairs along with the installtion.
Based up the info that I presented , any opinions on the deal plus and comments negative or positive on the FR3 30 DS for a family of four.
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you
Ed

[Wjl7110]

Sounds like a good deal to me.

[Cigarman]

I as well think it's a good deal. I am planning on adding the table between the captains chairs as well.

[Edmo]

Thank you, didn't know if I was getting the shorter end of the stick in the deal. Also, are there a lot of problems with the FR 3 or just the norm.

[jogalot]

We purchased our FR3 over memorial day weekend in 2015. Purchased @ Camping World in north central fl. I believe it was 73k cost. Its only a 26 ft. though. We have 9800 mi on already an are happy so far. A few minor issues but I was able to fix at home, lucky I guess. Its only the wife an I so we are ok with the smaller size.

[KansasFR3]

If you can wait till the spring time when the 2017 models come out, you can get a better deal obviously. I think last year when the 2016 came out, the 2015 models could be had around 78ish without much problem. Since your deal includes your trade in, the deal isn't just dependent on your lowest sales price, but also your trade in.

As far as issues, we purchased a 9 month old 2015 30DS and have had very little issues. Granted windshield has a spider crack on the LH side caused by delamination (known issue with 2015) and the stair motor went out this past trip ($80 part). Just remember this is an entry level class A. If you understand that, thats half the battle. Good luck on the wheelin dealin.

[Antone]

You'll have the normal little issues, but otherwise, IMO, you got a good deal and will love it. I have a family of 3 with a XXL boy and it is great. We felt it was the best 30' floor plan and it's huge with the slides out. We also came out of a TT, so the automatic jacks are like a slice of heaven as is the backup camera. It's awesome.


Antone

2015 Forest River FR3 30DS - No Ragrets

Toad - 2011 Jeep Wrangler

[robsshots]

You already bought, so what difference does it make. Go out and enjoy your purchase and quit looking in the rear view mirror.

[Joni Tonkovich]

We purchased our FR3 last Fall. So far we love it!! Can't wait until the snow goes away so we can enjoy it again. We would like to put a table between the captains chairs too. Where did you get yours?
We had shelves put in some of the cupboards. So glad we did!!

[MandK]

We moved from a 32 ft class c with bunks and love our FR3.

[Ranger_n_Ski]

I got a 2015 30DS for less in Feb. 2015, but you probably got the difference in your trade. Generally I was seeing about 30-33% off list when I was looking.

If possible, could you describe the table between the captain's chairs and/or post a picture?

[camaraderie]

If you know the NADA book value for your access...then you can see how much you are really getting off list price for the 30ds. Should be in the 27% range at least.
Several fairly loaded 30DS's are offered on Mhsrv.com for less than $85k so the only question is what is your Access really worth compared to what they are "giving you for it" instead of discounting the FR3 further.
http://www.mhsrv.com/2016-forest-riv...-a-tx-i1592384

You might also look at the Georgetown 270S...which is 29 ft and the same price with a fiberglass roof and (I think) a bit higher level of fit/finish etc. ....may not have the layout you want but we started looking at FR3's ourselves and ended up in a G'town (280 discontinued) instead.
http://www.mhsrv.com/2016-forest-riv...-a-tx-i1635518
Either way...good luck & hope to see more of you here...this is a great group of folks!

[Celkalee]

Bought our FR3 one year ago at the Pittsburgh RV show. I think you have a good deal. We have had no major problems with ours. One time the levelers were stuck on high, scary but easily fixed, a fuse tripped. Nothing since. My only issue is the bunk over cab. The magnets are not strong enough, have been replaced but still release the bunk on rough road. Our dealer cut custom wood trim to prop each end and now, all is well. The interior room is wonderful, we travel with ourselves (2) a 93 year old mother and an older Black Lab. Plenty of room. Bathroom is a bit small but totally OK. Hope you have as much enjoyment as we do. We looked to step up, just last week and decided beyond a doubt this this is still right for us. Can't wait to thaw out and get on the road. Best of luck!

[debandi]

As long as you and your wife and happy with the deal and the FR3 that's really all that matters. Enjoy your new ride I'm sure you will make many happy memories!

[Edmo]

Thanks all for your replies. To answer a post from above, the manufacturer was at the show and he threw the table in.

[Edmo]

I did not get it yet that's why I was posting to get feedback. When and if I do the deal I will send you photos. Also, do you think I could have done a lot better with the price, from 85,999 to 84,000
Any other advice or concerns on the fr3?

[drivmsafe]

Best way to figure if you received a decent deal is to take the MSRP and reduce by 35% (i.e.; MSRP $120,000 less 35% = $78,000). You can usually buy a motor home for anywhere between 30-35% off MSRP. Show prices are not usually the best price you will get. When I bought my 2014 30DS the show price was $79,500. I ended up paying a little over $72,000.

[Antone]

Tell them your buddy got his for $72k. That's what I did. They couldn't find his name (wink, wink), but I told them I was pretty sure he got it there. Then I pulled out my phone after a few hours of looking and haggling, took to googling FR3 prices at other dealers, told them I could get a 1 way ticket to TX, OH, IN and drive it back to CA and still get a better deal than the $84k they were asking, plus have a great first road trip. The salesman said "you're making me nervous, put your phone away" and the dealing was on. Didn't get $72k, but got close enough to make me happy. Aim low, all they can say is no.


Antone

2015 Forest River FR3 30DS - No Ragrets

Toad - 2011 Jeep Wrangler