How can MSRP prices vary so wildly

[customcbr900]

New poster here, so let me start off by selling hello to all, and what a wonderful forum this is. Tons of great info. My family and I are planning on getting into RVing after many memorable years of tent camping. So needless to say this forum has provided me with a great oppurtunity to learn from those who have been into this for a while.

Now to my point. As I have been shooping for my RV (hybrid tt) one thing I have noticed is how badly the MSRP can vary from one dealer to another for the same unit. Only being a comparitavely speaking cheap tt, I have seen differences of up to $5,000. Percentage wise that's a fair chunk. I can totally understand the asking price varying that much, but I thought the msrp was set by the manufacturer. Anyone have any insight why this is? Is this a tactic to make people feel like they are getting a really good deal.

I guess all that really matters is the price you paid when leaving.

[rattleNsmoke]

Each dealer makes up his own MSRP. That's a major difference between the auto industry and the RV industry. The only true way to find MSRP is from the manufacturer. NADA in addition to publishing the consumer version guide, it supposedly puts out a 'dealer only' version called the Orange Book. There are private firms that, for a medial fee, will give you the numbers if you supply the make, model and options.

[Triguy]

Welcome to the forum!

The dealer will give an "MSRP" but that is just their starting point. It is not the MSRP as we would think about it when buying a new car. Totally different industries.

This thread from awhile ago will help you...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...per-22447.html

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by customcbr900

New poster here, so let me start off by selling hello to all, and what a wonderful forum this is. Tons of great info. My family and I are planning on getting into RVing after many memorable years of tent camping. So needless to say this forum has provided me with a great oppurtunity to learn from those who have been into this for a while.

Now to my point. As I have been shooping for my RV (hybrid tt) one thing I have noticed is how badly the MSRP can vary from one dealer to another for the same unit. Only being a comparitavely speaking cheap tt, I have seen differences of up to $5,000. Percentage wise that's a fair chunk. I can totally understand the asking price varying that much, but I thought the msrp was set by the manufacturer. Anyone have any insight why this is? Is this a tactic to make people feel like they are getting a really good deal.

I guess all that really matters is the price you paid when leaving.

I think you nailed it when you asked if they inflate the MSRP to make their prices look good. I've seen the same thing.

[cyclepuck]

As stated some dealers inflate msrp to make it look like you're saving more. The dealer we got our two from gives you the msrp invoice right from forest river.

[customcbr900]

Thanks for the input. I get what you are saying, just trying to get my head around the MSRP not being a MSRP thing, thats all. I guess the only way to compare pricing is to negotiate lowest price willing to sell from multiple dealers.

Reminds me of when we bought our boat. Same thing with the overly inflated msrp price to what you actually pay.

TriGuy - I have read that thread.

[cyclepuck]

Bottom line is what you pay and if your happy with the deal then it's a good deal. I'm surprised how much they can take off msrp with no questions asked. Must be a crazy mark up in rv's.

[Wumba]

I've always taken the dealer msrp and took 25-30% off and started negotiating from there for a final price. Msrp is just a starting point....and a misleading one in the rv industry.

[customcbr900]

Cycle, Is that a true msrp price list? I was provided one of those from a dealer. If it is a true msrp price what can I roughly expect to be discounted from that price?

[cyclepuck]

Originally Posted by customcbr900

Cycle, Is that a true msrp price list? I was provided one of those from a dealer. If it is a true msrp price what can I roughly expect to be discounted from that price?

From a couple dealers I shopped that is right from manufacture but they all could be pulling my chain too. On that trailer we paid $22,3?? otd with power tongue jack and extended warranty thrown in. Don't have the paper work with me but the new one on order is $29,1?? msrp and we're at $23,460 otd with extended warranty and power tongue jack and tv taken off current and put in.

[cyclepuck]

Going by your screen name you have a 900. Had one and a 929

[Rugged Brown]

I think the term manufacturer suggested retail price gets confused with dealer suggested retail price. From my experience, and as stated already, msrp is all over the board suggesting that the manufacturers, in fact, do not suggest a retail price. If that is correct, then dealers are using false advertising. It would be interesting to see some manufacturer and/or dealer chime in on this issue.. Doubt that will happen. Shady practices will continue.

[cyclepuck]

Yeah I don't think there will be any trade secret's shared here. Would be nice if they listed at least base msrp on the manufacture's site just like auto or motorcycle manufacture's do and really nice if you could do a build your own showing base price and option prices like you can with auto sites.

[customcbr900]

Cycle, I used to have a 900. Sold it roughy 11 years ago when my daughter was born. Needed the money for a house. If I can some pics I'll send them over. She was heavily customized. Fun times.

Rugged, That makes more sense. On the cost breakdown sheet I did recieve it actually just says suggested retail. Not specifying who's suggesting it.

[whj77372]

2012 V-Cross 275 fiver, MSRP from Forest River, $43,125, had some options like 50 amp, second AC and a few others. I paid $28,999. 2011 F250 XLT, CC, diesel, longbed, RWD, MSRP on window sticker, $47,425. I paid $39,125.