Purchase fees

[columbo]

We are looking at a 2015 DX3 and was quoted 2,105.00 for the document fees, PDI, and 90 day tag for out of state purchase. Is this a standard amount for dealer fees?

[rocketman1083]

That seems like an insane amount of fees. My dealer in Michigan charged $335 for the plate and fees and nothing else for the PDI or setup. I’ve seen dealers near me try to charge $1,000 for PDI and I couldn’t leave their lot fast enough after my told. I told them they were insane.

[Scrapper]

PDI stands for Pre-Delivery Inspection. In other words it is an inspection that the dealer has to do to every new RV on their lot. It is an inspection that every dealer has to do to insure the new RV is in condition for sale. The only time a buyer should have to pay for the PDI is if they are buying a used RV. Even buying a used RV the PDI should be on the dealers dime so they know if the RV is safe to sell. Every dealer should understand that an inspection is in their best interest. In other words, LIABILITY.

[Oaklevel]

First question is the 2015 new or used??

[columbo]

It is a Used unit and my jaw droped also when they threw that number at me. I can't thank all of you enough for the responses!!!!

[Windjammin]

PDI fees is another term for Additional Dealer Profit.

[Flybob]

Ask for a breakdown of that amount. Out of state temp tags may be needed ( depending on state), but check a local ( to dealer) Tag service for their fee. As for the PDI some dealers charge ( or include in price) as they fill propane and add a battery and have to do some set up. On a used unit, this should not be necessary. Some charge a fee to show you how things work. at a normal dealer rate of $100-$120 per hr, this should be no more than $200-$300 assuming you get a tech. Documentation is about 20 mins work. Total should be less than $500 max. I would counter with what you believe to be a fair amount and if they do not agree walk. They are probably already making several thousand dollars over that thy allowed for a trade.

[ben31]

Do you have choices? Can you go to another dealer? Are they willing to budge on those prices (most are)? How badly do you want it and must you have it now? You need to weigh all of these and decide whether it is worth it to walk and deal with someone else or not.

We're lucky, we have five dealers within a 30 minute drive. We looked and asked around and found the one, who had the lowest prices, had an excellent service record, and were actually nice to deal with. Doc fee was $250. No PDI/prep fee. Nothing more than the title, tag, and taxes.

If that is the only dealer within many miles, they know they can get away with it and may not deal much with you. Try, anyway.

[goin2drt]

My $.02

You are paying these whether they call it out separately or put it in the cost of the rig. Best thing to do is negotiate an all in out the door price. Shop that price around and if you feel like it is a good deal then pull the trigger. If not then you have to be ready to walk.

End of the day I HATE dealers that include these fees or ADM's (car shopping) and will usually walk from any that participate in this practice.

Good luck.

[Cypressloser]

Many try to charge this so called admin fee after the fact and it really gets my blood boiling. I made it a habit to negotiate an "all in price" and if the business manager then tries to add this (excuse my language) BS charge I get up and walk.
Guess what, they always come around but it gives a deep inside view into their business practices and leaves a bad taste. Besides, you're not buying a used tent trailer and the after sales service is marginal at best at most dealerships.

[TeachTexas]

Originally Posted by goin2drt

My $.02

You are paying these whether they call it out separately or put it in the cost of the rig. Best thing to do is negotiate an all in out the door price. Shop that price around and if you feel like it is a good deal then pull the trigger. If not then you have to be ready to walk.

End of the day I HATE dealers that include these fees or ADM's (car shopping) and will usually walk from any that participate in this practice.

Good luck.

X2

The only price that should matter is what you paid "out the door".
If you can't get that from them...WALK
Compare and decide what you are willing to pay.
Whatever they call them, you will pay them whether they break them out or not.

[Alan F]

I agree with above. Whether a car or RV, I won't pay for these "added fees" they try to tack on at the end of the deal. When negotiating a price, you have to know going in what you are willing to pay "out the door" and stick to it. You also must be willing to walk away from the table. If you feel you are being taken advantage of, walk away. I always do my research before I go to the dealer. Puts you in the driver's seat.

[W5CI]

I bought two new travel trailers from a major dealer in Michigan and wasn't charged for the PDI or the temp tag to pull them back to Arkansas. We had an agreed upon price before I left home and that was it, no add ons.

[D W]

Originally Posted by columbo

We are looking at a 2015 DX3 and was quoted 2,105.00 for the document fees, PDI, and 90 day tag for out of state purchase. Is this a standard amount for dealer fees?

Appears the salesman is trying to pad his commission. The only thing they're documenting is a $2105.00 up-charge. Always negotiate an out-the-door price up front.