Nervous buyer

[partyof5]

I have never purchased a tt before, we looked at a 2003 FR Salem 26LE, loved the layout, perfect for our family of 5.
?? for you Salem owners out there. In regards to $$, the list price at dealer was $18,900, made an offer and dealer came back with $16,300, does this sound like an OK deal or should we haggle some more. We are in Ottawa Canada

Thanks in advance, so glad i found this forum, looks like i will be visiting alot in the future.

Christine

[rockwood06]

If you could wait until September 12th, the biggest RV show on the East Coast in the U.S. is going to happen in Hershey PA. I do not know how far you are, but if you and your family could make the trip it may be worth your wild to buy a new one at show prices.

[HookupAndGo]

I personally think that is way way high....even in Canada. Just to get a feel for it, go into EBay and look at the pricing there. You can find new 26' units in there for the 15K range.

Also, I believe you can go into Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book and price out a used cost/worth on a camper. I don't have the exact link, but I know I did some looking before I bought my first used trailer many years ago.

And lastly, with things being a little slow out there, I think you really could do much better on that price.

Good luck.

[Bama Rambler]

to FRF. Glad to have you.

If it's the 26BHSS NADA lists average retail as $10,400 and low retail as $8,600. If it's the 26BH average retail is $7150. I'd say that even for Canada the price you got was high. I'd shoot for a lot closer to that $10,000 mark. Looks like you got some more haggling to do. You'll still have to figure in any added stuff. According to Nada the Microwave, Monitor Panel, Air Conditioner, Awning, AM/FM Cassette Stereo, & Power Roof Vent are included in the price.

Remember though, in the end if you're happy with the deal that's all that counts.

[partyof5]

Thanks for the advice, i had checked the NADA price and that's what made me nervous, I have been looking all over the web for a comparable, i will have to go back and work out a better $$$.
Soon to be Salem owner

[NDJollyMon]

Shop hard, research thorough, and if you think you are paying too much...you probably are. It's your money, you can bargain down until you feel comfortable...or simply walk. Chances are...they will come lookin' for you... welcome!

[dezolen]

I am sure dealer stole it from original owner as I have found them to offer ridiculous low trade-in any time I looked into trading. Either buy private or go a little over wholesale as dealer did not pay anything above.

[partyof5]

I looked at the paperwork done up for the purchase and the cost before tax (Cdn) is $14,421, including weight dist, sway bar, brake control, and install. The $16,300 was after tax.
I am not a great haggler, I still have 24 hrs to back out ($100 dep) What would be your thoughts on how to bargain lower.
Thanks for all comments.
Christine

[chevy02]

i wouldnt do it i only paid 18,900 for mine last year at a show and it is a 2008 and has a slide out i would guess that the sway bar, brake control, weight bars is only at a max $700 worth of extras tell him you give him $9,000 or he can keep it

[HookupAndGo]

If you only gave him $100, then consider that a cheap lesson.
Don't be afraid to print out the NADA value. Better yet, contact a bank and see what the loan value is (even if you don't plan on financing). Then, take that information to the dealer and say they just won't finance above $xxx....and don't let them offer to finance through theirs.

[dharri770]

I just paid 14,300 for a 2008 Salem 26TBSS. It was brand new with a slide out. I think you can get a better deal.

[partyof5]

Wow! I want that deal! good for you! what area are you in, maybe worth a trek for us to purchase elsewhere. We are planning a trip to FLA for Xmas to visit grandma, and would like to have a trailer definitely by then.

My $100 dep is totally refundable by tommorrow, the dealers probably hate the internet. How far can I truly neg, i have been researching trailers for the past 6 months, we know we want the slide out for couch/dinetter, bunks and the Salem has all this.

Thank you guys I appreciate the input you have given me, teach me the ways of negotiation for travel trailers

[partyof5]

Is making an offer of $9000 totally realistic from $14, 500, i would never have considered going that low, when i bought cars in the past i have only received $1500 off dealer's supposed bottom line.

I will be looking on Ebay tonite..
Thanks again

[HookupAndGo]

I would make the offer of $9K...what can he say...no way? Save your money.

Have you looked at RVWholesalers? It is there in Ohio and you could pick it up on your way down here to FL. I would look there, even if it is just for pricing information...same goes for eBay.

Ah, the internet, the great price moderator....

[TravelSoftballDad]

Way too high !! I paid $13,900 for our 2008 SALEM 26TBSS. We are a family of six and the triple bunks suit the boys perfectly. The Super-Slide is quite nice. Keep looking and don't get rushed. You'll be fine !! Our experience with Couch's RV Nation (Jaime to be specific) went really well...and we are in California.

[partyof5]

Thanks hookupandgo, I will be calling to reduce $$ in the next few minutes... to be continued.....

[partyof5]

They are playing hardball over phone say that $13,275 is bottom line and now they taken out extras (hitch, weight dist., sway and brake control) going in to the showroom to either drop the deal or go lower, they laughed at me when i said i would buy new from wholesaler, dealers here in Ottawa say that you can't get it licensed (safety cert) if bought in US, and warranties aren't valid. Anyone have experience with this.
My kids and hubby have now given me nickname "Trailerfreak" b/c i have been working furiously on our purchase : ) If i can save some $$ i will allow it.

[HookupAndGo]

Keep working it. I am 99% sure that I have read threads from people that bought from RVW from Canada and other places.

I drove all the way from FL to Ohio to pickup my rig .... saved about $7K (after taking out the cost of getting it) and I got a nice camping trip out of it. They have been great about any issues I have had -- replaced the dreaded Concertone, but hey, that was to be expected .

Save some money...keep shopping!

[Radio]

Originally Posted by partyof5

they laughed at me when i said i would buy new from wholesaler, dealers here in Ottawa say that you can't get it licensed (safety cert) if bought in US, and warranties aren't valid.

FRESH ORGANIC FERTILIZER FROM THE PASTURE (to be polite)

When I was filling out the paperwork at RV Wholsalers the smiling gentleman sitting at the closing table next to mine was from Canada. They had all the export papers ready for him. He was happy.

You've been lied to.

Call Dave Prosser at RV Wholsalers and get a good deal. IF they don't have one on the lot (they only have a few) then be prepared to wait about 60 days for the unit to be built.

Search for my posts about buying my trailer. You'll enjoy the read.

[aintgotnun]

If I'm not mistaken there are a few Canadian folks on this board that have purchased from RVW..