Buying An Airstream From a Dealer Several States Away
Hi All!
I recently visited a dealer who is several states (500 miles away) and got a price from him on a new 30' Classic Ltd that I thought was very good, and at least 5% lower than the nearest Airstream dealer to me.
I'm not sure how important it is to have a local dealer for survice, since much of our travel is all across the country, but I do appreciate having access to good dealer service.
Does Airstream require all of it's dealer to perform any service required under warranty regardless of who sold the unit?
What is your opinion and personal experience, if any, regard buying an Airstream out of you home area?
It's just like the car dealerships. Being an authorized dealer, they must honor and offer service to any customer in regard to warranty issues. Granted we all know that if you buy someplace else you sometimes don't get the priority that someone that may have purchased from the servicing dealer, but to me, the overall savings is what was important.
Now for folks that are great distances from the factory, a great dealer relationship might mean more.
For me, I live almost 300 miles exactly from Jackson Center, OH. When I bought my Safari and went through the process the "local" dealer here in Illinois told me how his customers come first and that dealers that low ball might not be around to service my coach (what he didn't mention is that his service department wasn't all that good anyway). For me the only place I'd take it would be the factory service center. As you can see the dealer relationship wasn't all that important, but it can be depending on the situation.
To add, the savings of driving an additional 3 hours one way or 6 hours round trip to get my coach save me hundreds of dollars each hour and don't think that when you coach is out of warranty the closer dealer won't want the business for repair either. Dealers talk a mean game, but money talks, B.S. walks.
I have an Airstream dealer within 2 or 3 miles of my house. But I purchased from a dealer (Toscanos) who is about 160 miles away.
Since we will be out on the road for at least 3 years ... making a purchase from the local guy was not a high priority.
Toscanos treated me right from the get go ... the local guy tried to rip my throat out ... and acted like he was doing me a favor at the same time.
Take care of Number 1 first (that's you!) ... and let the warranty issues ... if they surface ... take care of themselves. Airstream will back you up no matter where you take your trailer ... ask around .. AS owners will tell you who has the good service departments.
Obviously, price is one of the most important issues. I spoke with dealers all over the country, and in the end, ended up purchasing my trailer from the local dealer. I could not be happier.
Since I have purchased my unit, I have had so many little things come up which are non important and so many little questions. I can't even think what things would be like if I did not purchase my trailer there and then needed help.
I strongly believe that if you are able to find a dealer in your near vicinity that will offer you a price reduction of at least 20% and has a good service department, don't screw around trying to save an extra 1% or 2%.
I agree with you completely about a 1-2% difference. The amount of difference in the quote I got is larger than that, however, and amounts to a few thousand dollars.
I hear ya on that. In my case it was about a $4000.00 difference and that helped pay for a bunch of extra toys (upgraded A/C unit, leather sofa, Safari upg pkgs, second fantastic fan and all the bells and whistles) not to mention still having a thou stay in my wallet after that to help pay for a trailer dolly!
One important note: Airstream, Inc. and dealerships / service are two different entities. If you find a good dealer and service center at the same place close to home you have lucked out, really. If you get a raw deal or service from an AS dealer, Airstream can not help you. They may call the dealer an tell them you are upset about something, but it is up to you to work it out with the dealer, Airstream will not get involved because the dealership is not their business. They just manufacture the units. I believe the most important thing is, GREAT SERVICE at a fair price, because your not going to be purchasing a new AS every year but you will be most likely servicing your unit every year. I have listened to blowhards go on about how good they are working on Airstream and the countless years they have been at it, only to find that they have only perfected the art of cutting corners, making a quick buck all the while doing shoddy work. You can never ask enough questions from several sources to get the best service dealer. I just wish there was a west coast Airstream center. I think Andy at Inland is the closest to factory work you can find out west.
Originally posted by Tinsel Loaf I just wish there was a west coast Airstream center. I think Andy at Inland is the closest to factory work you can find out west.
I have to put in kudos for Toscano RV in Los Banos. They've been selling AS since 1967 and are the top selling dealer for 2003.
As for their service department, I had some major tree limb damage to the Safari. Toscano replaced one and a half aluminum panels in one spot and another panel in another. Could never tell when they were done. Couldn't even tell they had been inside the coach! Outstanding work.
Once, after having service and examining the service ticket, I noticed they overcharged me on labor. I called them expecting resistence but three days later, I had a refund in the mail.
So when I went to buy, it was a no brainer for me where it would be.
__________________ "It's the journey."
NorCal Fall Rally, Jackson Rancheria, October 10-12
Plan on rallying with us.
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