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Rich of SCal · 01-05-2012, 12:41 PM

Ok, trying it start a new thread since they only go up to 2009 Bambi. Hope this works.

I am a newbie seriously looking at 16' Sport for lots of reasons (outlined in my new member intro post).

Yesterday I did a walkthrough (no sale commitment yet) at the dealer, a unit they drove out from another location about 80 miles away, for me to see.

I liked most of what I saw, but when I started to discuss adjustments to the offer they already made me (10% discount off MSRP) the salesguy dug in and changed from the nice helpful guy he had been to the usual car salesman defensive posture. Specifically I wanted to discuss the add-on charges for "prep" ($390) and the "hitch package" ($1000). Purportedly this will include everything I need to get rolling. They did accommodate my request to change the Equalizer hitch for a Reese dual cam,w/600 lbs bars. And the electronic brake control is a Tekonsha Voyager, which seems ok. At least it's not a time delay type.

So I left telling him I wanted to contact other dealers for competitive quotes, which I will do. Needless to say, some of my initial enthusiasm has been dampened a little. But maybe that's a good thing.

AWCHIEF · 01-05-2012, 12:48 PM

I hate used car or trailer salesman, they try to make you feel so inferior. You have to be armed and ready for war when you set foot on the floor of the dealership. Good Luck

overlander64 · 01-05-2012, 03:22 PM

Greetings Rich of SCal!

The Tekonsha Voyger is a decent trailer brake controller, but at the price they are charging for your hitch package, I would hold out for a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller. The Prodigy has a much larger following here on the Forums, and is the beneficiary of later technology than the Voyager.

Good Luck with your negotiations!

Kevin

mutcth · 01-05-2012, 04:43 PM

I agree with Kevin. Also, a Prodigy P2 is all of $125 on etrailer.com, and the Reese Dual-Cam with 600 lb bars is $475 there. (Of course, there is labor involved in wiring the Wrangler and setting up the hitch.)

Tom

idroba · 01-05-2012, 05:06 PM

You can dig your heals in also, tell them you are an available buyer, that they can take there $390 "prep" off and at least get the better brake controller mentioned above. Getting up, and walking away from the table is the very best thing you can do. They can chase you down when they realize you are serious about the deal you suggest, not the one they pack. Today, you can negotiate a deal over the internet, or phone, and they also know that.

At a car dealer, or an RV dealer, the best thing you can do is get up and start to walk out. They almost never let you get out the door. A statement from you that "apparently you think it looks prettier siting on your lot costing you flooring charges, than it would going out the door with me as a new owner" will generally bring them back to the table.

The only way a dealer makes any money is by turning over his merchandise. A trailer sitting on his lot only costs him money. Unless he has problems keeping trailers in inventory, due to lots and lots of customers, he wants to sell them, not hang on to them. Once you realize that, and let him know you understand that he makes money only by turning over his merchandise, the advantage goes to you.

bike_addict · 01-05-2012, 05:55 PM

I bought my '12 back in October and my advice is get on the Internet and on the phone.

Search all dealers within an acceptable driving distance and check their inventory. Call them and tell them that you know what you want and you are comparing prices. Just be honest. I told each of them that I wasn't a fan of haggling and wasnt going to go back and forth so please send me your best price and if its right then I'm ready to buy. Just be ready to buy, it's only fair to them.

I spoke to 5 dealers with the trailer I wanted and got prices from 8% off to 20% off. You can guess who got my business. The dealer was 300 miles away but was well worth it.

Every dealer is in a different situation with inventory and sales needs. Comes down to if they're behind or ahead on their quota for the month, how long have they been sitting on that unit and so on.

Rich of SCal · 01-05-2012, 07:10 PM

Good advice guys! Thanks for the tips. Funny thing is, maintenance agreed with me that the Reese was a better choice. And I got that info on this forum!
I will check into the Tekonsha Prodigy, thanks for the info.

Ronnie, that's encouraging. I am at 10% off. 20% would probably seal the deal for me. I will make those calls!

Rich of SCal · 01-09-2012, 05:57 PM

OK, I found another Sport 16' in San Diego and they were willing to beat the first dealer's price by $1000. Now in fairness, I should point out that they do NOT include that overpriced microwave the first dealer wants about $470 for, but didn't really want that anyway. I have a small, light one that I will try, if I really need one.

They agreed to my hitch request (Reese dual cam) and already use the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 controller. They will hard wire a 7 pin connector to my TV. Also, still getting the same financing as the other dealer. They don't charge a PDI fee, but do fill the propane tanks and do the usual walkthrough, etc. And they 1 have in stock.

Sent all the paperwork ahead already, loan has been approved. I go down to check it and close the deal Thursday morning.

If all goes as planned I WILL BE A STREAMER IN 3 DAYS!

bike_addict · 01-09-2012, 07:33 PM

Good luck!!

Rich of SCal · 01-18-2012, 06:24 PM

OK, it happened! As you can see by my avatar taken the next morning after I got my AS. That is the site of my first overnighter at Santa Fe RV Resort in San Diego. I have been posting in other places, but wanted to come back here and let everyone know. I AM a 'Streamer now. Let the good times begin!