Questions about the 2003 International. Would you buy again/fair price. - Page 2

Debbie · 10-28-2002, 09:04 AM

I will be happy to post what we end up paying for the trailer when we get it.

I did notice on the AS we were looking at that one part
of the formica appeared to be separating and the top
of the counter looked a bit bubbled. Is this something that
can be corrected by the dealer?

A big thank you for all the helpful posts on this subject,
it is nice of you to take the time to reply.
Debbie

Pahaska · 10-28-2002, 09:14 AM

A dealer should be able to take care of that. Heat will soften the contact cement under the formica. I used a heat gun to remove the formica from the section I cut from the dressing table and later relaminated that same formica on the knife block that I built.

They should be able to heat the counter top and roll the formica smooth.

Pahaska · 10-28-2002, 09:16 AM

Here is the knife block I built, neatly laminated with reused black formica.

Debbie · 10-31-2002, 10:51 AM

Thanks John for the information about the formica
and I really like your knife rack! It looks very nice
and would keep the knives from rattling around in
a drawer.

Our dealer charges almost $400.00 to go over the
trailer and make certain everything is filled and that
it is ready to travel. Is this what all dealers do at
the time of purchase or is this a negotiable expense?
Debbie

rcaldwel · 10-31-2002, 11:13 AM

When we purchased our 2001 Bambi new from an airstream dealer, there was no charges for preparation. They went through the trailer extensively, loading propane, and checking all systems. They gave the Bambi a washing and cleaning both inside and out. They also provided the hooking up of the trailer hitch and electrical. They then spent more than half a day going over all the trailer components and operating procedures and put up with several hours of my questions and re-questions to make sure I understood the operations before leaving the dealership. All this without any additional charges. I don't know whether other dealers charge or not, but this airstream dealer did not and will have any future business of mine if we decide to purchase another. They have always been accessible by phone and their advice and answers to my questions have been right on the money.

Hope this helps.

Bob Caldwell

Edie · 10-31-2002, 12:04 PM

We never paid any sort of a dealer prep fee. I'd try to negotiate it away.

I know this will lead to thread drift, but here is a photo of the knife block Brett made for our Argosy. It is mounted on the inside of the pantry door, and the knives can't rattle out.

Ruebel · 10-31-2002, 04:55 PM

I did not have to pay any dealer prep at the dealer in Iowa that I purchased my 2002 Safari from. My propane tanks were filled and the water system had been fully checked out for leaks then re-winterized due to it still being winter. The dealer also spent 4 hours giving us an orientation on the day we picked it up.

Larry Ruebel
Bismarck ND

Edie · 10-31-2002, 05:53 PM

Hi Larry...was your dealer Ace Fogdall?

We lived in Wisconsin, and used Ace Fogdall even though it was a 5 hour drive. They are GREAT!

JPAIRSTREAM · 10-31-2002, 06:05 PM

Debbie who is your dealer? was your trailer new? or used

**jcanavera** · 10-31-2002, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debbie

Our dealer charges almost $400.00 to go over the
trailer and make certain everything is filled and that
it is ready to travel. Is this what all dealers do at
the time of purchase or is this a negotiable expense?
Debbie

Debbie,
My dealer did not have a prep charge. Our trailer was preped, cleaned and Walbernized. He has sites at his dealership and we were invited to spend the night. Any problems would be corrected the next morning. Not only did we get the grand tour of our trailer, but the fridge was on and in it was a bottle of cold champaign.

Is the $400 justified? I guess you need to compare prices and see. Obviously a dealer can easily build the $400 into his selling price and never have an extra charge. Negotiate with other dealers and see if his price +$400 is in line. If not, let him know and see if he will negotiate further.

In regards to your pricing question, that's a grey area. I've been told by others that in negotiating for any RV you should make your first offer at 25% below sticker. My dealer refused my offer stating that Safari's didn't have the profit margin of the Classic line (I guess that 25% may have been acceptable if it had been a Classic). We ended up at 18%. Final prices also depend upon time of year, demand, how long the unit has been on the lot etc. Obviously some folks have done better than 25%.

I also did not take the Safari that was on his lot (2001 unit built in July 2000). I saw some defects in the unit (he said he would correct them) but I said I would rather have a new build unit. I also wanted to add some options that I felt would be better handled at build time rather than retrofit to an already built trailer. I placed the order in mid March 2001 and the trailer was delivered 6 weeks later. It's manufacturing tag showed it was built on April 14th and was one of the last of the 2001's built.

Hope all this helps.

Regards,

Jack

Ruebel · 11-01-2002, 08:39 AM

Eddie
That is correct it was Ace Fogdall. I was very happy with them. When we were looking at buying a new Airstream we checked with several people and everyone had good comments about Ace Fogdall. The dealer that is closer (400 verses 650 miles) in the Minneapolis area has a questionable reputation according to the BBB and other individuals that I consulted with. Another 200+ miles of driving is worth getting a dealer that treats you as a valued customer.

Larry Ruebel
Bismarck ND

Debbie · 11-01-2002, 11:25 AM

Thank you all for your quick replies to my question
regarding the dealer prep charges! I will definitely
put that down as a negotiable part of the purchase
price.

Our dealer is Windish RV, so far they have been very nice
when we have gone to look at the Airstreams. I think
our next closest dealer would be in New Mexico.

As you can probably tell, we don't make quick purchases
and I'm glad we didn't. This forum has given me an
education on how to buy a trailer, I can't thank
all of you enough for taking the time to respond
to my questions. I love the great ideas for building
knife racks, they will be put to use.

I learn something new everyday and I look forward
to the day I can announce that we are picking up
our trailer!
Debbie

Pick · 11-01-2002, 01:46 PM

Debbie, there are new Airstreams listed at www.rvtraderonline.com, if you want to check out pricing. Don't know if those prices are "real world" though.

53flyingcloud · 11-02-2002, 03:56 AM

Pick..

I don't think you meant for it but, when you post an URL..try to leave out the commas after the .com I've seen this several times recently on this forum. Hint:
I always try to check the URL after I've posted one..Just to be sure it works..KWIM?
CIAO