Trying to price a new Airstream

[rlandis]

Would I be out of line to hold out for 20% off MSRP for a new AS?
Thanks

[dkottum]

We got 25% off our first new Airstream, it was a two year old stock item, and we later learned there were condition and wear issues. We got 11% off this one, fresh from the factory, came in the day we bought it. No issues whatsoever.

We consider the 11% deal the best bargain.

[m.hony]

I would try. In the end you may have to pay a bit more. Maybe 15% off MSRP?
You have nothing to lose by trying. You might have a lot to gain.

[PharmGeek]

prices people end up settling on vary....many threads have bounced around on this subject.

numbers quoted range from 10-25% off MSRP on new models...

only way to know what you can get is to ask multiple dealers you are willing to drive to to give you actual quotes and let them know you are looking around....

I think based on my experience getting folks down to 15% off MSRP is quite doable...maybe even closer to 20% even for new, even for special order...I found the quotes for special order as opposed to on the lot as not all that different when getting quotes from a hand ful of dealers....most seem to all fall within the 15-20% off MSRP....

Im not sure how it all works, time of year, overall demand, etc etc...but I would think competition will shake out whatever the best price is in current market conditions.

If you are dead set on a given dealer, then I would not be as likely to hold out if it meant no deal....

[silverwheels]

My friend was just quoted 20% a 2014 19' International. My friend walked away and the sales person keeps calling him so I believe 20% off MSRP is very doable for a new rig!!

Best of Luck!

[AnnArborBob]

I would agree with those above that 15 to 20% off MSRP is reasonable to expect. We purchased a new Eddie Bauer unit last fall and our "discount" was at the high end of that range. I suspect that the model, options, time of the year, and how long the unit has been sitting on the dealer's lot will impact the final price.

In our case, we bought a fully loaded relatively high end model in November from a high volume dealer (Colonial.) That was probably the one of the best combinations of factors to ensure a good discount.

The previously mentioned strategy of negotiating with multiple dealers simultaneously would probably also help things and at a minimum serve to validate whatever price you ended up paying.

Good luck!

[dkottum]

When you're dealing across the country, be sure to add the total costs of going to get it and bringing it home.

[Landrum]

We have a sale pending on our current 23fb, and we starting the search for a new one. This process drives me crazy. I had one dealer quote 15% off (initial offer without any negotiating) and another tell me their cost is 83% of MSRP. If folks are getting 20% or better they must be much better negotiators than me.

[SilverCabin]

Not finding great discounts here in Florida either. So, making the decision of whether we want to deal with someone 40 miles away, or travel 1,500 miles for a better deal. I read that Airstream sales are up 70% from a year ago, so the great deals we got in the past may be drying up.

Randy

[av8or]

Originally Posted by Landrum

We have a sale pending on our current 23fb, and we starting the search for a new one. This process drives me crazy. I had one dealer quote 15% off (initial offer without any negotiating) and another tell me their cost is 83% of MSRP. If folks are getting 20% or better they must be much better negotiators than me.

.......and me. Apparently not a good negotiator either. I have yet to see a dealership give 20% off........they don't have to. It seems that the Airstream is a "trendy" item right now (heck they even use them in Viagra commercials), and in much demand. Maybe in the middle of winter on a unit that has been sitting on the lot for quite a while, but not at this time of year. But like others have said, "make 'em an offer" all they can say is "no way."
Good luck.

[HeavyAssault]

Here's what I've been doing...research. LOL I know but let me explain. You got to find the unit you want/like. You have to watch the dealer lots that have the unit available. Then see how long it sits on the lot. I'm quite certain I could swing a sweet deal on a Classic 31...been on the lot a long time. The new arrival units could be a target of opportunity but you got to be ready to buy. Cash talks...you know the rest. In the end the search goes on till you buy.

[m.hony]

Speaking of a Classic 31- There was a 2012 still on Foley's lot in Gulfport, MS.
It had a free standing dinette. If that is what someone wants, they could get a real good deal on that particular unit.

[Bigskyrider8]

My in laws took this picture yesterday near Perth Austrailia, the price on this rig reads $65.990....yikes. Pretty pricey I'd say mate!

[Aage]

A man I worked with for thirty years once told me that you aren't negotiating unless you are willing to walk away when you don't get what you feel you should.

Most salesmen know this too, so if you are just going to "throw out a number", chances are probably more than equal that you'll be turned down.

[Foiled Again]

SPRING - is the RV industry's hot time to sell, so if you wait until fall, you should get a better deal on any unit that the dealer doesn't want to hold over the winter.

MODEL YEAR Changeover - Airstream's new model year starts May 15. As soon as the new 2015's are on the floor, the dealer is motivated to move the 2014's FAST. If the new year model has no magic features you MUST have, make your best deal and never look back.

If you can wait, look in the classifieds, craigslist, etc for a gently used one.. you can save that big first year depreciation too!

Paula

[m.hony]

True dat.
I bought mine in October.
I bought my Harley in February.

[HeavyAssault]

I was recently quoted 17% off MSRP on a 2014 27FB. I don't know exactly how long the unit has been on the lot.

[scamp]

If you want to know how long it's been on the lot you can get a good idea from the built date stamped on the plate on the left side (road side )of most trailers.

[HeavyAssault]

That has the weight rating as well right?? I just didn't check it...I know better for next time. Thanks!

[Landrum]

I'm sitting in my new 2014 25fb Int Sig at Foley RV in Gulfport MS. When I get home tomorrow we will have 2 airstreams in our backyard (our old 23 fb that we sold doesn't get picked up until Tuesday).

It's hard to imagine the experience could have been any easier thanks to the folks at Foley RV. In fact based on past experience I was expecting to need hours and I planned to stay the night on their lot (I had to drive down from Little Rock). I was finished with everything within an hour of arriving. (I'm staying overnight anyway....felt like I was too tired to drive back).

There was no haggling on the price. I offered on the high side of the 15%-20% off range and they accepted. They held it 3 weeks for me. Sent me all the papers ahead of time so me andy wife could review and sign.

They did offer a very good trade in value (before I had sold our 23fb), but I knew I could get a little more selling privately.