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Old 10-02-2016, 09:45 AM   #1
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Newbie Advice sought

I am almost ready to pull the trigger on purchasing my first airstream to live in full time, maybe a dumb idea - but I'm currently renting an apartment in the Santa Barbara CA region and the rent is outrageous and the place less then mediocre.

My idea is to purchase a 2013 BMW X5 Diesel (will use TrueCar) - I like the size and it can tow 6000lbs and a 23' Airstream. Finding the right tow vehicle has been a major blocking point for me. I want 1 vehicle and didn't want a massive pickup truck.

Question now, and it's probably a big one, is what is the best way to buy an airstream without being robbed or having to deal with a high pressure salesman?
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Old 10-02-2016, 09:52 AM   #2
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While generally I've found RV salespeople to be several notches below used car salespeople, I haven't found that with Airstream. My dealer, Colonial in NJ, has never pressured us and I haven't heard stories about it at other dealers. It's probably because they Airstreams are in such demand that they don't need to use high pressure techniques.

A lot of folks find it worth driving East to buy from Colonial.
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Old 10-02-2016, 10:09 AM   #3
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The first time we purchase an Airstream, I didn't do much research. We paid about 9% off msrp. With our new airstream, I emailed and called various dealers near and far. The cheapest, by a good bit, was in FL. I did think about making the trip, but then decided against it after getting a good quote from an in state dealership. I then used that quote to go back to the dealer and salesperson we purchased our first one through. We ended up paying a little more, but we both felt more comfortable with our choice of dealership.

No pressure. I just called and told them I was ready to purchase from a different dealer, but would give them a chance to match it because I would rather purchase from them. They didn't throw in the WDH that the other dealer would have, but I felt OK about that.

Bottom line, go in there armed with information. 20% off msrp is a very good deal. I wouldn't purchase for less than 15% off.

Good luck!
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Old 10-02-2016, 10:54 AM   #4
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I would recommend Colonial in NJ. Yes, it's NJ. But look at it as a fun cross country trip. Call them. Check their website. Ask for Patrick. I think you'll be impressed and pleased.
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Old 10-02-2016, 10:59 AM   #5
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The best way to avoid salesmen, and to save a lot of money, is to buy a well maintained used trailer from a private party. There are some fanatical owners here who not only maintain their trailer to a high standard but add many improvements. It's a great opportunity when one of their trailers comes up for sale.

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Old 10-02-2016, 11:04 AM   #6
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Negotiation advice can be found here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155105
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Old 10-02-2016, 02:01 PM   #7
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Welcome, Bmrgato

Are you going to stay in the Santa Barbara area, or become a telecommuting road warrior once you have your rig? Either way, there will be continuing costs, and it's not always that easy to park an RV any where you wish, even an Airstream. Since I don't know how much research you've actually done on the feasibility of full-time RV living, I'm respectfully suggesting you might want to read the attached thread.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...rk-156935.html
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