Eddie Bauer 25' Price Negotiation

[Jr1974]

Went to Airstream Northwest near Seattle today with the plan to look at some used models. However, I fell in love with the 2012 Eddie Bauer 25. This unit is new but door was damaged and had to be replaced. Has solar panels already installed. Salesman said price was originally 80k, but now is discounted to 70k. However, I looked at several dealers online and found new ones listed as low as 52k. Considering the previous damage how low should I go? Sorry, but I have never bought a trailer before and have no idea of the mark ups.

(if the salesmen are looking at this...I don't love it that much!)

[SeeMore]

If the door was replaced why would that merit a discount? Given the current economy you might achieve 15-20% off to move a unit that is sitting on the dealer's lot. It all depends on local conditions, revenue needs, etc. Airstream Northwest is among the top dealers volume wise and might feel generous offering you something much less.

[Ridgerunner3]

The Eddie Bauer units seemed to be discounted by dealers a considerable amount over the winter. Prices always seem to be higher during the high demand summer season. From what I have read, you should be able to get a 15 - 20% discount on any new AS (if you are willing to drive to deal). I would inspect the door very closely for proper operation. AS doors are each individually fit and adjusted at the factory.

[dwightdi]

There is a you tube video produced by the Airstream factory, showing how they "adjust" them at the factory with a large hammer. That is how they did it in the auto factories in the past also.

[handn]

Dealers like customers like you that fall in love with a specific model. Good deals on Airstreams come to those who are willing to be flexible on what model they want and are willing to travel to purchase.
Offer 20% off but be prepared to pay more or to shop around for something else.

[Jr1974]

Thanks all for the advice. Shopped around and got a 2012 1/2 Eddie Bauer 25. Feel like I got a good deal. A little more than 20% off msrp plus got 2 90 watt solar panels included. I had to drive 300 miles to get it, though. The local dealer with the previously damaged model (early model 2012 with out the bluray, new toilet, and dimmer leds) said price was impossible and that they would complain to airstream...yada yada yada. A hour after I verbally bought it from the other dealer, they did call back and would meet the price. The local dealer is only 10 miles away, but I already gave my word to the other dealer. Start the long pull home in the morning.

[xo1rider]

Congrats on pulling the trigger on the A/S.

I got fine in a funny trade, drove into the dealer with a 2010 Roadtrek 20' Sprinter Van and drove out with the 2012 27FB International. Straight trade, no cash changed hands.

I'm loving my Airstream.

[aftermath]

300 miles? Must have been Airstream of Spokane. If so, they are great people and really nice to work with. Congrats on the new unit. Never liked dealing with salesmen when buying new. Some can be really difficult.

[Jr1974]

Actually Sutton RV in Eugene, OR

[danlehosky]

I've heard good things about Sutton. We could not make a deal with AS Northwest either. We were almost ready to sign on a 2011 23FB Flying Cloud and then found a very very good deal on a 25 FB Flying Cloud from a dealer in Michigan. I have been using AS Northwest for warranty service and they have done an excellent job. I loved the Eddie Bauer but my wife would have flipped if I threw a kayak or bike in the trailer. Have fun, we are nw natives and have tent camped all over WA and OR for 30 years. This is quite a change.
Dan

[TouringDan]

Jr

Looks like it took you all of two days or so to go from looking at a used Airstream to pulling the trigger on a new Eddie Bauer. Good for you. Hope that you have a great ride. Life is good with an Airstream.

Dan

[mefly2]

Any follow up on the EB ...?

[AlumFalcon]

Originally Posted by Jr1974

Actually Sutton RV in Eugene, OR

Awesome! I did the same thing from when Northwest was giving me the classic car salesman shtick. Sutton is family owned and worth the trip. I still get my service done locally at NW (which has improved IMO).

[Harpo]

We bought our 25 ft EB last year in April from Sutton. We got the trailer for invoice price (not real sure I know what constitutes that anymore although the salesman did show it to us). The "invoice price" amounted to 26% discount from the MSRP. I am somewhat ashamed to admit that we did not negotiate one iota. We went into Sutton's looking for a toy hauler and the next day went home with a brand new airstream. It was one of the easiest 'feel good' purchases I have had in a long time.

[windblade]

Originally Posted by Jr1974

Thanks all for the advice. Shopped around and got a 2012 1/2 Eddie Bauer 25. Feel like I got a good deal. A little more than 20% off msrp plus got 2 90 watt solar panels included. I had to drive 300 miles to get it, though. The local dealer with the previously damaged model (early model 2012 with out the bluray, new toilet, and dimmer leds) said price was impossible and that they would complain to airstream...yada yada yada. A hour after I verbally bought it from the other dealer, they did call back and would meet the price. The local dealer is only 10 miles away, but I already gave my word to the other dealer. Start the long pull home in the morning.

Hello, I live nearby in Poulsbo, WA and just started shopping for an Eddie Bauer, as I also like the model. I currently own a 2009 Airstream Interstate with very low miles and want to trade for a travel trailer. Sounds like you had a very good experience - can you share dealer and sales person you worked with? My email is firsttofile@yahoo.com. Thank you!

[mefly2]

PM sent.
Yes, we traded in our former AS on the new EB ...

[NWGreyhound]

I also bought from Sutton in Eugene, OR when I purchased our new 2010 25' FC.
Between the negotiated discount and the great value they gave me on my trade-in we got what we think is a good deal from Sutton. Salesman's name was Terry.
We live 25 mi from Airstream NW in Covington, WA and I have used them for routine service and been pleased. My cousin has bought two airstreams from Airstream NW (he got one foot itis after first buying a 19 and went up to a 27 three months later).
I think the ability to successfully negotiate depends on what you're bringing to the table, your ability to read the economy in RV business, and your ability to walk away if you're not satisfied. they usually call back.

Lou