Full service dealer, wholesaler, or private party?

[Acheron2010]

You have it in mind to purchase a 2018 Airstream Classic 30 (for example).
You find three exact models for sale - one from a full service dealer, one from a well-known wholesaler, or a private party.
$130K, $110K, $100K. Same exact model.

Who do you choose to make the purchase from, and why?

[rmkrum]

Assuming you are cheap like me, but as highly skilled at electrical, structure, and plumbing as I can be, I'd go with the cheapest one, on the assumption that the private party had done due diligence and had all the initial warranty repairs done, and the remainder of the warranty is transferable at his expense. And, because I'm a bit paranoid, I would verify those assumptions with a viciously thorough inspection and examination of all the paperwork as exhibit 'A'.

Failing that, if the wholesaler also included the full Airstream Factory Warranty, I'd be cool with that.

Since DW is genetically and culturally disposed to NEVER pay full price for anything, the costly full price option is not a viable option around this family...if I value my personal structural integrity.

[daleyocum]

I’d do comparison biding on a factory direct order through the dealer. That will usually be about 20% off list landing you at the low end of your choices with a dealer standing behind it.

[PaulnGina]

Depending on your own inspection and inquiry skills, I would go with the private owner. Life happens, and you never know who might be needing to sell a relatively new trailer.

Might work out for both of you!

[CRH]

The 100k model. I can do a lot of fixin' for 10 to 30 grand.

[banderabob]

I'd go private, again, and again, with proper due diligence.

[Rzrbrn]

I will only go dealer, negotiating the price, both cars and RV's. Only buy new. I typically will go to three dealers of the same brand and get their best price. Works well enough for me.

I sell stuff privately however, never do a trade in.

[Rgentum]

Towards the end of last summer, I obtained a price on a new 2018 Classic 33 (MSRP around $160K) of $120K. I did not ask about a Classic 30 (MSRP around $140K), but if the 33 was $120K, I would imagine that the 30 would be south of $110K. That's new, 2018 with a full AS warranty. If I could get a new 30 for <$110K with a warranty, I believe I'd choose that over a used 30 at $100K from a private party. At $90K or maybe $95K, I might do differently.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by Acheron2010

You have it in mind to purchase a 2018 Airstream Classic 30 (for example).
You find three exact models for sale - one from a full service dealer, one from a well-known wholesaler, or a private party.
$130K, $110K, $100K. Same exact model.

Who do you choose to make the purchase from, and why?

I would go get the new 2017 classic 30 I was offered for $81,300 from a dealer here.

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Acheron2010

You have it in mind to purchase a 2018 Airstream Classic 30 (for example).
You find three exact models for sale - one from a full service dealer, one from a well-known wholesaler, or a private party.
$130K, $110K, $100K. Same exact model.

Who do you choose to make the purchase from, and why?

From the private party...why ? it is 30,000 dollars cheaper, a no brainer.....

[wavelength]

Private party for $100,000. It’s still under factory, why pay $30,000 more from a dealer who may or may not hav a first class service department anyway