MSRP and trade-in value

TCNashville · 01-11-2014, 08:33 AM

We have been looking at 3 slided travel trailers including the Jayco 338RLTS. I stopped at a Forest River dealership to look at a Rockwood 8329SS. He gave me a quote at full MSRP minus trade-in value. If they discount MSRP, do they also discount trade-in value? His quote was $43,300-$24,800 [my Jayco]=$18,500 + tax. I think I can do better than that. Just wondering what others have experienced. Thanks, Terry

slabat · 01-11-2014, 08:39 AM

It really depends on what you are trading in, I have always negotiated the price of each one separately, so you can get close to what you want for each one

**Crabman** · 01-11-2014, 08:44 AM

That`s the issue when a trade is involved, what am I actually getting for MY trailer? Really the only way to know is get some quotes for that same unit without mentioning a trade so you see how much the unit is straight out (30% off MSRP is good). Then ask them what they would give you for yours if you decided to trade. From the quote you received at full MSRP, IMO they are not giving you much for your trailer and agree you can do much better.

Seann45 · 01-11-2014, 09:41 AM

I dont care how much a dealer is asking or how much they offer me for my RV. All that matters to me is the difference that I have to pay. Let them worry about how much discount I get and how much my trade is worth.. if they dont have a final number that matches mine I move on.

Bassdogs · 01-11-2014, 10:06 AM

Expect min of 25% off MSRP to start and then talk about trade. You usually can sell the TT for more than the trade value after getting the best discount off of the dealer price. In the end, its the net out of pocket that's important, but the best deal thru a dealer is usually without a trade.

The key to the best deal is to go in willing to walk [or drive] off the lot and visit another dealer. Best deals will be online which usually will be a good distance away, but my advice is to at least have the online quote in hand before you walk on to a local dealers lot.

**Crabman** · 01-11-2014, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

I dont care how much a dealer is asking or how much they offer me for my RV. All that matters to me is the difference that I have to pay. Let them worry about how much discount I get and how much my trade is worth.. if they dont have a final number that matches mine I move on.

But you have to know what YOUR number should be, so you need to do the research before you go in to acquire it. In the old days this info was not available to the public and you were at the mercy of the dealer, and that included autos. But with the invention of the internet the info available has given new powers to consumers. That power is knowledge.

clubhouse · 01-11-2014, 01:25 PM

IMO...

- Its best to simplify the transaction as much as possible, its the only way I know to make sure you are getting a fair deal every part of the deal. If you are willing, make a solid attempt to sell your current TT private party first. My experience is a Private Party transaction will result in ~25% more to you vs Trade In.
- If you don't want to take the time to go theprivate part route that then negotiate the price of the new trailer with out mentioning a trade in first. Once you agree in principle on the new TT price then bring up trade in.
- If financing have that arranged in advance...if the dealer has a better offer take it, but this way you aren't subject to only what the dealer presents.

I just compelted a private party sale of my TT. I received 33% more than I was offered on a trade in against a new TT that I negotiated 27% off MSRP. I listed my TT on Craigs List on 12/1 -- sold 12/27. Fielded approx 7 calls/emails (more if you count the scams I deleted) and showed it on 5 occasions to 3 differnt families (2 families looked twice). I was shocked it sold so easily during the Holidays -- maybe I let it go to cheap :-)

**Crabman** · 01-11-2014, 01:40 PM

^^^Yeah the private sale will net you more money in most cases. I ordered our Jayco and immediately listed our old trailer for sale on CL thinking it would take a few months to sell. I sold it in one day, got exactly what I paid for it, (used when I purchased it) and had other serious inquires! That left us with no trailer until the new one came in but I was glad it sold so fast.

3'senough · 01-12-2014, 08:09 AM

Having just gone through this process yet again the personal sale will almost always net you more. Trade in value only saves you on sales tax if it applies in your state. That plus the trade in is where I put my number. The MSRP vs high trade in is a sale tactic and you are paying way too much IMHO. Agree with 25-35% off MSRP depending on year, lot stock or custom order.
Now shop your new unit(s) through another dealer and ask for the price before mentioning the old unit you still have. Let them work up the numbers for you. Most if not all dealers will respond to an e-mail request for pricing on a specific unit. After you get that number ask about your trade in value. Now you know what is the worst case scenario on your unit and where your bottom dollar sale is. Figure if you want to move your unit put the number somewhere in between the used dealer pricing avg and that trade in value. You will not get dealer sales prices due to it being private.

Every time I have done this it usually sold within a week or two. As CM stated, the internet is a powerful tool so use it to your advantage in both buying and selling.

Good Luck.

Seann45 · 01-12-2014, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crabman

But you have to know what YOUR number should be, so you need to do the research before you go in to acquire it. In the old days this info was not available to the public and you were at the mercy of the dealer, and that included autos. But with the invention of the internet the info available has given new powers to consumers. That power is knowledge.

I agree Crabby. At least Nambarc has not jumped in saying to pay more that the asking price to ensure the dealer is around for a while...

**Crabman** · 01-12-2014, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

I agree Crabby. At least Nambarc has not jumped in saying to pay more that the asking price to ensure the dealer is around for a while...

Both nambarc and I want the dealer to stay in business, but we also want to stay in business!.

TCNashville · 01-12-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

I dont care how much a dealer is asking or how much they offer me for my RV. All that matters to me is the difference that I have to pay. Let them worry about how much discount I get and how much my trade is worth.. if they dont have a final number that matches mine I move on.

Agreed. I have a number in my head which would be an "out the door" price after pricing my trailer online. And BTW, who the hell is Nambarc? Lol, just curious.

nambarc · 01-12-2014, 05:37 PM

Me nambarc, the OFFICIAL JOF mascot.

OnTheGo · 01-12-2014, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

Agreed. I have a number in my head which would be an "out the door" price after pricing my trailer online. And BTW, who the hell is Nambarc? Lol, just curious.

Nambarc is a crafty character who comes off like maybe he's a little confused and doesn't know what's happening around him. But, he can get things done on this forum.

TCNashville · 01-12-2014, 07:44 PM

Nambarc Jedi Master?........May the Force be with you

Seann45 · 01-13-2014, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

Nambarc Jedi Master?........May the Force be with you

EWWW a green finger saber...

Redhorse 823 · 01-13-2014, 11:55 AM

Just went through the same process--traded in my 06 Hybrid for the new Jayco.
Bottom line price is the only factor
Most times they will try retail for theirs and wholesale for yours--not a good way to go
Other factors on the 25 to 30% under MSRP is what type of unit. Higher end units have more room to negotiate, while your entry level units are "entry price point" units have much less. This is why the sales team works so hard on upselling you to another unit.
research is key--know what your unit is worth by NADA and the true market value.
You would be surprised how many times their is a vast difference in the 2 prices.
See what price you can get for a unit without a trade
Also see how long used similar units have been on the market--this will gauge how fairly they are priced and what the market is for privet party sales
You can list it for sale 30% above market value and see if anyone buys it...I would not/that just me
Bottom line is price and if you feel good about your deal
And always be ready to walk...always another great deal around the corner

IMO--Look real hard before going with a Forest River unit--I was not happy with several things in my 06

GL

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