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RE: Local vs. out of town dealer

Started by Tim5055, Jan 18, 2003, 10:39 PM

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campingeyedoc

 I was looking to upgrade my 2000 Coleman Mesa to a 2003 Utah. My local dealer will give me a good trade value, but no apparent break on the new unit. I sent out e-mails in the fall and got much better prices from dealers in a 200 mile radius. If you buy out of town, will the local dealer still service? Is there any disadvantage? Also, does anyone know about the current coleman incentive packages (ie loveseat, screen room, etc?)

Tim5055

 campingeyedocWhile the dealer is required by Coleman to provide warranty service to all units, regardless on location of purchase - there is nothing that says they have to give you preferential treatment.  They will probably schedule their retail customers ahead of you.
 
 But, with that possibility, what experience have you had with the service departmentin the past?  Unless it is an extremly small dealer (i.e. the salesman also is the technician) the service department probably dosn t care where their work comes from.  They usually have quotas and minimums they have to meet, and don t care where the work comes from.
 
 This is a business decision.  Take the prices you have and give your local dealer one last try at getting close to the price.  remember, they don t have to match teh other dealers price for you to break even.  If you travel 100 - 200 miles there will be costs involved like gas, tolls and possibly hotels.
 
 I actually ended up buying about 85 miles form home when I have a dealer about 2 miles away.  My " home"  dealer was less than truthful when I asked questions about the ABS roof sag issue, so I decided to pass on their dealership entirely.
 
 Good luck in your search

mwh710

 campingeyedocChoose your dealer carefully, ours is so bad, I will not buy another Coleman.  I presently have to drive 3.5 hours for the next Coleman dealer. That is honest & not a complete j**k.[:@]

topcat7736

 campingeyedocI agree with what Tim said. You can probably easily " beat the local dealer up"  for a better price if you have quotes from other places.
 
 If there s a RV show coming to your area, go to it looking to purchase & you will get a lot of extras thorwn in for free. Shows are the best places to make a purchase (and the sale goes through local dealers)!

tlhdoc

 campingeyedocThey may be giving you a good trade in because they are charging full price for the trailer.  Ask them what they would sell the trailer for if you sell your old PU youself.  Maybe they will give you a better deal that way.