Determining your RV's TRUE Wholesale Value
The first thing you need to know is that the ONLINE valuation guides for RVs are usually much higher than the values in the dealer's copy of the NADA guide. In other words, what YOU think your RV is worth is probably much, much higher that what the DEALER will actually allow for it.
This is the same for the automotive, boat or RV industries. The dealer MUST take trade-ins at or below wholesale to ever hope to eventually make a reasonable profit. He must allow for interest payments on his used inventory, commissions to sales people, overhead, and much more.
A typical mid-sized RV dealer will have a monthly overhead of $50,000 to $150,000... or more per MONTH! Believe me, it's not an easy game. He has laid out millions of dollars to allow you to browse a decent selection of RVs, so please... Don't think of him as the bad guy.
Online RV Valuation Sources
Lets take a look at the online RV valuation sources and how to use them in order to place a realistic wholesale and retail value on your RV.
The best place to get fairly accurate online values for RVs is at: [http://www.nadaguides.com]
Go to the RV section and select the appropriate letter that corresponds to the make of your RV.
Now is where you're going to have to grit your teeth and do something completely against your nature. DON'T ADD FOR ANY OPTIONS! The dealer won't, so in this case we won't either. Understand that we are only trying to determine what the dealer will allow for your trade-in. This doesn't mean that you have to take it. In fact, you will be many dollars ahead if you decide to market your RV on your own, and then approach the dealer on a cash only basis.... But that's another topic we'll address in another article.
At the bottom of the NADA page, click on the "Get Price" button. Now, let you your jaw drop as you look at the value for: "Low Retail."
Now emit a mild groan, because it gets worse from here. DEDUCT another 7% to 10% of that figure to establish the wholesale value in the dealer's copy of the NADA book. This is the value that the dealer will be looking at. If your RV is an upper-line or luxury RV, or if it is a specialty RV you will need to deduct even more - 10% to 15% of the "Low Retail" figure. Since the online Low Retail prices do not match the wholesale prices in the dealer's NADA guide, this is an educated guess for you. It will however, get you close enough to decide whether or not you are willing to trade your RV, and accept the actual cash value the dealer will allow.
Remember NOT TO ADD FOR OPTIONS! I know you tried to sneak a few in there didn't you? Remember... The dealer NEVER adds for options when determining an ACV on a trade-in. In some rare cases such as hydraulic leveling jacks or other options that are very expensive, he MAY allow a little more, but nowhere near the actual cost of the option.
Your best bet in determining what the dealer is allowing you for your trade-in is to take the "Low Retail" figure minus 10%. (More for upper-line or specialty units.)
Certain factors such as mileage, condition and unit popularity and salability my influence the actual cash value allowed for your vehicle. Remember that we are dealing with an inexact science. We are simply trying to establish a guideline for estimating the actual amount allowed for your trade-in. Whether or not you decide to trade, is completely up to you. Now you have a way to weigh one against the other. The final decision of course... is up to you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/92520
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Choosing a Motorhome Dealer
If you're in the market for a used or new motorhome, you need a good dealer with whom you can do business. Although you can buy your motorhome from a variety of sources, a dealer is one of your best options.
Reputation
When shopping for an RV, proceed with caution as you would when buying any other high-dollar item, like a home, a truck or a car. Although many RV dealers are highly rated and recommended, there are, of course, unscrupulous ones out there as well.
Ask friends, coworkers and acquaintances about the dealerships in your area. It's also worthwhile to look into a dealer's reputation online. Message boards where motor home owners post their experiences can be a particularly good source of information.
Don't choose a motor home dealership blindly. You want to do business with a reliable merchant who will give you good value for your money, not an unprincipled shyster who'll take you for a costly ride.
Location
Because motorhomes have become so popular recently in the United States, it shouldn't be too difficult to find one that's nearby if not local. Choosing a motorhome dealer who's close to home is a good idea for several reasons.
For one thing, shopping nearby is convenient. Later, when your motorhome needs regular maintenance or repair, taking it in will be quick and easy. You're also more likely to develop a relationship with a local dealer, one that will benefit both of you in the long run. You'll get good service, and the dealer will have a good customer who's likely to recommend his business to other RV lovers.
Inventory
You'll also want to choose a dealer who has a large inventory of new and used recreational vehicles. If you have a variety of makes, models and sizes from which to choose, you'll be more likely to find a motorhome that's right for you and your family.
Pricing
As you shop dealers, compare price tags. Motorhomes not only come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles, but they are also sold for a wide range of prices. Look for dealers whose prices compare favorably with those of others. Although motorhomes are worth their high price tags, why pay more than you have to?
Service
In addition to examining the average asking prices of motorhome dealers, look into the warranties and other services that they offer. Some dealers provide service plans for their used motorhomes as well as their new ones. If at all possible, do business with a dealership that offers these extras. Taking advantage of them could protect your family, your motorhome and your wallet in the future.
Keep the above points in mind as you look for a reputable and fair motorhome dealer near you. Take the time to examine each dealer before making a purchase. By doing so, you'll be less likely to fall victim to a dishonest dealer and more likely to find the motorhome of your dreams at an equitable price.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6553495
Reputation
When shopping for an RV, proceed with caution as you would when buying any other high-dollar item, like a home, a truck or a car. Although many RV dealers are highly rated and recommended, there are, of course, unscrupulous ones out there as well.
Ask friends, coworkers and acquaintances about the dealerships in your area. It's also worthwhile to look into a dealer's reputation online. Message boards where motor home owners post their experiences can be a particularly good source of information.
Don't choose a motor home dealership blindly. You want to do business with a reliable merchant who will give you good value for your money, not an unprincipled shyster who'll take you for a costly ride.
Location
Because motorhomes have become so popular recently in the United States, it shouldn't be too difficult to find one that's nearby if not local. Choosing a motorhome dealer who's close to home is a good idea for several reasons.
For one thing, shopping nearby is convenient. Later, when your motorhome needs regular maintenance or repair, taking it in will be quick and easy. You're also more likely to develop a relationship with a local dealer, one that will benefit both of you in the long run. You'll get good service, and the dealer will have a good customer who's likely to recommend his business to other RV lovers.
Inventory
You'll also want to choose a dealer who has a large inventory of new and used recreational vehicles. If you have a variety of makes, models and sizes from which to choose, you'll be more likely to find a motorhome that's right for you and your family.
Pricing
As you shop dealers, compare price tags. Motorhomes not only come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles, but they are also sold for a wide range of prices. Look for dealers whose prices compare favorably with those of others. Although motorhomes are worth their high price tags, why pay more than you have to?
Service
In addition to examining the average asking prices of motorhome dealers, look into the warranties and other services that they offer. Some dealers provide service plans for their used motorhomes as well as their new ones. If at all possible, do business with a dealership that offers these extras. Taking advantage of them could protect your family, your motorhome and your wallet in the future.
Keep the above points in mind as you look for a reputable and fair motorhome dealer near you. Take the time to examine each dealer before making a purchase. By doing so, you'll be less likely to fall victim to a dishonest dealer and more likely to find the motorhome of your dreams at an equitable price.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6553495
How To Find Great RV Deals?
According to a research report by the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center, over 8 million US households own at least one RV. The Harris Interactive research by Go RVing shows that majority of non-RV owners (67%) agree that recreational vehicles allows families to spend quality time together, and to spend more time outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature. 74% of the RV owners stated that they saved at least 27-to-61 percent on a typical family vacation. 73% of the potential future RV buyers considered buying RVs in the future because of vacation cost savings. The research results show that the recreational vehicle industry has huge potential for growth.
Buying an Recreational vehicle
When you are planning to buy an RV for the very first time, it can be an overwhelming task. You need to first decide a few things before buying an RV: whether you want to be a weekend traveler or spend your entire life on wheels, the places where you would take your RV, the length of the stay and the number of people traveling with you.
Types of Recreational vehicle
RVs fall in two broad categories: Towable RVs and Motorhomes. Towable RVs are those that have to be towed by family cars, vans or pickup trucks. They can be detached and left at the campsite while you can explore the areas in your vehicle. Towable RVs include Folding Camping Trailers, Truck Campers, Conventional Travel Trailers, Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers, Sport Utility RVs and Travel Trailers with Expandable Ends. On the other hand, motorhomes have accommodation that can be combined with a vehicle engine in one convenient unit. Motorhomes come in 3 categories: Class A, Class B and Class C, of which Class A is the most expensive and luxurious.
Where to Look
It can be very confusing deciding on which RV to buy, you will have to visit good RV dealers. The best RVs usually are with the best RV dealers. You can surf the internet for local RV dealers and go through their online showroom. You can also look into recreational vehicle travel trends, vehicles types and RV show listings. You can also drop by to visit the local recreational vehicle dealer. You can attend local RV trade shows where a variety of RVs of all shapes, sizes and costs are displayed. In this way you can compare the layouts and features side by side and talk to dealers, other owners and buyers. You can go through RV buyer guides, subscribe to recreation vehicle magazines and newsletters, search various recreational vehicle forums and join local RV clubs. The best option is to rent an RV you are interested in and get some hands-on experience to determine which vehicle types best suits their needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6599118
Buying an Recreational vehicle
When you are planning to buy an RV for the very first time, it can be an overwhelming task. You need to first decide a few things before buying an RV: whether you want to be a weekend traveler or spend your entire life on wheels, the places where you would take your RV, the length of the stay and the number of people traveling with you.
Types of Recreational vehicle
RVs fall in two broad categories: Towable RVs and Motorhomes. Towable RVs are those that have to be towed by family cars, vans or pickup trucks. They can be detached and left at the campsite while you can explore the areas in your vehicle. Towable RVs include Folding Camping Trailers, Truck Campers, Conventional Travel Trailers, Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers, Sport Utility RVs and Travel Trailers with Expandable Ends. On the other hand, motorhomes have accommodation that can be combined with a vehicle engine in one convenient unit. Motorhomes come in 3 categories: Class A, Class B and Class C, of which Class A is the most expensive and luxurious.
Where to Look
It can be very confusing deciding on which RV to buy, you will have to visit good RV dealers. The best RVs usually are with the best RV dealers. You can surf the internet for local RV dealers and go through their online showroom. You can also look into recreational vehicle travel trends, vehicles types and RV show listings. You can also drop by to visit the local recreational vehicle dealer. You can attend local RV trade shows where a variety of RVs of all shapes, sizes and costs are displayed. In this way you can compare the layouts and features side by side and talk to dealers, other owners and buyers. You can go through RV buyer guides, subscribe to recreation vehicle magazines and newsletters, search various recreational vehicle forums and join local RV clubs. The best option is to rent an RV you are interested in and get some hands-on experience to determine which vehicle types best suits their needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6599118
RV Dealers-The Key to Successful RV Ownership
You can find RV dealers around the corner, in the next town, or online. As RVs continue to maintain their popularity among old and young alike, there is a need for dealers to promote, sell, and provide customer service for potential RV owners and current owners. RV dealers are the link that the manufacturer has with the public and the buyers of their products. Sometimes the dealer is a wholesaler, with no middleman in between. These dealers are often "hand selected" to promote a certain make of RV. They may offer makes from other dealers on a limited basis or as used RVs, but the main focus is on the single manufacturer. Another kind of RV dealers are the type that offers a number of different models from a number of different manufacturers. Still others may focus only on used makes and models. Whatever dealer you choose to purchase your new or used RV, you should feel comfortable and satisfied with the level of service that you receive.
One of the main jobs of RV dealers is to educate buyers on the different types of RVs. Whether you want motorized or towable there are many, many different types to choose from-everything from a simple pop up camp trailer to a full size diesel pusher motor coach. RV dealers should be familiar with the features, advantages, and even the disadvantages of each make and model they sell. If they sell a single make of RV they will probably have a great deal of information to share-but they may be limited on what they know about other makes to offer a comparison. It may be wise to visit a number of different RV dealers or online dealerships to get a balanced view.
Another advantage of working with RV dealers is that they will have access to information about financing. They will have resources such as lenders who specialize in loans for new and used RVs. If you go through an online dealer they may have connections with an online lender who may be able to get you financing more quickly than some other lenders. If you have poor credit, RV dealers will also be able to help you find lenders who specialize in poor credit RV loans.
After the sale RV dealers continue to represent the manufacturers of the RVs that they sell. They provide customer service, maintenance, and additional support to the buyers for as long as they own their RV. They one of the factors that makes owning an RV a pleasure.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/129784
One of the main jobs of RV dealers is to educate buyers on the different types of RVs. Whether you want motorized or towable there are many, many different types to choose from-everything from a simple pop up camp trailer to a full size diesel pusher motor coach. RV dealers should be familiar with the features, advantages, and even the disadvantages of each make and model they sell. If they sell a single make of RV they will probably have a great deal of information to share-but they may be limited on what they know about other makes to offer a comparison. It may be wise to visit a number of different RV dealers or online dealerships to get a balanced view.
Another advantage of working with RV dealers is that they will have access to information about financing. They will have resources such as lenders who specialize in loans for new and used RVs. If you go through an online dealer they may have connections with an online lender who may be able to get you financing more quickly than some other lenders. If you have poor credit, RV dealers will also be able to help you find lenders who specialize in poor credit RV loans.
After the sale RV dealers continue to represent the manufacturers of the RVs that they sell. They provide customer service, maintenance, and additional support to the buyers for as long as they own their RV. They one of the factors that makes owning an RV a pleasure.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/129784
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