Cost of new Caravan

[woodpidgeon]

As part of my 'gearing' up to purchase a new van I was looking with interest at April editions Buyers Guide and it is apparent that the prices quoted are up to £1000 below dealers advertised prices. Are these manufactureres recommended prices or do the dealers inflate them to allow discounts. It will be my first new van so grateful for any advice

 

[Martin24]

As far as I'm aware the price of the vans is set by the manufacturers and you can at the right time of year negotiate some healthy discounts. Dealers will set their own prices for their dealer specials which are often keenly priced for the equipment offered.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I seem to recall that manufacturers are not allowed to set retail prices, they can make reccomendations, (RRP) but the actual retail price is the responsibility of the retailer to decide.

That is why the same product can be different prices in different shops.

 

[weejock]

Nearly all manufacturers quote their RRP on their websites.

From a negotiation point of veiw I tend to look for more options to be added rather than the haggle of a big up front discount. Keep in mind the cost to the dealer of most things like awnings is at least 25% cheaper than what it is to you. Also if they have a good shop and you are needing a few items of new kit then a 25% off voucher for their shop may also be worth another few hundred pounds to you.

 

[MichaelE]

You dont say if you have a trade in?
Its the cost to change thats important no point them discounting the van 1K and then giving you less for your part ex?
I think the dealer margin is aprox 1 - 2k a van.
Dealers have to order their vans for the year around August so have date/time slots when vans are arriving during the following season, so sometimes a slow selling model will get a better deal?

 

[ValA.]

When we bought our first new caravan in 1993 we got a massive £2,000 off the manufacturer's price (very nearly a quarter of the value! That meant when we'd kept it seven years and sold it we only lost another £1,000 or so! We bought towards the end of the season (just before our holidays in August) and didn't realise that the new 'caravan season' started in September!

 

[xtrailman]

I will buy a caravan at any time that suits me.
But if I'm not trading in i expect a very large discount.
Phone round and play one dealer against another.

 

[Stephen1956]

Depending on when you buy might affect the discount also what model you go for when the new models come in around October there are old models to clear also the new model can be bought a good discount if you talk to the right person normally the owner as he will be looking for a quick return on the outlay of the incoming models.
Best discount I have had was on a 2007 model Lunar Delta 540/2 list price £17999.00 purchased it brand new october 2008 for £12999.00 saving £5000.00

 

[woodpidgeon]

Thanks to all of the above. I dont have a trade ( passed on to family ) and your comments are much appreciated.