Good deal? please post thoughts -- no dealer names, please

[Dahitman44]

I am kind of upset. I was looking at a 2005 sportfish with a 06 150 optimax.

The dealer I was talking to told me this hold over would save me $7,500 over the name 2007 model -- I called another dealer and I can get a 2007 for $4,500 more.

Is this a good deal?

How much should I expect on a good deal on a hold over?

Should I be upset that a guy "lied" or should I have expected that he was just trying to make the sale?

[marine_man]

I would say to expect that he was either just trying to make the sale, or didn't know any different...

marine_man

[Down Deep]

A dealer can say anything. It always pays to do your homework.

[eyepatrol]

My first thought is that each dealer is different on their mark-ups. For the first dealer mentioned, it may be a $7,500 savings compared to the '07 model. For the second dealer, their mark-up might not be the same, thus it's only a $4,500 savings. I'm sure each dealer has a bottom number in mind that they'll go, and these two probably fit that category. They just have different profit goals. I wouldn't be upset unless dealer #1 told somebody else something different.

Is it a good deal? I would say yes, but as long as you did your homework and checked out other dealers and compared prices with the same year, model, equipment, etc. Anytime you can save $4,500, it's a plus.

[John Mickish]

Don't forget to make sure the trailers are the same on both boats. Trailers can alter the price by more than you think.

[PerchJerker]

You need to make sure everything is identical in the two deals, or know the differences on each (and the prices), to do the comparison.

It also depends on when the dealers bought the boats and motors, prices go up for them too. Example -- I bought a new boat in the '90s, it came in gray or red. I wanted gray. I made the deal on the boat, then told the dealer I wanted gray. He had 2 red ones in stock but to get a gray one he would have had to order from the factory, at a higher price than the red ones he already owned. I could get gray if I wanted, but the price was higher -- exact same year and model, but higher price because of when the dealer bought it.

I'd say that a savings of $4,500 is good for a new non-current boat/motor.

[united jigsticker]

He can say $7,500 when he factors worst case scenerio, charges mark up on all add-ons, factors tax and licenses, etc etc.

Sales people do lie. And so do buyers.

"I could get this at dealer "A" for $1,980 less, and they're throwing in 2 extra seats and a snap-on cover".

Also, sales people have a tendancy to make promises that piss off the tech dept.

"Can you throw in the 20 hour check on the deal"

Sales guy says yes. Just get it in writing.

[Walleye Guy]

PerchJerker nailed it. You need to basically itemize all the options on both both packages and make a comparison. Things to consider:

Trailer (galvanized, swing togue, make & model, year)

Batteries (size & number)

On-bank charging systems (quality & number of banks)

Locators

Trolling motor(s)

Stereo & speakers

Special warranties or free service/maintenance offered

Rigging costs

Dealer prep

Transportation

Any miscellaneous accesories like anchors, life vests, throwables etc.

Have the dealer put all the specs on paper so you can do a thorough comparison.

Will any differences in these add up to $7500? They shouldn't. Getting them on paper will help you decide.

Once you have a fully detailed quote from a couple dealers you can use them as starting point for negotiations. Keep in mind EVERYTHING is negotiable and your best leverage is your willingness to walk out the door and go somewhere else.

Don't forget that the dealer wants to sell the boat as much as you want to buy it.

Good luck.

[Dahitman44]

Yeah -- it has been a learning procress -- everything in writing

[Wayne Ek]

If it ain't in writing, it ain't going to happen. Make them put pen to paper, and get a GMs signature on it.

[primetime49]

Dahitiman44,you will probaly be getting all kinds of price differences from a lund or Crestliner dealer.As the restructuring and juggling of franchise areas etc, does not seem to be settled in the exsiting dealers minds I know of 3 that now seem to think they are going with different lines of boats for next year.You may be able to get a whale of a deal on Crestliners,I have 2 within 15 minutes of home and they are both talking its time to switch ships.Dont take this wrong Crestliner is one great boat,its reorganizing who is going to be its dealers is still leaving the old ones scared.The idea to of if you add a seat $260. to $400. each,Does one have a Lowrance ?$400.to $1600. etcadd a trolling motor $600 to $1200.and yes one year depeciation on boat alone $4500.Buy the year old one thou and save the $4000. to $7500. if you plan on keeping boat over three years.You will love this boat and motor combo.

[Dahitman44]

Thanks for eveything on this, guys.

I did not like a coup0le of things on the 2005 -- especially the rod lockers. Big pain.

I eneded up going with the 2007 185 trophy with the 175 suzuki. I won out over the wife -- she wanted the crestliner.

It has been a little cold at night.