Ron,
My wife and I purchased a '05 3023 last weekend at our local RV show. The MSRP was $28,700 (all the options less swing away hitch, extra drawer for the counter and the microwave) and change. we paid $24,400 including a class II hitch for the back of the TM for our bike rack. I was going to ask for one more item to be included but I could tell I was pretty much at the end. Our negotiations lasted about an hour and a half. I felt that I got a good deal (state of mind) yet I know the dealer made out OK. I've closed a few bars in my time but I've never closed an RV show!
We struck the deal one hour after the show closed on the last day. The dealer knew we were serious and took the time to put the deal together. I think we were both spent after we signed the purchase agreement.
I was toying over the idea of purchasing a new '04 model but the dealer was 4 hours away. My local dealer is 1 hour away and there was only a $1,400 price difference between the '04 model and the '05. I guess I prefer dealing with someone local, especially when it comes to servicing the TM. I also felt somewhat obligated because the dealer himself spent an hour (before the negotiations began) with me answering some additional questions that I had. This was in addition to the three or so hours that my wife and I spent with the sales consultant going over the TM and learning about it.
In terms of financing, the dealer quoted me a 6 1/4 % rate. I have found a 5 1/4% rate at the KOA website. I beleive that yhey use Essex Credit Union. I am exploring that option know. With Essex, you can finance up to 15 years. It is a fixed simple interest rate that can be paid off at anytime.
Hope the above helps. Good luck!
Steve
