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Old 07-19-2002, 03:27 PM   #1
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Default Looking for advice on TM purchase

Does anyone have any estimates on what the markup is on new TM's?

Has anyone asked to see invoices before purchasing from a dealer? If so how was your experience.

I would also like to know if any of you have had a good experience with dealers in Claifornia.

Do most of you find it more advisable to purchase new or used??

Any and all advice will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

PS This is really a cool sight.  I was initially leaning towards a HiLo but with all of this information that would be tough to do now.  Thanks for the site it has been a tremendous help so far.

Greg
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Old 07-20-2002, 01:29 AM   #2
Chris_Bauer
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Default Re: Looking for advice on TM purchase

I can only relate my personal experience about the purchase of our TM.  After two years of research and renting different classes of RVs we were sold on the TM and still are.  My signature says "it really is the greatest thing on wheels" and I mean it.  In fact, I am writing this post from our TM as we travel through San Antonio, TX.  

As far as buying new or used, as you have seen on this board the used units are hard to find.  I don't know how many TMs are manufactured each year but you see by searching the internet they are few and far between.  

I'm glad we bought new.  We have had our unit since January 2001 and have traveled roughly 3500 miles and it is still in its original condition without any problems. It is well built, easy to setup and is good for the environment.  You save gas, money on large tow vehicles, and you can go anywhere.  

Hope you find the one you are looking for new or used.
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Old 07-20-2002, 02:13 AM   #3
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Default Re: Looking for advice on TM purchase

new_tmer, I can also relate my personal experiences with our TM.  I have to closely echo the positive experience and comments of Chris Bauer.

I researched the TM for about 4 years before we took the plunge.  We moved up from a nice Jayco pop-up.  We chose to buy a new 2000 3023.  Our unit listed for about 25.5 and we got it for 22, out the door, including an optional warranty and Drawbar 550 Equalizing hitch system and wiring harness installed by the dealer.

We bought from an Ohio dealer, and they turned out to marginal in the service/support area.  TM has since dropped them.

The TM factory has been outstanding.  Our unit has been back there twice.  When we bought, I wanted the original top AC unit removed and the side AC unit installed (like is standard on the 2720's and smaller).  This height reduction would allow me to fully open the unit inside my garage.  The dealer transported the unit to TN and the factory made all the changes.  They did a great job.  Last fall, my unit returned to the factory again.  I had a minor "too close encounter" with a small tree and damaged the front side panel.  I wanted the factory to fix it since no one close had a clue about the unique TM laminated construction.  Being the picky engineer I am, I wanted it fixed right.  I drove the unit to TN, dropped it off, then returned a week later to pick it up.  Everything was fixed perfectly.  It's as good if not better then new, and they even corrected items they saw were not in first class condition that I has not even mentioned to them.  I got a great factory tour, met Donnie, Bill Davis, Bill Hulsey and all the Hulsey family.  A truly first rate experience.  A great company.

We too, love our TM.  Granted, they are not for everyone.  They are pricey and quirky and require a little more upkeep (keeping sides and all the many seals clean) but have many wonderful features.  Ours tows like a dream.  I've got about 5000 miles on it and have never had ANY handling problems whatsoever.  I even tow with a Chrysler FWD mini van with a 3.3 litre and 126K miles on it.  It handles the 3023 well.  It's not a setup for mountain driving, but for where we go and how we currently camp in the relatively flat northeast Ohio area, it works well for us.

This site is invaluable too.  I surely do appreciate all the efforts of the loyal followers in keeping it first class!

Good luck in your decision!

PS:  I also highly recommend getting involved with the TM Trail Blazers organization.  We've attended several rallys of our local branch and have found them very enjoyable.  Great, friendly, loyal people, lots of fun and a great opportunity to share experiences and ask questions of other owners.
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Old 07-21-2002, 03:42 AM   #4
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Default Re: Looking for advice on TM purchase

Thanks a ton for both of your imputs.  My wife and I appreciate it very much.  We are going to go look at the TM's in person for the first time this week and are excited.  IF there is anymore advice out there keep it coming.  I am especially interested in list prices vs actual purchase prices just so we can have an idea on how to negotiate.  We look forward to hearing more repies.

Thanks
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Old 07-22-2002, 04:15 AM   #5
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Default Re: Looking for advice on TM purchase

On another site for RV's in general, someone suggested going for 20% off MSRP and settle for 10%. You might try that.
But I have a philosophy...would you like to hear it?
I was in sales all my business life and my philosophy was, and still is, the day after you receive the goods you will forget what you paid for it. If the TM works for you whatever you paid for it will be worth it. If it doesn't, it won't matter how good a deal you got.
Dick_B
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Old 07-22-2002, 08:31 AM   #6
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Default Re:north eastern ohio

Rick, where do you camp in ohio?  I'm from Geneva Ohio originally and go that way some times but never with my camper.  I know there are camp grounds around Geneva on the Lake, where else is a good place to camp. We will  be going up that way soon and maybe you could give me an idea where to camp.  We are headed for Niagra Falls then over to Ontario and back around lake Erie on the canadian side then back home through Michigan and then to Madison Indiana, my home town now. got any suggestions?  thanks        betty
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Old 07-29-2002, 05:09 AM   #7
PAUL_R
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Default Re: Looking for advice on TM purchase

purchase direct from factory, cut out middle man.
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Old 07-29-2002, 07:12 AM   #8
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Default Re: Looking for advice on TM purchase

The 2003 Models are out so you may get a deal on a 2002.
I know that A&L RV in Johnson City TN had some.
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