Any concerns with buying a NEW 2011 TM in 2013?

MI

Michoshisho

Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2012
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24
Location
Virginia
Greetings everyone. I've been voraciously reading all of the great content on this forum while I've been looking for a used 2720, and waiting for one with just the right features I've been looking for (I just missed out on a gem of one posted on this forum - someone beat me to it!)

I found a NEW 2011 TM sitting on a lot in Illinois (of course, I'm in Virginia). It has all of my 'mandatory' feature requirements, and the ones it doesn't have aren't that big a deal to me. Would any of you have hesitation in buying a new 2011 in 2013? What things should I be concerned about? I was trying to anticipate potential issues such as the condition of the tires, etc. Would you have concerns with any of the equipment/systems after sitting for two years on a lot and not being used? Also, they're asking price on the website is $24,595. I understand the usual dealer markup is 10-20%. Being that this is a two year old unit still sitting on their lot, you think I might have a chance to do better that 20%? They are probably already losing money on it by having it sit on their lot for so long.

And one more question - one feaure it doesn't have that I would like is the front window. Dealer offered to order one from the TM factory and put it in. Would you have any concerns with the window being installed at the dealership rather than the factory?

Thanks in advance for your time and valuable advice! I look forward to finding some of you out and about sometime soon (In my recently purchased TM, of course)! :)
 
What model is it?

If the dealer's staff is capable there should be no problems with them installing the window. Note that you should also have the front stone shield installed.
 
price

I recieved 28% off on a 2012 sport deck, It isn't a popular model as the one your looking at, but it's a place to start.
 
i would ask about the warranty, and if all systems are in still working order, after a couple yrs, things could stick,? and if items are in need of attention you could mybe swing by factory on your way home to va.
if they really want to sell the tm, low ball them, you can always come up on the price, good luck
 
Hillbilly has a good point about warranty. Most auto warranties begin when they are first sold. Don't know if TM warranties are that way, so it is a very valid question.

Personally, if it were me and my money, I would do a careful inspection, and as Hillbilly also pointed out, check everything - faucets, water heater, refrigerator, AC, etc. Raise and lower the shells a couple of times. Do a complete setup and take-down. It seems odd that a new 2720 would be on the lot that long. May be some issues, or it may be fine. I would check it very carefully. Look for signs of repairs, as if someone may have backed into it.

Then, I would offer them $20,000. If they say "no", start to say goodbye. See what happens next. Seems like $22,000 would be a fair price, but now I'm playing with your money.

I would definitely get the front window, as you are doing. They should be able to do it with no problem, but inspect the installation closely, also.

Good luck!
 
Check the date code on the tires. They are likely around 3 years old, and if so, they should be replaced due to age, even though they have seen no road time. The wheel bearings should be repacked too since it has been sitting so long.

And if it came with a battery from the factory, it will have to be replaced, although I seem to recall hearing that the dealers installed the batteries.

Tires are ~$500, bearing job is ~$100 (~$150 if the bearings in the unlikely event the bearings are rusted), factory battery is ~$100.

Dave
 
I would also insist that the dealer give you a new battery. You probably will not have the full normal tire life after purchase, so I would figure $300 in for tire replacement. I would ask the dealer to replace them as part of the deal. One possible solution would be to upgrade to 15" Load range D tires ( if not already equipped) You might offer to split the cost as the original tires are several years old.
 
Thanks everyone. Great advice. Please keep it coming! Still hoping to find a gently used model, but may pursue this new one.
 
My two cents worth: We bought our 2720 as a 2-yr-old used model in 2007 for roughly 50% off retail. Not surprising since you can do 20ish% off a new one. Your "new" 2011 2-yr-old 2720's value will be cut in half from MSRP the moment you drive off the lot. Plus, it's a bit of a drive to get to it. Your fervor for TMs is well-grounded. I can speak from experience that they're great RVs......just wait for the best deal you can get. ;)
 
When we bought our new 2011 SL, the tires were already two years old so you'd better plan on new tires before it leaves the dealership. At 4 years and one week old we had a tire blow out. Ours came with the 15 inch.
 
"....just wait for the best deal you can get"

Or, use the "50% less value as soon as it leaves the lot" to offer $15,000, and see what the response is. They may be very motivated. Make a deal, instead of waiting for a deal, if it is at all possible.
 
Just to make one point, the 2011 units have a number of "lessons learned" incorporated into them as I'm sure every year, TrailManor makes the units better and better. I make this comment only as a reference if you are considering 5, 8, or say 10 year old used units.

I love my 2011 unit!
 
LoveToCamp said:
"....just wait for the best deal you can get"

Or, use the "50% less value as soon as it leaves the lot" to offer $15,000, and see what the response is. They may be very motivated. Make a deal, instead of waiting for a deal, if it is at all possible.
Click to expand...

Good point Dwayne. That's what I meant when I said "wait". Basically go in with a number in mind and be prepared to walk out and wait for the next opportunity.
 
Ys, this has definitely been an exercise in patience! Thanks again to everyone for the continued input. Haven't made any decisions yet.
 
Wait too long and bid too low and someone else will grab it. I think a more realistic price is in the low 20's say around 22k. Obviously if it is still there the dealer has in mind some minimum he wants for it, but TM's are not like scotch -they dont't get better with age.
I would ask the dealer what experience they have in putting in windows. I like my front window, but frankly don't use it as much as I thought I would.
Good luck.
 
Thanks Moaboy. I already found that out the hard way. Waited too long on one posted on the forum and someone snatched it up!

So far I'm holding off on this new one primarily due to distance. I would either have to drive 14+ hours each way or pay to have it shipped all or part way. I know some people enjoy long distance travel, but I do not. I also don't like the days I would have to take off from work (instead of using those days for camping). And shipping it certainly adds to the cost. With spring right around the corner, I'm hoping the available used inventory will surface with private sellers cleaning out their garages!
 
Hey Moaboy. It's at Art's RV. Looks like they used to be a TM dealer, but aren't now. This may be the last of their inventory.
 
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