Is it worth buying at the Melbourne Caravan Show?

[Amanda Volombello]

Hi, hubby and I have been tossing up between the Jayco Expanda 17.56 -2 and 18.58-2, we have decided to go with the 18.58 -2, because of the separate toilet/shower.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips on getting a good deal, is it worth buying at the Melb Caravan show this weekend? From what I have read on this forum, the price of the van doesn't move much it's more how many optional extra's you can get packaged in, is that a correct assumption? We live in Ringwood, so our local Jayco would be Bayswater.

Thanks, first time poster, Ames

 

[Drover]

Welcome to the forum, I don't know where the locals have got to but I was at the Show last year and really didn't notice any really great deals compared to the showrooms but it would all depend on the extras fitted , haggling etc..................some good deals from non Jayco dealers though. I would go for one of the on site specials if they were what I wanted as you could driveaway after the show where otherwise with an order build you can be waiting for months.
It is very important to do your homework as some extras are really expensive toys that don't get used in the real world.

 

[davemc]

not sure you get a better deal. go see what they can do for you.
Ring a couple of dealers around Melb or even interstate for a road trip.
Probably depends on salesman how many sales etc what deal you get.

 

[bigcol]

welcome to the forum @Amanda Volombello
lots of guy here with heaps of knowledge and a passion for their Vans

as @davemc said, do a ring around - yes even other states, and see what they are offering
always good to have a clear plan in your heads as to what you need to be in / on the Van, before you start to get serious

extra power points
extra 12V points
extra lights
air con
bigger fridge
etc

then you get at them for what they are offering

what @Drover has suggested is part and parcel of knowing
what you want V's what you need V's what you can afford V's what you will really use

I would suggest that the show specials are usually things you would get (sometimes)
when we brought ours, the show special was Solar panels & 120A deep cycle battery
($800.00 value thrown in V's $1200.00 if you brought separate)
but then it was $850.00 two weeks after the show.................

meh.........

do as much investigating, searching (gumtree / ebay / local paper) as you can BEFORE you sign on the dotted line

 

[Cutters]

Hi, hubby and I have been tossing up between the Jayco Expanda 17.56 -2 and 18.58-2, we have decided to go with the 18.58 -2, because of the separate toilet/shower.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips on getting a good deal, is it worth buying at the Melb Caravan show this weekend? From what I have read on this forum, the price of the van doesn't move much it's more how many optional extra's you can get packaged in, is that a correct assumption? We live in Ringwood, so our local Jayco would be Bayswater.

Thanks, first time poster, Ames

Welcome, We made the same decision. Just make sure you have all your options finalised when seeking your best price because they don't move on price once you've agreed/signed. We tried the 3 main dealers in Melbourne and found page brothers best on price.

Good Luck

 

[Bluey]

We got our 1756-2 at the show 2014 model outback price of the van at dealers before show 47 at the show with free stuff 49 free stuff hahaha after haggeling got it 43 so work hard but after paying to get in its a bit of a rort

 

[FiveInAVan]

I kind of figure they have you at a disadvantage at the show as they know that if you are negotiating to buy then you are more than likely going to buy. I also recommend phoning around. You will get a bigger discount with the more options you add but I think it's important to take a step back and ask yourself if you really need all of those options. We ended up pairing ours back to bare minimum in the end rather than spending the extra for the sake of it. There is definitely a difference in price between dealerships and some are happy to offer great discounts without any haggling and others you will need to work hard to get a decent price. I dislike the whole price variation and sales person BS but it seems to be the norm with the caravan industry. Best of luck getting your new van!

 

[Dobbie]

Agree with all that.

If you know what you want and what you need, as opposed to what everyone else tells you, then you're in a position to negotiate.

In our case we knew we needed extra 12v sockets and a bigger solar panel so investigated on that basis.
The only extra we added was ESC and we researched that so very glad we did add it.

All the other bits they added ...like tvs, radios etc etc etc ....we said we didn't want so don't charge us, please.

If you have a clear solid spec then it's easier to compare deals.

 

[FiveInAVan]

For those who have mentioned road trips, if you get a better price elsewhere then see if your local dealer will price match it. Ours did. It's why it is worth dealing with your local dealer first and then shopping around to compare prices. They are happier to price match after investing the time with you in the first instance. Well, they might not be happier, LOL, but you will be probably be happier picking up your van locally and getting a price you are happy with. As if any of us care about dealer profit margins and targets :rofl:

 

[davemc]

put a lot of pricing up from the show. so you can see a starting point

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/melb-caravan-show-2016.8526/#post-145350

 

[Amanda Volombello]

Thanks for the feedback guys, we're off to the show today!

 

[davemc]

Enjoy push for a deal m

 

[Smergen]

We were happy with our purchasing experience at the Show. It's not for everyone, and if you aren't great with wheeling and dealing and, ultimately if required, walking away, then you might struggle. But going in with a bit of ground work, a firm budget, some confidence and an idea of what you require you can get a deal. Having a wingman and a second opinion also helps. I was lucky I had @davemc call past, as well as a mate on the Saturday to check it out, and with them giving their opinions, it was enough for us to know we weren't being blinded by polished benchtops!

I loved shopping at the show for the ability to compare brands there and then in one spot. We went back and forth between our two vans 3 times on the Friday as we compared notes and a significant pros and cons list. It was easily worth the price of admission and you can make that back on saving in other things if you are that way inclined. Hell... the amount of complimentary coffees we got would have tallied the same amount easily!

As for price... it's what you make it. If you are happy with your purchase and it's within you budget it, then I believe that's what matters. Someone might get it cheaper, some might get the steak knives thrown in. Others won't. The only person who really has to be satisfied is you (that includes partners obviously...

 

[Bluey]

We were happy with our purchasing experience at the Show. It's not for everyone, and if you aren't great with wheeling and dealing and, ultimately if required, walking away, then you might struggle. But going in with a bit of ground work, a firm budget, some confidence and an idea of what you require you can get a deal. Having a wingman and a second opinion also helps. I was lucky I had @davemc call past, as well as a mate on the Saturday to check it out, and with them giving their opinions, it was enough for us to know we weren't being blinded by polished benchtops!

I loved shopping at the show for the ability to compare brands there and then in one spot. We went back and forth between our two vans 3 times on the Friday as we compared notes and a significant pros and cons list. It was easily worth the price of admission and you can make that back on saving in other things if you are that way inclined. Hell... the amount of complimentary coffees we got would have tallied the same amount easily!

As for price... it's what you make it. If you are happy with your purchase and it's within you budget it, then I believe that's what matters. Someone might get it cheaper, some might get the steak knives thrown in. Others won't. The only person who really has to be satisfied is you (that includes partners obviously...

so what did you bye ??

 

[Smergen]

so what did you bye ??

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/the-marshians-new-home-19ft-new-age-gecko.8550/