Choosing between Dealers

[serenitynow]

I'm getting ready to buy a G3038 or R4047. My local dealer (20 minutes away) is $1500 and $3000 more for each tractor respectively than a dealer about a 2hr drive away. Whats everyone's take on buying from a dealer a distance away but getting serviced from your local dealer? Also, the local dealer is new to tractors and doesn't seem to have the best working knowledge of the equipment.

Any thoughts?

 

[Little Red Tractor]

My dad's wisdom here was the warning about "driving 50 miles to save 50 cents." Granted, the numbers are different, but the principles are the same. If you want good service....

 

[Sublifer]

My dad's wisdom here was the warning about "driving 50 miles to save 50 cents." Granted, the numbers are different, but the principles are the same. If you want good service....

but he also says the local dealer is new and seems less knowledgeable... so that makes it iffy.

Given that though I would try being upfront with the local dealer. Tell him "look, I am interested in this tractor but your prices are a bit high. I've checked around and another dealer is offering the same model for $3000 less. If you can match it or come close then I'll buy it from you. If not I will buy elsewhere."

 

[vwnotrunning]

I would agree with sublifer on this. If the local dealer was more knowledgable and could offer better service then it may be worth the extra. Paying that much more for closer support may not be worth the extra costs unless you would need someone to everything for you.

 

[serenitynow]

Thanks for the reply's. I spoke with the owner today and he did seem to set my mind at ease concerning service. My first experience with the dealership was with a line mechanic and he didn't seem to know anything about the tractors.

The price difference is closer to $2k so if he could be negotiable I would probably go with the local guy.

I'll let you know how things go. I'm leaning towards the R4047. More power..Woof!!!

 

[Sublifer]

Thanks for the reply's. I spoke with the owner today and he did seem to set my mind at ease concerning service. My first experience with the dealership was with a line mechanic and he didn't seem to know anything about the tractors.

The price difference is closer to $2k so if he could be negotiable I would probably go with the local guy.

I'll let you know how things go. I'm leaning towards the R4047. More power..Woof!!!

Has the dealer been an equipment dealer for a while and is just new to LS? I wouldn't be too worried about that.
As for the mechanic, there is nothing special about working on an LS vs a Deere or Kubota, he will just get different parts from different sources. He may have already worked on LS tractors in the form of FarmTrac/Montana/NH/etc...

Good choice on the model, same one I picked. I am going to trade up larger though, I actually went to small.

Good luck on the negotiations! :thumbsup:

 

[trac]

You can buy from the local dealer, pay more money, and be top on his list of customers. Or, you can buy from the dealer 2 hours away, save $1500, $3000 and get warrantied from that dealer. If your handy, he may even send u the parts to replace yourself. Discuss it with him before purchase. Money is money, and saving it isn't a bad idea these days.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Double check those models, I'm pretty sure that the R models are more of a deluxe model vs the G models. What I'm getting at is the price difference is not just because the R4047 has more HP. If you want to truly compare, then check on the R3039, all the goodies with about the same HP.