Dealer How much is local dealership support worth?

[RickND]

Folks,

Looking at the a used 2005 L3130 with 200 hours on it.

IF I purchase it i'll install a 723 loader, 72 in skid steer bucket and a 72 in Farm King RFM.
Sold as new with full warranty it's priced at $$22,376

Anyway I recieved a quote from a dealer a couple hours away from me that is about $1,600 less than my local dealer AND is a 2006 model ... delivered.

When I showed my local dealer the quote he said the out of town dealer was selling it at cost.

He also said he could'nt match the price but would drop his $300.

This leads me to my question.

I'm actuallly still considering the local dealer because from what I understand warrenty work is completed on those units sold my the local dealership first ... then all others.

I'm sure you can appreciate my concern with that scenerio.

Addditionally I don't have a rig to haul the tractor if needed to the out of town dealership.

I feel like if I take advatage of the better price I'll loose out on timely ... if any ... local warranty work.

So I guess my question for the board is ... is it worth it to go with the local dealership?

Thanks in advance for your input

Have a great 4th!!

GB

Rick

 

[DUMBDOG]

After 18 months and and over 740 hours on my L4630GSTC, I have had only two things go wrong, a three point lift arm fell down and broke off a grease zerk, due to a nut that became loose and fell off of the pin that held the arm up, and a air conditioning belt, it is doubtful that either would have been warranty if the local dealer that I purchased the parts from would have had them in stock.

Anything can happen and you will have to estimate the possibility of the tractor being down in the unlikely event of a failure. If you do not use it as a business asset it is not quite as important.

1300 dollars for a year newer and brand new rather than 200 hours is quite a bit. It is doubtful if the other dealer is selling the unit at cost. You might be able to work out something in the case of a major failure.

 

[DVR]

i would buy the newer cheaper machine without a doubt.

 

[Doc_Bob]

It all depends. If the local dealer does more work on your model than the "cheaper" dealer, go with the local. Then, if the product is really good, have the local dealer throw in free pickup and delivery (do they really believe the tractor is solid and will not need warranty work?) Also, price pickup/delivery charges for tractor work (unless you have your own trailer). Then, which dealer do you "like"? If you are going to keep the tractor for 10 years, do you want a strong long term relationship with a dealer close by?

Dealers can provide you with all sorts of intangibles based upon your relationship with them.

Think long term.
Bob

 

[ccsial]

Normally I would always recommend the local dealer if he was good at service and support. I've always said the dealer is as important as the brand.

Having said that, if you can get a NEW 2006 for $1,600 less I'd be tempted. I'd ask the local dealer if he has a problem servicing it. They make a profit on service too. That would tell you a bit about him as well.

If you have a trailer and do your own routine maintanence it becomes more attractive yet to buy out of town.

 

[browns40]

Hey ccsial,

This would be a no-brainer for me--buy new for less.

 

[ccsial]

Hey ccsial,

This would be a no-brainer for me--buy new for less.

That's kinda what I'm thinkin.

 

[john_bud]

The only question is when is the new tractor being delivered?

At that price, it won't last long.

As for dealer support, of units bought local or not. I really have a problem with it. Service is typically a greater profit center than sales, why would they turn down your profitable business? Warrantee work on Kubota's is rare, they are very well made. Most people don't need any warrantee work. The dealer people that are hawking that bag of bull, are the sales guys that are looking to lose a fat commision check. Don't know about you, but if I want the straight skinny a sales guy is not my first choice.


It's your money, buy what makes you happy. But a new tractor for a lot less money would make ME happy!

jb

 

[GreenLaw]

I would check around alittle more, before you buy from either one of the two dealers you have been talking to. I would go with a new one over a used one also. Anyway, I just bought a 2006 L3130 w/723 quick attach loader and filled R-4 tires for over $5,500.00 less than your quotes. I don't understand how they can jack the price up to $22,376, and make anybody feel like they are getting a good deal.

 

[oldgoat2]

In our area, a dealer 2 hours away is local. Even if both tractors were the same price, the 2006 model is brand new, has a year less depreciation, and has an unquestionable new warranty. The closer dealer should cheer you on for finding such a good buy and ask you if he can do the service.