Expected discount off MSRP

[rbalaka]

I'm in the market for a new outboard motor for my 24ft pontoon boat. I'm interested in a 4-stroke Mercury or Evinrude 40-60HP. What percentage should I expect to pay under the MSRP? I've talked to 1 Mercury and 1 Evinrude dealer in my area and have a price quote from each. Question: Will dealers come down from these quotes if I shop around at other dealers in the area? Or are the prices pretty well set at a certain discount?

 

[mbb]

Re: Expected discount off MSRP

you should be able to get motor for well under msrp. Last I shopped for was 4stroke 115. At major boat show I could buy either yammie or suzuki for about $7200. MSRP ranged up to 9500.

 

[Deerdog]

Re: Expected discount off MSRP

Maybe i am out there again (and those of you that have more experience with buying new motors please correct me) but.......why not shoot for dealer invoice as opposed to MSRP.<br /><br />If this were a car you would be called a victum paying MSRP. What you should be paying is this:<br />Invoice - any holdbacks/incentives: Addd in 3to 5% after doing eh subtraction and that is what you should pay for a car. alot of dealers dont want to talk this game but the bottom line is they will still make money.<br /><br />Im not so sure it goes for boat motors but from the above post I am inclined to think you can talk a dealer down to at least invoice price.<br /><br />Good Luck<br />Deerdog

 

[Navigator]

Re: Expected discount off MSRP

Deerdog,<br />Invoice haggling doesn't always work with Marine engines. A marine dealer doesn't base the majority of his business off of the margins gained from New Engine sales, unlike car dealers.<br />True he wants to sell you one, but unlike cars, he doesn't have to face the pressure of "impulse" buying. How many people do you know drive by the mercury dealer on their way home from work and just pop in and pick up a new 225 Optimax?? SOunds kind of silly, but in the car business, this happens. Also, boat engine buyers are usually a pretty educated lot. They come in for a specific model and are usually not under any time frame. Bottom Line, The dealers will offer good prices, but will not kill themselves on the deal because they know they have limited competition. If you want the brand, you'll play by their rules.<br /><br />One of the best bets are the larger boat shows. People do impulse buy here, and the dealers know that if they dont give you their best price, there are 20 other dealers willing to compete for your business, only 30 or so feet away.<br /><br />Nav.

 

[alpapale]

Re: Expected discount off MSRP

Why not shop the internet? I just clicked the ad posted above on this board and saw a listing of many motors over a large H.P. range. Some rebuilt, some new, some demo's with 2 year warrantees. I do almost all my shopping first on the internet. Even if I don't buy it then I'm educated on what's available down the street or across the country, I learn about the products specifications and read reviews. I can then drive a better deal because I'm an educated consumer, even if I wind up buying down the street!<br /><br />Happy hunting!

 

[rbalaka]

Re: Expected discount off MSRP

Thanks for all the replies. I have checked the internet and found a pretty good site at http://catalog.com/huggins/welcome.htm . I will be using this price list when I return to the dealer in my area and see what happens.