Buying local vs out-of-state

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2002

I'm in a quandry. I am about to purchase an L3010 with FEL. I would save $1600 by buying out-of-state, even with the delivery charge. Is this worth not having a "close" relationship with the local dealer. I really like the local dealer. As I understand it, any Kubota dealer must handle warranty issues whether or not the tractor was bought from them. But I'm concerned about being a first-time tractor owner from a dealer that's 1000 miles away. Any thoughts or advice out there?

Golfgar4 · Apr 9, 2002

I'm doing my research for a tractor now, and I've been considering doing the same thing. So even though I can't speak from experience, from doing all the reading on TBN concerning this, I'd say it doesn't seem to be a major problem.

The critical thing, as you've mentioned, is that your local dealer is a quality dealer. The way I look at it is, what if I had moved here from out-of-state. The new local dealer wouldn't refuse me service just because I didn't buy it from him, would he? And if your local dealer really is a quality dealer, wouldn't he be asking himself why he lost your sale, and do everything he could to make sure that he keeps your business from now on?

For $1,600, I'd say go for it. You can spend the money you saved on attachments from your local dealer! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

JeremyL · Apr 9, 2002

You should be able to do better than a $1,600 difference. Talk to the dealer, lay out the facts, he/she shouldn't mind being competive. And with local dealers delivery should be included. I just had a good (first time) buying experience from my (second closest) Kubota dealer.

Also, if you are engaged in farming you shouldn't have to pay sales tax even if buying in your own state. Least thats the way it is in Kentucky.

-Jeremy L.

TonyC · Apr 9, 2002

Are you saying your local dealer really wouldn't match the price of the out of state dealer? That would be surprising. If he was smart he would match it. Otherwise, I'd buy out of state for that amount.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2002

I had the same issue to face on the purchase of my L3010. The difference,for me, was closer to $1000. I decided it wasn't worth the frustration over a period of 20 yrs. to not feel comfortable about dealing with my local dealer on service matters. I would guess that most dealers will service machines purchased from anywhere but it is wishful thinking to assume that they "have" to or that everyone will be given the same service terms whether the machine was purchased form them or not. I know from experience that it would be at least good policy to take your concerns (pricing, service,etc.) to the local dealers b/4 going out of state to purchase.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2002

The out-of-state dealer is a big operation that lives off a much smaller profit margin. I have talked to my local dealer and he says he simply can't go any lower given his overhead and required profit margin. This may be good old fashioned market forces at work. I still have not decided what to do. Thanks to all for the feedback!

Fernbank

TonyC · Apr 9, 2002

Ahhh..I understand. Still I think $1600 is a lot of money. If he can't even close the gap I think you go out of state. The thought I keep going over in my head is all of the neat and wonderful attachments I could buy with that $1600. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

PaulT · Apr 9, 2002

I went the same route, and saved about the same amount, as you are considering, for a 2710. I was concerned about the serivce level, but if you look at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=owning&Number=130954&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&vc=1#Post130954> this link</A> that I posted earlier, you will see that I was pleasantly surprised. Another thing to consider is that very few problems occur durig the warranty period with these machines. Thats why we buy them. If there is work that needs to be done after the warranty, I'm sure the dealer will know you well by then, since you will have bought well over $1600 worht of implements by then/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

hogboy · Apr 9, 2002

I also had the same questions about buying out of state. I decided to call the Kubota Corporate office, Northern Division in Ohio (for my area) to get an "official" ruling. What I was told was that the local dealer does have to honor a repair under warranty, HOWEVER, once the machine is off of warranty it is up to the dealer as to whether or not he wants to perform the service AND there is no guarantee other tractors (bought at the local dealership) wouldn't be serviced first before a tractor bought elsewhere would be serviced (whether it was under warranty or not.) So, definitely talk to the local dealers and get their take and go from there.

looch · Apr 9, 2002

I see it different. Wonder why wireless service providers give away cell phones? Why satellite TV receivers and disk kits cost 50$? Because the up front cost is not where it's at. I feel the same. If you like your local dealer and feel that he is being honest about his profit margin and that he has a genuine interest in you as a client, then ask him what else he can do. Free 50 hour service, free tire fill, whatever - let him come up with some. What he offers may not add up to 1600$, but the fact the he may be willing to offer something may be worth more than that.