cheap gator, good buy ?

[cowboydoc]

Neil,

The MSRP on the base 6x4 is only $8299. So that dealer is ripping that guy off bigtime. Mine had some extras like the dump bed, bed liner, mats, etc. The last one I got was 23% off of list. I usually get 18-25% off of list on them depending on the deals available at the time.

 

[jgh]

20051220

Cowboydoc, I'm definitely hiring you as my purchasing agent. 25% is more than I have heard anyone around here getting, that is for sure. Are you including frt & setup in your list prices b4 discount? Many dealers play around with that, kinda like "dealer prep" used to be in the auto arena.

One other big consideration: accessories/options on any JD product, even this old model, can make quite a difference--tires, cargo box lift (comes specifically "uninstalled" per the JD "build your own"), cab, etc. No one mentioning prices in this thread seems to have been real detailed on that score. Could make quite a difference.

I like my 96 model (almost 1800 hrs) 6x4 but it just died on startup attempt Saturday. I am betting one of those ridiculous "fusible link" wires fried, per the $175 service manual I have. Out will come the Fluke soon as I make back to Mt Burgha.

Jim

 

[cowboydoc]

Jim,

Freight and setup is exactly as you said, it's just like dealer prep. To be honest the dealer has never even tryed to insult me that way. If you buy the accessories when you get the unit Deere pays the dealer to install them. If you wait until after the initial sale then the labor comes out of your pocket.

The older models I can usually get 23% off of list. If you can catch them when they have had the models on the floor for awhile or during special deals you can get extra off if you don't take the special financing, etc. Most people don't know it but if you don't take the special financing etc. and pay cash Deere gives the dealer money back from that.

Anymore if you have horses or cattle as a business Deere has special corporate partner relationships that you can buy equipment with no haggling at all at 15-25% off of list price. Monsanto and other agricultural companies also have this special corporat partner relationship.

 

[dsb5610]

My experience is the pricing varies quite a bit from dealer to dealer. I bought an 05' HPX Trail Gator early this spring for $9700. That price included bed lift, bed liner and floor mats. Another dealer had an 04 HPX Gator (not a Trail) with similar accessories that had 36 hours (demo) and he was stuck above $10,000.

When I purchased the Gator we settled on the price before I decided to use Deere's financing.

As far as used equipment goes I haven't had a lot of luck finding good deals from the dealers. It does happen but you have to be patient.

 

[Trackks9]

Every year John Deere supplie's the EAA. in oshkosh, Wi. alot of equipment including gator's, after the show they are sold off as demo's, I bought my trail gator that way afew year's back, It came with 21hrs and a warranty, I use it in tandem with a miniexcavator on my tree farm operation, I only have good thing's to say about the gator.

 

[jgh]

20051229

One more drink of Gator-Aid before the New Year:

Darkman Gator

I had to laugh when one of the home's long term (and fairly young stroke victim) residents chimed at me "ought to be nice for $14 g's!" while I took pictures.

Who said they hire animals as guards! Crocodiles would be even more effective.... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

J