Need to vent - used tractor dealer

[vwkismet]

So in a couple other threads I have mentioned that I am looking at a Kubota B7800. When I first visited this used equipment guy he clearly said he wanted $11,000 for the tractor. I have been looking around to decide if this is really what I want and decided I was seriously interested. So I hired a nearby dealer who is very well respected to go out and inspect it for me. It cost a bit over $230 with travel.

The only significant thing the inspection revealed was that it had not been serviced in its 200 hours. The cost for a full service was quoted at about $500. If I have them come to my house it is about $250 more.

I decide I want the tractor and go back to negotiate a bit. We discussed the previous quote and we had some confusion over the price of a chipper I was also looking at. He had previously told me $3000 for the chipper but I heard his son say $3750 at one point so I knew there was an issue. So, I said tell me the best you can do on both the tractor and chipper. $14,500.

So, then I asked him to just give me his best price on the tractor alone. $11,500.:shocked: I said it seemed like we are going in the wrong direction as he had clearly said $11,000 initially. He said he was sorry and he had more into the tractor than he thought. I am a bit pissed off at this point since I paid someone to come inspect it having been told $11,000.

While I am annoyed, I am also torn because it is not like it is a bad deal - I just feel misled and am irked at his bad business practice. If he is going to give numbers they should be solid - otherwise he could just tell people looking at his equipment that he needs to check before giving a number at all.

I wish Barlow's was closer! They have a couple 7800s right now.

Anyway, thanks for reading. I just needed to share my frustration with some folks I knew would understand!

Michael in NH

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Well Cash talks if you say you can have the cash in his hand $10500 that day and see if he bites. Sure he might have a lot into the tractor but you never get back the purchase price and up keep that is spent. Prices are negotiable both ways if you do it right.
Can't blame you for being ticked off though I would be as well. But I am the type that goes into a Hardware store or electronics store and talks them down for electronics and more expensive hardware items all of the time. People don't understand you can negotiate a lot of the prices. It's fun for me anyhow.

 

[dex3361]

I wish Barlow's was closer! They have a couple 7800s right now.

Anyway, thanks for reading. I just needed to share my frustration with some folks I knew would understand!

Michael in NH

Did you try giving Brady a call? They deliver all over and you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[beenthere]

vw
As soon as the dealer knew you had invested money in having someone check it over, and then you came back to him....he knew that you were satisfied with the tractor. And he prolly figured you knew it was more value than what he was originally asking. So he upped the price, and prolly knows it will be hard for you to walk away from the deal (as you are vested in it now). It's a game, some like to play, some don't. Some know how, some don't.

 

[deepNdirt]

I am looking at a Kubota B7800. When I first visited this used equipment guy he clearly said he wanted $11,000 for the tractor. So I hired a nearby dealer who is very well respected to go out and inspect it for me. It cost a bit over $230 with travel.
The only significant thing the inspection revealed was that it had not been serviced in its 200 hours. The cost for a full service was quoted at about $500. If I have them come to my house it is about $250 more,
So, then I asked him to just give me his best price on the tractor alone. $11,500.:shocked: I said it seemed like we are going in the wrong direction as he had clearly said $11,000 initially. He said he was sorry and he had more into the tractor than he thought. I am a bit pissed off at this point since I paid someone to come inspect it having been told $11,000.



Michael in NH

If it were me I would use this service & maintenance fee as a negotiating tool, or either have him take care of the maintenance and you pay the 11,500

 

[Jim in ICT]

Walk in and tell the dealer that you're sorry he mis-figured how much he had in the tractor, and after looking at your finances, you've discovered that you're a little bit short. Wave the $10.5k in his face and be ready to walk away. When you do, let him know everytime you have to dicker with him on the deal, your financing will continue to shrink.

 

[Carykong]

to make a good deal. one must be prepared to walk away

 

[Gale Hawkins]

As was mentioned a tractor that passes a detail inspection is just worth more money.

Why do you want to buy a tractor from a dealer or should I say from the father of the dealer who can not get his facts straight or worse?

 

[smfcpacfp]

The solution is to get a written quote in the future. I agree with the guy who said be prepared to walk away. It is just a tractor, not your best friend.

 

[vwkismet]

All good points and I do understand the negotiating game (and I usually like to play it myself). But, I also understand integrity and when an owner (used, new, dealer, whatever) gives you a firm price and then later raises that price I don't think that is part of the game.

We'll see. I'll let you know what happens!