I just bought a Ranger and did the entire deal through email...still have never met the sales guy because he was off the day I picked up the boat. I emailed almost every dealer in Texas and was amazed the price difference for the exact same boat. They all use the Ranger website for initial pricing...but then some take thousands off that price..others don’t. The place I bought from emailed me the exact build sheet showing dealer prep, tax, etc...all the little things that drive up the price by thousands...others refused to do so. If you are ordering accessories, the dealer prep charge will kill you..they charge a fortune to put on accessories...even batteries. Always get the final drive off the lot price and have them send you the build sheet. Do not accept anything other than drive off the lot price. Also ask about engine warranty, the dealer I bought from had a special full 5 year warranty plan...up from the standard 3 year. Know the exact options you want..that’s the only way you can compare prices.
Last edited by j791; 05-06-2021 at 11:13 PM.
Give Toby a call at 270-395-4030 at Jet a Marina, they still have several in stock with a couple demos. BOARD SPONSOR
John Clark — Findlay, Ohio
2021 Ranger Z519 Mercury 225 Pro XS Four Stroke
I ran into largely the same thing when I bought my Z520 about 6 months ago. In my case part of the problem was they are not willing to give anything but list price over the phone. That makes it tough on someone sincerely trying to buy but being hours away. In the end I took a chance, made and appt and got on the road checkbook in hand. It all worked out, but was frustrating that no one wanted to talk/deal over the phone.
Ordering is one thing, but for a boat sitting on a lot advertised ?
If it didnt have the price on it I wouldnt have even wasted time contacting them. Pretty much rule for me on anything,,,no listed price, I'm scrolling on by to the next one. I mean really how stupid,, after the item name ,, price is pretty much the most important part of the transaction.
Call Sandy or Nick at Anglers Choice Marine in NC/VA. They will bend over backwards to help you out however they can. www.anglerschoicemarine.com
Winna winna, chicken dinna!
It is price fixing at it's finest and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
My local dealer has a '17 Z521C, 250 SHO, Lowrance electronics and it was MSRP $72,999 IIRC.
The last time I was there and asked about it they said it was $65K but I have to think that if someone with deep pockets came in they might be willing to go lower?
I'm not sure how much lower they could go though with the strict orders from above.
2016 Ranger RT188 Charcoal Metallic Dual Console
2017 Yamaha 115 VMAX SHO SS Prop
Lowrance Elite 7Ti in console
Humminbird Helix 10 SI on BBT Bow Mount
Humminbird Helix 10 SI on a BalZout @ Console
Minn Kota Ultrex 80 - 24V i-Pilot Link
Transducer Shield Mount
Custom step in place of center seat
Trick Step
What model are you trying to purchase? If a dealer has a 2018 in stock they are going to be willing to deal, if not its a little more difficult with the rules they have in place.
They make more profit off pleasure boats and also know if that ranger sits there long enough it will sell regardless.
We have a really good inventory right now all boats are inside also. If you want to talk tonight or anytime ill pm you my cell number.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
yup... I filled out the ""trade in value part on one dealers website..and they wouldn't respond...only just said boats sell at map pricing when I asked about pricing..I asked 2 maybe 3 times do you take trades...no response... think they had to much new boat inventory and didn't want anymore on the floor...oh well...I understand and will move on
Mare of Aquia in Virginia. 540-657-1136
Try Skyline marina, NC
what if everyone just listed what they paid for their new boats with all the options etc.. or even quotes that they are getting from dealers...some would be lower/higher than others...get it out in the open..???
I will second this. I talked to Toby a couple of times when I was in the market. Nice guy and very knowledgeable! Although I ended up buying from an individual, if I were in the market they would be on the short list. The local dealers in East TN are just not willing to deal.
That reminds me of when I bought my boat. Visiting dealers and getting firm quotes off a build sheet. First dealer was very clear not to take their quote and start a bidding war between dealers. I was not to show that quote to anyone (which I didn't). Second dealer beat his price by $1,500. To my surprise the first dealer then asks to see the 2nd dealer quote because it has to be wrong. Gets very upset when I won't show it to him. Basically asking me to do the same thing he warned me not to do. I quickly decided not to do business with him.
This is how my dealer is. He's a mechanic by trade but started selling boats several years ago. He's more comfortable in the back turning wrenches, but forces himself out front. He comes across as distant or rude sometimes, but he's not. He's very nice, and honest. I wouldn't trade him for another dealer in the state.
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I have three dealers within an hour drive. I contacted all 3 via email and asked for their lowest drive out price. Out of the three, two were over 2k higher. To get them to give you a quote, simply follow up with several emails. Then ask for the general manager so you can forward your “non-response” emails. They will give you a quote. Here’s the deal, the dealers get incentives and can choose to lower the MAP pricing or keep the profit. So all Ranger dealers do use MAP pricing, the question is what kind of discount do they give you? What is the dealer prep charge? Watch out for all those fees they add to the price...that’s why you always ask for the drive out...tax, dealer prep, doc preparation fees, etc... I just bought a 2019 Z185 this way...bought all my assessories...PowerPole, 2 HDS 12s, precision sonar plates, three 31 AGM batteries/w trays, Ultrex, transducer savers, etc...separate and installed myself...remember they make a ton on assessories. Also ask if they have deals on extending the motor warranty...my dealer explained they get a certain number of certificates that they pass on to their customers allowing the customer to extend the full warranty for an extra 2 or 3 years for just a few hundred bucks....remember it costs $100 per hour for repair work.