How many people out there had to pay for a set up fee? I was dealing with a local dealership the other day and they were asking $250 for a set up fee. Asked about a free 10 hour inspection service and they said that nothing is ever free. Maybe 25% off on the service. I think that this is a load of crap. Should I move on to the next closest dealership or try to work them a little more? Thank's for your help.

 

"No free lunch."

SOMEONE (guess who?) pays for every service and expense the dealer sustains (salary/benefits of employees, rent/utilities/advertising, etc.), one way or another--you may pay in selling price (in which case, costs are "hidden"), setup fees, whatever.

Consider scale: You're buying a 4-5-6 thousand-dollar quad; how significant is a $ 250 "setup" fee in the consequence of your overall purchase, convenience to the dealership, etc.?

Fact is, regardless of the dealership's policy, you pay somehow for what you get; make sure you're comparing apples 'n apples when contrasting different deals offered; also, consider your own convenience--driving 250 miles every time you need service to save $ 250 may be poor economy. I don't excuse or defend dealers; however, I am realistic.

A restaunteur once told me a customer occasionally complained about the price of food, "This steak's too high!" However, no one ever, ever complained about the price of drinks, whose profit is at least twice that of the cuisine. Think about it!

Diogenes

 

Diogenes,

You make a very clear point. However, why is it that they don't bring up the cost of the setup fees until after you have negotiated a price? How do I know that they charge everyone else the same price for the setup fee. They could be just changing their price on me to make up the diff. on the MSRP. Should a person really have to pay MSRP? I have never come across this situation before. Then again, I have never dealt with these people either. I just want to know whether or nor this is a fair deal. There is nothing more degrading than being cheated. Thans for any insight. redhot

 

I have never heard it called a set up fee, but all vehicles purchased new have an assosiated Freight & Prep charge. With new cars this is in the $400-$600 range and includes the shipping of the vehicle and cleaning it, as well as putting in the floormats and giving it a once-over. It is the same with motorcycles and ATV's... the cost of shipping is lower, but there is typically quite a bit of assembly involved (putting on the handlebars or what not, filling up the gas tank, charging the battery, etc). I paid $149 for F&P for each of the two Sportsman HO's I just purchased. F&P varies from dealer to dealer, but $250 for a recreation vehicle is very steep. Call around to other dealers, then go back to your dealer with the info you get and ask for an explanation of what the extra $ is paying for. Also, you can always buy your vehicle 250 miles away and have it serviced locally... don't rule that out and don't be afraid to mention to your dealer that you are willing to do that if necessary. Good luck!

 

I have half a dozen dealers within a 100 mile range. So what I have decided to do is goto the Honda Dealer Search and print out all of their phone numbers. Then I can call each one and find out what they have to offer. Would it be OK for me to take these numbers(prices)back to my local dealer and see if they are willing to match or beat the other dealers? redhot

 

I never paid a set-up fee. I asked what it cost to take one home & that was it. I don't think it is good practice to set a price and then tack fees on top of it. If the dealer could do that, why couldn't we take some money off because the gas tank wasn't quite full, or because it wasn't delivered to your door, etc. I just don't think it is right. Unless they quoted you x dollars 'plus set up fees' I wouldn't pay it.

 

That's my point exactly! I know that the dealers are in it for the money but, I would like a fair deal also. Like I said, I'm going to do some more shopping until the price is fair. Some of us work too hard for our money to throw it away, $300, $250 even $100 is alot of money. If I can keep it in my pocket I will! Later, redhot

 

For 250r i would rather take the bike home in the crate and put it together myself. All they do is put the tires on and plastics and fill it up with oil. And on quads w/batteries they fill up the barrey with acid. How long can it take. But you know dealers they will rape you for every penny

 

I hadn't gotten the impression that you had already negotiated the price before they brought up the set up fee. If that is the case, then I agree that you shouldn't pay it... I would further inform them of the deviousness of doing business that way and inform the manager that I was taking my business to an honest dealer.

As far as getting quotes and bringing them into your local dealer to match, I support that to a point. If a dealer 50 miles away cuts you a great deal, buy it there and reward their honesty and respect towards you so that the next guy (your fellow enjoyer of recreational sports) can get a good deal, too. The dealer that low ***** you will never result in a good buying experience. I have always been willing to drive a little farther and pay a little more to find a dealer I like doing business with... you will never regret doing business with someone you like. However, even if your local dealer is willing to match the price, do you really want to give them the business after your initial experience??? To each their own, but that is my opinion... Good luck!

 

Hey don't even think about paying a set-up fee. Drive the extra miles to a dealership that does not charge it. By the way what are you looking on buying... Send me a e-mail and i will tell you about the good dealers around the st. paul area..
My E-mail address is Stitchzr2@hotmail.com