Dealer demo policy

[peterjbrown71]

I was hoping for some feedback... We're ready to purchase a new '15 or '16 MC and have been looking at the only local dealer in our area. We've discussed a test demo to compare wakes, however their policy is a bit restrictive. In order to get in the water, they require an executed purchase contract and $1,000 deposit which is refundable if you elect not to finalize the purchase. I understand them not wanting to waste time with joy rides, however we are dead serious buyers and have expressed such. They seem to have a brash take-it-or-leave-it attitude. Suffice it to say they are very proud of their products, and probably rightfully so. I just have a hard time negotiating a price on a boat I haven't even seen in the water.
Have been to the Supra and Malibu dealer and they are happy to haul a boat out for a test, no questions asked. Just wondering if this dealer's policy is normal. We pulled up in a brand new Denali... you'd think we looked homeless or something!

[mikeg205]

I was hoping for some feedback... We're ready to purchase a new '15 or '16 MC and have been looking at the only local dealer in our area. We've discussed a test demo to compare wakes, however their policy is a bit restrictive. In order to get in the water, they require an executed purchase contract and $1,000 deposit which is refundable if you elect not to finalize the purchase. I understand them not wanting to waste time with joy rides, however we are dead serious buyers and have expressed such. They seem to have a brash take-it-or-leave-it attitude. Suffice it to say they are very proud of their products, and probably rightfully so. I just have a hard time negotiating a price on a boat I haven't even seen in the water.
Have been to the Supra and Malibu dealer and they are happy to haul a boat out for a test, no questions asked. Just wondering if this dealer's policy is normal. We pulled up in a brand new Denali... you'd think we looked homeless or something!

BS - which dealer?

[jafo9]

if you don't like em now, imagine how it will be when there is a problem down the road and they already have your money.

[mikeg205]

if you don't like em now, imagine how it will be when there is a problem down the road and they already have your money.

yeah no kidding -

[tkemperdc]

None of the good MC dealers I know for this. MWMC or TLE

[3event]

I'm a MC guy through and through, but you should have a dealer that you are comfortable with over the long haul. My $0.02.

[MattsCraft]

BS - which dealer?

Agree with Mike on this one, total BS

[peterjbrown71]

That's what I was thinking... we are really leaning towards the x10 for versatility, but I guess I'll be forced to buy a Malibu VTX instead. I'll be sure to swing the MC dealer to buy new orange flag while trailering my new boat.

I was hoping not to throw the dealer under the bus by calling them out specifically, as I'm holding out hope in humanity and or greed will eventually get me a dang ride.

[tkemperdc]

Yea, I'm going with BS on this.

[lashburn1]

BS - which dealer?

^^^^^
they are NOT interested in selling you a boat

[Eric2010MCX2]

I was hoping for some feedback... We're ready to purchase a new '15 or '16 MC and have been looking at the only local dealer in our area. We've discussed a test demo to compare wakes, however their policy is a bit restrictive. In order to get in the water, they require an executed purchase contract and $1,000 deposit which is refundable if you elect not to finalize the purchase. I understand them not wanting to waste time with joy rides, however we are dead serious buyers and have expressed such. They seem to have a brash take-it-or-leave-it attitude. Suffice it to say they are very proud of their products, and probably rightfully so. I just have a hard time negotiating a price on a boat I haven't even seen in the water.
Have been to the Supra and Malibu dealer and they are happy to haul a boat out for a test, no questions asked. Just wondering if this dealer's policy is normal. We pulled up in a brand new Denali... you'd think we looked homeless or something!

Our dealer hauled an x20 over 100 miles round trip for us to demo about a month ago. We hadn't even discussed any price yet and sure as hell didn't pay a deposit to do so. They just know we are looking to make a move someone in the next YEAR. My opinion (and we know how opinions go) they are shooting themselves in the foot. What's the harm? Worst case they get to get out of the office and take an awesome boat out on the lake? That would be enough reason for me to wanna take someone out to demo.

[peterjbrown71]

lashburn1 - what is the ski wake like on your x30's? This is the primary driver for us... wife still likes to slalom. No course, just aggressive open ski.

[Eric2010MCX2]

if you don't like em now, imagine how it will be when there is a problem down the road and they already have your money.

Ditto.

[mikeg205]

X30 not a great slalom boat - nice room but a bit rampy for slalom - I have skied behind a 2013 x30

[klchristian]

Interesting place to start asking ? about MC after such a supposedly poor dealer experience. What state are you in?