Authorized Dealer or Unauthorized Dealer?

[Cpt.America]

So I think I have decided on my receiver. I have decided on the Elite receiver line from Pioneer, and am now looking at the purchase. The problem with this line is, if you want one, in order to get a warranty, you have to buy them IN STORE, from an authorized dealer. The problems is, is that I am an almost 2 hour drive to the nearest dealer, and they charge full blown MSRP prices... no deal of any kind.

But, I found a great place to buy one online, shipped to my door, for $200 less... but of course my 2 year factory warranty would be blown. My old Kenwood 2 channel amp I bought in highschool has been kicking for 18 years... so I didnt need the warranty on THAT item. The online vendor has a 30 day exchange policy for defective items, so i would be covered for something that is DOA.

So what is the verdict? $200 more for a factory warranty, or $200 less, minus gas and a few hours in the car, for the same receiver with NO warranty.

I apprecaite the conversation!

CPT.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Man, all this stuff is negotiable even at Best Buy. My Denon 3808 was listed at $1,699.98and I walked out with it for $1250. A lot of auth dealers will match ID prices. Ask AccuDefTech for more tips around this.

 

[Exit]

The $200 you save on the internet could be your insurance policy. I would think any single repair would not exceed that price. I doubt if you would need multiple repairs if you need one at all. You should end up with the $200savings. I bought my Yamaha over the internet and never had a problem.

 

[Cpt.America]

Yeah thanks.. i decided to go with the online retailer, and save myself $200, gas, and time of making my way to a distant authorized retailer. They cover the first 30 days as well as DOAs, so i feel confident.

thanks for the input!

cpt

 

[Adam]

A few different things come to mind:

1. A long drive to the nearest dealer - I would hate that. So, if you don't like it, that's another 4-hour round trip to take it back. It stops working? 4-hour round trip.

2. P-Dawgy-Dawg is totally right. If you go to a dealer, ask them to price match. My big recommendation - do it over the phone before you ever go.

3. Some internet shops are much better than others, just like it is for local stores. If it's a trusted store, then you have much less risk. Which store are you looking at?

4. Exit has brings up a great point - look at the total price compared to the risk. If you save enough money, then that might very well outweigh the risk of going with an unauthorized dealer.

5. I don't know about Pioneer's service, but I've read people who have complained about Onkyo's service. So, I'd recommend researching that. If it turns out the Pioneer's warranty service sucks really bad, then I wouldn't worry too much about trying to buy it from an authorized dealer.

EDIT: Never mind! I see that you already bought it. Cool! Who did you buy from, if you don't mind?

 

[Midcow2]

I agree with buying online

Yeah thanks.. i decided to go with the online retailer, and save myself $200, gas, and time of making my way to a distant authorized retailer. They cover the first 30 days as well as DOAs, so i feel confident.

thanks for the input!

cpt

I agree with your move. I bought a Marantz SR8002 online from a very low cost dealer about $300 less than next best offer. I later found they were considered unauthorized. The equipment i received was brand new in the factory box. I contacted Marantz with the serial number and after validating is was a valid serial number they said they would provide full warranty support. After you buy you equipment contact Pioneer with your serial number.

Good Luck!

MidCow2

 

[Cpt.America]

Will do.. thanks you guys, much appreciated. Can't wait to get it My first AVR ever... my last receiver was stereo only, and i got it in 1990