Believe dealer $ posture is relative to location and the cost to do business in that locale. High property taxes, regional wage rates for employees, ancillary costs and fees all effect dealer perspective.
Volume incentives from Kubota are unadvertised and play a role. The MX here came from a small town but high volume dealer. Didn't matter if tractor was on the lot an hour or 3 months, he moved it. Kubota does advertise specials, different from volume allowances. Stay away from package deals, trailer + implements, often inferior.
Another factor is the amount of related merchandise the dealer markets. Again, the fellow I bought from, sold a high volume of riding and Z- turn mowers, with complete Stihl line, + a healthy parts/GP's implement business. I never met the dealer during purchase. Called, got quote, and then called 3 other dealers. Selling dealer bested the others by 2 $ thousand. Completed deal on phone, he faxed the 0 interest application and done. I signed some final forms for the driver at delivery.
Folks said when service is NECESSARY, closer dealer will jerk you around. Selling dealer was only an hour drive but Kubota will not tolerate any nonsense.
Any, yes any dealer refusing warranty service, jeopardizes the franchise.
I have purchased 8 new tractors in my lifespan, never had a need to return machine for warranty work.
The newer market brands are having an impact on Deere and kubota. I do not chastise those brands, many owners are thrilled w/ their purchase.
Resale, you haven't even bought it and you already want to sell it ????
Get some quotes from the other brands, visit the Kubota dealer w/ comparable quotes. Believe you will see movement in the price. Dealer won't tell you what Kubota will allow when faced w/ losing
a sale to a competitor.
Some folks have gone out of state and avoided sales tax and received significant discounts.
It is important to allow local dealer the opportunity to meet or come close to your best pricing option.
I did see a post from a dealer that refused service if in-state sales tax was NOT paid. Not sure of Kubota position in that situation.
Kubota makes a fine tractor, but a yanmar also builds their own Japanese engine/drivetrain for those allergic to Korean products.
Invest some time and effort as this purchase should be long term. I still operate a 1980 IH, and I do love that old machine.
EDIT: Oliver does make a valid point. However, the out of town or distant dealer is not niaive. He knows his price will be taken back to the local dealer. He also knows he has a reasonable chance that he may still make the sale.