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Honda Element Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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Good luck
--jjf
Dear Pepsicolacat,
We are looking at the Honda EX AWD AT here in Denver....and the best price quote we have gotten so far is $22,325 (no extras on the vehicle,,,,and no floor mats etc....added)... You got yours in January, 2008 for $20,350....and here it is almost 4 months later (closer to the 09's coming out) and that's what they are demanding in Denver...
What dealership in Ohio did you deal with? It would be worth going back there!!!
Tkx for your info....
SWhite3
regards,
kyfdx
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The Wyler price was about $650 better than the Costco price in Indianapolis, and better than any other dealer I talked to in Louisville, Indianapolis, and various places in Indiana. The extended warranty matched the Saccucci Honda Internet price. I tend to hold car dealers in contempt, but the salesman was polite and helpful (maybe because he's a newbie), as was the rest of the staff.
When buying a car I always call a lot of dealers and then dicker with them again and again until all but one fall out of the contest. It is simple attrition. I also make sure that the dealer I choose sends me the out-the-door price by email so that I have some solid evidence when I arrive to pay. (Even at Wyler there was a $75 discrepancy in their favor, which they quickly erased because of the email.) I also get the VIN before I go. None of this guarantees that a dealer won't try to dink you when you arrive, but it gives you a little edge. I never negotiate at the dealer, where they gain a major moral advantage: always on the phone. It's easier to blow away their smoke on the phone.
I plan to purchase an EX AWD auto. the dealers (Fife Honda) has quoted 22,000.
I have not sat down to start the haggle process but will be looking at a couple other dealers in my area and Seattle. Anyone with a great deal here in Washington please let me know. I want to drive to Oregon in my new vehicle by the 4th of July.
much thanks to all
I think the only thing added was wheel locks. I going to get me a rack and a Thule box and I should be good.
I am not happy with my toaster...
hope this helps...
PS. They threw in the cargo mat and pinstripe for free
Purchased 08 Accord EXL V6 in Feb, same thing, much better deal on the last day of the month.
IT SHOULD HAVE READ I AM HAPPY WITH MY TOASTER !!!
Honda did a good thing with this crossover vehicle...
I've read SO much on here, and today I went through the process of getting 3 price quotes on the EX AWD, manual. I've been researching everything about the vehicle on this site for several weeks, tho it may not seem like it.
1. I'm getting bombarded with e mails and phone calls from the 3 dealerships from whom I requested quotes and all of them keep making reference to my '4W Element', although I requested info. on the 'AWD'. IS there an AWD as stated and why aren't any of the salesmen addressing that instead of a 4WD?
2. This is going to sound so stupid, but I thought options (which aren't available from what I read) were the same thing as accesseries. I just went to the Honda website and saw a long list of them, so that has thrown me off. Would any Element owner recommend any interior accessories in particular, although I'm basically looking for practicality with a tad of snazzyness and a canine-mobile? (I.e., the arm rest with storage, etc.)
3. Could someone please explain what this salesperson means by this statement in the e mail: "Any pricing information that follows via email or on the phone is only valid through our Internet Department Manager".
4. Ditto on this question a different salesperson asked me in an e mail:
"Do you specifically and only have to have a 2008 Honda Element or would you consider a similar vehicle especially if I could save you several hundred dollars?" (What does he mean by that and why would he be asking me that question??). I don't know if this matters, but this is going to be a cash purchase.
Secondly, I really am sorry for my ignorance and the length of this post. I have looked this site over despite my questions. I'm a scared woman when it comes to buying new vehicles and would truly be grateful for any help. Thank you SO MUCH!
The only local dealer in my area has made me an bottom line offer (on the '08 EX Manual) of $21,588. That includes title, taxes and something else I can't remember. He also said it would include floor mats, cargo tray, exhaust cover and wheel locks.
I received a less expensive price from another dealership, but it's in another state, so the local salesperson cautioned me about the title and tag expenses I'd have to pay which would consequently drive the price up to what he's offering.
Is that a good price?? I'm SO disappointed in not being able to get the color I wanted; he checked the 4 state region. He stated the 08's were getting few and far between.
I just wonder if I should lay back for a few days or accept that price. Thanks for anyone's help and again, gmitch, much gratitude to you!
All Wheel Drive (AWD) means power is being sent to all four wheels all of the time - hence AWD. Some people like to have the added power to the four wheels at all times but, having AWD will cost you at the pump.
Meanwhile, 4WD is a term that means power can be sent to all four wheels if needed. Honda offers what is called, "Real Time 4WD". That means that 90% of the time you're driving your Element you'll be in front wheel drive. However, when accelerating on to the freeway for example, the Real Time 4WD sends power to all four wheels to provide firm and steady acceleration. The other time(s) your Element will be in 4WD is when the front wheels begin to lose grip again power will be shifted to the rear wheels to help gain traction and once the added traction is no longer needed, you'll once again be in a more fuel efficient 2WD.
To address one other thing, some accessories (or added options) do require installation and you're not a very handy person, I would suggest purchasing those items from the dealer and having them install them. Other, simple installation items can be found online at deeply discounted prices. So do some shopping and figure out what take serious labor vs. easy install. Just my .02
gm
There was no trade.
I sold toyotas for 2 years and learned alot about the car business during that time...Many times I sold vehicles for well under invoice, sometimes even under holdback...To get these kinda deals everything had to fall into place just right...For example, year-end model, slow day, manager's mood, they need to move a car for future allocations...However, it never failed the biggest winners were the shoppers who were either threatening to go outta town for a better deal or had just driven quite along way to get a better deal than what they found in their hometown. And while the internet is a great way to get a good price you will still get the best price negotiating in person.
Here's how it all went down...I live in Omaha and got my best price at all three locations, the best quote was 20,860..The quotes varied by as much as 700 between those three..I then went to Williamson Honda in Lincoln(50 miles away) and they matched my best price in Omaha...Still not satisfied (I know traveled miles equates to dollars saved), I called a Honda dealer in St. Joseph, MO and told them the price I was trying to beat, they essentially said they could match it and I asked them if they could beat it, to my surprise they said yes by a couple hundred dollars and the next day I drove down(about 150 miles)...Being in the car business before I wasn't going to settle for their quote of 20,660, so after driving the element we went inside and I told them during the presentation of numbers that the total I was willing to pay was 20,400 including the doc fee ( find out what the doc fee is before making your offer)...It took a while but they eventually accepted my offer especially knowing if I left they would never see me again...
remember, never act to eager!!!
I don't know if everybody gets my experience with 2009 Element models, but here is my story.
1. Emailed 4 Honda dealers about their price for 2009 Element (Alabama), only one replied (Brannon Honda). For LX 4WD the quote was 21.300 OTD. We scheduled a test drive ASAP
2. Entered the dealership. "Sorry, we don't have 2009 Element right now, but here is 2008 EX 4WD you can test drive". OK, did test drive it. Told them, it is not what I want, but we went to see how it goes (3700 rpm at 75 mph Interstate, my CRV easily keeps 2500 rpm at 80 mph - same engine).
3. Went to discuss 2009 Element price. "We can't deliver it before 5/2009, nobody else can in AL". WTF? "We can give you OTD price for 2008 EX 4WD as $22.300, it is a great price!"
What a waste of time.
People, do you have this problem everywhere, or it's only AL? There are some 2009 on eBay all the time, but not many.
Thanks
Sounds like you're getting the run-around. I sold Hondas a few years ago, and they're jacking with you. When I bought my end of season '08, they had about 5 '09 models on the ground in all the trim lines at Bob Howard Honda here in Oklahoma City. An LX can be had for under 20K, so their price sounds a little high. I'm not sure what dealer incentives are available on the '09s, but my '08 SC had $1500 in dealer incentive. Plus, I got into their holdback a little bit. You can check this out incentives on the Edmunds incentives page when you search/research the Element you want. They likely don't have any rebates, but usually have dealer incentives. That's free money, if you can get them to part with it. And trust me, they're not gonna tell you about it. With the car market as it is today...even with the fast selling Hondas...you should be able to get a better deal. When I bought mine, I was the only person in the show room. Let's face it, even Honda is having a hard time. The Civic is where they're not budging much on price, not the Element. Very hard to believe that they won't have any '09s until May. I bought my '08 in November '08, and as I said, the dealership here had several '09s...I even looked at one, but couldn't get the color I wanted, so went with the '08. There was no difference in the way they drove. I personally preferred the '08 to the '09, but that's just a personal choice. There isn't that much difference...just a change to the headlights, tailights, grille, and seat fabrics, so it's not like it's a totally new vehicle they're rolling out. Stick to your guns, get some more internet quotes...even from surrounding states. They won't know if you're really willing to drive to another state for a better deal. Print the quotes & see the sales manager and let him know you're serious...he won't let you walk. Also, the best deals to be had are always on the last sales day of the month. They always want to sell JUST ONE MORE, so they make concessions they might not ordinarily make. If you get the deal you want, it might be almost a no-money deal,so they may try to make it up in the finance department. It pays to have you're financing arranged ahead of time...but don't let them know that. Hope this helps, and best of luck. I'm willing to bet you can do better.
Your local dealer is correct, no one in AL can deliver one until May.
That's too bad...what is their deal? But I do know that Bob Howard had 5 on the ground when I bought my '08. That's not very good customer service. Not available until May??? Heck, I think I'd tell them to get lost. Even though the majority of people are wanting the Civics or Accords, I would think a dealer who wanted the business would go to the lengths necessary to secure the vehicle newcrvman is wanting...
For dealers, it has nothing to do with customer service. We're at the mercy of Honda. Were it up to us, we would sell everyone who walked through the door a car. Sometimes things are beyond our control. :mad:
Great that you participate in this forum. I really appreciate it. I don't think that I'm in the same boat as the person from Alabama (I hope) since I've been told otherwise from my dealer here in Mississippi.
I have actually placed a small deposit (refundable anytime) on a 2009 EX 4WD auto that is supposed to be delivered within 45 days. I initially had a very bad sales experience with the internet manager that I escalated to Honda in Torrance, CA. This resulted in my ending up negotiating directly with the owner. He has indicated that the regional Honda rep will expedite my order in order to satisfy me as a customer and make up for the initial faux pas.
After reading the post that stated no 2009's available until May got me worried. As you have access to info unavailable to us, would you mind checking to see if the same would hold true for MS - i.e. no deliveries until May? No slam on you as a dealer, but due to my experiences buying many cars and fleet vehicles, I'm somewhat dubious of car dealers and their promises.
Best Regards,
Pantherburn
But, a 2009 Element LX 4WD has an MSRP of $2215.00 - not north of $23K as you noted :confuse:
If they're charging more then MSRP forget 'em!
I live in the metro west boston area and I just got an '09 EX 4WD for $20k even. Wanted to know if I got a decent deal. It was only the second dealer (but 1800 less OTD quote) I went to, so I wasn't sure if I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere... Anyone add any insight? Also, anyone know of a good pet divider for the Element? I walk dogs for a living and they don't offer any accessory like this... It's funny how they try to sell you accessories with the cute little girl who promises she's getting you a good deal, then later to find out I could buy them cheaper at the dealer myself, without her getting any off the top. Bought a Thule roof rach for less $$$ with twice the load capacity. Other than that I had a good experience at Herb Chambers, although I was very paranoid and hypervigilant after reading all of the nightmares on sites like this. Looking forward to your responses... Thanks.
http://bobhowardhonda.com/Inventory_new.html?newused=New&make=Honda&model=Elemen- t
would enjoy hearing others who have taken this unusual route. BTW, I got about 28 mpg today, which exceeded my expectations.
I don't think insurance companies salvage stolen vehicles. They only salvage vehicles if the cost of repair exceeds 75% of the vehicle value.
I would check with the insurance company that salvaged it, as to why they did that.
I work for an insurance company and have seen them total many seemingly undamaged vehicles. The reason for this is because many companies have a mileage threshold...how many miles did the thief put on it? Also, they have no way of knowing how the vehicle was driven during it disappearance, where it went, how many time it changed hands while stolen etc. Insurance companies will total the vehicle because the odds are greater for them, if the owner retained the vehicle, that the insurance company would be dealing with a litany of complaints the insured might encounter with the vehicle down the road. It would be extremely difficult for the insurance company to deny payment for something that came up down the road and they don't want to take that chance. So they total it, pay the original owner, and the vehicle goes to a salvage auction. The selling price of a theft vehicle with no apparent damage can be quite high, and the insurance company is glad to take that offset, which basically amounts to an economic settlement. Theorectically it is often cheaper to total, sell the salvage and recoup the expenses, rather than risk being bombarded with constant complaints down the road which may or may not be related to the theft. That's the scoop, scout9, and since it's a Honda, I wouldn't expect trouble if you can't find anything wrong with it now. I've owned a Honda Accord with a salvage/rebuilt title that I bought for a song, and it turned out it was a recovered theft. I could find no evidence of body work or other damage. I owned the car for over 2 years with no problems whatsoever. Good luck with your Element.
Being a rainy city, these plastic boxes are a relatively popular car in these parts, so there didn't seem to be any mass discounting on the '09.
We didn't purchase any accessories as we'd rather live with the car for a few months and decide what we really need/want.
I got the run around at one Honda dealership on the west side of Portland, where the sales guys actually lied about the EX on their lot being sold, as they were trying to get rid of their last LX. We'd even made an appointment with a salesman to come in and buy the EX. My wife and I got so sick of their games, we left empty-handed. 3 days later and both the EX and LX are still sitting on their lot. Fools.
We wound up buying from Griffith Honda in the Dalles (1.5 hours from Portland). I called them up and they gave me the price of $20,300 (delivered to my door) straight up. Did the whole deal over the phone/email and had the car roll into our driveway about 3 hours later.
Maybe I could have got a slightly better deal if we kept shopping around, but the guys at Griffith were straight shoots, a pleasure to deal with, and therefore we were happy to give them our business.
I had been calling just about every dealer in southeast for about a month, I became somewhat discouraged because I know I should be able to get a deal somewhere. right? Unfortunately, I always had to go through the typical crap, eventhough I always asked for the out-the-door price (which I never really got). For a while, I stopped looking, yet yesterday (2/27/09) on a whim I re-searched the certified pre-owned Honda site and came up up with a hit at King Honda World in Auburn , Al.
I noticed they had nearly exactly what I was looking for listed on their web site, a certified pre-owned 2008 Honda Element LX FWD 5AT with appx 10,000 milles on it. This was the only Element listed on there web site at this time (2/27/09). It had no price on it, it just said 'Call us'. I was quite hesitant, I just knew I was going to get some sales pitch that would somehow end up with talking about things I did not want to discuss , like trade-ins , rebates or monthly payments.
I called, and I nice lady answered the phone. She didnt throw out any sales pitch or anything, she just asked how I heard about them and how she could help me. I just said if the vehicle listed on your site is still available and is as good as shape as it looks from the photos, I'd like to make an offer. She said Ok, and I just said , $16,000 out-the-door, thinking I'd might as well start real low. She said Ok, let me go see about this. I dreaded what was coming due to dealings with several other dealers. She came back and said , $16,375 out-the-door. I was puzzled for a moment, this sounded to good to be true. I really could not believe it ,so after several minutes of disbelief and asking her , 'what's wrong with it?', or 'you mean $16,375 and that's all, nothing tacked on?.., no gimmicks?,.. TTL price right? , drive away price right?!'. After about the third round of repeating questioning, she politely transferred me to the manager. I repeated myself again and stressed about how upset I would be if I drove the 4hr from Huntsville, AL only to find the price changed , or did not include something. He said $16,375, that's it, I assure you cause I'm the one who quoted the price. I said I'll be there tommorrow.
Long story short, it is now the day after and I am happy and still a little amazed and bewildered. Of course, I inspected the vehicle and gave it a good test drive prior to purchase, and yes It was exactly in the condition described, excellent. I'll end this with the complete stats:
Dealer: King Honda Car World in Auburn, Al
Vehicle: certified pre-owned 2008 Honda Element LX FWD 5AT
Milage: 10,000
Condition: Excellent
Color: Black (gray interior)
Appx Sale price: 15,630
Appx sales tax: 530.00
Doc Fee: 199.00
License: 16.00
Total out-the-door price: $16,375
Did I do good, or what?
1. After a few phone calls to inquire and begin the interest portion of the deal, they stated a price on the phone that seemed in the correct ballpark for this car. When arriving to have the face to face encounter, they denied stating that price and said to me, "you must be mistaken!".
2. I was trading a 2004 EX AWD with 56K on it, and after a 40 minute delay and having never looked at my Element, they came back with a price in the $8K range for my trade! Book was $11.5-$12.5K.
I was astounded and stormed to the door of the dealership, which they had locked because of the severe wind that day.
I demanded to be let out of the store while glaring at them.
In a nutshell, Prime Honda in Saco Maine are basically a group of low-class liars who try to screw anyone who goes there.
I ended up buying a 2009 RAV4 AWD 6 cylinder and will never again, consider going to a Honda dealership, especially Prime Honda in Saco Maine.
THey also tried calling me back 3 times in the next few weeks but I would not return their call. I will not continue any relationship with a group of liars!
First time poster here.
I'm looking to purchase a 2WD EX - Automatic. I'm located in the South Bay area of California.
A few internet quotes I've obtained so far seem rather high when compared against some of the other posts I've seen on here recently (circa 20k otd). Has the reduced supply for the element raised prices? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. The quotes I've obtained so far are:
$24, 097 (out the door price)
$24, 000 (out the door price)
I am looking for a Honda Element EX 4 WD in western Washington and would like to apply the cash for clunkers tax credit to my purchase....I am paying cash and want to know what is reasonable to expect to pay...(ie: what is the invoice on these cars and how is the credit being applied)
Thanks!