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Are the color and transmission type the only options available on Fits. The salesperson at the dealership I testdrove at said they have only the package deal, no user configurable cars. I would like to get a basic Fit (manual Trans), but am interested in the MP3 cd system that comes with the Sport. The rep said that isn't possible.I might also be interested in the alloy wheels, but the Honda website configurator (which seems to fly in the face of what the rep said) shows they are around $1000 (if I'm gonna do that I might as well get the sport).
Also, does anybody know if there will be any incentives on the '08s when the '09s roll in? My feeling is no since there is so much demand for Fits right now.The rep said that the 09s should only be a few hundred more than the '08s, but I never like to buy a new model/body style (and their glitches).
I would really like to buy a used one and knock a bit off the price, but I am seeing the used ones selling for more than new ones. How is this possible (especially with no dealer incentives on Fits)?!? Not many are turning around and selling a Fit with 20k miles on, but still...
Lastly, what's up with the inconsistent mileage I've read about? I read a couple of earlier posts in this thread about how some people are only getting mid 20s on MPG? We have a diesel Beetle that gets 45 MPG and we'd keep it, but the stroller and carseat for our newborn seem to say otherwise. If this car won't get mid 30s I'm not interested. Are these screwy low MPG Fits the exception or are they common?
Q. How do you know a sales rep is lying?
A. Their lips are moving.
Based on what I've learned, it is better to buy a Fit (base or Sport) and then self-install the accessories you want. This is because of the hype (real or imagined) surrounding high(er) MPG vehicles like the Fit, Civic, Corolla, etc. I recently called 5 dealers in the Baltimore area but only 1 had the vehicle in stock so I drove out and bought it for about $400 below MSRP (a base with AT). The other 4 dealers (who did not have the car) quoted me anywhere from MSRP to MSRP+$1000. Check out this link to a story in the Detroit News which talks about that. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/AUTO01/806110389/1148- . The same hype goes for high MPG used cars in the same price range. Try to find a 3 to 5 year old Civic or Corolla - you can't! I would also stay away from the 09s because of the first year thing not to mention they will be more expensive. And the MPG thing will settle itself down after a few tanks and you get adjusted to using the new car for your typical everyday driving. You know it's gonna be good with a 1.5L 4 cylinder engine - how can it not be? Which probably helps explain why there are no used ones out there!
Case in point:
http://www.automart.com/vehicledetail/adid-83848275/2007/honda/fit/mckees-rocks/- pa
or...
http://www.automart.com/vehicledetail/adid-86976924/2007/honda/fit/cincinnati/oh-
If anyone knows of a good deal on a TDI Golf in good shape, let me know! I would prefer to go that route and convert it to run on veggie oil than buy a Fit if at all possible.
I was offered a "special deal of $500 off the price if I buy today. I stated that I will pay MSRP but not any of the $1799 bilking. The cars were still in their shipping wrappers with plastic on the seats, so it's not like I was trying to get something for nothing. They wanted to do the 3 hour negotiation tap dance, so I walked out and began the search for another dealer and a different car. My experience with Hagerstown Honda has proved to be very poor and am appalled that Honda Corporate tolerates this price gouging from its dealers.
You will probably be waiting a LONG time.
We wold gladly pay any dealer more than that for any they would sell us.
Not every car has to be given away in order to sell.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/flowchart/2008/5/16/why-small-cars-are-a-smart-buy.h- tml
Oh I understand supply economics well enough. But this is brought on by panic due to high fuel costs. The end of the matter is that my wife isn't going to get a 2008 Fit.
Also I'd like to point out that if you do this in a time of emergency it's called profiteering and is a criminal act. Try charging a lot more for food during a food shortage and see what happens.
Car dealers make an enormous profit in many ways. They don't have simple math for how they make a profit. I'm just going to drive my wife back and forth to work and save more money.
People have long memories when it comes to car dealers ripping them off and taking advantage of a situation.
I might buy a Prius instead of a Fit at least I can recoup most of the money in the Prius and the Fit does not get as good a fuel economy as the Civic LX/EX. Honda will make more cars but they are afraid gas will come down and they won't be able to give the cars away. Kind of like Trucks an SUV's right now.
You will probably be waiting a LONG time.
We wold gladly pay any dealer more than that for any they would sell us.
Not every car has to be given away in order to sell.
You are a car dealer, obviously you will take that attitude.
Just remember we do remember who treats us well and who doesn't. Times will change and even if economy cars are here to stay the way we are treated now and the deals we do or don't get could cause us to switch brands. You are a car dealer might nor care but believe me the manufacturers do care. Oh not 1 or 2 sales but losing customers is usually a matter of attitude and perception. Honda has been good to me but I owe Honda nothing. It won't be long before there are a lot of good economy car choices.
Then you will be glutted again and having to sell below MSRP.
Personally I hope all the trucks and SUV's on dealers lots regardless of brand, rust away for years with no sales. I remember when Honda was gouging on CRV's, S2000's and same with Mitsubishi and Toyota on certain models.
Car dealers and sales people get no sympathy from me nor do they ever give any.
I responded to a poster that said he/she wouldn't buy a Fit unless they could buy one for a dealer's invoice.
That is highly unlikely to happen in this current market. that was my point.
It's not the dealers (or the customers) that determine the market. It's the market itself. So, you will be happy to see the big trucks sit and rust away but you consider it "gouging" when a dealer can make a decent profit on a small car that does sell well?
I remember when people were paying 5000.00 over MSRP for PT Cruisers!
Were they being cheated? Of course not! That was the market on them at that time. They were happy to pay the price to get the car they wanted.
Now, they can't give those things away. The market turned quickly as the novality of these repackaged Neons wore off! Funny how that works!
Now having said all of that, it still pisses me off when I hear that a dealer wants to bend someone over as a knee jerk reaction to make an extra buck during tough times. Just walk away from that dealer and tell your neighbors to do the same.
Rest assured I have told quite a few people about what the dealership is doing, sadly when you need a car and it's that time to buy one and the dealer is acting the way they do during a feeding frenzy, it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth for next time. Also the $400 dealer processing fee is way too much. This place could have had my business for years to come, but instead they chose the short term option.
I might buy the new Fit when it comes out but due to the poor and money gouging attitude of the dealer, I will cross shop and possibly buy a different brand than Honda.
Does anyone care? Probably not but still it's not just one sale this dealership loses but all further sales from me as well as all other brands in their group.
I might buy from another Honda dealer and have it serviced there but just like they can charge what they want. I can decide to buy what and when I want. I've bought about 28 new cars in my lifetime. A few dealerships will never see a another penny from me, ever.
Lasting impressions....
Most car dealers are in the game for today and on rare occasions tomorrow. Most don't care about down the road long term buyers any more.
Honda has easily the most arrogant people in the car industry as is evidenced by talking to any Honda sales people or sales managers.
I guess you must be including me in that broad statement?
After 13 years here, I still have the same owner, GM, GSM and UCM that were here when I started in addition to several salespeople.
Probably a third of my sales are from repeat and referrals.
So, I guess at least some of us think long term and try to do our best for our customers.
If you and a customer agree on a price and terms on an incoming Fit, are you really saying you would sell it out from under them if another person comes along and offers more money?
I hope I read this wrong. I can't believe a store would do such a thing to anyone!
Considering all you have written in the past I would sooner walk than buy a Honda from you. You might have the same people at the dealership but if i actually knew what dealership you worked at I'd avoid it like the plague.
My wife and i are seriously considering buying a Prius. Then we won't have to deal with the arrogant Honda people.
Toyota calls us back and is really working on customer service even tho the Prius is hot right now. I should write a letter to Honda but it's easier to vote with my wallet.
Finding a Prius may be a real challenge for you from what I'm hearing.
As far as arrogant attitudes, they are often brought on by the customers we have to deal with.
However, I must take issue with isellhondas' statement ("As far as arrogant attitudes, they are often brought on by the customers we have to deal with").
There is NEVER an excuse for arrogance. Period. Blaming someone else for such behavior only makes it worse--and supports tiff's position.
Sometimes I really have to work hard to disarm people. They have to feel comfortable dealing with me.
Probably as a result of a previous bad experience somewhere else.
Really, if one Honda store is having a great month and doesn't need to make a sale and is up to its armpits in trade-in's, you can't really blame them if they are unenthusiastic. A Honda store 40 miles north may roll the red carpet out for you last few days of the month if they are behind, and make you a great deal. And yes they trades are lowballed sometimes like most dealers.
I've read peoples accounts of their excellent buying experience, noting how it only took a half hour to buy and sign and staff's excellent conduct. (they got screwed to the tune of 4000 or more on the price and trade in). I've read of (and witnessed)other's accounts of walking on a killer $40000 deal (great trade in, great price-- this dealer obviously needed the sale) after 3 hours over some floor mats.
Go figure
--jjf
I agree with you.
Sometimes I really have to work hard to disarm people. They have to feel comfortable dealing with me.
Probably as a result of a previous bad experience somewhere else.
With the hybrids it would take 18 years to pay off the $8,000 price difference using the gas money saved if I do 12,000 miles a year and gas is $4.00. I looked at Price, gas mileage, safety, reliability, performance, and what all is included with the car (alloy wheels, power package, ipod hookup, sun roof, etc.) The best bang for the buck came down to the Honda fit and it drove quite well, so I bought it.
Just to let you know, not all prices are over MSRP. I went with this one because it was the best price. I did all negotiations on the internet and phone, then went to pick up the car. It took just over an hour to fill out all the paperwork and drive off the lot. The honda dealership that I worked with treated me with respect and had everything ready for me including the newly washed and detailed car. It was my first honda purchase (besides my 1985 honda spree 50cc scooter), and they did not put me in the torture chamber to add on an extended warranty (which I declined).
2008 New Automatic Honda Fit Sport
Sales Price - $15,709
Tax (6% - PA) and tags and all fees $1,115
No Trade in - N/A
Out the door 16,824
Car drives nice, I like the cruise control.
Complaints so far- (just bought on 6-17-08)
Not much room for your left foot.
I removed the back seat headrests, so I can see out the back window, and the back seats will fold down now with out hitting the front seats. How will this affect safety for my passengers?
My portable GPS is far away from me because of the windshield angle, and the suction cup on the stand does not stick to the flat part of the dashboard any suggestions? I am thinking about putting a piece of plexiglass on the dashboard above the A/C vent. But I don't want to tape the plexiglass to the dashboard.
And the most important message is Toyota has lied to me, misled me, trapped me in their dealerships and tried switch and baits..In Atlanta, this is the most disreputable nameplate I could find!!! If anyone wants to know specifics you can eamil me but I will tell you this, if you want a Toyota or think you want a Toyota be sure you know every spec you want like ABS, alloy wheels etc and then go try and find a car with those features!!! Stay focused on what it is you want and do not fall for them trying to sell you something else b/c it would be cheaper....They are a complete nightmare....Believe me most Honda dealers would never think of acting the way the Toyota people act and they do not have to b/c they properly equip their cars so they do not have to pretend that they are out of something or spend hours searching for something that they know they do not have just to wear you down or dump you on the next level person of their scam.
And, BTW a car I test drove fit like a glove but the way they act and their missing features in Atlanta, NO WAY. I will never step foot into another Toyota dealer. You might not notice this about Toyota if you are not looking for something specific like if you do not care about ABS breaks (they lied and told me they were on the car, even though not listed on the sticker!!!!)
We have dealt with both toyota and honda dealers in our search and have found good and not good folks in both camps. I have picked out my honda dealer to work with when its time . We had a great experience with the toyota dealer (got there via the internet dealing). What I have said to both is "what goes around comes around" I'm not tough to deal with but I don't deal with super pushy, deliberatly inaccurate information or disrespect. The toyota dealer who did right by us has already had two serious buyers contact them per our recommendation.
I care about how good a deal I am getting on the car I want to buy.
I also don't want to get my post removed as happens so often when you debate with certain car salespeople.
I will wait for the new Fit and see what else becomes available as well.
No loyalty rewards for Honda so I might as well shop around.
On this particular car though the sales prices are usually for above msrp to about 600 off. (selling for the arbitrary number called "invoice"). A perusal of the prices paid for the last 18 months or so will show the market is pretty tight for it. A used 07 fit has a trade in value (kbb.com)of almost 13000 for a 16700 msrp car, so the printed prices on the sticker aren't too far off from what the market is for it.
If you want the only canary yellow fit within 300 miles and the dealer is flush for the month you may have to pay over msrp. In a world where people are $12000 underwater and refinancing a loan from an suv for a 30 mpg car getting upset over $400 when the car sells within about a 700 range anyway is silly.
Many were getting the 08 Nissan Versa SL MSRP 16700 for about 14000, the S for 12500, and the Pontiac Vibe (19500) and Matrix with auto pwr and alloys for about 15k and change. You may be able to do in the low 17s on an 09 vibe or matrix now or soon. Perhaps not, things are a lot different from 5 months ago. The $4.00 price point on gas made many go batty (like many research firms predicted) and sales for 30mpg vehicles shot up.
There are lotsa different cars. No forcing to buy a Fit.
Good luck
--jjf
So far I guess people can't see what the problem is. Mine is that I don't like being ripped off by the Honda dealer. If it was the Toyota dealer I wouldn't like it any better. The local Honda dealer 5 months ago was begging for customers. Well now that I want to buy another they have decided to stick it to me with their prices. In the end a car sold even at MSRP is going to lose money when the prices all come down, which they will. The more fuel efficient cars that are out there the more competition. Then back to decent prices again. I don't care how great the new showroom is, I don't work there. I don't care how many trucks the dealer took in trade or didn't sell and wants to recoup the loss by overcharging me.
I care about how good a deal I am getting on the car I want to buy.
I also don't want to get my post removed as happens so often when you debate with certain car salespeople.
I will wait for the new Fit and see what else becomes available as well.
No loyalty rewards for Honda so I might as well shop around.
We test drove the VW Rabbit and the Toyota Yaris hatch today. He really liked the Rabbit as did I. It had plenty of power and felt solid. The Yaris felt underpowered with the three of us inside and the a/c on high.
It's funny, Hagerstown Honda called and asked when we'd be coming back to buy the Fit. I laughed and stated that a starting point for our return would be for them to drop that $1700 add-on "appearance package" charge and sell us the Fit for $400 under the sticker price. I repeated the fact that I can buy teflon wax and scotch guard from WalMart and apply myself for $50. The sales person stated again that the markup was dealer mandated, but that the Hagerstown Honda would give me a "special reduction" off the markup price. I do not recommend that anyone buy a new 4 cyl Fit or Civic from Hagerstown Honda as they are adding on an extra $1700 over the sticker. In my opinion they are price gougers.
I am kinda new to this. Wife wants a Honda Fit Sport Auto. So, I researched online and got quotes. Best price I got was $17K OTD. However, when I went down to the dealer, they refused it. Even the LARGEST HONDA DEALER in the world refuse to price match as they claim. I understand that the Fit is hot now. Anyone has any luck with So Ca dealers? Anything close to invoice? Thanks! Also, when are the 09s coming out???
Your points aren't valid in my situation but I suppose they work in general. I specified I didn't want black. That was it so that leaves a lot of cars since black is a rare color for them anyway.
Also I don't care how much someone else owes. It's not my problem. If $400 is no big deal then feel free to give it to me. It certainly is a big deal for the dealer. if it wasn't why not just give me that off and why the $400 doc fee?
Dealers overcharge, no matter how you spin it people that have bought cars know what dealers do. Also I was dealing with the Internet manager at the largest dealer in the State.
I'll hold off and buy something else. I like Honda but won't buy at MSRP or above no matter how the situation is spun.
I never pay retail, so I'm not about to start now. This car was for my wife, I am happy with my Civic Si. She really needs a car but it's not going to happen. The economy is in it's current mess because people had the attitude that it's not a big deal to overpay. We are all paying the price for that lax attitude now.
The Fit isn't that great in economy as it is. It is more practical.
Once I arrived, he greeted me before I walked into the door and was saying, "sorry..." He said that he had just sold the silver and didn't realize it was the only one. I was so pissed. Of course I didn't believe him. I knew he just wanted to get me in the door. Before making the drive to Chula Vista, I had called all the dealerships north of there in San Diego for the silver, but none were in stock. The guy said he had a black or white in stock, but I told him that I didn't want the white or black. He then said that he would call around to see if he could locate one to make an exchange, but I told him that I had already called all the other dealers and no silver Fits were currently in stock. BUT...he "found" one at the Palomar dealership. He asked me if I could wait. I was sort of irritated because he wasn't giving me any breaks. I was paying the max OTD price I had seen, and I had been watching this site for 4+ months. Prices OTD had ranged for the automatic, sport btwn $16,500 and $17,800. I paid $18,000 OTD, waited close to 5 hours for the whole thing to happen since it took time to get the car down to Chula Vista. Of course my "new" car had 60 miles on it due to the drive. The dealer told me to take a walk around the car to make sure all looked ok. I made a major error. I was so irritated with the whole sleazy dealer and the whole thing, and tired and hungry, that I just trusted that the car was new.
I noticed within the first week and less than 200 miles on the car that the spoiler at the bottom front had a pretty major scratch. I had barely driven the car and was 100% sure I hadn't hit anything, and it wasn't something someone else could hit my car and leave. It was a scrape. I actually had to go back to the dealership the next week to pick up mats, and told the guy at the auto yard that I was pretty confident that the scrape was there when I bought the car. The Honda guy said with that scrape, I would have definitely known that I hit something. He said the damaged area would be about $200 to fix! I felt even worse about the dealership, and was upset with myself for not making sure that this "found" car was ok. I've driven the car for a year now and there are no other scrapes.
The day I bought the car I had questioned the dealer about this supposed sell of the silver Fit that was just made before I arrived. I said that I wanted him to prove it to me by showing me the paperwork. Of course, he couldn't find the paperwork. : ) The guy was a piece of work, so the joy I should have had for this purchase was sucked away.
SOOOO my advice to you, accept that you may have to pay $500 to $1000 more than other places, but get a dealer that you feel comfortable with and at least get a few extras that they generally throw in for "free" anyway, such as mats, wheel locks, etc. The Fit is a great car for me and my needs. I wish I had only paid $16,000 with no scrapes and a good experience, but I didn't and it's still a great car. With gas prices so high, I haven't really stressed about the rise in prices as the majority are feeling with their SUVs and trucks.
Good luck, sorry so long but this has built up inside for a year. haha..
I'm not denying that some of the dealer experiences posted on this forum are HORRIBLE but I also suspect some of those experiences are exaccerbated by the inexperience of the buyer in knowing how to legally manipulate the dealer.
So we wait for the one we want to come in and by next week, I should have a happy ending to the story.
The 17,700 OTD is around the price my local honda dealer quoted me. I told the guy that I would buy the car right now for 17,000 OTD, and they said they couldn't do that. I called the dealer (asked to speak with the sales manager) that I bought the car from, and told them that if I was going to drive 90 min. to pick up the car it would have to be for close to $16,800 OTD for the auto sport if they were willing to earn my business. The sales manager called back in 5 minutes and told me they would be happy to do business with me and I paid a deposit over the phone using a credit card.
I don't know the market where you live, but I would ask all the dealers in the area for their best price OTD and let them know that you will be buying a new fit in the next 3 days. Also, wait until the end of the month to send out your email. Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.
BTW - where are you located and how big of a deposit did you give them?
There is a shortage of Fits and most dealers are cashing in....some of us are luckier than others I guess (to be below invoice on a hot selling car)....I never talk OTD since taxes and registrations vary from state to state....I like comparing bananas to bananas, negotiationg car prices with sales people is difficult enough for me..
The process makes things a lot easier and guarantees a minimum of hassles. The only deposit I had to put down was a $500 good faith deposit since they have to bring the car in from elsewhere.