2013 and earlier Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

hpan

Elk Grove, Roseville and others.

amykkbc

There's a group of people in SF bay area forming a class trying to get the best deal.
may want to share your experience there.
Good Luck...

Sylvia

Just a reminder that when the Sienna came out - much of the same sentiment was directed at Toyota salespeople. Let's not generalize a whole category of people. Some people do suck - that's true and may have been your experience. To say all is a bit of an overstatement and inflammatory.

Congrats on your Sienna - I hope you share your prices paid about it in the Sienna Prices Paid & Buying Experiences discussion and continue to share your ownership experience in the Sienna discussions for the coming years.

stickguy

It is kind of amusing what makes salesman "bad". Mr. rogers holding firm at MSRP on a Honda gets cruxified, but Osama blowing out a Toyota at invoice is up for salesman of the year.

If the market (meaning other buyers) says the Ody is worth MSRP, then by all means thats what the dealers should look for, and if they don't give you a big discount, it doesn't inand of itself make them "arrogant"

Of course, you will run into good/bad, nice/mean, arrogant/unassuming salespeople at any brand dealership.

isellhondas

Because a customer wasn't able to get his/her way and buy an Odyssey for a little over invoice doesn't make a salesperson "suck". Now, if that salesperson was arrogant about it, that's a different story.

Itis, indeed the MARKET that determines pricing on any commodity item. If a Sienna sells for 500.00 over invoice thiat only shows the impact the new Odyssey has had on their market. Personally, I think that's a shame. A sienna is a fine product that deserves a higher markup.

And...sorry...there is no "major recall" for the current Odyssey transmission. As far as this "wind noise" problem, I have yet to hear this myself. Your hearing may be better than mine.

hpan

Amykkbc, how can I reach them? Do they have a Web page?

pen101

In regards to sales people, I think it comes down to a number of factors, including how professional they handle themselves, how knowledgeable they are of the product and how hard they work for the sale. I know there is a whole edmunds board on this, but I though I'd touch on this here relevant to Hondas.

The salesman represent the dealer, so if the salesman are not "good", the dealer does not come off looking "good". Of the three Honda salesman I have dealt with this past week, 2 were very "good" salesmen, and one was not. Focusing on the not good, this individual was not knowledgeable about the product nor the dealer inventory of the product, and was not attentive to the customer, other than to try to get him into the room to work a deal and kept talking bs about how much this van is in demand (yet they had 5 on the lot) and that's why there is a $5000 markup on them. Guess what. I left the dealership in less than 5 minutes. It was not worth my time to deal with him. Because of this I may never return to this dealer (they lost a potential sale). If I do, I will deal with a different salesman (he lost his potential commission).

This why I prefer to do my car shopping through the internet and by phone. Less waste of time and more direct.

shop04

Can you tell me more details about this group. I already bought a Sienna, but still looking for an 05 Odyssey EX-L for my Aunt.

ramman

Been in the market for 05 Ody Touring plus Nav for the past month. Quotes wround ATL were all MSRP but some started out by throwing packages I do not need.

A friend suggested that I contact dealerships in TN. A dealer in Knoxville finally quoted 1K below MSRP with no junk add ons! So I am pretty sure 2K below MSRP by X-Mas would be the norm! The scare tactics from the Honda salespeople is red herring...

hpan

If the salesperson starts to bs, just ask him, "Are you stupid or do you think I am stupid?"

balee1

1st point: the Odyssey was released on September 22nd. As of today, it's been 16 days. What type of month are you speaking of?

2nd point: With your attitude towards salespeople, I think it best you bought the Sienna. You simply aren't worth the trouble of dealing with. Some times it's better to let someone go to the competition because of the tremendous post-sale pain.

3rd point: You mention that Chrysler vans are good, too. I challenge you to find where exactly that van would even come close to the Ody or Sienna. Don't bother using the price argument...and the 5000 dollar rebate. The Chrysler product in no way whatsoever measures up. Nice resale value on those, huh? Also, forget the "Made in America" line, too. Odys are built in Alabama...Chryslers in Canada.

Anyway, I wish we could leave the inflammatory garbage off of this forum. I am simply here to offer advice and assistance where needed. I am not shopping for an Odyssey, but am very much in tune to the market from an inside point-of-view. I wish to help those who are here for help and advice to make the best sound decision they can. This is what the staff at Edmunds wants to see.

justaveragejoe

We got the same price out here in Sacramento, thru the internet manager last August. I was quoted on an EX w/o the RES for about $400 less but I went in and made an offer on the RES that we liked. He came within $75 so I said yes. $26,680 out the door. The experience was great, I went in told him my price he gave me his price, I asked to take it for the rest of the evening to make sure everything was okay. I brought the family back to the dealer (to check the car seat fit)and went through the paperwork with him and the finance guy and drove home. all on a Sunday evening. BTW, the three other customers were in the salesroom when I first showed up and were still there with THREE sales people tag-teaming them....UUGG I felt for them. Wish I would have seen all these different forums earlier, they're grrrrrreat!

isellhondas

I agree with your post. Good and bad salespeople in any profession. Don't count on "the internet" to solve all of this, however. The internet doesn't sell cars, people do.

heywood1

Sure, there are good and bad car salespeople. But there are a whole lot more bad ones. I recall looking at a new Pontiac (don't ask me why) a number of years ago. This particular car came equipped with a tire pump in trunk. When I said to the salesman I thought this feature was of 'dubious value,' he replied excitedly, "Oh, yes, VERY dubious.....who knows, it might even keep you from being late to work some day!"
It's been my experience that--nine times out of ten--I know more than the salesperson. And I usually end up tolerating a sub-par salesperson because I've negotiated a great deal on my first color/options choice. No salesperson has ever 'sold' me a car.

pen101

The last time I purchased a car (BMW) was 3 years ago. I negotiated the deal over the phone. Only after everything was set, did I go in to the dealer to inspect and test drive the car I was purchasing and sign the paper work. It was an easy and painless experience. No wasted time. Plus, the people I dealt with were curtious and straight forward (many BMW dealers had attitudes, hey, same as honda dealers, what do you know!). When I am ready to purchase my Honda (next month), I plan to use this same technique. Everyone was happy.

isellhondas

A lot of times a testy,combative customer can make a "good" salesperson become a "bad" one.

Some customers just walk in with an attitude and even an experienced pro can't disarm them.

If you think there are "a whole lot more bad than good" salespeople, that attitude will quickly show and you may be treated accordingly.

If you truly know more about a car then a salesperson or nine out of ten times anyway, you are either a rare case or you have dealt with a bunch of losers.

justaveragejoe

We bought a 2004 Odyssey in August so my posts seems ancient, but patience is the key to negotiations. If you read any "How To Buy a New Car" book or website, they recommend that you narrow your choices (vehicle type, makes, trim, etc.) before you show up at any dealer. If you have a few different choices, drive all of them and make it clear you are test driving ONLY. Try to drive as many types back to back. We did all our test driving at the Roseville Auto Mall since there were many makes at the same place. It just happened that they also had the best deal through the internet. During the test drives, I told my wife that there won't be a salesman ANYWHERE that will know more about the differences than me. I corrected every salesman we met. A few years ago I test drove a Jeep just to get a pair of free ski tickets, and bet the salesman that it didn't have independent rear suspension since he insisted it did. I didn't take his $20 bucks because he balked like I was just joking on the bet. He still got embarrassed since he was acting like a hotshot in front of two co-workers. Even the Honda internet dealer, who was a great guy and had over 10 years with Honda, told me the spare tire hold down was to access the gas tank. The dealers have a tremendous turnover on their salespeople and I'll bet most of them don't even get a chance to read through the sales brochure. Don't expect to be impressed by the salespeople but don't blame the dealer. One of the worst salesman was during my initial contact with the Auto Mall Honda dealer. We were still deciding between an SUV or a van. This guy was classic, "What would it take to get you to buy this car today?" after I told him I was just looking to sit in the vehicles and I was not buying, not even test driving yet. I told him all about the Odyssey and the Pilot and the Sienna and the Highlander. He even yelled out across the lot to "the expert" to confirm what I said since he didn't believe me. Salesmen make their money on the un-educated or uninformed, they don't like informed people because we cut hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of the picture right off the start. Would you drive 50 miles if someone was handing out $500? I would! That's how I look at dealers' prices. If you research through the manufacture's websites and research this site you should have a pleasant experience. The internet process was the best experience I have ever encountered. This site has a tremendous amount of great, helpful, advice. Click-On!

hifisoftware

Actually I have never meet a car salesperson that knew more about a car then me (I speak about configuration and such, not how to repair it).

Just few days ago I was explaining to an Honda internet sales person that if you get a RES you must also get a NAV for 05 Odyssey. He called back later and said that I was right. This was rather big dealership in Los Angeles area...

I do not want to pick on that guy though. It's just a job. His job is to talk about the money. He treat a car for what it is. A chunk of metal. It's car maker job to advertise well, mountain proper sully-demand ration and making you want this car. His is there to finish the job. I always do a ton of research and I always know more then a salesperson does.

Last weekend I asked some Toyota salespeople to tell me the difference between Honda and Toyota, and.... I do not even want go there. They knew nothing about Honda (or Toyota for that matter)at all.

Some time ago I work for electronics store and guess what. I did not have very deep knowledge about what I was selling.

I do wish to meet somebody like you (isellhondas) though. Would make it easier to just ask question instead of spending time researching it myself.

balee1

When....I ask again....WHEN, will this forum return to it's intended purpose? Either enter a profession writing books about how bad you think salespeople are and how much you know or let some people give their input about purchasing experiences with the 2005 Honda Odyssey.

To STAFF, can we please return to your intended purpose for this forum?

Thank you.

stever

Anyone buying this weekend?

If not, try:

Any Questions for a Car Dealer?

CONSIDERATE Salespeople & CONSIDERATE Buyers

How to find a quality salesman

Steve, Host

justaveragejoe

Sorry, I guess I was venting a bit there and I can type pretty fast and I also talk too much so I shouldn't have ever signed-in, but there WAS a little bit of MY buying experience in there.

Wasn't trying to interfere or upset anyone.

Peace-Out!

stickguy

I shopped the Ody tonight. Not yet to the go in and negotiate stage (still had other options to eliminate), but got to drive the Ody again (at least my wife did). Salesman was nice, seemed to know plenty, not that I had any questions.

Of interest, when we asked to drive (or he asked us), he asked which model?, sinc ethey had them al available (8 in total), so we were able to drive an EX-L. Definitely different supply dynamics tahn when the '99s came out.

stever

Check your email before you repost again. We don't need gratuitous insults on the forums.

Steve, Host

jmurman42

so, have you ACTUALLY bought ANY car? Or are we just ranting?

lakerat

I had to delete my prior post not having checked out my post by calling College Hills Honda. The internet manager told me that if the Ody was on the lot they would sell for about $1000 under MSRP Ever since 1999 Ive bought and traded in a new Ody every year, paying MSRP for the new vehicle and receiving 83 to 85% on the trade. this year I hope to get back around 77%being that the trade is a second generation Ody and Honda is now selling the third generation Ody I figured that for around $6000 a year I could aleays have a new Ody. this year Im hoping it will be no more than $8000. Im speaking of the EX-L. I also always use the same dealership and the same salesman Back to the website it posts the dealerships inventory, his inventory on order for the next two months, expected build dates etc. they are also into parts and accessories that they ship all over the country. When Im ready to order my 2006 I will definately give them a look.

gjay1170

I just picked up my EX-L nav/res on Friday. I drove it 2x already. The experience at my dealer, i'm not mentioning names. The dealer is in central Jersey. My husband and I had turns test driving it, and the salesman went over the van with both of us. Bringing my lease back was easy. No problems. My salesman even called my insurance company to put the insurance on the new van. I was pleased with the whole experience.

I still had to pay MSRP plus the insurance, tax, title, and other fees. I didn't get any freebees. At least I didn't pay over.

pen101

The title to this forum is "prices paid & buying experience." I think discussing how we were treated by the "Honda" salespeople is within the realm of "buying experience".

As for prices paid, it would be a great help to potential buyers, like myself, if people would share their purchase specifics with us. This includes other fees charged, financing percentages and if the extended warranty was purchased and for how much. Also, if you leased, could you share what the MF and residuals quoted where as well as the trim level and term and mileage selected (Car_man in the lease forum does not have these numbers for 2005).

Thank you in advance.

heywood1

Well, I don't know where to start with the raft of (backhanded) assumptions you have made about me. But let me try:

1. I have never been 'testy' nor 'combative' toward a salesperson. If anything, I've always been extremely pleasant and patient whenever I've encountered an inexperienced salesperson (who's usually been assigned to me because he's 'up.')

2. I never walk in with an 'attitude.'

3. There ARE a whole lot more bad sales people than good. The revolving door of high turnover within the profession is proof enough of that.

4. Even if I entered a showroom with 'that attitude,' I seriously doubt that a salesperson would react by suddenly being ignorant of options and features. (I wish I had a dollar for every time a salesperson has told me "I'll have to check on that.")

My experience with Honda salespeople has been that they are relatively professional and well-informed. But smug attitudes and dealer mark-ups make these qualities moot.

Guess I'm that rare case. Funny how that works...

isellhondas

I didn't mean to imply that you were guilty of any attitude problems or anything else.

I mearly wanted to point out that people tend to react based on the treatment they receive. Even the mildest most professional salesperson can react to bad treatment.

My reaction is to simply lose interest in that sale. I don't need a rude or combative customer.

However, all of this is off topic so let's just end it at this point. I do think we understand each other.

Karen_S

Some posts have been removed for various violations. As always, an email to the board host concerning troll-like behavior is far preferable than the members handling the situation.

Thanks for your cooperation.

hifisoftware

Saying "good point" to yourself :-) Most people register with two different accounts before saying "good point" to yourself.

Yes this is about Honda and most people here (and many overall) like Honda. isellhondas offers interesting points and good information. Why do you want to keep pounding your opinion. We get it, let's move on.

I wish we could get back to prices paid... I am interested in buying in few weeks and would love to hear what other people are paying, especially here in LA area. I called number of dealers and none of the have Touring with NAV. Most say that they should get several within next week (but then again they always say that). I guess I could pay MSRP, but definetly not more then this.

I also have a trade in, how reliable is kbb's trade in price?

Sylvia

IS the topic of discussion....not ranting off about salespeople in general.

So, if you have a question about the buying proces or would like to report what you paid and tell about your buying experience - please chime in.

graystrickland

Mikechen,

If you don't like it, dont' read it, but don't scold Roca for posting a link to an Ebay "Buy It Now" price for an '05 Odsyssey. Buy It Now pricing shows a firm price that is more reliable and meaningful than posts of users saying that they talked to somebody who knew somebody who bought one at X dealership in Y state for Z over or under MSRP. It's meaningful information.

graystrickland

Are the floor dimensions posted anywhere?

The honda website lists cargo volume in *cubic*feet* for various configurations:

--3d row up - 38.4 cubic feet
--3d row down - 91.1 cu. ft.
--3d down and 2d removed - 147.4 cu. ft.

but doesn't give the height, width, length numbers. Volume is helpful, but doesn't tell me whether a 4'x8' sheet of plywood will fit lying flat, on a diagonal or not at all. My understanding is that the Sienna can handle a 4'x8' sheet lying flat. I hope that the Odyssey can too.

hifisoftware

Thanks roca, useful info.

I live in CA, so to "import" car into the state might involve some hassle, but for 2k it's probably worth it. Now I have some idea how much I should be willing to pay.

lee_w

Sorry, no matter how helpful the post may have been, it violates our soliciting policy. This is for Prices Paid and Buying experience. Most of our posters do not want to weed through advertising and soliciting for good experience. We all have plenty of access to ads.

ecarmack

Direct links and discussing every ad may not be allowed (I guess this is "prices paid"), but I think keeping track of prices and dealers on eBay is very useful. Even if it isn't the model you are interested in, a dealer that is listing below MSRP may be willing to deal on other vans as well. I have seen a couple in the Midwest and South that I would be willing to travel to, and they have quoted good discounts to me on other models. A local dealer's internet rep may even match the offer, so definitely use it as a tool in your negotiating.

pen101

Went to another Honda dealer yesterday (just happened to be driving by). $2000 markup (lowest I have seen). However, salesman was very quick to say that I can buy today without any markup. They had 5 Odysseys on the lot, salesman said they sold 3 last week and have 3 more coming before month end. This is yet another indication that the initial markups will be gone soon and buying below MSRP will be the norm.

mendota99

Riverside Honda has an ad for Odysseys 2005 with DVD:
 $25,988. Two at this price.

roca

I am not in any way connected to a dealership. I've been following this thread for sometime now and I just happened to see something on Ebay so I thought it might be helpful for me and for others to see some dealers' prices. I am also in a market for Odyssey but still waiting for the craziness to settle down before plunking my dolllars.

lakerat

This is hard to believe since the only trim levels that you can get DVD on are the EX-L and the touring model for 05 and to get that price the vans would be selling for approx $2000 UNDER invoice or more. This may have been a misprint or a comeon to get you in only to have them tell you that they had to order the van and then who knows when, if ever you would get your van. Another possibility is that they could tell you that the vans were slready sold but................. You know the old story

lakerat

I forgot to mention in my post #6291 that invoice for a 05 EX-L with DVD RES is $28472 and if the van is selling for $25988 that is $2484 below invoice. E ven with the $900 to $1000 holdback and the advertising fee from Honda to the dealer that would still be about a $I300 loss to the dealer.

majordad

This sounds like an ad for the '04 OD EX with DVD. I believe this was a package late in the year. I was offered one for $24K and some change a couple of months ago. As lakerat mentioned once your in the door, its going to be the old bait and switch, meaning the dealership will state it was a misprint. Not hardly, it was done purposely and it achieved their goal of getting you in the door.

ranger

Hello all: Was just quoted a price for a 2004 Ody LX, $22,605. Inventory on hand is 5, 2004 models and 3, 2005's. Whatcha think?

hpan

Not that good. You should be able to easily buy one for under $22K including destination, based on the fact that the dealers here in Northern California have sold it for under $21K including desitination.

hpan

I second you. 2004 Odyssey EX-DVD has been sold for under $24K including destination in Northern California.

muddyriverduck

This is probably a 2005 Odyssey LX with an aftermarket DVD player. You can pickup DVD players around here for about $250 installed so the dealer is still at sticker.

bluesailing

Hi hpan, at which dealership/city you can get the 24k for 2004 Odyssey EX-DVD? In bayarea, the 2004 ody seems all gone.

hifisoftware

Called around just a bit (2 dealers). It seems that higher end models are more popular and thus carry higher premium. One dealer told me that even over internet they charge over MSRP (3k in fact). At the floor they are asking 5k premium. Yeah right :-)

Called another (bigger) dealer and they said that they charge MSRP (and something that they never charge over MSRP, ever). Interesting to note that second dealer has had some Ody in stock for a while. Very strange why would anyone pay over MSRP when another dealer few dozen miles away is selling at MSRP... Go figure?

I felt like I was ok with MSRP. Recently I am thinking to wait another year or so. After initial surge of interest toward Ody I am liking Sienna more and more too.

hpan

You are right. I don't know which dealers still have 2004 Ody, but some of them have sold/offered it at the price I listed.