"it took me five months to sell it because it had a stick shift"
I have been looking for a used 5-speed Camry (or Accord) for longer than that, so it works both ways. I bet the person who did buy it snapped it right up.
FYI- Just bought an 05 Midnight Blue Pearl EX cloth in Schenectady, NY for $1000 under invoice. Take into account that I did trade in a Mitsubishi Sport but the dealer gave me a price higher than either Kelley or Edmunds "Excellent Condition" price for the trade-in. Take this info for what it is worth. By the way, the dealer did not have the van on the lot, it is coming from a dealer 3.5 hours away and we will pick up Mon evening.
Moo1 - I assume you mean $1000 under MSRP (sticker), not (dealer) invoice, right? So, probably something like $28510 sticker less $1000 equals $27510 (without any options).
I have heard of instances where a dealership will get a new batch of cars and upon unloading they can sometimes suffer damages. One particular instance, a new Acura rolled off the ramp--out of control and was banged up pretty good. It was sent to the body shop, repaired and then quickly whisked away in a dealer trade. Certain types of damage, as in this case, didn't have to be disclosed. So even in new purchases, especially those that involve dealership trades, always inspect the vehicle as best you can. I hoped you were able to work the "used" vehicle aspect into the final price.
I have been affiliated with a honda dealer a long time. You got lied to! These cars are referred to as port damage. You should have been disclosed the true facts. These are cars that dealers buy from Honda with previous repairs. Sometimes in excess of $10000.00. If your salesperson lied to you, you should hire a lawyer. Your car will always be a repaired car you paid for a new (non damaged) car. You should post the dealers name so people stay away from them. Bad dealers give good dealers a bad reputation. Most dealers won't touch these car.
I would suggest that you use a bit of caution in your postings. You don't know what happened here and neither do I. You are making some assumptions. I also have my ideas as to what may have happened but I'm prudent enough not to share them on a public forum.
The buyer definatly needs to go back to that dealer and consult with management for a full disclosure as to what happened.
PSUwife - I sent an email to you; hope you received it.
Lancaster is not too far from me and I may well be interested to go in with you to try to get some type of package deal, assuming my local dealers stand pat and don't budge off MSRP.
Let me know how you make out at the Lancaster dealer today. Thanks.
I just paid $1000 over invoice at Michael Hohl Honda Subaru in Carson City NV. For a 2005 EXL with RES. We had about $530 in junk fees ($299 doc, and $229 for some insurance on the tires, and windows) Even after adding in the crap fees we got a great deal. 2K under what Edmunds says other are paying. May be worth the drive, and the internet sales guy was great.
They had sent out an email stating the above - unconditionally, on any model '05 Ody. Any dealer still 'locked' on MSRP is in the 'Economy is doing great' school.
Open Road also stated that they will be willing to beat any other dealer's quote by $100. Good place to start, I guess.
We just purchased '05 EX-L for MSRP from Poway Honda in San Diego. We paid $200 extra for roof rack, mud guard and wheeel locks. We went through their internet department and set all prices before visiting the dealer. We had very good experience with them. No need to go to L.A county or Orange county. Here is break up $30,810.00 Selling price $200 accessory $45.00 Doc fee $254.00 DMV $5.00 State tire fee 7.75% TAX OTD price-$33,721.26
Bought an Odyssey EX-L w/DVD and NAV in Alexandria, VA tonight for MSRP. I got home after the purchase and had an internet quote for a similar vehicle from a dealer I tried to negotiate with earlier in the day. The internet quote is for $2000 less out the door. Can I return the vehicle I bought today and get the better deal or go back to the dealer I bought the van from and demand the same price? My husband hasn't signed the papers yet. I am supposed to bring the papers in on Monday. Thank you.
There's no cooling off period for buying cars. The people over in Any Questions for a Car Dealer? will tell you that if you've taken delivery of the van, it's yours. But since all the papers haven't been signed, who knows.
I have received quotes for $1,600/$1,500 off in Cincinnati and Cleveland on an EXL-R&N. It seems like many dealers are willing to go $39,900 or $34,000 on that model. I am going to Chicago tomorrow, but that is the best I have gotten there.
ecarmack, I'm in Cinci also and should be taking delivery this week on an EXL-R&N too. I put a refundable down payment of $1000 on an Ocean Mist 2005 that will be arriving this week. Where were you able to get the $1600 off MSRP in this area? Even though Performance Honda said they were selling at MSRP a month ago when I put my money down, I'm hoping to negotiate some $$$ off and/or some free add-ons.
For the one you were getting the quote on, was that one that was on the lot for a while? (i.e., since i'm getting a "rare" Ocean Mist do I have less negotiating room than going with one of the more prevalent colors?) Thanks!
I don't know if color is affecting price at this point, but I have heard the light/dark combo of the Silver Pearl with the gray interior may be in more demand.
I almost hate to say it, because I haven't finalized a deal with them, but I was working with Jeff Wyler Honda Colerain. They have a Desert Rock R&N in stock that came in a few days ago. Someone already put a hold on an incoming Silver Pearl. I decided I really didn't care for the Desert Rock, and I didn't want to try the ivory interior with three boys. Our current gray interior has held up pretty well.
The internet rep seems to be honest, and is very responsive. Originally, he was a little higher than another quote I had, but he matched it. There is a dealer in Toledo as well, that has said it is their policy to match other internet quotes, but I haven't pursued it with them yet.
I don't believe an Ocean Mist was on Wyler's upcoming build sheet, so if you really want that color, maybe you can use this as leverage with Performance.
I strongly suspect an error was made. Don't think there is any way that SAME Odyssey could be 2000.00 less. If you have taken delivery, the car is yours. It's also possible that second store was messing with you knowing you had already bought. Some stores will do that.
I think that if you have not signed the papers then you are "test driving". Both you and dealer can choose not to finalize the deal. I am surprised though that dealer allowed you to drive off like this?
When you go back you can try to find any excuse not to finalize the deal if you want to (car doesn't handle well enough, anything), and ask for a lower price. If they refuse then do not sign anything and bring car back.
take the car back, tell the dealership you are not interested because you have a quote 2K less. If they won't match it walk away. Often, dealership let potential owners try out a car for a day or two. If you haven't signed the papers exercise some muscle.
I hope your "rare" Ocean Mist gets to Performance as planned this week. We are suppose to look at it and decide if that is the color we want for the EX we negotiated a trade for today. We traded our '02 Ody EX with 43k for a difference of $11,200. My goal was $11k difference. I did feel that the 11K number was optimistic. We won't see exactly how it is written up until Wednesday. Funny our back-up choice is the Pearl color. I pretty got the deal I wanted so I am not disappointed in the least. We purchased the '02 from them. We had a '99 Ody LX that we got for MSRP from Superior in Springgrove back in the crazy days. When we traded the '99 in June '02, Performance beat Superior by $700. Hope things work out well for you on your deal.
I was working with Hendrick Honda's Internet Dept. on Rte 1 in Woodbridge. They didn't have the model that I wanted for the price I wanted to pay so I went to Sheehy Honda on Rte. 1 in Alexandria. I bought the '05 EX-L w/DVD & Nav for $34,610. When I got home later that night, I got an internet quote from Hendrick that said Retail price $35,610 and Special Internet Price $33,610. I was mistaken when I thought the difference was $2000 last night. It was only $1,000. However, that's still a lot of money.
I called the Sales Mgr this morning and told him what happened. He said he would talk to his General Mgr on Mon and call me back. My husband was not with me during the purchase. He has not signed the papers as he was out of town.
I'll see what happens tomorrow morning. We haven't fully ratified the contract at this point.
Hi. Just wanted to drop a line that I purchased a Touring model without the Navi and RES for 2k below MSRP. It was an absolute hassle every step of the way. First they wanted to charge me 3k over MSRP for a "market adjustment" bringing the total to over 37k! I told them that was a joke and that if the car was that "hot" I would either wait 4 months or go to the Toyota dealership across the street. So, then they started with MSRP.
I had the Edmunds info on invoice (which I hope is correct) and I offered invoice plus the stupid dealer fee of 499. They balked and I got up to walk out the door. They wanted to charge me a 675 dollar "environmental" fee for some sort of protective coating on the paint. Do not get stuck with this fee, its all fluff. Anyways, after getting up to leave 3 times (packing up all the baby's stuff), they came within 100 dollars of my top number and I could live with that. They played with my trade number, which was in good shape and basically, I walked out the door with a final price of 32.5k (that includes the 515 fee for "destination").
I have never bought from Honda before. My guess is you absolutely have to stick to your guns, don't be rude and make a fair offer (this is a business after all). Be prepared to walk out the door (and actually mean it). I realize I'm not saying anything new here, but I'm used to GM's fixed price for family employees.
Honda will try to "work" you with at least 3 different people who all tell you they are your friend and its you + him against the manager. Its all B.S. I had the salesman begging me with lines like: "help me out..." "come on, what can you do...." "please, I can't go back to the manager with that number...." I actually spent two hours at my number, never budging. They will sell, they just want you to think they can get it the next day at MSRP. I'm in Orlando, so maybe its different somewhere else.
Oh, BTW: its silver with grey leather interior, so I don't know if that is a more or less desireable color combination.
baileybrad, I had a call from the internet sales person from Performance on Fri saying that my car will be delivered by tomorrow (Tues), and even possibly today. We will most likely pick it up after work tomorrow, so that might give you an idea of in-dealership time to see it. If you are unable to see if before I pick it up, I'd be happy to try to arrange a time for you to see it. You can get my contact info from the internet manager, and I live in West Chester.
Thanks to you and ecarmack for the Cinci-based info. Good luck with your own purchases!
They stated in their email that the deal is open for this weekend (15th, 16th, 18th). I still have it in my inbox. It also says "Bring in this email".
Well, if it is a gimmick just to lure people into the showroom and then sock them with junk fees as you say, then I am staying away. Which dealership has the best deal on the Ody in your opinion, sachmo? I presume you are local to the NJ/NY/PA area?
Marc, Thanks for your posting and all the details that came with it. I agree that the price of the Ody is starting to come down. However, before we all get too excited about your $2k below MSRP deal, please let us know more details about your trade-in since that could have altered the price of the Ody or at least your perception of what you got it for. Also, please lte us know either the State or preferrably the dealer name.
That is a valid point. The trade was within the range of kbb and edmunds for used cars with the condition it was in. The trade was in excellent condition as I always keep up with my vehicles and it had average miles for its age.
I was told by the dealership that because the vehicle was in good/excellent condition that it would be put on their lot and not go to auction, but I could care less, because the appraisal was within its correct range (IMO). Of course, this is all subjective and perhaps kbb and edmunds are way off, but that is the research I had with me, so thats what I was gunning for. 6 hours later, I had a number I could work with.
Personally, I don't think the base model Tourings are selling well. I think the "hot" model is the EX-L with NAV/RES and that is the model they won't budge too much on. The dealership let it slip (maybe - they are masters at negotiating - maybe it wasn't a slip) that the van I was interested in was on the lot since their first allocation. I did not want the NAV and the DVD is pre-wired, so I can add that later through Honda or after-market. I needed the adjustable pedals because I am tall and my wife is not tall. I am taking a gamble on the PAX tires and some people, I think, feel that the better deal is not with the Touring. Anyways, just a thought.
It does not really matter whether it's even off by a little based on your trade in. You got a terrific deal ... congratulations and enjoy a great minivan !!! You have shown that if you are patient and stand your ground, the chances are that you will get a much better price.
It was limited to cars in stock, and there were 3, all gone by saturday am. I asked "what about the 1000 on orders, they said MSRP-500, I drilled down and they came up with the other "dealer fees".
I never set foot in the dealership. But I did google groups lookoup on them and they have some complaints. Frankly I don't care, since you can buy the car at any dealer, service and/or accessories any other dealers. In fact I plan to get all the add on accessories plus the hondacare ext warranty online via other dealers.
Off the cuff I've heard from customers that the Bridgewater dealer is a rip off and shady on services, Clinton is fine but doesn't bargain. The guy at VIP honda sounds reasonable and will work on getting a car but firm on MSRP.
Lehigh Valley is pretty stereotypical car dealer at MSRP. (let me talk to my manager 100x) other dealers won't trade cars with them for some reason. (hmm...)
I've been working with a decent guy at Phillipsburg, and I've heard good service stories from them. I plan to give them first refusal on any deal I get. But, the guy says "there is no negotiation on price, its MSRP" over and over.
Of course to avoid libel, I'm simply repeating what I've experienced or what my friends directly told me from their experience.
So, my plan is to offer first refusal to Phillipsburg on a real-total MSRP-500 deal, and if he refuses, drive 100 miles west to a very nice dealer who will do it without begging.
Funny, I bought my volvo via email from a dealer in London UK for $6000 under MSRP. (300 above invoice). I wired the money, picked the custom built car from the Newark docks, USA warranty, zero hassle, zero attitude, excellent car for 210K miles. Too bad I need a minivan.
Thanks for the info about your delivery. We just need to see the actual color before placing the final order. I live in Fairfield about 2 miles from the dealership. I really looked at the Sienna, doing all of the education about the packages, etc. Two of the dealerships (Joseph Toyota and Kings Toyota) were really dealing with us...Kings was offering 3% over dealer invoice right from the start. But in the end, I couldn't justify walking away from the Honda after the excellent experiences that we have had with our 2 previous vans. Spouse says I can't trade this one for at least 7 years.
Price(before TTL and trade-in): Offered 33100 Include Accessory: Mug Guard Nose Mask Moonroof Visor Cargo Net
Thanks for the great help from everyone at the forum. Way to go, Edmunds.
I highly recommend the dealer to the friends in Seattle area looking for odyssey. I have a wonderful time here in negotiating the deal. The internet sale group team are very courteous and nice to work with.
I am about to put a deposit down on a touring with NAV/DVD which the dealer says will be made in December in the precisely color combination that we want.
The best I have gotten is MSRP. I am a Chicago suburb by the way and will be paying cash without a trade in.
1. Can I do better than MSRP? I have bought pretty sought-after cars before (SL600, M5 and others) I have never paid MSRP. Kids, kids, they cost you money in many different ways.
2. How does one handle a "deposit"? Is it advisable for me finalize the contract before putting down the deposit on the car? Or is it generally a refundable fee for holding my place?
Try McGrath Honda in Elgin. The internet sales manager was willing to offer $1000 off MSRP on a EXL NAV/DVD but later added a protection package (splash guard, cargo tray and wheel lock) for $240. I think it is not a bad deal.
I think you can do a lot better than MSRP. Right off the bat, Carr Honda in the chicago area is offering $1000 off MSRP. If you are willing to drive some distance or have the car shipped check out Fletcher Honda in Jonesboro, Arkansas and Swenson Honda in Oklahoma. These two folks have offered between $500-1000 over INVOICE (not MSRP). It appears smaller dealers are more willing to offer a better deal than the big guys at this time. There are over two dozen Honda dealers in and around the Windy city, so by calling or emailing them you would land a better deal closer to home.
To answer your second question, my understanding is that the deposit IS refundable as long as you cancel the order BEFORE the car is made to your specifications by Honda. You might want to confirm this with the dealer. If I were you I would put the deposit down before the contract is written up as the contract could be more binding on your part than the dealer.
I bought a navy blue/gray Touring NAV/RES for $500 below MSRP ($38,310) from Honda of Nanuet (New York). Go through their Internet department (link on their website)
The van is AMAZING. It has just about everything you could want in a car. It drives great. Navigation system is very accurate. Kids love the DVD player as do I (keeps them quiet!)
Sachmo, Thanks for the detailed response. I agree with your comments / experiences. Mine has been pretty similar. Clinton will come down to 500 below MSRP, but I didn't like their fees (of course, they are not as ridiculous as Rt 22 Honda).
P'burg Honda is still stiff and refuses to come down from MSRP, even after presenting other dealer quotes (this was three weeks ago - a lot of dealers have started to come down since then and I went into hibernation because of dealer attitudes).
I would recommend that you try Nanuet Honda in NY (not far from Paramus). They were very upfront with all their fees ($45 doc fees!!!) and I liked their internet sales style (no push). They had a 500 below MSRP deal right from day 1 (Sep 22nd) and on top of that, you can get upto $300 in dealer installed accessories. Combined with the low junk fees, my vote is for them. Try out their email quote system from their website, and see if you like them.
Keep me posted on what you see in the NY/NJ/PA area.
Comments
I am just outside Phila, near Plym Mtg, and dealers around here are (so far) locked in (together) at MSRP.
Thanks.
I have been looking for a used 5-speed Camry (or Accord) for longer than that, so it works both ways. I bet the person who did buy it snapped it right up.
One particular instance, a new Acura rolled off the ramp--out of control and was banged up pretty good. It was sent to the body shop, repaired and then quickly whisked away in a dealer trade. Certain types of damage, as in this case, didn't have to be disclosed.
So even in new purchases, especially those that involve dealership trades, always inspect the vehicle as best you can.
I hoped you were able to work the "used" vehicle aspect into the final price.
Thanks.
The buyer definatly needs to go back to that dealer and consult with management for a full disclosure as to what happened.
Something is definatly fishy.
Lancaster is not too far from me and I may well be interested to go in with you to try to get some type of package deal, assuming my local dealers stand pat and don't budge off MSRP.
Let me know how you make out at the Lancaster dealer today. Thanks.
The H.B. store is an absolute pain. Too bad, since we live only a mile from the store.
Karen
Open Road also stated that they will be willing to beat any other dealer's quote by $100. Good place to start, I guess.
Here is break up
$30,810.00 Selling price
$200 accessory
$45.00 Doc fee
$254.00 DMV
$5.00 State tire fee
7.75% TAX
OTD price-$33,721.26
Steve, Host
I'm in Cinci also and should be taking delivery this week on an EXL-R&N too. I put a refundable down payment of $1000 on an Ocean Mist 2005 that will be arriving this week. Where were you able to get the $1600 off MSRP in this area? Even though Performance Honda said they were selling at MSRP a month ago when I put my money down, I'm hoping to negotiate some $$$ off and/or some free add-ons.
For the one you were getting the quote on, was that one that was on the lot for a while? (i.e., since i'm getting a "rare" Ocean Mist do I have less negotiating room than going with one of the more prevalent colors?) Thanks!
I don't know if color is affecting price at this point, but I have heard the light/dark combo of the Silver Pearl with the gray interior may be in more demand.
I almost hate to say it, because I haven't finalized a deal with them, but I was working with Jeff Wyler Honda Colerain. They have a Desert Rock R&N in stock that came in a few days ago. Someone already put a hold on an incoming Silver Pearl. I decided I really didn't care for the Desert Rock, and I didn't want to try the ivory interior with three boys. Our current gray interior has held up pretty well.
The internet rep seems to be honest, and is very responsive. Originally, he was a little higher than another quote I had, but he matched it. There is a dealer in Toledo as well, that has said it is their policy to match other internet quotes, but I haven't pursued it with them yet.
I don't believe an Ocean Mist was on Wyler's upcoming build sheet, so if you really want that color, maybe you can use this as leverage with Performance.
We're in Arlington and were wondering what dealer here would have given you $2000 lower.
Thanks
When you go back you can try to find any excuse not to finalize the deal if you want to (car doesn't handle well enough, anything), and ask for a lower price. If they refuse then do not sign anything and bring car back.
I called the Sales Mgr this morning and told him what happened. He said he would talk to his General Mgr on Mon and call me back. My husband was not with me during the purchase. He has not signed the papers as he was out of town.
I'll see what happens tomorrow morning. We haven't fully ratified the contract at this point.
I had the Edmunds info on invoice (which I hope is correct) and I offered invoice plus the stupid dealer fee of 499. They balked and I got up to walk out the door. They wanted to charge me a 675 dollar "environmental" fee for some sort of protective coating on the paint. Do not get stuck with this fee, its all fluff. Anyways, after getting up to leave 3 times (packing up all the baby's stuff), they came within 100 dollars of my top number and I could live with that. They played with my trade number, which was in good shape and basically, I walked out the door with a final price of 32.5k (that includes the 515 fee for "destination").
I have never bought from Honda before. My guess is you absolutely have to stick to your guns, don't be rude and make a fair offer (this is a business after all). Be prepared to walk out the door (and actually mean it). I realize I'm not saying anything new here, but I'm used to GM's fixed price for family employees.
Honda will try to "work" you with at least 3 different people who all tell you they are your friend and its you + him against the manager. Its all B.S. I had the salesman begging me with lines like: "help me out..." "come on, what can you do...." "please, I can't go back to the manager with that number...." I actually spent two hours at my number, never budging. They will sell, they just want you to think they can get it the next day at MSRP. I'm in Orlando, so maybe its different somewhere else.
Oh, BTW: its silver with grey leather interior, so I don't know if that is a more or less desireable color combination.
now its $500 under msrp + about $300 in
garbage fees (ie: 200 under msrp).
I had a call from the internet sales person from Performance on Fri saying that my car will be delivered by tomorrow (Tues), and even possibly today. We will most likely pick it up after work tomorrow, so that might give you an idea of in-dealership time to see it. If you are unable to see if before I pick it up, I'd be happy to try to arrange a time for you to see it. You can get my contact info from the internet manager, and I live in West Chester.
Thanks to you and ecarmack for the Cinci-based info. Good luck with your own purchases!
Well, if it is a gimmick just to lure people into the showroom and then sock them with junk fees as you say, then I am staying away. Which dealership has the best deal on the Ody in your opinion, sachmo? I presume you are local to the NJ/NY/PA area?
Thanks for your posting and all the details that came with it. I agree that the price of the Ody is starting to come down. However, before we all get too excited about your $2k below MSRP deal, please let us know more details about your trade-in since that could have altered the price of the Ody or at least your perception of what you got it for. Also, please lte us know either the State or preferrably the dealer name.
I was told by the dealership that because the vehicle was in good/excellent condition that it would be put on their lot and not go to auction, but I could care less, because the appraisal was within its correct range (IMO). Of course, this is all subjective and perhaps kbb and edmunds are way off, but that is the research I had with me, so thats what I was gunning for. 6 hours later, I had a number I could work with.
Personally, I don't think the base model Tourings are selling well. I think the "hot" model is the EX-L with NAV/RES and that is the model they won't budge too much on. The dealership let it slip (maybe - they are masters at negotiating - maybe it wasn't a slip) that the van I was interested in was on the lot since their first allocation. I did not want the NAV and the DVD is pre-wired, so I can add that later through Honda or after-market. I needed the adjustable pedals because I am tall and my wife is not tall. I am taking a gamble on the PAX tires and some people, I think, feel that the better deal is not with the Touring. Anyways, just a thought.
Thanks for the post, who is the dealer in Orlando
Thanks
I never set foot in the dealership. But I did google groups lookoup on them and they have some
complaints. Frankly I don't care, since you can buy the car at any dealer, service and/or accessories any other dealers. In fact I plan to get all the add on accessories plus the hondacare ext warranty online via other dealers.
Off the cuff I've heard from customers that the Bridgewater dealer is a rip off and shady on services, Clinton is fine but doesn't bargain.
The guy at VIP honda sounds reasonable and will work on getting a car but firm on MSRP.
Lehigh Valley is pretty stereotypical car dealer
at MSRP.
(let me talk to my manager 100x) other dealers won't trade cars with them for some reason.
(hmm...)
I've been working with a decent guy at Phillipsburg, and I've heard good service stories from them. I plan to give them first refusal on any deal I get. But, the guy says "there is no negotiation on price, its MSRP" over and over.
Of course to avoid libel, I'm simply repeating what I've experienced or what my friends directly
told me from their experience.
So, my plan is to offer first refusal to Phillipsburg on a real-total MSRP-500 deal,
and if he refuses, drive 100 miles west to a
very nice dealer who will do it without begging.
Funny, I bought my volvo via email from a dealer
in London UK for $6000 under MSRP. (300 above invoice). I wired the money, picked the custom
built car from the Newark docks, USA warranty,
zero hassle, zero attitude, excellent car for 210K miles.
Too bad I need a minivan.
-p
Just bought Odyssey EXL + RES at Renton Honda.
Price(before TTL and trade-in): Offered 33100
Include Accessory:
Mug Guard
Nose Mask
Moonroof Visor
Cargo Net
Thanks for the great help from everyone at the forum. Way to go, Edmunds.
I highly recommend the dealer to the friends in Seattle area looking for odyssey. I have a wonderful time here in negotiating the deal. The internet sale group team are very courteous and nice to work with.
The best I have gotten is MSRP. I am a Chicago suburb by the way and will be paying cash without a trade in.
1. Can I do better than MSRP? I have bought pretty sought-after cars before (SL600, M5 and others) I have never paid MSRP. Kids, kids, they cost you money in many different ways.
2. How does one handle a "deposit"? Is it advisable for me finalize the contract before putting down the deposit on the car? Or is it generally a refundable fee for holding my place?
Thanks.
I think you can do a lot better than MSRP. Right off the bat, Carr Honda in the chicago area is offering $1000 off MSRP. If you are willing to drive some distance or have the car shipped check out Fletcher Honda in Jonesboro, Arkansas and Swenson Honda in Oklahoma. These two folks have offered between $500-1000 over INVOICE (not MSRP). It appears smaller dealers are more willing to offer a better deal than the big guys at this time. There are over two dozen Honda dealers in and around the Windy city, so by calling or emailing them you would land a better deal closer to home.
To answer your second question, my understanding is that the deposit IS refundable as long as you cancel the order BEFORE the car is made to your specifications by Honda. You might want to confirm this with the dealer. If I were you I would put the deposit down before the contract is written up as the contract could be more binding on your part than the dealer.
Good luck!
on a EX-L DVD RES + NAV. Suddenly my local
"no negotiating MSRP" dealers are swarming to
meet the price.
I think the MSRP mantra is fading now that
there are lots of cars in the pipe.
I plan to use the NYC dealer out of principal,
plus he claims to be able to deliver in 4 days.
If he can't I have the locals.
The van is AMAZING. It has just about everything you could want in a car. It drives great. Navigation system is very accurate. Kids love the DVD player as do I (keeps them quiet!)
Thanks for the detailed response. I agree with your comments / experiences. Mine has been pretty similar. Clinton will come down to 500 below MSRP, but I didn't like their fees (of course, they are not as ridiculous as Rt 22 Honda).
P'burg Honda is still stiff and refuses to come down from MSRP, even after presenting other dealer quotes (this was three weeks ago - a lot of dealers have started to come down since then and I went into hibernation because of dealer attitudes).
I would recommend that you try Nanuet Honda in NY (not far from Paramus). They were very upfront with all their fees ($45 doc fees!!!) and I liked their internet sales style (no push). They had a 500 below MSRP deal right from day 1 (Sep 22nd) and on top of that, you can get upto $300 in dealer installed accessories. Combined with the low junk fees, my vote is for them. Try out their email quote system from their website, and see if you like them.
Keep me posted on what you see in the NY/NJ/PA area.
I am in Portland - Oregon area.
Is that a good deal?
I see that more than 1 dealers are willing to sell at that price.
Is there a trend in price going down?
I dont want to see that in 2 months price is close to Invoice. Should I wait rather?
Please suggest.
I have no previous experience with this.
Could you please tell how useful it is?
Will they offer the same price for no trade-in?
Along with all the options that are getting in that price, it is like $2000.00 below MSRP. I have not seen that here in Portland, Oregon.
If I can get the same deal without trade in - I will contact them.