I am willing to wait up to 3 months. But I want a deal that is below or at MSRP. I live in the seattle WA region.
Could I get a good deal with all these options? Don't want to install options myself. should I assume that MSRP is a win-win situation with the dealer? Also which dealer is the most reasonable in the Seattle/Tacoma/olympia area.
I think using the term OTD causes confusion. It is usually better to break it down into model, selling price, dealer fees and any accessory costs. Taxes vary and those can be left out.
That said, all my research went toward an EX-L with RES/NAVI, so I couldn't say whether you got a good price on an EX. I know in Colorado I found dealer fees to be $299 on an Ody, with a $29.50 "filing fee."
H&A has the genuine accessories for the following prices:
Cargo Organizer: $42 (Honda retail $59)
Cargo Mat: $72 (Honda retail $98)
Cargo Tray: $82 (Honda retail $109)
Cargo Board: $238 (Honda retail $298)
I ended up getting my accessories from them - especially when the dealer wanted to charge me $50 to "install" the Cargo Mat and Tray Uh, excuse me "install fee" for putting down a floor mat? I installed in less than 15 seconds as I recall.
The mat and tray are worth it. I'm very glad I have them.
I have the cargo tray and mat, as well as the all-season floor mats. But I had the dealer throw them in for $100 total (along with leather steering wheel cover), including installation.
We have the ivory interior so the all-season mats are very handy (though I wish they came in ivory instead of only black). The tray allows you to put the third row seat down without removing thetray, though I have found it does "pinch" the tray underneath. Don't know if this might be a long-term wear issue. The mat is a mat. No biggie there.
"2. Cargo Mat $99 - A Rubber Mat with the Ody logo on it.
3. Cargo Tray $109 - Came as Cargo Mat but with a lip on it (from what I can tell)"
Cargo tray serves different purpose from the Cargo Mat. The former is for the protecting the storage in the well behind the 3rd row of seats when it's up (although you don't have to take it out to fold the 3rd row).
The Cargo Mat is for protecting the surface when the 3rd row is folded into the well.
Thanks to those who replied to my deposit question. I have worked it out with the dealer. Even though I do not have the acutal contract or PO, I have an email from him confirming that if the Odyssey EXL is not delivered by 1/28 at the agreed upon price, we will be getting the $500 deposit back. Now I feel more comfortable giving him the CC deposit. The car is suppose to arrive at the dealership next Monday. Hope everything will go smoothly and I will post the details of the deal after we got the car.
Is it ethical for you to be promoting a sponsor? Just wondering, as so many posts here are warned by you hosts and staff members about solicitation. What's good for the goose.....
I don't believe ethics has anything to do with this question, heywood. However, this site's membership agreement does prohibit members from using such a link.
While I personally find such a rule patently ridiculous, it should have applicability across the board IMHO.
They are a paid sponsor and you will note that the Membership Agreement clearly states that you cannot solicit without the express consent of the site. We have folks like Connor from The Tire Rack who we have invited....so no, I wasn't breaking the rules.
"...they certainly have changed the shopping experience at Hillside Honda. I had a great experience there. I picked up my Odyssey EXL RES/NAV and I couldn't be happier."
How much did you pay for your van, and when did you buy it?
Could you email me (address in my profile) with the name of your sales person?
I tried almost every dealer in Puget Sound area. None of them is willing to go lower than $500 under MSRP let alone invoice price. I am searching for regional best deal and willing to buy a one way ticket and drive it home. It is much pricier here in Seattle/Tacoma/Olympia area. Good luck.
Thanks for letting me know your experience. I haven't sent bids out yet. A previous email in dec suggested going to moses lake WA or Pocatello Id for the best deal. Obviously Pocatello is almost 800 miles away and doesn't seem too practical.
I wonder if future higher interest rates will cause demand to drop and thus provide more supply?
Thanks for this forum. After many days of research, I finally bought the Odyssey EXL today for $27,500 + $89 dealer fee + $58.50 Title + 5.1% Tax. That's $48 under invoice. This is a best I have seen.
I recently bought a touring in NJ. Is anybody having trouble with the compass not working? My wife brought it back to the dealer and they told her that the odyssey is as new to them as it is to her. They spent ~ 45 minutes reading the owners manual trying to get it right...been there done that! We they never fixed it. Where the compass is supposed to be, I just have "--". It annoys the hell out of me!
As for Mileage I am getting nowhere near the 20-28mpg as advertised. I am not even getting 20 on highway!
At the end of November I ordered the following car, putting down a deposit. I paid MSRP. The way the deal was negotiated was on my trade in. My trade in had an Edmunds fair market value for trade in of about $15,000. I got them to give me $17,000. At other dealerships I'd been offered as little as $13,000 (It was a black BMW 1999, 328I, standard tranny, with Premium package and every option, 55k miles.)
I think I got a reasonable deal and they made a reasonable profit. Because it took so long, they threw in the splashguards, wheel locks, and aftermarket mats without my asking.
About a week before pickup, I went over financing with the salesguy and he quoted me 4% as the best interest rate. The day before pickup he confirmed that rate with me.
When I met with the F&I lady I was told the rate was 5.9%. I asked about the discrepancy and the salesman came in and apologized that he had misquoted me a rate that was not available through his own fault.
Maybe I'm a sucker, but I beleived him and accepted it. It does leave a bad taste in my mouth for what was an otherwise satisfactory buying experience.
Is 5.9% in fact the best rate offered by Honda on their Oddysey? Should I have tried to make them stand by their original quote?
The question is not just whether you should have made them stand by their original rate quote of 4% but whether the 5.9% rate was the best rate available to you, whether from American Honda Finance or otherwise. Rates have changed somewhat since you originally made the deal and the best current rates I've seen are all over 4%.
Personally, whenever a dealer pulls any funny stuff I head on down the road.
My touring has black leather seats but the other day while vacuming the van I noticed that the back of the seats have dark grey leather. Has anyone else encountered this? It seems like a mistake to me to have half
What if I ordered the Odyssey? I wanted them to build. I could wait until my honda was built and delivered. I assume if you order a specific honda, they will build it for you? will they? What sort of best deal can I get in the Seattle area? for a fully loaded honda EX, I wouild be willing to buy buy in seattle if the dealers will be reasonable. if not i will buy out of town
Model: 2005 Odyssey
Trim Level: EX Automatic Transmission with Leather, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ and DVD Rear Enter
David McDavid was great to work with I had been dealing with another dealership. They were not been good to work with. I was told that my vehicle had been ordered and come to find out after almost 2 months they had not ordered it. I purchased an EXL with navigation and RES for $31,963 + ttl (1000.00) over invoice. I could find no other dealerships in houston that would go more than 1,000.00 off MSRP. Smooth transaction no hassles. I have purchased a few new vehicles and this was by far the best place to deal with.
Be firm but not rude when dealing with the salesman. I told him he had 10 mins to give me an answer, there was not need to waste my time and his. I told him if they could not meet that offer I was not willing to negotiate. I was not expecting them to accept it but was pleased when they did.
Looking to buy odyssesy 2005. Has anyone bought Odyssey from maryland, dc, virginia area dealership and how much anyone paid for it ? Any good price dealers ? Any tips ?
Bought EXL for $28500 + TT&L in Dallas with tinted front windows, pinstripe and VIN etching (things that I can do without), not the best among dealers in the area, but nobody has my color, Slate Green with Gray interior. Got offer earlier from an out of town dealer for $500 over invoice and have one driven in from Louisiana, some 200 miles away, then have to drive home for 100 miles, not a good idea for not-broken-in engine IMHO. Could have waited but in-laws are coming.
The small out of town dealers probably aren't going to do anything for you since they get such few Odysseys. Dealers can't "order" a specific Odyssey. They are allocated to dealers based on the dealer's volume. The largest volume dealer in Washington is lucky to get 30 Odysseys a month!
The small dealers you mentioned may get six!
The model you want is BY FAR, the hardest one to get right now. You have made even more difficult by zeroing in on one color!
So, I hope you can now see, just how slim your chances of even FINDING the specific Odyssey you are looking for much less expecting a deep discount on one. Almost all incoming Odysseys are pre-sold before they hit the lots.
It's very frustrating for buyers and sellers alike!
On a positive note, I learned last week that Honda has recognized the sharply increased demand for the NAVI-DVD models and will be increasing the production of those models.
But for now, the pipeline is pretty dry.
The more flexible you are on color the greater your chances of finding one. That Ocean Blue hasn't been all that popular so dealers aren't apt to order many if any at all.
You may have confused seattleman, because you sure confused me. In your first paragraph, you state, 'Dealers can't "order" a specific Odyssey.' Then your last paragraph declares that 'Ocean Blue hasn't been all that popular, so dealers aren't apt to order many..'
Could you please clarify? You seem to be contradicting yourself.
(Maybe someone else should ask this questions, since Isell 'uses the scroll wheel' for most of my posts....)
Although it was tempting. I see your point this time so mark your calendar.
Here's how it works...
A dealer finds out he can order say, 20 Odysseys for delivery in two months.
Based on what's selling the best, he carefully places an order by model and color. He may order ONE LX as an example because they don't sell nearly as well as the other models. Since he's only ordering one he will more than likely ask for the most popular color...silver.
Maybe, out of the 20 Odysseys, he will order six NAVI-DVD's and Honda will change that number to four. He will pick what he thinks are the four most popular colors.
Like I said, it's frustrating to have eager customers and little product.
Thanks for gracing me with an answer. I understand the allocation process, but many buyers do not. 'Order' was probably not the most accurate word to use--even though you used it again in your explanation. Now, if only you'd answer the tougher questions that 'put you on the spot,' rather than ignoring them......
Thanks for your reply. I guess I misunderstood the salesman at a one dealership. He suggested I order what I wanted. I must of misunderstood him or he mis lead me that you can order a specific honda with specific features and a wait a couple of months to get it.
I was able to do this with my 1993 plymouth grand voyager back in 1993.
Thanks Isellhondas and cccompson for helping me understand the process. Admittedly, I am ignorant of the process. I'm glad I can have the dealer install options such as the Back-Up Sensors [even though the navigation system has a backup camera. However at nightime I am not sure how good it would be- so the backup sensors seem like a great second method to help assist in parking between cars in a tight fit.]
I have a couple of questions:
Obviously, the Honda I'm interested in is close to the top of the line with lots of additional options [I realize the touring is top of the line and NOT EXL with nav/dvd] . In addition I would probably be interested in the extended service warranty. At my calculation, the MSRP cost of this Ody would be close to $40,000.
I would think I could negotiate a better deal with a fully loaded Ody than a basic model. Since there is a lot more profit for the dealer than a basic model. Why wouldn't they want to bend over backwards to get my business with that much extra profit? Unless they have enough other people falling over themselves to buy at any price.
I realize the dealer would need to make a profit so it would need to be a win/win situation. The basic question that haunts me is what is a "fair" profit for the dealer.
Also, I am wondering if I should wait until the first 2005 Ody initial defects are solved. Obviously, every new model has some defects which are corrected in subsequent orders.
Of course, a dealer makes a profit on the accessories and the shop get's paid to install them. As a result, they may be willing to take a skinnier deal on the Odyssey itself.
As far as a "fair" profit. My personal suggestion would be not to be haunted by this. Instead, I would focus on the VALUE of the car to you. The price either represents a good value for the dollars paid or it does not. You will soon forget what you paid anyway. Good Luck!
Again, this is not the place to discuss how much dealer profit is enough. Please visit our Smart Shopper discussion board to have this conversation.
kirstie_h
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"I like your style". I did the same thing, and bought my touring at invoice. Then eventually got it down to $28,133 due to the dealers mistake on the contract.
The vehicle sales business is very competitive, and word-of-mouth can be a dealerships best form of advertising. So, by posting the names of dealerships that gave you a great price and a hassle-free sales experience, you are doing that dealership a favor! Please ask for this information in the forums rather than via e-mail, so that everyone can benefit.
Besides, we exist so members can exchange information on the boards. We don't intend to become a clearinghouse for e-mail exchange, and posting your address publicly can expose you to a lot of spam.
kirstie_h
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Although some could tenably accuse you of making a self-serving statement (since you're a salesman) in stating: "...focus on the VALUE [and not what is fair profit]" for the dealer, I agree with your forecast that we'll all (hopefully) forget what we paid for the vehicle anyhow.
Posters who drove home a great deal through tough negotiating, resolve and/or great consumer research, may--after all--end up unhappy with their Odysseys. I hope not, but that may be so. And in the end, unsophisticated folks like me who "give" the dealership $500 over invoice (or more) probably won't care that, at some point, someone halfway across the country stalked the product or pounced on a desperate out-of-state dealership to secure an Odyssey at invoice (or less). We 'invoice + 500+' buyers shouldn't lose sleep so long as, months from now, we can each simply say: "I love my Odyssey."
But then again, that ain't no fun. Let the quests for the BEST DEALS continue!!! Happy Hunting to All!
One of the fundamentals preached about new car buying is to deal from invoice up rather than MSRP down. One reason for doing so is to avoid the thing you described - the higher profit margin (in absolute dollars) built in to a higher MSRP.
Unfortunately, it does not really apply given the model you seek - the EX-L R&N might be the most in demand Odyssey model right now, at least in most markets.
What I would suggest is to negotiate the lowest price you can on one. Then start adding the options to it. Do some research first to calculate their cost. Use them as a lever on the transaction. Let's say the dealer wants $2000 extra for all of items you want. You know his cost for these items is, say, $1200. You want him to sell them for as close to his cost as you can. He's already making his profit on the vehicle and may treat a reduced profit on the accessories as simply the cost of closing the transaction.
It appears Honda has already caught some of the intitial problems. Others may surface. I know from personal experience that Honda (unlike some other manufacturers) does stand behind its products. If you need to buy now and want the Odyssey I would not let it being the first year of production stand in the way.
Being a salesperson doesn't change the way I feel., but. that's me and I know we are all different.
When I buy something...anything...I don't care one twit what the store selling it paid for it. Makes no difference. If I think it's a good value for the money then I'm happy.
Others agonize after they buy something because they fear someone else just may have paid less.
I'm still a little confused by your explanation. I know firsthand that Ford and BMW both let a customer walk in and order the exact car they want (color, package, etc). The car gets built by the factory, shipped to the dealer 2 months later, and the customer pays and picks it up. In the case of BMW, you can even go to South Carolina and pick it up from the factory. Maybe the customer puts a deposit down, maybe not. Are you saying that Honda does not work this way? I can understand that they don't for hard to find Odysseys, but what about other plentiful models?
Comments
Model: 2005 Odyssey
Trim Level: EX Automatic Transmission with Leather, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ and DVD Rear Enter
Exterior Color: Ocean Mist Metallic
Interior Color: Gray Leather
Accessories: Fenderwell Trim, 3rd Row Sunshade, Cargo Board, Cross Bars, All-Season Floor Mats, Fog Lights, Back-Up Sensors, BACK-UP SENSOR ATTACH, Table Leg Kit, Moonroof Visor
I am willing to wait up to 3 months. But I want a deal that is below or at MSRP. I live in the seattle WA region.
Could I get a good deal with all these options? Don't want to install options myself. should I assume that MSRP is a win-win situation with the dealer? Also which dealer is the most reasonable in the Seattle/Tacoma/olympia area.
That said, all my research went toward an EX-L with RES/NAVI, so I couldn't say whether you got a good price on an EX. I know in Colorado I found dealer fees to be $299 on an Ody, with a $29.50 "filing fee."
Am looking at the cargo options on the Ody
1. Cargo Organizer $59 - Looks like a glorified cloth box with tie down straps.
2. Cargo Mat $99 - A Rubber Mat with the Ody logo on it.
3. Cargo Tray $109 - Came as Cargo Mat but with a lip on it (from what I can tell)
4. Cargo Board $298 (!) - Plastic lid in two sections to cover storage area.
Are any of these worth the price? $99 for a rubber mat seems like a lot. The cargo tray with the lip to prevent spills looks ok but $109???
What is the opinion of those who have seen these items?
H&A has the genuine accessories for the following prices:
Cargo Organizer: $42 (Honda retail $59)
Cargo Mat: $72 (Honda retail $98)
Cargo Tray: $82 (Honda retail $109)
Cargo Board: $238 (Honda retail $298)
I ended up getting my accessories from them - especially when the dealer wanted to charge me $50 to "install" the Cargo Mat and Tray Uh, excuse me "install fee" for putting down a floor mat? I installed in less than 15 seconds as I recall.
The mat and tray are worth it. I'm very glad I have them.
We have the ivory interior so the all-season mats are very handy (though I wish they came in ivory instead of only black). The tray allows you to put the third row seat down without removing thetray, though I have found it does "pinch" the tray underneath. Don't know if this might be a long-term wear issue. The mat is a mat. No biggie there.
3. Cargo Tray $109 - Came as Cargo Mat but with a lip on it (from what I can tell)"
Cargo tray serves different purpose from the Cargo Mat. The former is for the protecting the storage in the well behind the 3rd row of seats when it's up (although you don't have to take it out to fold the 3rd row).
The Cargo Mat is for protecting the surface when the 3rd row is folded into the well.
While I personally find such a rule patently ridiculous, it should have applicability across the board IMHO.
Now, back to the discussion. :-)
How much did you pay for your van, and when did you buy it?
Could you email me (address in my profile) with the name of your sales person?
Thanks.
Bystander6
I wonder if future higher interest rates will cause demand to drop and thus provide more supply?
I recently bought a touring in NJ. Is anybody having trouble with the compass not working? My wife brought it back to the dealer and they told her that the odyssey is as new to them as it is to her. They spent ~ 45 minutes reading the owners manual trying to get it right...been there done that! We they never fixed it. Where the compass is supposed to be, I just have "--". It annoys the hell out of me!
As for Mileage I am getting nowhere near the 20-28mpg as advertised. I am not even getting 20 on highway!
Good luck buying and driving the new odysseys!
I think I got a reasonable deal and they made a reasonable profit. Because it took so long, they threw in the splashguards, wheel locks, and aftermarket mats without my asking.
About a week before pickup, I went over financing with the salesguy and he quoted me 4% as the best interest rate. The day before pickup he confirmed that rate with me.
When I met with the F&I lady I was told the rate was 5.9%. I asked about the discrepancy and the salesman came in and apologized that he had misquoted me a rate that was not available through his own fault.
Maybe I'm a sucker, but I beleived him and accepted it. It does leave a bad taste in my mouth for what was an otherwise satisfactory buying experience.
Is 5.9% in fact the best rate offered by Honda on their Oddysey? Should I have tried to make them stand by their original quote?
Personally, whenever a dealer pulls any funny stuff I head on down the road.
Now I need accessories :-)
What dealership in San Antonio quoted you $28600 for the EX-L? Any other advice from SA? Looking to buy soon here in SA. Thanks.
Model: 2005 Odyssey
Trim Level: EX Automatic Transmission with Leather, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ and DVD Rear Enter
Exterior Color: Ocean Mist Metallic
Interior Color: Gray Leather
Accessories: Fenderwell Trim, 3rd Row Sunshade, Cargo Board, Cross Bars, All-Season Floor Mats, Fog Lights, Back-Up Sensors, BACK-UP SENSOR ATTACH, Table Leg Kit, Moonroof Visor
Be firm but not rude when dealing with the salesman. I told him he had 10 mins to give me an answer, there was not need to waste my time and his. I told him if they could not meet that offer I was not willing to negotiate. I was not expecting them to accept it but was pleased when they did.
Thanks in advance
Bought EXL for $28500 + TT&L in Dallas with tinted front windows, pinstripe and VIN etching (things that I can do without), not the best among dealers in the area, but nobody has my color, Slate Green with Gray interior. Got offer earlier from an out of town dealer for $500 over invoice and have one driven in from Louisiana, some 200 miles away, then have to drive home for 100 miles, not a good idea for not-broken-in engine IMHO. Could have waited but in-laws are coming.
The small dealers you mentioned may get six!
The model you want is BY FAR, the hardest one to get right now. You have made even more difficult by zeroing in on one color!
So, I hope you can now see, just how slim your chances of even FINDING the specific Odyssey you are looking for much less expecting a deep discount on one. Almost all incoming Odysseys are pre-sold before they hit the lots.
It's very frustrating for buyers and sellers alike!
On a positive note, I learned last week that Honda has recognized the sharply increased demand for the NAVI-DVD models and will be increasing the production of those models.
But for now, the pipeline is pretty dry.
The more flexible you are on color the greater your chances of finding one. That Ocean Blue hasn't been all that popular so dealers aren't apt to order many if any at all.
Could you please clarify? You seem to be contradicting yourself.
(Maybe someone else should ask this questions, since Isell 'uses the scroll wheel' for most of my posts....)
Here's how it works...
A dealer finds out he can order say, 20 Odysseys for delivery in two months.
Based on what's selling the best, he carefully places an order by model and color. He may order ONE LX as an example because they don't sell nearly as well as the other models. Since he's only ordering one he will more than likely ask for the most popular color...silver.
Maybe, out of the 20 Odysseys, he will order six NAVI-DVD's and Honda will change that number to four. He will pick what he thinks are the four most popular colors.
Like I said, it's frustrating to have eager customers and little product.
Thanks!
I was able to do this with my 1993 plymouth grand voyager back in 1993.
I have a couple of questions:
Obviously, the Honda I'm interested in is close to the top of the line with lots of additional options [I realize the touring is top of the line and NOT EXL with nav/dvd] . In addition I would probably be interested in the extended service warranty. At my calculation, the MSRP cost of this Ody would be close to $40,000.
I would think I could negotiate a better deal with a fully loaded Ody than a basic model. Since there is a lot more profit for the dealer than a basic model. Why wouldn't they want to bend over backwards to get my business with that much extra profit? Unless they have enough other people falling over themselves to buy at any price.
I realize the dealer would need to make a profit so it would need to be a win/win situation. The basic question that haunts me is what is a "fair" profit for the dealer.
Also, I am wondering if I should wait until the first 2005 Ody initial defects are solved. Obviously, every new model has some defects which are corrected in subsequent orders.
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/download.htm?x=0tekxgl_eoyyqkz_ttky3- - &y=Mon%2520Jan%252024%252006%253A11%253A26%25202005
download the Buyer's Offer Spreadsheet. Mention is made in it that 3-4% profit is generally considered fair AFTER holdbacks are removed.
Also check out the Chapter's on buying at the bottom of the page. Best of luck....
Of course, a dealer makes a profit on the accessories and the shop get's paid to install them. As a result, they may be willing to take a skinnier deal on the Odyssey itself.
As far as a "fair" profit. My personal suggestion would be not to be haunted by this. Instead, I would focus on the VALUE of the car to you. The price either represents a good value for the dollars paid or it does not. You will soon forget what you paid anyway. Good Luck!
I wonder how many businesses could survive on that kind of margin?
Ever heard of OVERHEAD, B&O taxes etc?
It's always the MARKET that determines pricing and not some website.
kirstie_h
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Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions
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Review your vehicle
Besides, we exist so members can exchange information on the boards. We don't intend to become a clearinghouse for e-mail exchange, and posting your address publicly can expose you to a lot of spam.
kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Posters who drove home a great deal through tough negotiating, resolve and/or great consumer research, may--after all--end up unhappy with their Odysseys. I hope not, but that may be so. And in the end, unsophisticated folks like me who "give" the dealership $500 over invoice (or more) probably won't care that, at some point, someone halfway across the country stalked the product or pounced on a desperate out-of-state dealership to secure an Odyssey at invoice (or less). We 'invoice + 500+' buyers shouldn't lose sleep so long as, months from now, we can each simply say: "I love my Odyssey."
But then again, that ain't no fun. Let the quests for the BEST DEALS continue!!! Happy Hunting to All!
Unfortunately, it does not really apply given the model you seek - the EX-L R&N might be the most in demand Odyssey model right now, at least in most markets.
What I would suggest is to negotiate the lowest price you can on one. Then start adding the options to it. Do some research first to calculate their cost. Use them as a lever on the transaction. Let's say the dealer wants $2000 extra for all of items you want. You know his cost for these items is, say, $1200. You want him to sell them for as close to his cost as you can. He's already making his profit on the vehicle and may treat a reduced profit on the accessories as simply the cost of closing the transaction.
It appears Honda has already caught some of the intitial problems. Others may surface. I know from personal experience that Honda (unlike some other manufacturers) does stand behind its products. If you need to buy now and want the Odyssey I would not let it being the first year of production stand in the way.
When I buy something...anything...I don't care one twit what the store selling it paid for it. Makes no difference. If I think it's a good value for the money then I'm happy.
Others agonize after they buy something because they fear someone else just may have paid less.
Not me...I don't care. Life is short.
I'm still a little confused by your explanation. I know firsthand that Ford and BMW both let a customer walk in and order the exact car they want (color, package, etc). The car gets built by the factory, shipped to the dealer 2 months later, and the customer pays and picks it up. In the case of BMW, you can even go to South Carolina and pick it up from the factory. Maybe the customer puts a deposit down, maybe not. Are you saying that Honda does not work this way? I can understand that they don't for hard to find Odysseys, but what about other plentiful models?