2013 and earlier Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

paulc2k

We just took delivery of a '03 white EX for $800 off MSRP yesterday. It was a great experience with my sales person and the dealer. We started the process via email then in person. All along he never tried any typical sales tactic, and we end up with a great mini van without any hassle. Our van came in with a dent, and he volunteer to swap it out to another one with additional equipment at no extra charge! Not sure if I can post the names, but I would recommend this sales person if you are shopping in North Texas.

mschafer

From what I understand, it is OK to post the name of the dealer here. They don't want a whole bunch of salesmen's names and phone numbers though.

nuwiseguy

Wife and I just brought home a silver 2003 EX/L (w/ no accessories) for $1,660 off MSRP, for final price of $27,200. Had gotten them to agree to $27,100, but had to go back up when they wouldn't sell it to me w/out some bogus add-on deals ($400 for free car washes and some kind of insurance based on the VIN etchings in the glass). Ended up paying $200 in licensing, documentation, and registration fees. My van had 140 miles on it, so I believe they wanted to move it as it probably had been on the lot for a little while and it was cutting into their holdback. My visit took 3.5 hours and most of it was in negotiations. They first quoted me a price of $29,xxx and I almost fell out of my chair. Thanks Edmonds for all the info; couldn't done it w/out you. p.s. We live in the San Antonio area; good luck!

stever

Thanks for that report Nuwiseguy and congrats!

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

alinda

Think I saw you there. Congrats.

golic

I am from NW suburban Chicago ordered a Havasu Blue EX in Sept for -500 MSRP, no dealer add ons. Got a call from dealer last week saying they can not get that color/Honda won't accept order and they could not find another dealter to trade. I have been shopping around now because my lease is up in November. I found this time around most will do straight sticker if you take what is on the lot, usually from another buyer who walked. I did find out the Jacob's Twin in Chicago was doing -1500 of MSRP, with 12 week wait. However, internet assistant wasn't sure if deal was still on as of last Saturday waiting to hear back.

Good news though, my original dealer called and said they were able to trade with another dealer, my Havasu blue will be in this friday. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Seems like there is no shortage of sandstone, red, white and silver....hold on for evergreen, black and Havasu...

Best of Luck,
Fingers crossed...

BTW...Has any had any luck trading in thier old Ody. I have 2000 EX, wondering if I should go dealer route or car max, or private sale.

njbaran99

Can you shot me an e-mail on the Chicago Dealer?

I am looking for some dealer installed options, where they willing to deal on those as well.

Send an e-mail:

njbaran@direcway.com

mschafer

FWIW, I've e-mailed them twice and received no response.

golic

Does anyone know what the Honda dealers have been offering for finance rates on new cars? Got a people first loan as back-up. Looking for a 48 or 60 month.

Thanks

jgdubliner

I am curious if anyone has had the same experiences I had. I want to buy an EX-L and have gone to two different dealerships in the Twin Cities so far. The first one I was referred to by Sam’s Club Auto Buying Club. The second, I went to on my own. I was given the same story at both dealerships that there are no discounts offered on the Odyssey at all and if anything, you will pay more than MSRP. To that, I asked, “Well then, if that is the case, why should I drop $30,000 at your dealership over any other one in town?” One guy just floored me with the essential response of, “How dare you consider going to another dealership?” He couldn’t point to any valid reason to buy from him and if anything, he was offended that I would even ask. The other guy gave the response of, “Well, other dealerships may have longer service hours than us.” How did his response do anything but give me reason to not purchase from him? Surprisingly, he didn’t even give me his card or ask my name. Due to the demand for their vehicles, do Honda dealers just work under the assumption that, “If you don’t buy this vehicle, someone else will and I won’t get paid any more by selling it to you than to them, so I am not going to try hard to earn your business at all?” I know that I want an Odyssey and my only option is to buy it from a dealership, but so far, my experiences have been less than optimal. I am really curious how anyone can get a deal below MSRP when there is pent up demand for the vehicles. I am getting a “not-gonna-budge” up here in Minnesota. Any hints or tips? I am also curious if anyone else has felt the same about being “lucky” to be given a chance to purchase a Honda from a dealer. (Strong sarcasm) Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

mschafer

The JD Powers Survey shows a strong dissatisfaction with Honda dealers pretty much accross the board. Honda didn't even get in the top 10 for customer satisfaction with their sales experience.

Given that, there are dealers willing to work with you. Atlanta dealers have, in the past, been some of the worst when it comes to "Packing" or marking up their Odys. The one closest to me, who calls themself the world's largest Honda dealer, insists on a $1275.00 paint protection package and a $400.00 documentation fee (these in addition to and on top of some other over priced packs); and they won't come down from it.

I did a little bit better than that with one of the other Atlanta dealers, but I wasn't completely finished. Through one of the other Ody boards, I contacted and got an offer from a dealer in Texas for MSRP minus $800 with no add-ons. Extra cost to me would have been a $100 plane ticket and about $50 in gasoline to bring it home.

When this other Atlanta dealer called to see how I was doing in my decision process, I told him about the out of state offer. The Atlanta dealer called me back in about 10 minutes with a match.

Someone recently told of a Chicago dealer doing MSRP minus $1500.00 with no add-ons. I've e-mailed that dealer twice; and they don't even respond. Reach out beyond your immediate geographical market. You'll find something better than what you have so far. There are good Honda dealers out there. It seems that you need to work to find them, though.

golic

Just like all dealers some are very arrogant and others very professional. Can't blame the dealer for matching price with demand. That is capitalsim, our American heritage.

Fortunately in Chicago area we have many Honda dealers to choose from, thank goodness for the internet so you can mass email and not waste a day driving around from dealer to dealer.

Everyone I came out and talked to initially wanted sticker plus 2-3 option packages. When I balked, at option packages, one "generous" salesman said it was OK for me to pay for the protection and they would pass on putting it on. Gee, thanks.

I eventually found a couple dealers to do MSRP only. A few others offered -500, and -1500 but waiting list is 12-16 weeks with no guarantees. Since I need by end of November I could not wait.

Also, I learned not to burn bridges with the other dealers. I gotten a couple calls from salesman saying there buyer cancelled and offered my the car. Unfortunately in each case it was not the color my wife wanted.

bdaddy

You might want to check with some WI dealers. Try Madison and even Milwaukee. You might find someone willing to make it worth you're while for the drive and perhaps even a hotel stay. Midwest Express flies to Milwaukee from the Twin Cities. That might be another option for you. Good luck.

nuwiseguy

Hi, does anyone know what kind of sales commission a new cars salesman makes? Is it a straight % of the final sales price, or a % of just the profit (price over invoice)? This could be helpful during the negotiation process, in case the salesman tries to plead to your emotions. Thanks in advance... going to start looking for a new SUV in a month or so....

samiaelmo

I started looking at EX's in Seattle area by visiting two dealers and asking for on-line quotes. Today a dealer called and asked me if I was "planning on paying less than MSRP." When I said I hoped so, he told me HE wasn't interested, and that was the end of our phone conversation!

I came home and found this board, and am amazed to find out about the Honda Sales Culture that exists out there!

Has any one purchased an Odyssey in the Seattle area recently and managed to get below MSRP?

Thanks!

alinda

heres how sales gets paid:

Selling price of car - (Invoice price of car + "pack")X20%(or 25% or somewhere thereabouts)

So, if the negotiated price of a car is $23,000,
invoice is $22,000, and the dealer pack is $700, the sales gets paid 20% of the $300, or $60.

If the negotiated price of a car is $23,000, invoice is $19,000, and dealer pack is $700, then the sales gets paid 20% of $3,300, or $660.

Most dealerships also have a minimum commission program of $50 to $100, so even if you should be paid $10 based on the sale price, you still make $50.

jbian

I can understand that some folks need a car sooner than later. For most potential buyers, why don't they just wait for a while? Come on, it is just a van. Do a simple calculation of how much $3,000 (savings from overpaying) will be worth after 10 years. I would also be interested in how Honda dealers are going to move Accord. Begging, perhaps.

seguy

was told by dealer that they nixed this color for the oddy line up. Was originally planned to start in june 02, but I haven't seen any, has anyone else? I've seen pilots in havasu blue, but no oddy.

stever

But blue is the hot new color!

steve_ "Honda Odyssey" Oct 16, 2002 7:58pm

(Better call your dealer, Golic).

Steve, Host

golic

golic

I ordered Blue in September, What dealer didn't tell me until October was Honda would not accept the Blue order because Blue would not be in production again until early 2003.

In the last two weeks, dealer locator found an EX in Champaign, IL 162 miles away but did not want to drive car up and put miles on it. I was told they found and EX-L last week, but he didn't go for my I will take it at the EX price.

I was left a voice mail on Monday that their locator was able to trade for one coming off a shipment. We have been playing phone tag, my guy is supposed to call me today after 3pm cdt to tell me when the car will be in....

I will keep you posted.

ccai

How much should I pay for Odyssey in the Bay Area,
would i get a better price in Tracy, or stockton?
I'm looking for a EX-L model.

Also, what fees should I expect to pay?

Thanks much for any help..

raybear

Figure most dealers will want over MSRP. I got a small discount quoted on a DVD car yesterday north of Sacramento. Tracy, Stockton and Lodi are all worth a look, as is Modesto and Elk Grove.

golic

What does this mean.

Salesman fax'd me a "vehicle on-order trade confirmation" from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Dated 10/10/02

Which looks like my 03 Blue Odyssey. Has Target Prod Date Range 1008 - 1012.

Salesman left me a message saying car should arrive on next shipment and he will put a rush on getting it pkd, wired or something like that.

Is this "smoke and mirrors" or can I assume I will have car soon.

please advise

kramer69

FOR YOU BLUES CLUES FANS.
WE ORDERED A DARK BLUE 2003 EX-L RES IN LATE JULY $500 OFF OF MSRP AND WE WERE TOLD YESTERDAY THAT IT IS STILL ON SCHEDULE FOR A 10/28/02 COMPLETION DATE TO SHIP TO OHIO DEALER. THE DEALER TOLD US FROM THE START THAT THEY COULD NOT GET DARK BLUE UNTIL OCTOBER PRODUCTION. SO FAR SO GOOD....WE HOPE WERE ARE NOT GOING TO BE STRUNG ALONG.....

TRUE BLUE IN OHIO

caviller

"Also, I learned not to burn bridges with the other dealers. I gotten a couple calls from salesman saying there buyer cancelled and offered my the car. Unfortunately in each case it was not the color my wife wanted. "

I originally went this route. Here, sit on our waiting list for 8-12 weeks and think it over. Without fail, each week, Honda of Lisle and Valley Honda would call me with a miraculous event! It seems one or more Odysseys came as an EXTRA allocation on the truck! Or, a buyer dropped out (after waiting 12 weeks!). Amazing! Of course, the vehicle had all sorts of "factory" options like the protection plan. Even so, they could do me a favor and sell it to me for just $2000 over MSRP and I could have it the same day.

I had no doubt they were selling vehicles out from under people on the waiting list each and every week to people farther down just to see who would pay. Not that I blame them, but I certainly didn't buy from them.

Check out Honda of Ottawa or Elliott Demick Honda in Michigan City. Both were straight up and very nice to deal with, and worth every mile of the trip. Jacobs Twin in Chicago had the best deal, but their wait was always the longest, too.

golic

Here is an email, I thought the board will enjoy.

""Your Internet price on a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX is $26,900.00 PLUS OPTIONS (and tax/title/license/and doc. fee's).
Currently, as we are receiving all of our inbound Odysseys's, we add on small option packages to each vehicle, in order to enhance their attractiveness. At present time, those option packages generally increase the overall price by a couple of thousand dollars.

As of this writing, I do have just one Odyssey (EX model) here available for sale. It is the Firpepper Red color.

One final note, please understand that this price quoted applies to Internet customers only, and is only valid if you purchase the vehicle through me, via our Internet Department.""

Thanks for the small Options adding thousands, and what is firpepper red??? And why do you need to enhance a car that already has demand outstripping supply...

Here is my translation of the email:

You lucky dog you, we get odyssesy want full sticker and we are going to slap on trivial things so we can pad our wallets by thousands more!!! woo hoo!!!! and we just have 1(10) available. Don't tell anyone else here about this outrageous offer, becuase I want to win the biggest mark-up of the month contest.

stever

"Firpepper Red" must be a typo for "firepepper", and that's the color your face is going to be when you see the "out the door" price :-)

Steve, Host

golic

Well looks like the only way I am going to get a Havasu Blue Ody is to paint one myself. Salesman put me on the phone with the inventory manager and why he couldn't just say it, it looks like I am s/o/l on the blue.

We are trying so hard to find, yadda yadda. Oh buy the way, what is your second choice? I told him I would come in to pick up my $500 deposit tomorrow and give him my second choice.

Perhaps, I will go with black, but then I have to drop the extra $1500 for leather, 'cause it only come in the EX-L.

My buy-out on my 2000 EX lease is looking very good these days.

geh86

golic,

I live a half mile from the Honda Dealer in Champaign, IL. The blue EX is NOT Havasu. It is more of a baby blue...officially listed as 'Opal Silverblue' (see Twin City Honda web site). The VIN on the van is:

2HKRL18603H500969

The 2 at the beginning indicates it was manufactured in Canada. Perhaps, the Canadians are colorblind. I can say that. My wife is half Canadian. I took digital photos of the van three weeks back. Unfortunately, they were all of the inside since my wife detested the blue color. If you want, I could take a shot tomorrow, assuming it is not raining, and email one to you.

Along the Honda Odyssey buying lines, I have given in to my wife's desires and am purchasing a 2003 Sienna LE Symphony with options (TO,AJ,BE,EF,VD,NG). I am paying ~$800 under invoice with the $1000 rebate and ~$3000 less than I would have paid for the Ody EX. I really want the Ody for the space but 'Honda MSRP Pride' steps in the way! Keeping the wife happy is also a plus.

fatboy66

I just took delivery of a silver EX-L w/ DVD from Sam Swope Honda, Loiusville, KY. I used the online quote feature from Honda's website and was offered this at $500 off MSRP. I got it too. But they did try the old $400 DOC/Prep fee scam. You just need to get load and it disappeared. But from some of the other messages I have read about people paying $2000 over MSRP, this is a great deal and you should check into it if you are in the market. Plus they never bothered offering me $300 mud flaps, etc. I liked that.

mevande

Honda and dealers should burn in H__:) ! for selling over MSRP! Supply will catch up with demand and I hope they have lots full from people who are fed up with their tactics.

golic

Keeping wife happy is the key element, and I am in the reverse situation. She wants the Ody. We saw the pilot in Havasu and honestly I am leary of the color.

Ironically, my dealer told me 2 weeks ago they found the color in champaign, IL. Did I want the car if it had about 200 miles on it after they drove it up. I guess they didn't want to put it on a truck for me.

Thanks for the offer on the pic, but I told the wife she needs to come up with another option. Suprisingly, she likes black.

Best luck with you Sienna.

drjyothi

i just got an email from my local dallas dealer who is selling one LX for $22967. It's Lute Riley Honda. Are other dealers selling LX models for this kind of price?

-DRJ

ceo1

For those get fingered by Honda's arrogance, wait for 04 Sienna. It should be a good match for Oddyssey. It should be available by March 04.

stever

Not all dealers are arrogant. Chances are the salesperson you deal with won't be there in a year or two anyway, so don't take it personally. Sending some emails or faxes is one way to cut through the "noise."

Steve, Host

bamacar

Siena is made by Toyota, and if any dealers are more arrogant than Honda dealers it is probably Toyota ones.

bamacar

If the Siena is finally comparable to the Odyssey, competition can only be good for the consumers.

golic

Dealer now says, honda approved electronic trade, however car was not shipped to my dealer but some other dealer in Indiana.

They have now pretty much given up on Blue and asked what else they can get me.

Has anyone seen the Black EX-L??

member008

I don't know how I should put my thought for some of the Honda owners and future consumers but I felt that you're the reason what made Honda so arrogant, so stuck-up, and so disrespectful to your own demand for the vehicle. I guess most of you here are so used to the word, "THIS IS A HOT VEHICLE RIGHT NOW" everytime you asked a Honda dealer salesman? Isn't that bother any of you at all? I know Honda made great vehicle SO WHAT? Are you going to kill yourself and paralyze your kids by driving a Dodge Caravan, a Toyota Sienna, a Ford Windstar, a Kia Sedona, a Nissan Quest, a Chevy Ventura, a Chrysler Town & Country, and others cross over vehicle? Why put yourself to all the hectics, frustration, and sometime intimidation just to buy a freakin over priced Honda? Why people? You're not getting the vehicle for free. I felt so bad for some of you that have had bad experiences with Honda. Well...demand driving supply...the more you demand in a Honda...the more stuck-up and higher markup price they will be...and the more piss you'll get. What will happen if all of the us consumers decide not to buy a Honda? Well, at least, I'll be one of those consumer. So next time if you're so unhappy with the services from Honda, please DO NOT blame on the dealership or the vehicle itself, but yourself because you've made that decision.

golic

In 5 years of ownership..I have had to get the serviced only 2 times.

when I bought a chrysler - first year 4 times.

Oldsmobile first 2 years 3 times.

the word is reliability and quality. pick up an issue of consumer reports and read it.

tcasboy

In the last couple of days one of the 2 local Honda dealers in town has advertised $500 off MSRP for all 2002 Hondas, including the Pilot and Ody. I have not tried to test that ad, but I have driven by both dealers and seen at least 5-10 Ody's on each lot. Seems like supply may have caught up with demand in this area.

wholigan

I'm baaack!!! I have been in and around this board for about three years now (ever since the 95 WS went through engine #1... of 4!) and it is time to pull the trigger. The snow started flying yesterday, the addition is almost finished, and I feel the need to do my part for the economy again. The search is on...

I live in the Twin Cities area and have the same experience that jgdubliner had: the "you're asking for a hot vehicle" arrogance of the local dealers. Well, I am a well educated Odyssey buyer and I will be doing some much more serious shopping now. I am looking for a very specific model and deal: Midnight Blue Pearl EX/L with DVD + CD changer (absolutely no dealer add ons): $30,924 (MSRP+Dest) - $1500 and I am willing to travel. Delivery sometime in March 2003. I will start with the standard FAX process to the Five Twin Cities dealers. Depending on the results of that, I will expand out the Rochester, a couple of Iowa dealers, Eide in South Dakota, and finally - Sweet Home Chicago (I just can't pass on that Jacobs Twin Honda deal). I am from Chicago so driving there is no big deal... I would like to hear form anybody in the Twin Cities are that has had luck getting an Odyssey for less than MSRP. I can be reached at gilligan@isd.net. Enjoy!

anl1

We got 2003 3 weeks back for $1500 less than MSRP in NJ area. Comparing to Town & country, I feel this is a best van.

santanu2

One of the ways one can try to get a better price would be to increase the size of the purchase and therefore, making it lucrative for the Honda dealer to offer incentives (lower price, "free" goodies etc.) to win the business. NOT sure whether this works in a market where there is a tight supply - but if people are interested, I am ready to give it a shot.

I am ready to buy a Honda Odyssey EX in the next 1-2 months (i.e. willing to wait for a good color/ price) in New Jersey (northern / central NJ, or Rockland / Westchester county in New York, i.e., NY City metro area). If you have similar needs, we can visit / negotiate with Dealer(s) as a group. Requirements to succeed would be:
(i) Similar need (Honda vans/ SUV - i.e. Odyssey or Pilot
(ii) Patience to wait for a good deal
(iii) Willingness to work with others for a novel experiment (and accept failure if it does not work)

Let me know whether anyone tried this / interested in this. I saw some sales personnel replying from time to time on this forum.. I am curios how you would react to such a strategy.

I am banking on the fact that a dealer would consider 2 or 3 sales better than one and thereby, willing to work with pricing.

stever

Sounds a bit like what auto brokers and Priceline and other internet businesses do.

In any event, Edmunds frowns on "group buy" posts, so you'll have to solicit your other buying partners elsewhere I'm afraid.

Steve, Host

bburton1

Suggest you contact Car City in Chippewa Falls WI-near Eau Claire-715-723-9141 and ask for Peter. They are honest sales people and after dealing with the dealers in the TC area-what a refreshing change. Got a better deal than from Vern Ide in SD and it is a lot closer.

good luck

stever

Please, no phone numbers or other detailed contact info either. We don't have the resources to verify this kind of thing. Thanks!

Steve, Host

lucyvp49

Where in New Jersey did you get 1500 less than MSRP on your 2003 Odyssey? Please post the dealership name, I would really appreciate it. We are having no luck here on LI for anything under MSRP. Thanks. - Anyone else getting under MSRP in NY metro area?

anl1

I got EX-L 2003, last day of Sep. I think it was month end and also quarter end I got a good deal. It was in NJ Denville area Honda Dealer. Good Luck.