2013 and earlier Honda Odyssey Prices Paid and Buying Experience

seguy

Went to a denver honda dealer and they had 8 odyyseys sitting on the lot. They even had one evergreen. No black or midnight blue however. We placed an order with our local dealer, but just wanted to make sure that the color(sandstone) we selected is something we'd like. Saw one in person in Denver, and my wife and I liked it. So that's that. They seemed eager to sell, but they added about $2000 to the MSRP. It was an EXL-RES that they put tint on the front windows, clear bra, and 'protection package'. We didn't stick around long as we're happy with our local dealer. Just have to wait until december for delivery. In the mean time I'm looking to sell our 2002 CR-V.

f16fte

Scooter35--I'm still shopping around, but got Boch Honda in Norwood and Bernardi Honda in Framingham/Natick to knock $500 off MSRP as an "internet special". You'll have better luck if you go at the end of the month and buy an in-stock Odyssey.

scooter35

f16fte -- Thanks for your advice. Which dealers have the largest inventory of Odysseys in stock? Which versions of the Odysseys are typically most in stock in the Boston area? I did not realize that the end of the month issue was relevant to Odyssey sales.

brianx

I've spoked to serveral dealers in my area and pretty much they are wanting MSRP for EX-L W/DVD. I've got one dealer over the phone to go down to $30,000. But I have to wait till Dec. I talked to another dealer, same model but the DVD screenw was installed in both the headrest of the driver and passenger seat. They were asking $31,395 and this one is avialable for purchase. Should I wait or try to talk down the price for his one.

sbpceap

It's my turn to give back to the Edmunds community, after 4 years of waiting and learning. I have an ‘85 Voyager that doesn't quit, so I wasn't all that desperate. While in Boston last week, I noticed two or three ads discounting Odysseys in the Boston Globe. Honda-Cars of Boston was discounting $1000 off MSRP, and Kelly Honda was discounting $865. In Texas, and Ohio, posts here indicated $1500 discounts. When I returned to where I live, Staten Island, NY, I saw what previously was a rare sight; Odys on the Honda lots. I noticed a link from Steve, Host of this discussion board, leading to photos of the ‘04 Sienna due out around March ‘03. With competition looming, it is now becoming a buyer's market.
I avoided dealers like Bob Ciusuli Honda NJ who I remembered trying to sell me one 3 years ago for $2000 over MSRP. That taught me which dealers would take advantage of their customers whenever given the chance. The party is over for rip-off dealers.
I knew from some very observant posts here that I should make my offer on the last day or two of the month, when quotas must be met. I went to Staten Island Honda (NY) with a goal of asking for a minimum discount of $1200. The salesman there was surprisingly polite, but offered a substantial discount on an EX or LX only if I financed with them. I left my card, asking that he call me when he would meet my cash price. My ‘85 Voyager and I were willing to wait another 6 months, and I made that clear. He agreed, and didn't ask for any deposit.
The next day (Oct. 31), the salesman called me. They had an Odyssey for me, and wouldn't require me to finance with them. Again, armed with info from host Steve, and other posts, I knew that I shouldn't pay more than about $460 destination, and $49 document fees, tax, not much else. During the test drive, I reminded Eric to tell his manager not to play with me, or I walk. And I meant it. I follow the golden rule of car buying: He who has the gold, rules. We should never beg anybody to take our money. Make your offer and then leave.
In less than an hour (including the test drive), I had signed a deal for $1200+ under MSRP (The salesman additionally crossed out those bogus charges that dealerships pre-print on the sales sheet). He respected the fact that I did my (Edmunds) homework, and it was as pleasant as when I purchased my wife's Saturn. There was no pressure for add-ons (I didn't take my coat off)!
Sorry for the long post. But don't be hoodwinked into paying MSRP! Find a dealer who treats you with respect, and... remember the golden rule of car buying!
Thank you everybody, and thank you Edmunds!

lucyvp49

Thanks for the encouraging info. Can I ask a few more questions? Was that Staten Island Honda you were dealing with?, Was it an EX or an EX-L?, and was that just last week? thanks

tmf19

I know a few people in ohio who bought EX-L's for $500 off MSRP.Only problem is the dealer is 3 hrs away. Is that worth the trip???

elainecurreri1

See 11/3 Sunday Globe. Commonwealth in Lawrence had ex-l's for 3003 under msrp. it appears to be legitimate. for 27k+, they have 18, want to get them off the lot.. good luck!!

sbpceap

It was Honda of Staten Island. The day I first went in, which was Oct 30 of just this past week, they didn't have any LX's, which is what I wanted. They offered me the same deal on EX's, but I didn't want power doors and I did want a cassette player. I noticed that they had a gold EX-L on the showroom floor. (I wanted gold, but settled for silver; negotiation is give and take). I think they were truthful about no LX's because when the salesperson called me the next day with an LX, it had .1 mile on it and still had all the wrappings, like it just rolled off the truck. Watch for and keep any newspaper ads to go in with; dealers don't like to be beaten by competitors. Good luck! I'm enjoying my new Odyssey, but it is a much tighter squeeze in the garage than my Voyager.

legalex

We are purchasing an Oddy and considering a slightly used one instead of going new. I'd love to get some feedback. If we can get a 2002 EX-L with 13k for approx. $26,000 should we go for it? I've been told by a couple of dealers that I can get a new 2003 EX-L for $28,800, but it seems as if the warranty on the used Certified Pre-Owned is actually better than the warranty on the new.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts!

Thanks,
Alexis

mschafer

If you shop around, you can get a new 2003 for less than the price you mentioned. I will pick up a new 2003 EX-L in Texas next week for $27,760.

bdaddy

The improvements from 2000 to 2003 alone are worth the $2,000 in my opinion. You'll get 30 more HP, rear disk brakes, a 5 speed transmission, side air bags and a slightly better sound system.

hislander

Can you tell me which dealer and which city in Texas that you bought the van from? Name of the salesman would be helpful. Thanks.

bjk2001

bdaddy:

There is not much change between 2002 and 2003. "The Odyssey gains an intermittent rear window wiper this year 2003, as well as an auto up-and-down driver-side window. I don't think these worth $2000 bucks IMHO.
240 HP, 5 Speed Auto. all disc brakes better speakers were all upgraded in 2002 already.

bjk

mschafer

Let me do the transaction before I pass out any more info. Also, they frown on too much specifics on the forum; so, if you want the info, contact me by e-mail off the forum.

pdoalamo

My friend got an EX-L 2003 Honda Odyssey (Silver Star light with 40 miles alerady put on)at the end of last month (October) with 27,900 + TTL including mud guard, tinted window and cargo tray.
He got a deal at Honda David McDavid at Irving, TX.
You could try at the Vandergrif Honda dealer at FortWorth. I heard a lot from my friends who got good deals from that dealer too.

karenromo

Those of you in Boston are, just watch out for Commonwealth Honda, even though they are advertising discounts of $3000+, they are a dealer that automatically adds on options, whether you want them or not...they wouldn't budge when we told them we didn't want any options, so we just walked away....they do have plenty of inventory on hand

lucyvp49

at Commonwealth. We worked by phone, but the options were non-negotiable, and there was only one vehicle at 3003 off MSRP, it was silver, and would arrive in two weeks. So we decided to compromise, and go for it, even through we would have to travel 300 miles for it (is this crazy, or what?) Guess what - it was sold!! We waited a day, and decided we would take advantage of the discounts discussed on there other inventory, about $1000. We called back today they are no longer available. The whole thing seems like a big scam. we are sick of it, and went last night to look at the Town and Country. It is very appealing, and the sales staff was so PLEASANT!! Now we don't know what to do. I am seeking advice, and will post my story on the Ody vs. TC board.

Oh, by the way, I answered my own lemon law question by doing some research here on Edmunds, I found this article very helpful : http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/43774/article.html I got on the NYS attorney general office web site, and found that, big surprise, the Honda dealer had totally lied to us. We have not yet confronted him on this.

merlot3

Sealed a deal today for a Midnight Blue EXL/RES for 28,500 + 149 doc fee. I noticed Texas buyers getting similar deals. Maybe the demand for this van is not as great here as on the coasts. We are really happy though. We had fun playing with the DVD on the way home. Good luck all

bdaddy

My mistake - I thought the vehicle in Q was a 2000. I'll read better next time.

sbpceap

I, too considered the Town & Country along with the Odyssey. Because of greater depreciation, the used T & C's are a particularly good value. I chose the Odyssey because (when the dealers don't play games) the options are much simpler, and the Odyssey had the folding rear seat. I think the T & C has nicer lines and looks. Use Edmunds to decide what price you're willing to pay, then make your offer.

quantumwell

The prices I can get for EX-L are

1. If the vans are in the lot, you can get MSRP and MSRP minus $100 to $300 dollars.

2. If they need to order, they are not willing to go under MSRP.

pearsonrj

Prices have definitely softened over the past year (no surprise given the local economy). Last November (2001) the best you could do was MSRP + $1000 at most Bay Area dealers. I had to fly down to SoCal to buy my 2002 EX-L for MSRP...

srb123

Hi all,
With all the assistance from 'sbpceap' I went to State Island Honda and got a similar deal as him. I would highly recommend salesman Eric Tisdale. Thanks again 'sbpceap'.

dave2001auto

Is the 2003 less demand because of the ecomony or the rumored 2004 Toyota being similar to the Ody? Are there any dealers in the SF, CA east bay area that will match the TX deals? What's the going discount in L.A., CA?
Dave

mschafer

I just did the deal on a 2003 EX-L with Eagle Honda in Dallas. MSRP - $1100 with no extra nonsense. Contact me by email, if you want specifics. This guy is one of the most straight up car salesmen I've ever met and dealt with; and I've dealt with a bunch!

jaffer

I am in the Denver area and plan to by an Odyssey in the next few weeks. Who would you recommend I go to? How much off MSRP can one expect these days and should one buy the extended warranty? Thanks for the input.

mschafer

Shop around, including the Internet. I saved enough in Dallas to pay for a plane ticket and gasoline back to Atlanta; and still beat all the Atlanta area dealers.

sbpceap

I did not purchase the extended warranty with my ody. I would expect to see problems in first couple of years if it was a dog. I know mini-vans, including Honda's, don't have a stellar record compared with cars. If I buy, I would purchase it based on some prior posts on this message board, which cited some pretty low prices.

hislander

Thanks for your info. Been waiting for your "price" every day because I thought you were in Houston since you mentioned Goodson Honda in N. Houston previously. I really think you have got a good deal on the vehicle. I am sure we are ready to go back to minivan since I owned a Quest before....anyway, thanks.

mschafer

I tried to deal with them. They gave me a very low ball price initially. When I started pressing for details and written confirmation, the price kept going up. Because of those kinds of shady tactics, I quit dealing with them. I ended up paying a tiny bit more at Eagle, but Eagle shot straight and didn't try to play any games; and those are the kinds of folks that get my business.

seguy

I'm down in Colorado Springs. I had to order ours. Our local Honda dealer down here, keeps none on the lot thus far. Price to be paid MSRP, no extras. We went to Mile high honda up in Aurora about 2 weeks ago, and they had about 8-10 2003's on the lot. They seemed VERY eager to deal. We would have tried to deal, but my wife wants silver or biege EXL. They had a EXL-RES biege, but they added about $2500 in add-ons, not something I wanted to try and negotiate down to $29K, which is our max price point.

Give them a try though, most of the others they had on the lot seemed stock still, and they had every color but black and midnight blue. Saw the havasu blue for the first time, and wasn't too impressed. They need to change the hue slightly on the havasu to make it more attractive IMO. So that left us with silver and biege. I personally liked the red, but my wife said she didn't want to stand out too much.

Good luck hunting. And I believe the 4 or 5 honda dealers up there have stock on hand which should be to your advantage.

btdreamteam

Just bought an '03 midnight blue pearl EX-L RES for $1500 under MSRP in the Cleveland area.

I wanted the Havasu but of course they couldn't find one anywhere and I don't want to wait until February. Always swore I'd never buy a mini van but I'm actually excited to drive it tomorrow!

hschultz

What dealer in NE Ohio is selling Ody's for $1,500 under sticker?

Thanks and congrats.

mschafer

I think everyone here knows that "under sticker" really doesn't mean a darned thing. The dealer closest to me was recently advertising $1500 off of MSRP, which was technically true.

However, they then added a $1275 paint protection package, $400 documentation fee, $250 to etch VIN's on the glass and highly inflated priced splash guards and roof rack cross rails. All of this part of the dealer's "Pack"; and by this time the $1500 off of MSRP was completely invisible and had been buried under lots of un-needed $$'s - pure excess dealer mark*up*.

The important thing to go for is MSRP less whatever amount with no added extras; or, in other words, what is the driveout price!!

njswamplands

i told you that dennis jenkins was good. did bob deliver your car?

jaffer

Seguy

Thanks for the response. If you have a moment I would like to ask you a couple of other questions. My email is Akbarjaffer@hotmail.com

Thanks

brianx

Just purchase a a 2003 EX-L with after market DVD. It has two 7 inch screen built-in to the front driver and passenger headrest. Paid $29K. Thought that was a good deal. Just had the two front windows tinted to match the the back too. I'm wondering wear I can buy fog lights...

chicagofamily

I bought through the internet at $1500 off list (Jacobs Twin, Chicago). No dealer add ons but pinstriping which they didn't charge me for. Also got some after-market accessories (cargo tray and cover, wheel locks, mud guards). Total cost, including tax, license, etc. $32,150. Pretty darn happy. Found out that at least at Jacobs, no commission for special accounts salespeople. Took all of 75 minutes. Thank you for everyone's help during our car buying process -- I couldn't have done it without everyone's collective wisdom.

btdreamteam

You're right of course. This was straight up though. I got the $1500 on JUST the EX-L RES, then I added the cd changer, leather steering wheel cover and back up sensors. There was a $50 doc fee. Tax,title, etc. - drive out was $32,350.15. I'm pretty happy with it!

sbpceap

Nice going, chicagofamily and btdreamteam! I think $1500 below MSRP is a nice price currently. As mschafer points out, don't get taken by overpriced dealer add-ons that you didn't request. Use your feet to walk out when games are being played! You can leave your name and number when the dealership is ready to be straight with you, and meet your "out the door" price. Be patient, not eager. I'll bet you'll get a call.

laz1

I just bought my 03 Odyssey EX-L RES for 28360 (MSRP 30360) at Vandergriff Honda in Arlington TX (few miles west of Dallas). They dropped 2000.00 off sticker with absolutely no add-ons. Just be careful with their finance office...they're a little sneaky.

pdoalamo

Congratulation laz1. Way to go!!!
I wish I could have purchased my Odyssey at the Vandergriff dealer. Some of my friends went there on last October they got a cheaper price than me.
I bought in early October 2002 EX-L silver starlight at 30,500 (total price) at LuteRiley honda and I was not happy with that price at all.

Before I thought we had to wait on line to get an order of Odyssey. I was wrong. You can find many Odyssey 2003 on the lots right now at DFW area and have much more chances to negotiate with dealers.

I don't know, but it is said that most Honda dealers at Fortworth gave the best deal then anywhere else in Dallas.

thetruth1

OK, here's where I give back. I'v been following prices and recommendations on this board for months, and it has helped me immensely. Thanks to all!! Decided on Odyssey. Got my deal, over the Internet, at Southeastern Honda in Palm Bay, Florida. Made the offer, they said yes.....no haggling. Here's the deal: 2003 EX-L, Sagebrush Pearl, Fern leather, no options. Cash (no finance), no trade-in. $27,305 + $195 pre-delivery fee, for a sub-total of $27,500 (includes delivery). Plus TTL. Out the door $29,285. It was in stock (they had about 10 Ody's). In and out in one hour. Nice, professional, courteous, no run-around. The deal was the deal. No add-ons, no nothin'. My salesguy was Tim McDermott. It was no harder than buyin' a pair of shoes. But, without a doubt, it was making the deal over the Internet that netted me that price.

balajip44

Guys,i am looking for the best deal on 2003 honda odyssey Ex-L in southern california?
any clues.........

hschultz

Buy from an out-of-state dealer. My understanding is that the Caly stealers are still charging MSRP (or above in some areas).

I too (along with #2849 above) just purchased a bone stock SBP EX-L this past week. I paid $26,782 (plus their stupid $249 bend-over doc/prep fee--but I was so happy with the deal, I paid it) plus TTL. Bought it from a local stealer here in NC, although prior to landing this deal at the last minute, I was prepared to fly to either Cleveland or Louisville, where I had negotiated $1,850 off sticker on a SBP EXL, and in the Louisville case, that price INCLUDED wheel locks, cross bars, cargo tray, cassette player and mud flaps. Pretty sweet deal, until the local (NC) guy made the math mistake that ended up saving me the big bucks.

Good luck with your purchase; it seems like the Honda guys are (finally) realizing that supply has caught up with demand and are discounting accordingly.

mlempire

I Have purchased several ody's here in so cal ...all at or below msrp.. go to honda website and click on dealer locate.. email all dealers with in 250 miles of your location with exactly what you want and what you want to pay, some will call you and tell you you're crazy but one will be hungry enough to call and say we have it or will have it in a few days and will meet your price request... do not allow them to play games.. some will try ... I bought 6 of them for
friends, family, and myself in the last 2 years like this.. it works!!

stever

Attawaytogo, Mlempire!

How Much Can the Internet Save You?

Steve, Host

balajip44

thanks for the info..
however,since i dont have much experience in quoting a price,please tell me what price you got for Ex-L for your latest purchase?
If need be, i can email you to find out the dealer that ultimately sold u the car....
Thanks

njswamplands

i am in negotation for '03 Nav with the fine folks you mentioned in FL. they quoted $29860 straight outta the box ( includes destination ). you mentioned your price included delivery. did you mean destination charges or did you have the car shipped to you? i im in nj and am having a tough go of getting below msrp around the local nyc area. thanks for the contribution.