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We hope to get our Mesa EX-L in the next few days, and the first thing I plan to do is replace the wheels with 16s (cheaper because I can keep the stock tires), perhaps 17s (a lot better looking). My wife likes "shiny wheels", she'll get no argument from me!
Got a tip from a guy at Al and Ed's Autosound. I want to put in an aftermarket system and I mentioned I was going to get a Playstation II for Christmas. He mentioned I could use that to play DVDs on the overhead screen and I wouldn't need to buy a dedicated DVD player. I would still be able to use the wireless headphones that came with the AudioVox system. Is this a viable option, anyone else considered this setup?
1. PS2 doesn't take kindly to bumps in the road (even small ones), particularly on DVDs where it is continuously downloading information. After a bump, it starts them from the beginning! It is slightly better on games where the downloads are intermittent.
2. PS2 doesn't like cold temps or condensation (bigger problem the farther north you go).
3. Thieves like PS2s so you have to hide it or take it with you every time you leave.
4. It requires a separate remote from the monitor making for a clumsier setup.
I ended up with the Audiovox 7" widescreen overhead screen and the Audiovox DVD player. I can hook my PS2 to the inputs on the DVD player (I also have an inverter installed) whenever I want to take it on a long trip. Hope this helps.
P.S. The emperor does wear clothes! You're just not looking hard enough.
When I look at mine from different angles, sometimes it looks stylish, other angles dorky.
However, Sienna and Odyssey are such different vehicles with considerations of size chiefly but also price, that for most people it is not an either/or proposition. Odyssey holds its value extremely well regardless of looks.
IMHO Accord looks very bland, but sells and resales well. Will see how that model does w/ really eye catching Altima and sleek looking Camray new to market this year, but most auto (and minivan in particular) buyers ain't going for looks.
Now I am really looking forward to picking up my Oddy. I think the looks of the Oddy grow on you.
More to the point, I believe, is that the Ody is truly distinctive; there just aren't many of them out there and it's pretty simple to determine whether a minivan is an Ody from a distance (either coming or going). I think most would be hard pressed to say the same of other minivans.
About six weeks ago I posted that a local Atlanta dealer offered to place us on the waiting list with no $. We said OK.
Salesman (different guy from six weeks ago) called last Sat. and said our van would be in in 4-5 days. Then he called Monday and said it would be in tomorrow (Tues.).
As we never negotiated a price (we originally went only to test drive, I planned to negotiate via fax and email), I confirmed that I'd be willing to pay MSRP and wanted NO dealer installed options. He said that they add the "paint protection" package to all vehicles. I said that if the van was not there yet he could catch it before the "package" was applied. He kinda waffled and said "don't worry" about it. I was skeptical, but had nothing to loose. We are in no rush to buy this thing, but want to get the purchase out of the way.
Salesguy called Tues. and said van was in. We drove it on Tues. (people at the dealership enjoyed watching as we loaded our 1 yr. old with his car seat into the van for our drive) and decided to buy if the deal was right. they let us take it for a drive by ourselves.
We went in after the drive and the first thing he did was trot out the additional dealer sticker that was not yet applied to the van. I think he hated doing it based on our phone conversation, but he probably had to. My wife was watching his face as he did and she said he did not look happy about it.
The deal began at MSRP+$440.00 (dest. and handling) and then they tried to charge us for an added dealer package (pinstripes, 4 splash guards, wheel opening molding, and floormats, yes the floormats that come standard on the van. I brough along a printout of standard features and pointed out that the mats came standard, and why would they try to double dip) for $995.00 and the paint protection package for $595.00.
At that point he immediately removed the $595.00 paint package because of what we discussed earlier on the phone, but he said the $995.00 package stays (it was already added to the van). I said OK, the package can stay, but we're not prepared to pay for it. I offered MSRP+440.
Then, the "sales manager" came over and said that there was nothing they could do about the $995.00. Market price. I said fine, you will probably not have any trouble getting rid of the van, and gathered up our stuff and walked out.
Salesguy then comes out after us and asks if we'd be willing to pay cost for the pinstripes, splash guards and fenderwell trim, $160.00. So, the value of the $995.00 package and the $595.00 package is now $160.00. As I was planning on the splashguards anyway, and my wife kinda liked the pinstripes, we thought that $160.00 was reasonable. We said OK, deal. That's when I tried to confirm that there were no "other fees." He told us about the $295.00 "documentation fee." We walked, and he let us go. He did not call that eve.
We thought about it over night and believed that we reached their bottom price (Atl. is still a very hot Ody market and was surprised they rolled on the two packages). So, we went back yesterday and picked it up. Might have been able to do a little better elsewhere, but did not want to start the process over again and probably have to drive hours to get one for MSRP+440. The dealer we bought from is 5 mins. from where I work, so I perceived some value for that convenience.
The F&A portion went smooth. They offered the 7/100/0 Hondacare for $1525.00, which included a dealer coupon book with $600.00 worth of coupons I'll probably never use.) I offered $875.00. They said their best price was $1225.00, so I"ll buy it from one of the dealers offering about $900.00.
As we did not trade a vehicle and were not financing, the rest of the deal took about 10 minutes to sign all the paperwork and write a check. They took a personal check with no hassle. Total time at dealership was 1.5 hours.
So, here is the deal we got:
MSRP+dest 28,690
package 160
doc. fee 298
5% ga. tax 1457.40
tag/title 39
ga warr. act 3
Out door $30647.40
Overall, some shennagins, but being prepared with all the good info obtained on this board really helped. Just don't roll over on those packages.
I won't post the dealer or salesman until I confirm that they are Ok with it.
Mike
Darin
Car got to the dealer Sat and I picked it up Tuesday. Far and away the easiest process I have ever been thru. I drove the van for 10 minutes (first time ever in an Ody) She had all the paperwork done when I got back. Spent 10 minutes small talk, 10 minutes on a demo of the options, 10 minutes going over the warranties and Honda info. Told her not interested in warranty (quoted a price too high the day before.) Never saw the business manager. Everything was exactly as I was told. Kinda scarey. Could have been outta there literally in 15 minutes if I had to.
$50 doc prep fee was disclosed before (I did ask about it) and I sent a confirming fax outlining everything I expected with regard to the trade, price, dealer adds (none) and fees.
I later found out she was the "internet sales manager" and was on salary. My gut tells me that was the difference in her attitude.
Out the door at MSRP less $500 + $50 doc prep and no dealer adds. Exactly what I wanted. I just cant tell you how pleasantly surprised I was. I havent been at a dealership for 10yrs and I expected someone to try and slide something past me. Didnt even try..
I took delivery of a 2002 Red EXL-RES last Friday (9/28/2001). I live in Rochester, MN but purchased the van in Flint, MI. The MN dealers I called had large waiting lists and I don't like to wait. Besides I grew up in Flint so it was a good opportunity for me to return to visit family and friends.
I started looking for a 2002 toward the end of August when the specs were made available. My wife wanted the Red, I wanted Leather, and we got the RES because that is what the dealer had. I sent a deposit in the beginning of September. The dealer was Honda of Grand Blanc in Grand Blanc, MI. Sales manager was Brett Stevens. Excellent to deal with. This dealer works of pre-set pricing (no haggle) so the price was MSRP with no other fees besides TAX and $10 temp plate to allow me to get back to MN. When I picked up the van last Friday the dealer had prepped it to perfection, clean and full of fuel. He took me through the operation of all the components and I was impressed with his knowledge of how to operate the RES given that it is a new option and somewhat complex to operate. Anyway I have nothing but good things to say about this dealer.
I attempted to haggle with him on the price for the HondaCare warranty but he said they have a fixed price. I told him I could get it cheaper and he said that's what he would do, no pressure.
One thing I noticed at the dealer was the LCD screen for the RES had a bad pixel. I pointed it out to the dealer in MI and will get it fixed eventually.
I drove the 630 miles back to MN on Sunday. Our old van is a 95 Ford Windstar so any comparison will be relative to that. Here are my first impressions.
+The Honda drove/rode great a little be sportier feel than the Ford (cornering and road feel)
+The seat comfort was much better, the seats have great support and side support much like a sportier car. The also give my slightly more leg room than our old van. The leather is a nice touch, my opinion is it is a great option, I like the feel and it cleans easy plus the heated seats are great in MN. I think it takes the vehicle to the next higher class. I was concerned about the Grey leather with the Red, my personal opinion is the ivory would look better but my wife pointed out the Grey would be easier to keep looking clean with the rug rats.
+Gas mileage was as advertised. I averaged 24-25 on the highway with an average speed of 73-80 MPH. Our Windstar got 21-23 in similar conditions but the Honda was lightly loaded (Me and my 5 yr old son).
+The RES is a hit with the kids but I think one can do just as good for the price with after market equipment. If I had a choice I think I would not get the RES and possibly get the NAV. With both these items though I would prefer they be portable such that they can be used in more than one vehicle/location such as a motorhome/boat/etc...
+ The van gets up and goes but there is a bit of torque steer on hard acceleration at the shift points.
+ Climate control works great.
+/- Stereo is average at best, my guess is that speakers could improve things some. Another point to be made with the RES you are stuck with the factory stereo since it is an integrated systerm.
- I don't own DVDs so I had to stop and get some.
- The DVD player will not play my CD-Rs, the CD player does.
- I thought the road noise was higher than in our Windstar? anyone else have this opinion. Seems to be especially noisy on the drivers side rear door?
- The power sliding doors are slow and noisy.
- I wish there were more gadgets (compass, outside temp, mileage computer)
+ The garage door opener can control my garage doors plus my home lighting system.
One note on the AUX input for the RES. RCA jacks are provided in the rear most seat, drivers side compartment. Opening the lid reveals Stereo RCA jacks as well as headphone jacks for three additional sets of wired headphones and individual volume controls for each. AUX is easily selected from the front controls or remote.
Overall, The Ody is a great van. I will be getting the HondaCare warranty since this covers the RES and the sliding power doors which my guess will be the highest problem areas. We will keep the van for 5-7 years so my guess is the warranty is going to pay off.
Steve
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I notice that some on this board have had good luck cutting down on the noise by going to a different tire. The Michelin ( had to go to the sports page of newspaper to spell that) tires on my EX Odyssey are suppose to be quieter then the Firestones they put on the LX.
I have not looked into it but I would think that undercoating, if they still do that, would cut down on the road noise and would not be that expensive.
Yes it is a bit more boxy, but I think with every other vehicle taking the very rounded approach, boxy is gaining new appreciation. Look at the new Caddy's that are coming out. Almost the entire lineup is following this path and is gaining in popularity.
The Odyssey is the best minivan in the market. It has more of what the consumer wants than any other van.
It is spacious, flexible, safe, very high qality, powerful, and loaded with amenities. It is the best minivan in the market.
Are there certain things I would change? Sure. I would love to be able to get the minivan with both the DVD Entertainment system and the Navigation and have quiter ride but none the less the van is still the best avaialable in the market.
Currently own a 2000 EX soon to be traded in for a 2002 EXL with NAVI.
Last night, I finally rode my MB EXL-RES back home. I spent the whole night read the manual and tried to figure out the ins and outs of this little wonder. I stayed in the car for a couple hours and watched the DVD movies in the van. BTW, what a great place to escape from wife's abuse in the house!
We got the van at MSRP, and we bought the 7/100K extended warranty for $850. The business manager wanted to sell the exended warranty for $1200, but I told them I could get it from the Internet for $875, and I showed them other dealer names and phone numbers, the manager said these warranties was not Honda's, I told the manager to give them a call and check it out. He didn't resist, and asked me how much I wanted to pay, I said $850. He laughed and nodded. Then he showed me the book - the invoice price for the warranty is $825. Hehehe, I finally get a great bargin from Honda, even though I have no room to negotiate the car price.
Okay, something interesting:
My RES is the first kind arrived at the dealership in Charlotte, and these dealers had played my van for the day, and they love the RES. I could see it from their smiling faces when they talked about the RES.
For the wireless headphones, don't follow the manual on how to install the battery, the manual's direction is wrong, if you follow the manual, you would break the headphone!!!
Also, the Garage Door opener installed couldn't learn the codes from my remote control. I guess I have to try the hard way.
I drove my van to work today and showed it to my coworkers, then I drove them for lunch. Everyone enjoyed the ride so much (include these driving TC or Toyota S), they wanted to do car pool with me :-)
TIA,
Kyle
Thanks, one happy MB 2002 EX Owner who is glad to be rid of his 94 Voyager, yes, of course the transmission was replaced.
My husband came up with a question I hadn't thought of: When do the dealers negotiate on trade-in?
Seems like lose-lose: if we do it when we order it could be months and we risk the car's value declining and them backing out. If we do it when we go to pay for the van, wouldn't our leverage be lower (what with all the salivating....)
Do we even have an option on when we negotiate this?
Luckily, we can buy the car without our meager trade-in, so the issue may be moot. I can probably get 3k private vs. 2k from the dealer, but I'll let them make me an offer ... if I can figure out when we do it!
thanks in advance... vikki
My wife and I are expecting to take delivery of an 02 SS-LRES next week. With a 5yr old in a booster and a second baby expected in 10 days, I need advice on protecting the leather seats under the child / booster seats. What will work well to protect the seat and not damage the leather (it has to breath)?
BTW- we are dealing with a dealer in Richmond, VA, 90 miles from our home at MSRP+destination, plus $975 'protection package' options, but he's offering the 7/100k/0 Honda warranty 'at cost' ($797), and financing .1 over the credit union. Another posting gives some hope that perhaps the $ for the options can be negotiated down a bit. As long as the van beats the baby arrival by a couple of days, we are all set!
My wife went to Babies-R-Us and bought two pads for under the child seats. They are vinyl on one side and a type of velour on the other, and hang down the front of the seat cushion. They also have pockets on the front part that hangs down.
We have found that this not only protects the seat from spills, but also reduces the effect the seats have on the leather (imprints in the seats). We folded ours in half and put the whole thing under the bottom of the child seat, for extra protection and my wife didn't like the bottom half hanging down in front of the seat.
I have no idea how much they cost, but hope this helps.
Vikki26, as far as trade in goes, we went to three different dealerships. Family Honda in Rancho Santa Margarita CA would give us $6500 for our Explorer and wanted $37K for the van. Shah, and monkeys fly out of my butt!
Irvine wanted $31.6K for an EX-L/RES and offered $7250 for the Exp.
Norm Reeves in Huntington Beach was $31.2K for the van, but $8800 for the Exp.
Irvine and Huntington were within $500, but there was a huge difference in what they would give me for my Exp. I went with the obvious choice. I should be able to pick up my Oddy tomorrow or Monday. I would nail down a trade in value while I was negotiating the price. A few dealers around here are actually starting to have stock, you may not have to wait a long time between negotiation and final sale/delivery.
on my 2000 Ody next year. One possibility is the Michellin Radial X-Ones,
another is the Yokohoma Avid Touring in the 225/60x16 size.
Has anyone tried either one of these and has anyone gone to the 225/60x16
size tire. I would appreciate any comments as to ride and handling.
We placed a beach towel over the seat bottom and back, then placed the child car seat. Cheap and protects the back and the cushion. Don't know if it will prevent imprints, but I believe any imprints will eventually disappear with normal use after the car seat comes out.
Mike
At least 3 other Honda dealers on the Internet sell the same warranty for $895. I got the info from another Ody website.
Chris Scofield at Honda of Princeton (609) 683 – 0722 $895
David Winnie at Upstate Honda (518) 587-9300 $895
Rusty Wallis Honda in Dallas, TX
Brandon Winfree Business Manager
(214) 348-7500
(214) 328-8809 fax
www.thehondaking.com
Regards.
I noticed that GM offers 0% financing without lowering the prices. Daimler-Chrysler lowered prices rather than offer 0%.
FWIW, there is a very nice tire size calculator located at the following URL. Scroll down to the lower part of the page and plug in the stock tire size and the other sizes that you're considering; and it'll tell you all you need to know and more about how they compare in the size departmment.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Great dealer in Scranton, PA.- Also short waiting period.
Good luck with your search, let us know how you make out.
PS: You should also use Edmund's power shopper and get a free quote from a dealer in your area.
Back in June, I visited the OpenRoad Honda. Because they charges 2000-3000 over MSRP, I dropped them and went to Academy Honda to put down $500 refundable deposit and start my waiting for an 02 odyssey, which was supposed to arrive in Nov.
Got a call from Samy Marzouk in OpenRoad Honda last Saturday. He did not promise me the price over the phone but asked me to come down there.
I was not expect anything when drove down there but figured that at least I could see or maybe even test drive the 02 Odyssey.
When I got there, within 2 minutes after he talked to his manager, MSRP.
So I got a SS XEL-RES with no extra for MSRP, on top of that, I have to pay destination charge, documentation fee and registration fee. Oh yes, tax. So the total came down to $32233.40.
I think the key is "End of the month". They need to move the vehicle.
BTW, Samy's phone number is 201-725-5282. Nice person. I think he is only there on Sat. and 3 hours in the evening during weekdays.
Haven't been here for over a year now. It's interesting to see that dealers are still asking MSRP or above for the Odyssey, same as when we got our EX-NAV in 12/99... Wish it had 240hp then!
Today I finished the exterior portion of the fog light installation. These are the "old" style round lights, which were purchased over a year ago, but never got around to installation until now 8^). The instructions were not that difficult, and looking at Trevor's site I see that they have changed somewhat. Looks like removal of the bumper is now recommended for installation of the actual lights, instead of prying back the fenderwell lining; but to adjust the lights or change the bulbs you still have to pry the lining back.
Anyway, my question relates to adjusting aim of the foglights. The installation instructions state that they should be adjusted according to local regulations. Whatever that is. My intended use of them is for fog (of course) and for rainy nights in particular, when road markings immediately ahead of the van are obscured by bright city lights reflecting off water on the roadway. Is there a "rule" or "rule of thumb" for aiming them effectively, is it just a gestalt trial and error approach?
I don't mind the aesthetics of the round lights. The wiring looks to be the same, just the lenses and bumper mounts are different. Is there any functional difference between the round vs. shaped lights, that I should consider updating them at some point?
Regards,
DJW
It's good to see they're bargaining...
Thanks,
Parker
Tracy Dalton, Alton Blakley Honda 800-264-3275
7/100K/0 $875
Went back to the same dealer I purchased the original Odyssey from. They offered $24K trade in on my 2000 Ody and they guaranteed that trade in value until the 02 is delivered.
I will post my experience with the new one hopefully in about 2 months.
http://www.piaa.com/lightaiming.html
Hope this helps!
Drew
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