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I recently bought a new Civic LX Coupe with an automatic transmission.
Let me tell you my story (warning: it's long and detailed, skip to the bottom of my post for the Cliff notes).
Location: Maryland and Virginia (I live in MD).
I initially went through Edmunds in order to ask some dealers for quotes. I soon realized that a more efficient way would be to go through cars.com since it allows one to view all the dealers within a specified distance from your zip code, as opposed to only 5 dealers that Edmunds displays (making up new zip codes is a pain). After requesting quotes from roughly 15 dealers, I waited roughly 3 hours before the "good quotes" started pouring in.
Let me explain what I mean by that. As soon as a quote request is submitted, a dealer's computer system sends out an automated response "Thanks for your request, we'll get back to you soon". A short time later, many dealers will send out a second email blast along the lines of "Hey, while we research the pricing for this car for you, are there any colors or accessories that you really wanted too?". Don't bother answering that email. After about 2-3 hours you'll get the actual information that you wanted (i.e. prices). Some of the responses will sound like they are computer generated (maybe because they are?), others will be more personal and obviously written by a live human.
Note: don't write anything in the comments field when you first ask a dealer for a quote. It is useless. All the dealers look at is the car make (ex: Honda), car model (ex: Civic) and the trim (ex: LX Coupe auto). I first tried asking the dealers to provide me their price for a Civic with a number of accessories on it (more on that later). Not a single response I received acknowledged that part of my query. Save that for until you start communicating with an actual human being.
Based on what I've read on this forum, my "target" price was $15, 500 (including destination as well as mud guards/wheel locks/door edge guards) with the tax + dealer fees and the MVA fees being extra.
My strategy: once a quote was received, I'd send out a counter-offer with the price above. If more than one dealer accepted my offer, I'd them ask for additional accessories in order for them to earn my business. I clearly stated I was prepared to buy within a week but would prefer to make my purchase immediately.
Summary of my communication with the dealers (their responses to my counter offer):
Ourisman Honda of Laurel:
Where are you coming up with the 15,500 number? It seems a little low.
Criswell Honda:
I am glad you are doing some research, but be careful! You have to compare apples to apples. The $15,500 was because of incentives that Honda has now ended, you have to sift through the forums to recent sales and check location as different districts get different incentives. With the Protection Package installed, you are looking at $16,118 plus doc fee of $100, tax and tags...I think that you will find my pricing to be very aggressive, are there a few more pennies to be had, only your presence will tell.
Ourisman Honda of Bethesda:
The prices you will be getting will vary between $100 to $300 give or take, you will not see a big difference in pricing. You as an internet customer all dealer's will give you the bottom line price's also please keep in mind that all dealer's pay the same amount for the car. I don't know if it is the right decision to hold off till next weekend or even by the end of the month. As you know Honda is a Hot selling car and there might not be as good as a selection toward the end of the month. The 2010 model will hit the showroom by next month and the price for the 2010 will be significant higher than the 2009.
Regarding your offer, we are very close. I might be able to do your offer of 15,500 but I need you here so I convince my GM to make the deal. Your presence is your power.
Fairfax Honda:
I would like to help you out but my quote is plus the freight charge ($670.00). That I can do for you. We also already include the appearance package (mudguards, floor mats, clean-up) at NO extra charge.
Landmark Honda:
[They responded to my email with a counter offer by sending me the exact same quote. They followed up with 3 or 4 more automated emails but with little useful information (besides the original quote, which was above my "target price") ]
Honda of Tysons Corner:
2009 Honda Civic LX Coupe Automatic Stock#9H504986 $14,291 as advertised plus all fees......when would you like to come in and finish this up? Looks like our price is quite lower than what you have received elsewhere....no need to continue shopping....
[and a follow up message]:
$14,291 plus everything.....all fees. $670 freight, $299 processing, $495 for wheel locks, splash guards and the 8 "Edge" benefits, plus taxes and tags. It still should come out lower than any Out The Door quote you have received. It is a blow out loser deal on one specific stock #. Let me know how you wish to proceed my friend.....
Leesburg Honda:
The "PRICE QUOTE" that I have just sent you is a "REAL" competitive one. But, if you can get for $15,500 with the destination included and with protection package as described, then I would highly recommended you to confirm with that dealer before making a trip there. As for me, I will be here for you if things do not work out there. Thanks.
Pohanka Honda:
[Many messages. There was some confusion about the price they were quoting me but $15, 500 with the destination charge + wheel locks + splash guards + door edge guards included is what they were able to do. More on Pohanka below.]
Herson's Honda:
I think I can get close to your price request but the only accessory we add to our car is wheel locks. The other accessories I would have to charge for. If you can do without them let me know.
Sport Honda:
Yes the LX coupe auto, muds and locks is the pro pack
Other dealers:
I either didn't send them a counter offer (because I already had plenty of information by then) or they didn't respond to it,
By now, I have had in hand 4 dealer quotes that were right around my "target price": Sport Honda, Honda of Tysons Corner, Pohanka Honda and Ourisman Honda (Bethesda). Herson's was pretty close too.
Actual dealership experiences :
First I went to Pohanka Honda. They certainly had quite a selection of Civics: 56 of them (so finding my favorite color was easy). I took a quick test drive and we started to work over numbers. They were willing to do $15, 600 including the destination charge & the processing fee as well as the wheel locks, splash guards and the door edge guards, with the tags and tax being extra. I asked for one more accessory to clinch the deal: Honda Bluetooth. They were unable (or unwilling) to include that into the purch
Actual dealership experiences :
First I went to Pohanka Honda. They certainly had quite a selection of Civics: 56 of them (so finding my favorite color was easy). I took a quick test drive and we started to work over numbers. They were willing to do $15, 600 including the destination charge & the processing fee as well as the wheel locks, splash guards and the door edge guards, with the tags and tax being extra. I asked for one more accessory to clinch the deal: Honda Bluetooth. They were unable (or unwilling) to include that into the purchase price. After several hours of talks we could not complete the transaction. I remained firm on the price and refused to accept it as unrealistic. I appreciated that the dealer seemed eager to sell me the car and fought for my business (they only sold 80 cars last month as I found out) but others might be uncomfortable with having pretty much every standard car salesman phrase or “trick” (for the lack of a better word) thrown at them.
My next dealer was Jim Coleman Honda in Clarksville. I sent them the quotes from Sport, Tyson’s Corner and Ourisman and was assured that they could beat them. Once I arrived I was instantly impressed with the size of the dealership and the size of their car lot (plenty of Civics of all trims and colors) – it seemed in a whole different league from Pohanka altogether. This might be important to quite a few people: all the cars (or at least all the ones I’ve seen) they have already come with several accessories installed: mud guards, door edge guards and pin striping (and possibly wheel locks, not quite sure). I’ve never asked if these accessories could be uninstalled should the buyer not want them (I did want them).
I presented Pohanka’s numbers as well as the quotes from the other dealerships to my salesperson. Our negotiation process was brief – I offered $15, 200 (including the destination charge & the processing fee) + MD tags ($222) + MD tax (6%) and my offer was accepted. Accessories included with the car: wheel locks, splash guards, door edge guards and the pin striping. I was also able to qualify for the Honda financing (2.9% or 3.9% depending on the length of the loan).
Overall, I found my car buying experience to be rather easy. I did not feel pressured at Jim Coleman but that of course depends on the car salesman that you get. I know I am not allowed to mention any names, but if you’d like to deal with the same salesguy I did, ask the receptionist or one of the sales managers to call the person who sold the second highest number of cars in June. His last name is pronounced like one of the seasons of the year. If you’d like to mention my name to him (Alex), he’ll recognize it.
So, what’s the moral of the story? First, do your research on pricing here on the Inside Line forums (don’t even look at the TMV price, it’s way too high). Second of all, decide on the amount that you feel is realistic before you walk into the dealership’s doors, then stick to it no matter what. If it turns out you were wrong and guessed too low, you can always come back to that dealership later (if you liked them) or just go to another dealer armed with your new knowledge and experience. Third of all, while the smaller dealership might be more desperate to earn your business, the larger dealerships are the ones with the greater ability to lower the price for you (partly because Honda gives them larger bonuses for hitting their larger sales targets).
Cliff notes as promised:
I ended up buying a 2009 Civic LX Coupe automatic for $15,200 with all the fees included except for tax (6% in MD) and tags ($222). Accessories included with the car: splash guards, door edge guards, wheel locks and pin striping.
Dealer: Jim Coleman Honda in Clarksville, MD.
Hope this helps somebody!
Cheers!
If you are the kind of person who is very conscientious about keeping your car's interior and exterior as pristine as possible, there is something that you might want to do.
Do not allow the dealer to do the cleanup on your car before you take delivery. Instead, drive away in the car the way it comes from the factory - covered with plastic. Then, either go to your trusted local detailer and have them clean/wax/detail the car or just do it yourself. Make sure to emphasize your wishes to your car salesman.
Why? The cleanup crew at a dealership might or might not be too careful with your new purchase. They might be in a hurry. They might be eager to go home. They might have 10 other cars that they need to clean ASAP. They might just not care about the job that they do. After all, they won't be driving this car for the next several years - you will.
Jim Coleman's cleanup crew wasn't good at all. There were spots of dirt on the interior plastic panels as well as well as some stains on the two front seats (to my salesman's credit, he personally got rid of them and has done a great job). The exterior was far worse - plenty of small scratches that became quite obvious once the sun came up the next day. I suspect this might not be as big deal if your car is silver or white. If it's a dark color, it might bug you quite a bit.
I am in Bay Area, CA and got a quote for the 09 civic lx-s auto:
Car price: $16958 (incl. dest fee) + tax + gov fees
Final OTD is $18971.24
I want to buy the car this week. Is it a good price? Please give me some advices. Thank you very much and happy july 4!!
I am planning to buy Honda Civic EX-L Sedan (Auto) in San Francisco Bay area and the quotes I am getting are around $19,300 + Taxes + License.
Is this the best price we can expect or has anyone got better price than that ?
Do you think the prices will go down further as new models arrive ?
I am flexible on when to buy the car so can wait few more weeks if required.
Any tips would be of great help.
Thanks for the adivce from this forum.
Just looking for opinions about that price.
Thanks
(I know...people ask why I'd go from a caddy to a Civic...long story but gas and upkeep were two big issues.)
My husband and I were at the dealer on the third Sat. of June right before Father's Day in the afternoon and the place was absolutely dead. I don't think they had sold anything all day and seemed especially interested in closing the deal. I didn't think they would take my offer but they did and it went as smooth as silk. I do wish I had bargained for a rear deck lid spoiler and back seat cup holders....but live and learn. Now I'll have to pay full retail if I want them.
One question for you enthusiasts...it's so hard to see as you back up in the Civic and was wondering if anyone has added a back up sensor and if Honda does it or you have to find someone else. (Hubby and I can't). I don't need a camera, but the caddy had a sensor that I loved and counted on. If Honda doesn't do it, where do do you recommend I purchase one and have it installed? So scared to let just anyone mess with the new baby!
Thanks!
Have you tried to go through the internet sales?
* Is the lease contract with Honda Financial or a third party leasing company?
* What is the residual value written on the lease contract?
* How many months ago did the lease initiate ?
* How many miles (or kilometer, if in Canada) are allowed per year?
* Any charges associated with returning the vehicle at the end of lease (see contract)
* Do you intend to return the vehicle at the end of lease or buy it?
MSRP: $21370
Invoice: $19410
Just looking for some validation that I am getting a good deal..
Thanks
Yes, I got the Internet car price from 16500 ~ 17100 (incl dest fee) from several Bay Area Honda dealers. I suggests you get the Internet quotes, print it out and negotiate with dealers.
I assume your price is not OTD? The dealers seem very firm with their internet price, is that what you found? Have you purchased your car?
Also, it came with the remains of the original warranty which is now 3 years, 21,000 miles.
I bought the Honda Civic EX-L Sedan Auto in SF Bay area and paid $19188 (Includes Destination charges) + Taxes and License.
Hope this helps someone trying to get an idea.
Didn't try to bargain much but realized most dealers would give around this price.
Thanks
P.S. When I bought my car, it was at the end of the month and the deals may have been a little better. It all depends
Am highly satisfied with the vehicle, I also own two 08 Honda Fits, an 03 CR-V, and an 03 Civic sedan. I have bought 3 new Hondas from this dealer in the last 18 months.
I am live in the Omaha, NE area and there are 3 Honda dealers in my vicinity. However, the dealer in Lincoln (60 miles away) is much better in terms of the buying experience and service after the sale. Williamson Honda - highly recommended!
Yes, I received the email from several Honda dealers. The price is car price with dest fee only not OTD. Usually they dont quote OTD price on email, you have to ask them to quote the OTD price with cost breakdown. The OTD price should arround $19000 here in Bay Area...tax is high & near 10% here ><
Did you send email to dealers and get the quote again??
Not yet...
You will need to see his lease contract, which will answer all of those questions! Typically, the residual value is set artificially lower than it should be- in which case buying this car at the end of the lease term would be a great deal for you! Especially if the lease states the residual value at $11k but the car is actually worth $14k.
The lease will show either the process required to transfer the contract or at least have a phone number to call to get the info.
Typically, leases require a certain down payment at lease signing. If all he wants you to do is take over the $260/mo payment (no down payment), it would be hard to go wrong with this deal! It sounds like a great deal for you!
I also read on the Accord forum that the cash to dealer incentive cannot be combined with the special financing as of today. But don’t quote me on this.
I paid $19500 for the car price including the destination charge. With all the tax and DMV fees(OTD) I paid $21600. (by the way I'm ignoring the last 2 digits of the prices since I can't remeber exactly..)
I didn't paid any kind of dealer doc fees but only those DMV ones.
I also got financed and it was 3.9% for 60 mo.
The tax rate here is 9.75%(LA) now but it was 9.25% when I took the car out.
So far, the lowest quote that I have received is $17,670 + TTL. I have not been able to find a dealer who will beat this price.
What do you folks think of the quote that I have been getting?
Thanks!
Dealers get no profit if you trade in your clunker. Jsut a mess of paperwork and hassle.
And, yeah, they have to make VERY sure your car actually qualifies. Some cars that we think should, don't!
Also, is your price of $17,715 out the door and including the rebate of $3,500 or $4,500???
I love these forums as well!!!!
When you did your negotiations, did you mention that you will have a Clunker to trade in, or did you keep it a secret? Also, what fees does the 17,515 include? Thanks.
The 17,515 is just the price of the car before any taxes or fees and before the CFC. so OTD with taxes DMV and fee's should be around 20,000, then minus the 4,500 CFC i'll be around $15,500
As for the Kenwood, just go to kenwoods website or crutchfeild.com and look at the different models they have that fit into the honda civic. You can spend as anywhere between 700 and 1400 depending on what features you want. Just do some research and find a reputable car stereo shop in your area. They should be able to get the stereo you want, get the dashboard faceplate and do the installation. Make sure you find a good shop, that is very important.
Think I am doing OK here?
I chose Civic over the Mazda3 because Im thinking it will hold up better over time.
Theyare, however Micky Mouse when compared to the factory units that you can give verbal commands to.
There are "Mickey Mouse" units out there, however most of the ones I looked at blew the honda factory units out of the water and for a quarter of the price.
If the deciding factor for me was "does the unit accept voice commands" (which the kenwood I picked out does, by the way) i would get a $250 dollar garmin nuvi as opposed to a $2000 Factory unit.
$1000 is alot to spend to get voice commands, no?
Like I said, I like my $1000 better when its in my bank account than Honda's, and I can have a better unit installed.
...Just my opinion
My fees include
199 docs
7.50 tires
299 NJ registration fee.
w/200 for a remote starter I am walking out the door at 18k on the nose. I may try haggling a bit more but the experience has been quite pleasant so who knows...
This is in Central NJ
Heck, I sure don't remember and we sure don't keep a record of this.
What happened in the past isn't going to affect the future.
Honda isn't big on incentives but they are used when they have a lot of inventory on certain models. Incentives can end quickly and with low inventories, there is no reason to reinstate them.
Knowing what happened in the past won't help you "know:" anything.