2013 and earlier-Honda Accord Prices Paid and Buying Experience

tomcat99

I recently purchased a new 2005 Accord LX 2.4 Auto for $19K. I lived in Newark, De. I thought I had a good deal but some people here are buying it for way below invoice in Cali, how's this possible? Do people in Cali pays more for the emission?

sunil

I want to post a very positive (and succesful) buying experience.

 

First : thanks to posters on this forum who helped a lot (especially 3c3, who referred me to AutoWest Honda in Freemont).

 

I got a no hassle, no haggle, outstanding price from AutoWest Honda. Requested a quote on their website last night, had an email response by 8.30 am this morning. The buying process was a breeze (in at noon, did a test drive, bought the car, completed paperwork, out by 1.30, no hassels). I would recomment these guys to anybody.

 

I got a 2005 EX-L, Auto, 4-cylinder for 21596 (+ 45doc fee, 5 tire fee, 1785 tax, 196 license - total 23627 out the door). A great price based on other posts in this focum - and 300 dollars lower than the quote I got from any other dealer (with absolutely no haggling, no gimmicks). I loved the buying process - and I love this car !!

 

The internet department at South Bay Honda was also very good in their responsiveness (and their price was close), but AutoWest was the best price and a simply great buying experience.

 

As for the car : its a Silver EX-L, black leather interior. Drives like a charm, handled great on the way home. I love this car already !

 

I am now off this forum - see you on that "other" forum where they are discussing when to do the first oil change ;-)).

 

Sunil

isellhondas

there is no such thing as a "employee cost". This will vary by dealer and it may depend on the availability of the model. On an LX Accord, it's probably a few hundred dollars over invoice.

accord05

Curry honda in ATL

baddad

This is my first post here, but I've been "lurking" for several weeks, and reading all the great input. Your positive experience buying your car, should be the norm, not the exception. Usually we, as buyers, determine what type of transaction we will have. As Isellhondas may agree, salespeople are human too, and respond in kind to agressiveness just like anyone else.If you don't get the deal you feel is fair, get up and leave.My nephew sold Honda's here in the Dallas market in the mid-'90's, and swore he never made more than $200 a car.Sure, there were bonus's and incentives, but most money was made in the finance end of things, along with service agreements and accessories.Today in the Dallas Morning News, an ad shows an '05 Accord EX V-6 for $24540 + TTL. That is invoice and delivery on any car on the lot (no nav). Now if I wanted to drive to Houston (225 miles), I could save another $200 or so, but let's be reasonable here...Didn't mean to ramble, but felt like covering several things.Everyone have a great Holiday season, and remember the reason for the season!

seatown76

Hi Everyone

 

This is my first post on this forum.

Has anyone had any experience with Honda dealers in WA? Any recommendations? (Bellevue? Kirkland? Renton...)

 

I was planning on going for the 05 Accord LX Auto..But some of the posts I've been reading is amazing. If i can land an 05 Accord EX-L in the 21K-ish range I'm sold

 

Anyone gotten good prices with Honda dealers in WA

 

Thanks

sunil

Well, as I posted yesterday, I just purchased my new Silver/Black 2005 Accord EX-L yesterday (and I am still walking around with a silly grin on my face ;-)).

 

Now I have a question about extended warranties. I rejected this at the dealer yesterday (I was not prepared, and I know extended warranties can be purchased anytime in the first three years, so there is no rush to make a quick decision at the dealer). I have several questions.

 

1. Is it worth buying an extended warranty ? Given it is a Honda, I am not worried about the PowerTrain at all. But these cars have a lot of electronics. How reliable are things like the CD-changer, climate control, power windows, etc ? Is it buying the extended warranty to make sure these components are covered ? Or is it not worth the cost ?

 

2. HondaCare versus other extended warranties : If buying an extended warranty, is HondaCare the way to go ? Or are any of the after-market warranties worth considering ?

 

3. Cost. I found a previous post in this forum about online HondaCare pricing(http://www.curryhondacare.com/index.cfm ). I went to this web-site, and they are running a special discount of $90 until Dec 31 (you get it in your email if you sign up on their web site). With this discount, a 7-year, 100K, 0-deductible extended warranty is 1020-90 = $930 (960-90 = 870 if you want a $50 deductible). Does this sound like a good price ? Can you really buy the extended warranty on-line from a dealer in Chicago and use it in California with no hassels ?? Any positive/negative experiences from people who have purchased extended warranties on-line ?

 

Sunil

isellhondas

Well, inventories are good right now that's always the best time to strike a great deal.

novacouple

Sounds like it's about $1000.00 too much! kath

ktnr

When shopping for an '05 Accord sedan LX auto in Atlanta a few weeks ago (mid-November), the best price I could get from Curry Honda was still $309 higher than what Hennessy Honda offered right up front.

 

Hennessy Honda also offered a 7/100 extended warranty with $50 deductable for $715. Even though it was a good deal on an extended warranty, I declined it.

eric104

I am getting a quote from Koon Honda, Manassas, VA

$21446. After TTl $ 23016 ( Processing $279, Destination Charge $515). So, thats the cheapest quote I got in VaA.

ktnr

Even though I was quoted an excellent price for an extended HondaCare warranty, I still skipped it.

 

My reasoning is that problem items like brake, clutch and suspension components will be nearly impossible to get covered. Much of the expensive stuff I need to worry about is most likely to be a problem well after 100,000 miles anyway. Also, between myself, independent repair shops, and internet parts ordering, I'm betting that handling on my own any unexpected repairs between 36,000 and 100,000 miles will be cheaper than buying a warranty and paying deductables.

 

For example, a complete EX radio/CD changer assembly retails for a whopping $2,200. But these are readily available on E-bay for only $100-200.

 

Granted, if the engine or transmission blows up between 36,000 and 100,000 miles, then I'll have been very wrong. But it won't be the end of the world even if it happens and it's also very unlikely.

 

Also, I've got 36,000 miles with this particular car, and the shared experiences of thousands of other Honda owners, to warn me in ample time to buy an extended warranty before the factory warranty runs out - IF there seems to be reason to worry. However, nothing I've read to date leads me to believe that my position is one of high risk.

ashaidy

Wow, I thought I got a deal at Honda World Downey CA with Jimmy Lee. Mine was $25,000 with rear wing spoiler & mud flaps. Think the warranty was too much $1195. Unfortunately I am disappointed with the windshield/visor noises I hear. I gave up 92 Accord quiet as a mouse. Other than the noises I love the car.

baddad

I'm getting my wife an '05 EX V-6 this week, and am contemplating the warranty myself. Typically, one shouldn't worry with a Honda. But...a grand could be spent quite easily at a dealership. With all the electronics on board now, it wouldn't be tough to do. An ABS module would be a grand. An alternator would be close with the labor included. It's a hard decision for me to make, and unless I hear some horror stories, I too will probably pass.

geni01

Just like Sunil, I took possesion of this car in Graphite Pearl last Saturday from the same dealer, Autowest Honda. Total price with all fees included was 25.5k. with 10k down. I am financing the car with HFS with the 1.9% apr at 48 months.

Had to wait for 2hours since the car was not totally ready when the paperwork was done. But I drove out of the dealership with only 5.5 miles on the odometer. I would suggest anybody from the SF bay area to check them out first before other dealership.

richards38

Congrats! You bought a great car at a very low price which is better than last year's prices for the same car.

 

My '04 EX-L is also silver with black interior. Yes, they are EVERYWHERE--no exclusivity, but a good color choice for a classy interior and a color that looks good between infrequent washes.

 

Be sure to try the XM radio.

 

Drive your new Accord in good health.....Richard

Kirstie_H

Wow! Congratulations, everyone, on some great year-end deals. Don't forget to share your ownership experience in our Honda Accord Sedan discussion, or one of our many other Accord-related topics. You can find them all using the search tools at the left.

 

Happy driving!

kirstie_h

Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

tbley

Recently purchased a 2005 Accord EX V6 Auto w/Leather at Planet Honda for $24,000 (inlcud. destination charges), which I think is a resonable price for the car. We traded in our old 1999 Accord (LX V6 Auto) with 34,100 miles and only got $6,500 for it. The car was in a major accident in 2000 and during the used car inspection, Planet Honda found a "bent cradle", which meant that the allignment was off that forced the car to ever so slightly to the right. As it turns out the car was repaired by Planet Honda in 2000 and serviced by Honda the entire time we owned the car. Otherwise the car was in very good condition. The sales manager mentioned several times that he did not want the trade-in because of the accident, but I think that was part of his sales tactic.

 

We are trying to figure out if $6,500 was a resonable offer from Planet Honda for the trade in. According to Kelly Blue book, the trade in price for the car was approx. $8,500 and acording to Consumer Report, the trade in price was approx. $7,500.

 

Also, our buying experience was horrible. Not only did we get stuck with a sales rep that did not know (nor care) about what he was doing. We ended up negotiating with a sales manager who was condensending and BS'd at every opportunity. We believe that we drove a fairly hard bargin on the deal and only when threatened to walked out did he change his mind and gave us what we were looking for (the EX for $24,000, trade in on the old car (was looking for $8,500 but settled for $6,500) less $5,000 down with financing the remainder at 1.9%). Also, it took us six hours from the time walked in to the time we drove out. I've purchased my two previous Honda's at Planet Honda and never had such an experience. Honestly speaking it was my third and last car from Planet Honda.

isellhondas

If you were that unhappy, you should have walked out and bought your Honda someplace else. I'll never understand why people complete a sale when they are unhappy and then come here to complain.

 

That said, there is no excuse for poor treatment or a condensending attitude.

 

Your 99 LX V-6 Accord isn't a real hot seller either new or used. Very few of these are sold, in fact, in nine years I think I may have sold maybe three of these.

 

The fact it was in a major (your words) accident to the point the frame was bent REALLY drops it's value as well.

imidazol97

as to their integrity when they could see a bent frame now but couldn't see it while they were taking your insurance company's/your money to repair the car.

 

If they don't offer enough and talk about how bad your car is, walk, don't talk. They win every time because they're skilled at smoozing the customer into complacency and into feeling their trade is worth nothing.

 

Standard procedure in some stores.

 

Now they even have the evidence you might have used for a claim against them for diminished value by not repairing your old car or with the insurance company to correctly repair it.

 

 
Did they offer to correct the job in the repair shop to increase your trade value?

I apologize if I've been too direct.

ktnr

A friend recently bragged that AutoNation bought his old car for twice as much as any other dealer would give him. Having heard that story, I'd get a purchase quote from AutoNation first and then use that amount as a reference point during negotiations.

 

It's always wise to have all your options lined up before negotiating the final deal. Get competitive quotes on trade-in, finacing, warranty, options, and purchase price before hashing out a deal on a car. Leave any base uncovered and that's where the salesman will go trying to make more money on the sale - it's his job.

isellhondas

If it was a 300.00 car and Auto Nation paid them 600.00, that might make sense. I doubt if they would have paid 10,000 for a car the other dealers offered 5,000 for.

 

But, yes, it is a salesperson's job to maximize profit. Nothing wrong with that. Still, that store has to be competitive or the business will be lost.

 

As far as trades go, the shopper can certainly keep it and sell it themselves if they don't like what is offered. Quite often, I will suggest they do just that. I don't like to lose a sale over a trade in.

dallasite

Looking at buying an '05 V6-AT Coupe w/Navi. I know choosing the Navi is somewhat of a personal choice depending on several factors...how much I travel, can I afford it, etc.

 

But what are the real pros and cons of the Navi option, and what's a good deal on an '05-AT Coupe w/Navi in the Dallas area?

 

Also how well does the paint hold up on a Honda?

new05accord

I just purchased an '05 Accord LX and have the same question about extended warranties. Does anyone out there have an informed opinion about these? I'm leaning towards the Honda Care option since this is Honda and not a 3rd party company such as Warranty Direct, but haven't compared the specific coverages.

ktnr

Actually, the friend claimed that AutoNation paid $7,500 for his old car and listed it a week later for $9,500. Other offers had been in the $3-4,000 range so he says he came out way ahead selling to AutoNation.

 

I think it's common for dealers to offer below the wholesale auction amount on a trade-in because an auction is the car's next stop anyway. If the vehicle isn't a good candidate for their affiliated used car lots, off to the auction it goes.

 

I pushed a dog of an old car on a dealer once and it was an odd-ball on their used lot for weeks. My guess was that, had they auctioned it, they'd have been upside down in it and so they kept it around hoping to get lucky selling it themselves.

Kirstie_H

You might also want to check out our Extended Warranties discussion.

 

kirstie_h

Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

tbley

Sunil,

 

Stay away from extended warranties. I've bought one many years ago for a '89 Accord DX and never used it. It is just another way to profit on somehing that is useless. They'll confuse you with numbers and make it sound like it is the next best thing and that you can't do w/out. You can do without an extended warranty. Besides that, it's a Honda.

isellhondas

Well now...that 89 DX was a bare bones car without much equipment. Hondas are very reliable but a lot of people just sleep better knowing they are protected in case something happens.

 

Not "useless" if something breaks.

chang00

We have three cars with Navi: Lexus RX300, Nissan Murano, and Accord V6. We "almost" never get lost. Finding a new restaurant, store, etc., is a breeze. It is especially useful in unfamiliar areas.

 

There are certain limitations with build-in Navi. For example, the map DVD is not updated as frequently as stand-alone systems. Currently the Honda 2004 DVD is still not shipping. In the San Francisco Bay area, the Honda DVD contains several errors on the I-680/I-80/I-580 exchanges near Emeryville and Vallejo. You are stuck with buying the Honda update DVD. The Honda system also takes the longest to lock on satellite signals; on average about 30 seconds, twice as long as the Nissan and Lexus systems.

 

Other than these minor complaints, I really cannot find any cons of the Navi. So if it is on you list of gadgets, by all means get it.

3c3

From the $900 warranty cost, how much do you expect to get from it? Maybe $0. Maybe a few thousand dollars. Even at a few thousand dollars, the premium/coverage ratio is too high to be worth buying, IMO. Who do you think will profit from this $900 item, you or the dealer/insurance underwriter? Save the $900 away, and that's your cushion for unexpected repair cost.

muzik

I am very impressed with it all so far. I got a fair deal with no hassle and great service from a local dealer (Hoehn, Carlsbad). I paid $24,300 incl destination but plus tax and license. I like the way it looks, feels and handles. I haven't any second thoughts at this point. My wife even likes it more. I got the dark green pearl which was our favorite color with the ivory interior. I was looking at the Lexus IS300 and the Acura TSX but felt this was a better overall value.

dallasite

Good info!

 

Thanks a million. I think I'll get it!

wirwin

If you are tempted to pay for an extended warranty, think about it from the dealer's (or the warranty seller's) point of view. Clearly they collect more money by selling these than they pay out in warranty claims (wouldn't be much of a business otherwise).

 

So the odds are that you will not collect (in claims) more than you paid for the warranty.

 

Unless you are somehow comforted by the idea of being covered (which seems like a weak argument), there is no logical reason to buy these warranties.

93accordae

Carsdirect.com lists Atlanta-area 05 Accord "target" prices at about $750 UNDER invoice, if I am reading it correctly. Is this right? Anyone buy an Accord for this price, or better?

 

By comparison, Nashville-area "target" prices are about $750 over invoice.

 

Thanks!

wirwin

Looking for recommendations on Homda dealers in Austin Texas: I can go to Houston, Dallas or San Antonio if there is a dealer who is willing to work over the phone or email.

 

(Per forum rules, please reply only with dealership name and city, no contact information.)

paul512001

That seems about right. I picked up an Accord EX-V6 last week in ATL for 23,738 incl destination.

vinry

Try Gunn Honda in San Antonio. They quoted me a very good below invoice price via email.

sunil

Thanks for all the replies on the extended warranty. I agree with most of the replies - I will pass on the warranty for now, and I know I have 3 years to change my mind if I really want to in the unlikely even this car turns out to have a lot problems in the first few years (hopefully not !!).

 

BTW - my dealer offered me mud-guards + wheel-locks for $100. I rejected him (mostly because I was so set on getting in & out with a good price I did not want to even think about adding anything else). In retrospect, I should have gone for these (seems like a great price on reflection). Oh well - there is always the aftermarket...

 

Sunil

tmateer

$100 is cheap for the mudguards & wheel locks.

 

Extended warranty: Think of it like you would insurance. I hate writing my check out every month for car...health...life... etc. But when the day comes that I need it, I will not give a second thought to those checks I wrote. The same way with extended warranties. You may never need them, and wish you hadn't bought it, but you may not buy it and regret that decision. I always buy extended warranties. Sometimes I use it and sometimes I don't.

ktnr

Extended warranties are a form of insurance. Given that each of us is highly likely to spend more in auto insurance premiums during our lifetime than we'll ever collect in claims, why bother with auto insurance?

 

A better argument against extended warranties is the poor cost/benefit ratio of this insurance. Buyer's pay $1,000 for a few thousand dollars of coverage that expires before it's mostly likely to be needed (after 100,000 miles).

 

With auto insurance, buyer's pay $1,000 a year for $100,000 or more in coverage - a vastly higher cost/benefit ratio.

stacey_burke

My 2 cents. I believe that it depends on the gadgets on the car. If you own a DX with only engine and drive train to worry about the extended warrenty may not be worth it. Buy an ex with navi and there are so many things that can go wrong and the cost of fixing them high that I believe that it is a good investment.

 

Again just my 2 cents worth....

isellhondas

Exactly. Like any form of insurance.

 

Today's shop labor rates can approach or exceed 100.00 per hour! One major repair and you will be very happy you bought a warranty!

glenford

Well, the analyses are right - assume they sell it for $1000 because they expect to spend $700 of it per car, leaving a tidy profit. First, that means the price is negotiable. Don't know their real profit, but if they expect to spend $700, can you get extended warranty for $800?

 

Second, this is personal. How much do you like risk? The risk of a repair exists for everyone. If that makes you nervous, OR if you can't afford a surprise sudden expense (but you could, for example, finance the ext warranty and "smooth out" the payments) then you might personally have more incentive to buy it.

 

Third, averages work when you're looking at Honda. You only own one car. You don't get to average out the risks. Every extended warranty owner will get an average of $700 (for example) back, but some will get $0, and some will get $3000. What risk are you trying to protect yourself from?

 

Figure that out, then decide. (IMHO & YMMV :-) Tim

susans

Good job!

 

I too am sure that the dealerships are making plenty of $$$, and this issue actually came up during my negotiations. The whole process is just miserable, you know? I forget about it when I drive around in my nice new car, but still. . .

 

I got the same: 05 Accord Sedan EX-L auto in graphite, but did not fare quite as well. I went to Clair Honda in Boston.

 

Their best offer was $22015 + destination $515 _ tax/fees. (They matched an offer by Herb Chambers to arrive at this price.) I wanted them to come down on the price because of the destination charge, and they wouldn't, claming they were going to lose $ if they brought the price down any further (yeah, right). I said they'd have to come down another $200 to get me to purchase, and they did, but in a very odd way. They gave me a way too much $ for the trade in (a 14 y.o. car that other dealers wouldn't even take) and left the price of the car crazily high. I am sure this is b/c it looks better for them on paper and may help them out w/ taxes when they claim they took a loss on my old beater at auction.

 

Anyway, when all was said & done, here's what I paid: $22,230 + 214 fees/plates/reg + 1111 tax (5% in MA). I got a 1.9% APR which made this a little easier to live with.

 

I suppose I could have pushed a bit harder, but the dealers (everyone except the sales manager with whom I had to haggle) were very nice, no-pressure, and they are right around the corner from my home.

ethansquare

tell me if this is a good deal. i just got a 2005 Accord Coupe Ex V6 W/ Leather XM Radio. I got them on a 36 month lease 12k a yr with taxes down. Its Silver on Black. I got them out of every accesory. Wheel Locks Mud Guards Trunk Tray Trunk Net Dec Lid Spoiler(so hot) & chrome tips on the dual exhause. i got it 2 weeks ago.. got them to 320$ a month on the lease.. This was the hardest purchase i ever made b.c it took me 3 days to do.. Walking out of the dealership and having them throw more options @ me just to keep me in there.. Trust me if you go @ the end of the month it works. I did alot of Homework on getting a car from this site and took all the tips... They want you to get the car they will throw everything @ you.. I was gonna get the TSX but ACURA wouldnt go below 48 months so i said screw them. Now i got a v6 oppose to the 2.4 on the tsx and more HP on a hotter car.. Is that a good deal i got? 320$ 36mos 12k a yr taxes down.. I wanna hear other peoples buying experiences on a lease in New York... Be good all!

isellhondas

Dealers have NO CONTROL over destination charges!

 

They simply pass them along. I wish these weren't shown as a seperate charge. It wold make things much easier.

ashaidy

Let me know if you have any creaking/noise from winshield area above visor. I'm having terrible noises and would love to hear from others with same problem. Thank you in advance.

cmaxwell

I am looking to buy 2 Honda ex with leather v-6 in NC and am looking for the best deals. What I have found is around 25K and that seems so much more than what I am reading about on this forum. Any luck in NC with deals like 21K? Also, don't we have some negotiating room since we would purchase 2 not 1 car? Thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

susans

Agreed. I know they simply pass them along, and completely understand that.

 

That said--While shoping for a car, what I found is that some dealers list it as a separate charge while others include it in the price. Some people on this forum were able to get roughly the same quotes for the car that I purchased with the destiantion price included, whereas the dealership I went to offered me a certain price, plus destination. In other words, they were asking $500 more.

 

I totally agree that these charges should be bundled into the cost of thr vehicle.

davegod75

yep ..picked up mine on friday as well. Very loud creaking coming from the windshield as well