Hi all, just signed on the dotted line for an Eternal Blue 2003 Accord EX-L Auto Sedan. I paid $200 under invoice (not the best deal, but a good deal) at Sloane Honda in Philadelphia. I love the car!
Just purchased 03 Accord EX Auto 4 dr in Satin Silver for $200 below invoice and no dealer fee in here in South Florida. 4 cylinder is plenty strong for this car.
Did anyone purchase an extended warranty for their new Accord? I just bought the Accord EX V6 auto w/navi and I declined the extended warranty. The dealer priced the warranty at $2000. However, since I got the navigation system, I'm concerned how long I can go problem-free. Any comments?
Just bought a 2003 Accord ( no NAV) and went with a 7 year/100K miles warranty. It is a Honda, so chances are good I won't need it - but your point about the electronics in today's cars is a good one. This is my wife's car, and it just gave me a lot of peace of mind. I spent $925 for the Honda Care warranty, through the dealer.
Just wanted to pass along my experience with the Dealer and the extended warranty this last weekend.
We purchased our Accord EX V6 this last weekend and were offered the extended warranty from the dealer. (7 year 100k I think) Scott, the financing guy, offered it to us at $899 after drawing us a pretty picture. I looked at my wife, hesitated, and said we were going to pass. He said "well, if it's the price, I can lower it to $699."
Now, I am not a good haggler so I was pretty impressed that he dropped $200 without blinking. If you're interested in the extended warranty from the Dealer, FEEL FREE TO HAGGLE. Clearly, they have serious bargaining room!
PS: Nice catch AtlantaBenny (#2001) - tongue was firmly planted in the cheek. I know that we could have done better than invoice (we had better offers) - I just had to share the laugh I had at my own expense about being disappointed at paying INVOICE.
i see that carsdirect.com has quotes below invoice but they won't be able to find the car YOU want. they will steer you to higher-priced options or unpopular colors.
Better check the fine print for extended warranty on the Navi system. Here in Canada they don't extend the warranty beyond the 3 years for the radio control unit...even with extended warranty.
I have been shopped around for an Acura TL or a Honda Accord....
Since the day I saw the new Accord... I dumped TL and start dating at Honda dealer...:-)
EXL-V6 starting price is very atractive.... but dealer asked more for Silver color... fetch in window etching, hefty dealer fee.. and asking 1000 for extend warranty.. So after sum everything up.... I'm end up... at Lexus dealer and bought an ES300 (a beautiful Alabaster silver Metallic with black leather and wood trim)
So my personal advice to you that... if you in love and dating with Acura or Honda... don't ever go to Lexus dealer... ;-)... you may change your heart... not just b/c of the car but also how Lexus dealer/salesmen treats you...
I missed the Accord... but I feel several thousands extra with Lexus is really worthy
Thanks tinc2, jmess for your information about window etching.... I saw the dealer do window etching.... their kit (stencils and cream) and the way they do (in just 10 minutes) is no different than at windowetching.com which sell for just $29.... while dealer added it to the contract for $286...
Maybe things have changed since 3 years ago (July 2000), I don't know, but we had a good experience with carsdirect.com with the purchase of a new (then) Accord EX V6. The price was a few hundred $ below invoice, we got the exact car we specified, and not a single problem during the entire purchase process.
Do you have a bad experience with carsdirect.com? Can you explain what happened? It will be useful for all.
I hope you don't encounter the much maligned transmission issues plaging most other ES300 owners. I would have bought one except for that issue. Beautiful car, otherwise.
Just bought a G-Pearl EX - V6 for too much money. Using TMV as a guide I negotiated a sell price of $ 23900 thinking I was doing Ok. Now? Looks like I did down right awful.
Question is should I shrug it off or try and work the dealer for cashing in on my ignorance?
The bottom line: Treat extended warranty as you would vehicle insurance.
1) You can self-insure if your risk exposure is minimal to none, i.e., it's a reliable car to start with, the manufacturer's warranty is adequate, etc. 2) A deductible ("first $50 or $100 of repair borne by owner") is probably required for each claim 3) Claim may be denied; warranty company could ask for all receipts showing maintenance diligence even if not directly related to incident 4) Warranty is only as good as the company that provides it. Honda dealer that provides extended warranty coverage may have a 3rd party company as the warranty provider, not necessarily corporate Honda.
My personal punchline: If an extended warranty is really desired, finish the factory warranty first ! Found this out this month when selling my 2000 Toyota Solara with 33k miles - warranty providers quoted me $700/powertrain or $1100/b2b for warranty up to 80k miles. Buyer of the car asked me to get quotes for her, thinking that as the original owner I'd get better rates. Not the case, you might be pleased to know (especially if you're a pre-owned buyer).
Yes, I'm very aware about the transmission problem with ES300.
Lexus sold more than 50 thousands ES last year. If all of ES300 owners has that problem, they probably have reduced Lexus dealer to debris :-)... (I'm sure there are a lot of Lexus owners are either lawyers or friend of lawyers)
I have researched a lot about that problem... the number I've counted so far is about 50 (surely there are more).... compare that amount to more 50,000 ES sold last year... so it is like 0.1% And all of them are 2002 model... So far I haven't heard problem with 2003 model yet ..So I cross my finger...and enjoy the beautiful ES .:-)
Dealer may didn’t treat you well but You never go wrong with Honda Accord which is one of the best: affordable, good value, give a lot for your money, hold up its value well, and inexpensive maintainance..
My mistake was: I took a day off to do my tax return and stopping by the Lexus of Englewood NJ dealer on the way home... they treat me totally different than any Honda, Acura dealers I have ever visited... and I get a color I like at an extremely good deal (about 32K for almost loaded ES300 except Navigation) compare to 25 K Accord EXL-V6 (which included adjust price for silver, window etch, ext warranty)
So just 7K more... a totally different car with 4yr road side service, no charge for car loaner, and for service.. if you want.. they even pick up your car at your place.. give you a car loaner and when service complete..... they will come to exchange back the loaner.. Pleasant treatment and having the car you like is priceless...
i requested 2 quotes; 1st for Camry SE 4 cylinder auto w/leather. The price quote was for $19897. The rep (who was located at a toyota dealership) said he had a car with more options but no leather for the same price. he said they don't make too many of these. the availability issus of this camry se model i can understand. still i didn't buy the one he offered.
2nd was for a quote on accord ex 4 cylinder auto with leather. i wanted it in silver. the rep (this one was located in ca; i'm from ny); he first said he found an "exact match" but i would have to go to dealership in CT. the price quoted was $21587. i said great i'll travel 30 miles to pick it up. then the next day, he said the car was sold and that they had a Graphite Grey which I didn't want.
That's the problem with this site. It makes you think you can get a good price but they steer you to mother models because of availability issues. i can understand as to the camry but not this accord.
i am glad to say i just bought a silver accord ex with leather and although i did not get as great of a deal as some people in this forum, i got a fair deal a little under the tmv pricing guide.
yeap... dealer will try to ask more (directly or indirectly).. for silver color... (it called color adjustment)... Silver has been the top choice.... for the last few years...
I think the rep. (your second quote).. just tried to play game.. "switching bait"... he gave you the quote... (actually for other color not for silver).... and play around with several reason (in CT, sold out).... finally ... the price is Graphite Grey ...
I'm sure... if you tell them frankly that you willing to pay more for silver....then depend on how more you pay... they will find one "more match" for you...
They tried to get me 25K (with ext warranty)... for a silver... that made me end up... with a lexus.. :-)
Don't feel so bad that you didn't get a good deal as others... having the car you like is priceless.. :-)
Wow, you really got a good deal at 32K! Although, I don't want to risk having the problem myself for that kind of money, I wish you the best of luck on your new car.
$7000 is still alot more money for the ES300 vs. the Accord. While the Lexus is undoubtedly a "nicer" car it offers nothing over the Accord in terms of features or performance.
ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! A truly great car! Paid 21,600- EX auto, leather- I was pleased with the deal. Also, I agree with the earlier post re: the warranty-- HAGGLE IT! They offered 5yr/100k for $1010. We said no way. Then they said $850. We still said no. We got them down to $650 w/ $50 deductible. Definitely worth it if this is the car you will keep for long time.
I know that Honda cars hold their value very well..I wonder then if it pays to lease these cars or just buy them instead even if monthly payment is more. I got a quote of 270 mo. for 2003 Accord LX auto sedan. Even though it seems like a fair price probably better off buying it..Do you agree??
i'm looking to purchase an ex v6 in the next few weeks and i was wondering if anyone has found a good dealership to deal with in texas (anywhere, i'm willing to travel). i live in corpus christi and the dealer here obviously doesn't want to sell any cars (1000 under msrp). please help if you can.
anonymousposts: I total agree with you in term of performance... (Accord more sporty, more horse power).... but not about feature.. Probably... you haven't seated on a well equipped ES300 like mime yet...:-)...
But if you are not buying an Accord yet... don't visit Lexus dealer b/c you may change your heart for Lexus.. :-)
Again as I have said before: You never go wrong with Accord... for its value, give you lot of things for your money, hold up value well and cheap maintaince....
That's why I hang out around at Honda dealer for an Accord... first.... and very close to bring one EXL-V5 home....
My mistake was.... "visiting Lexus dealer... after done my tax return.. :-)"
I wish you guys all the best Drive safe
PS: This will be my last mesg about ES300... let keep with topic about Accord.. and help our fellow to get best deal.
Thanks to all who posted advice on extended warranties. I also believe in self-insuring the car since I don't believe it will give me many problems. I find it strange how my dealer would not budge from his $2000 extended warranty price and yet all of you managed to haggle your price down to a reasonable number. Oh well, I am just glad I didn't fall for it.
When we bought our accord sedan V-6 with leather they started with a extended warranty at about 900..00 dollars?When we refused they said how about 580.00 dollars and when we said no again the dealer come back with the same plan for 180.00 with no deductible at thier dealership and 100.00 dollars anywhere else.A 7year plan !That will take effect after 3 years?For 180.00 bucks I took it,it still goes against my judgment,but what the heck ,its only 180.00 dollars!
Looking to purchase an Accord EX V6 sedan in Austin TX. Anyone want to share their experiences with the local dealers. The initial prices I have recieved over email are about $1000 over invoice but I know I can do better than that....I hope.
Purchased mine 3rd week March for $24.5k out-the-door, which included 6% sales tax, tag, title, mudflaps, moonroof visor, wheel locks and trunk cargo net.
One other poster (not from Georgia) got $24.2k OTD which included 3% sales tax, etc.
Another gentleman I know in Metro Atlanta got his for $24.7k OTD.
Above prices indicate getting sub-invoice purchases by up to $800.
Tips: Internet salespersons can price aggressively in your favor. Usual month-end quota pressure on dealers helps when buying at that time. Have at least 3 dealers quote and leverage the info. If possible, walk away if price/terms aren't at yours. Ideally, you'll have financing pre-approved so the deal is simpler.
Lastly, and with all due respect to others who believe otherwise, use up the factory warranty first before getting the extended warranty - they just simply overlap. As to "service contracts," why pay $400 or so for oil changes/tire rotations that cost $20 each outside ? The $400 amount is good for 20 oil changes/rotations which, at a conservative 5k mile service interval, is good for 100k miles ! As someone posted here, and as is the practice in my area, Honda dealers have these $20 promotions - the best of both worlds.
i read that article someone had linked. it convinced me NOT to purchase an extended warranty on my new 2003 Accord EX-L. Although this is my first Honda, I still own a 1992 Toyota Camry LE and it still runs great after 130K miles on it. I had some repairs done but this was AFTER 7 years of ownership.
I am hoping Honda will be as reliable as my Toyota.
I bought my car the 3rd week in March, just got it yesterday - 9 days later. What a wait, but she was worth it. Paid $26K including fees and they threw in tint. It was very difficult for my dealer to find the EX V6 with navi (in black) - apparently there don't seem to be many around. I just love the car!
Had a frightening experience on my way home after I picked up the car though. I was driving behind another new Accord on the highway and suddenly the car in front of me went crazy. It started swerving from one side of the highway to the other and all lanes just stopped trying to give this car room to get control. I guess maybe a tire blew out but I couldn't tell. I was in shock just thinking I've had my car for 5 minutes and this is going to be my very first accident. The car finally made it to the shoulder but it was a scary experience there for a few seconds. I'm glad I dumped my little compact car for something safer, but was a bit stunned to see that happen to a brand new accord. A bit unsettling to say the least. Anyway, I remember people on one of these boards saying that their tires were overinflated and as soon as I reached home I checked mine and sure enough they were overinflated by 12 psi!!!
Quick off-topic story: Check tire inflation after any kind of tire service. Aftermarket tires just installed on my car showed 45 psi. Sidewall marking was "45 psi max." Tire technician apparently interpreted this to mean "maximize to 45 psi."
Yeah, checked mine for the first time since I bought it after the notes here and was at 42 on all but one, which was on 15! Thanks Honda. Though I've had worse. I once found one of mine to be at 62 after coming from NTB (though I found this out after many highway miles).
20,000 (22 with tax/lic) from carsdirect.com Is that good? I've heard better from outside CA but normally it's 500 more here. What do you guys think... should I get out my checkbook?! Or is Honda about to start blowing these things out?!
Nturoman1 if you are still reading this board, I would appreciate your sharing the dealership where you purchased your car. I'm looking to purchase the same exact vehicle. Thanks.
I could not deal in the Southern Maryland part of Md. Went to Hendrick Honda in Woodbridge, Va. Our price - $20,383, which includes destination charges, appearance package (pin striping and locking lug nuts). Does not include processing fee, taxes and tags. The leather package would cost between $1,200 and $1,350 more - well worth the cost in my opinion. A great car - now have 1,200 miles and we are averaging 30 MPG in mostly town and country driving. Is it worth $500 to travel out of state? Probably not, but the Dealer made the difference. We had a 10 0'clock appointment and we were met at the door by our salesman with the agreed upon price sheet in hand.
With all due respect to anonymousposts by daytona01, seem like a nice guy! Did you drive the Camry before buying a $$$$ high ES300. They look somewhat alike (autoweek agrees) and why not, based on same platform. Yes, the ES300 has more "goodies" than the Honda or the Toyota Camry, but is it worth 11,000? You have a great car my friend. Just food for thought.
Personally, the ES300 is a nice car. But I wouldnt buy any lexs (ES300) or Infinity (I35) if they share their underpinnings with lower class vehicles. THe only type of higher end models I would pruchase would be one that doesnt share/resemble a lesser costing car. The ES300, as nice as it is, is still a dressed up camry and the same can be said for the I35 which is a maxima in disguise. If I was to go for a lexus, I would shoot for the GS300/IS300. They are both quite nice, and do not resemble any vehicle from thier sibling branch(Toyota).
for a new LX Accord Auto. Not sure it was a good deal. Simply could not live with the rough ride of CR-V. The CR-V was a 02 model acquired at the same dealer for $18000 delivered with about 12500 miles. New Accord runs 32mpg at 75mph comparing to 22mpg of CRV. I can save a few hundred dollars in fuel cost in addition to much needed ride quality.
Comments
I have a quote in NJ for a 03 Accord w/leather, auto, for $21650 plus tax and tags... is this competitive? What is invoice on this?
Thanks!!
It is a Honda, so chances are good I won't need it - but your point about the electronics in today's cars is a good one. This is my wife's car, and it just gave me a lot of peace of mind. I spent $925 for the Honda Care warranty, through the dealer.
I have a quote in NJ for a 03 Accord w/leather, auto, for $21650 plus tax and tags... is this competitive? What is invoice on this?
Thanks!!
We purchased our Accord EX V6 this last weekend and were offered the extended warranty from the dealer. (7 year 100k I think) Scott, the financing guy, offered it to us at $899 after drawing us a pretty picture. I looked at my wife, hesitated, and said we were going to pass. He said "well, if it's the price, I can lower it to $699."
Now, I am not a good haggler so I was pretty impressed that he dropped $200 without blinking. If you're interested in the extended warranty from the Dealer, FEEL FREE TO HAGGLE. Clearly, they have serious bargaining room!
PS: Nice catch AtlantaBenny (#2001) - tongue was firmly planted in the cheek. I know that we could have done better than invoice (we had better offers) - I just had to share the laugh I had at my own expense about being disappointed at paying INVOICE.
Since the day I saw the new Accord... I dumped TL and start dating at Honda dealer...:-)
EXL-V6 starting price is very atractive.... but dealer asked more for Silver color...
fetch in window etching, hefty dealer fee.. and asking 1000 for extend warranty..
So after sum everything up.... I'm end up... at Lexus dealer and bought an ES300 (a beautiful Alabaster silver Metallic with black leather and wood trim)
So my personal advice to you that... if you in love and dating with Acura or Honda... don't ever go to Lexus dealer... ;-)... you may change your heart... not just b/c of the car but also how Lexus dealer/salesmen treats you...
I missed the Accord... but I feel several thousands extra with Lexus is really worthy
Thanks tinc2, jmess for your information about window etching.... I saw the dealer do window etching.... their kit (stencils and cream) and the way they do (in just 10 minutes) is no different than at windowetching.com which sell for just $29.... while dealer added it to the contract for $286...
Thanks all for your information
Drive safe
Maybe things have changed since 3 years ago (July 2000), I don't know, but we had a good experience with carsdirect.com with the purchase of a new (then) Accord EX V6. The price was a few hundred $ below invoice, we got the exact car we specified, and not a single problem during the entire purchase process.
Do you have a bad experience with carsdirect.com? Can you explain what happened? It will be useful for all.
Question is should I shrug it off or try and work the dealer for cashing in on my ignorance?
Al_b_3
http://aol.smartmoney.com/consumer/index.cfm?story=20030319
The bottom line: Treat extended warranty as you would vehicle insurance.
1) You can self-insure if your risk exposure is minimal to none, i.e., it's a reliable car to start with, the manufacturer's warranty is adequate, etc.
2) A deductible ("first $50 or $100 of repair borne by owner") is probably required for each claim
3) Claim may be denied; warranty company could ask for all receipts showing maintenance diligence even if not directly related to incident
4) Warranty is only as good as the company that provides it. Honda dealer that provides extended warranty coverage may have a 3rd party company as the warranty provider, not necessarily corporate Honda.
My personal punchline: If an extended warranty is really desired, finish the factory warranty first ! Found this out this month when selling my 2000 Toyota Solara with 33k miles - warranty providers quoted me $700/powertrain or $1100/b2b for warranty up to 80k miles. Buyer of the car asked me to get quotes for her, thinking that as the original owner I'd get better rates. Not the case, you might be pleased to know (especially if you're a pre-owned buyer).
Lexus sold more than 50 thousands ES last year. If all of ES300 owners has that problem, they probably have reduced Lexus dealer to debris :-)... (I'm sure there are a lot of Lexus owners are either lawyers or friend of lawyers)
I have researched a lot about that problem... the number I've counted so far is about 50 (surely there are more).... compare that amount to more 50,000 ES sold last year... so it is like 0.1% And all of them are 2002 model... So far I haven't heard problem with 2003 model yet ..So I cross my finger...and enjoy the beautiful ES .:-)
Dealer may didn’t treat you well but You never go wrong with Honda Accord which is one of the best: affordable, good value, give a lot for your money, hold up its value well, and inexpensive maintainance..
My mistake was: I took a day off to do my tax return and stopping by the Lexus of Englewood NJ dealer on the way home... they treat me totally different than any Honda, Acura dealers I have ever visited... and I get a color I like at an extremely good deal (about 32K for almost loaded ES300 except Navigation) compare to 25 K Accord EXL-V6 (which included adjust price for silver, window etch, ext warranty)
So just 7K more... a totally different car with 4yr road side service, no charge for car loaner, and for service.. if you want.. they even pick up your car at your place.. give you a car loaner and when service complete..... they will come to exchange back the loaner..
Pleasant treatment and having the car you like is priceless...
2nd was for a quote on accord ex 4 cylinder auto with leather. i wanted it in silver. the rep (this one was located in ca; i'm from ny); he first said he found an "exact match" but i would have to go to dealership in CT. the price quoted was $21587. i said great i'll travel 30 miles to pick it up. then the next day, he said the car was sold and that they had a Graphite Grey which I didn't want.
That's the problem with this site. It makes you think you can get a good price but they steer you to mother models because of availability issues. i can understand as to the camry but not this accord.
i am glad to say i just bought a silver accord ex with leather and although i did not get as great of a deal as some people in this forum, i got a fair deal a little under the tmv pricing guide.
I think the rep. (your second quote).. just tried to play game.. "switching bait"... he gave you the quote... (actually for other color not for silver).... and play around with several reason (in CT, sold out).... finally ... the price is Graphite Grey ...
I'm sure... if you tell them frankly that you willing to pay more for silver....then depend on how more you pay... they will find one "more match" for you...
They tried to get me 25K (with ext warranty)... for a silver... that made me end up... with a lexus.. :-)
Don't feel so bad that you didn't get a good deal as others...
having the car you like is priceless.. :-)
anonymousposts: I total agree with you in term of performance... (Accord more sporty, more horse power).... but not about feature..
Probably... you haven't seated on a well equipped ES300 like mime yet...:-)...
But if you are not buying an Accord yet...
don't visit Lexus dealer b/c you may change your heart for Lexus.. :-)
Again as I have said before: You never go wrong with Accord... for its value, give you lot of things for your money, hold up value well and cheap maintaince....
That's why I hang out around at Honda dealer for an Accord... first.... and very close
to bring one EXL-V5 home....
My mistake was.... "visiting Lexus dealer... after done my tax return.. :-)"
I wish you guys all the best
Drive safe
PS: This will be my last mesg about ES300...
let keep with topic about Accord.. and help our fellow to get best deal.
One other poster (not from Georgia) got $24.2k OTD which included 3% sales tax, etc.
Another gentleman I know in Metro Atlanta got his for $24.7k OTD.
Above prices indicate getting sub-invoice purchases by up to $800.
Tips: Internet salespersons can price aggressively in your favor. Usual month-end quota pressure on dealers helps when buying at that time. Have at least 3 dealers quote and leverage the info. If possible, walk away if price/terms aren't at yours. Ideally, you'll have financing pre-approved so the deal is simpler.
Lastly, and with all due respect to others who believe otherwise, use up the factory warranty first before getting the extended warranty - they just simply overlap. As to "service contracts," why pay $400 or so for oil changes/tire rotations that cost $20 each outside ? The $400 amount is good for 20 oil changes/rotations which, at a conservative 5k mile service interval, is good for 100k miles ! As someone posted here, and as is the practice in my area, Honda dealers have these $20 promotions - the best of both worlds.
I am hoping Honda will be as reliable as my Toyota.
Had a frightening experience on my way home after I picked up the car though. I was driving behind another new Accord on the highway and suddenly the car in front of me went crazy. It started swerving from one side of the highway to the other and all lanes just stopped trying to give this car room to get control. I guess maybe a tire blew out but I couldn't tell. I was in shock just thinking I've had my car for 5 minutes and this is going to be my very first accident. The car finally made it to the shoulder but it was a scary experience there for a few seconds. I'm glad I dumped my little compact car for something safer, but was a bit stunned to see that happen to a brand new accord. A bit unsettling to say the least. Anyway, I remember people on one of these boards saying that their tires were overinflated and as soon as I reached home I checked mine and sure enough they were overinflated by 12 psi!!!
dealers told me EX V6 all made by U.S????? IS Japan made more reliable?
How about the A-pillar issue??? Thanks
Drive careful, you closet canyon carvers