2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

tombonz

I didn't finalize or put a deposit down. Have you done anything?

I'm still debating btw the MDX and the Pilot.

tombonz

yes it includes destination

fxcoach

I just brought my 2006 Pilot 4WD EX-L with NAV into Canada last week.
You can get the recall letter from your dealer on their stationery. It just states "there is no outstanding recalls".
I took my Pilot thru the provincial inspection at Canadian Tire and there was nothing to modify. I got full insurance based on that. I still need to go thru the federal inspection, so there migt be some issues but I doubt it. My Pilot was manufactured on May 24, 2006 in Ontario, Canada. It came with daylight running lights (may not be the case with other models, I understand some are manufactured in Alabama).

mcdermott2

Thanks for the info. Where is DCH Kay and do you have the first name of the salesperson you worked with? Normally I would not ask but my brother-in-law wants a Pilot as well so I would be offering 2 deals at the same time. He might welcome that.

lawrencej

Hi fxcoach

Thanks for the info. Where did you purchase your 4WD EX/L? and, if if you don't mind, $$$$?? I'm dealing in Philly and getting good prices but they don't have daytime running lights. Sussman service tells me they are prohibited from installing lights by Honda US due to agreement with Canada Honda. Also Honda US refused to give Recall Clearance Letter for same reason. Good news about dealer doing it. Also where did you enter Canada with vehicle? Hope to close deal today as soon as credit union gives me OK.

keithrl

Earlier I posted how Grand Honda gave me a great initial price, then when it came down to the final quote, added a 250 buck "internet fee", which other dealers had not added. I wrote Grand Honda saying I was disappointed that they bragged how they dont play games, yet did just that. The Internet manager replied as follows:

"We are entitled to charge any fee we feel appropriate. The great thing about being a consumer is you can say no and shop elsewhere. Good luck to you and thank you for your inquiry. We will be happy to take you off our contact list."

While I agree with the last part of this (they do have a right to charge any fee they want ,and a consumer has a right to say no) such tactics are still "games" and I thought the tone of his response was very arrogant.

I would advise anyone in the Chicago area to avoid this place, and an earlier poster said the dealer review on google also bashed them.

I put money down on at another dealership, which I have had a good experience with so far. Once the sale is complete, I will report on how it went overall.

ddlllld

I am also in Philly looking for a similar. Do you mind sharing your experiences?

vinayg1

My dealer called me yesterday night and told me that Honda is going to have a financing special of 2.9% for 24-36 months and 4.9% (I think) for 60 months, starting this Friday.

Don't know whether it is true or not. Just a heads up for anyone interested.

bullfrog34

My dealer called and told me the same thing. I know it'll be good on the Pilot, CR-V and Odyssey, not sure about others.

dbros

Hey man that's good info, can't come at a better time!! It's really worth the wait! I was planning to buy last month but put my brakes on when I realize that the monthly amortization is almost $600.00 even with $3000.00 below invoice. Hope this is true.

jcabrera4

Financing sounds great, but here is my problem. I'm about 1 1/2 north of Open Road Honda. My 2 closest dealers will not match Open Road's quote for a Pilot EX. When I ask about financing, they do not use American Honda Finance. They use JP Morgan Chase. I'm guessing that they are getting some kind of kickback from Chase.

Worst case scenario, I'll have to drive the 1 1/2 hours

qbrozen

90 minutes? Heck, I used to commute that far every weekday for 3 years.

lawrencej

Hi

don't mind at all. Victoria BC guy looking all over the US for a EX/L. North west US dealers not serious yet. They dont realize that a $200 cheap flight will take you anywhere in the US. Forget about them. Almost $3000 higher! They must think they're in Canada!!!

Been dealing with Sussman Honda internet salesman who, up to today had best invoice of $26,539 + taxes and tags+ $1700 for options of side-step, towing pkge.and crossbars installed. Have't closed deal yet but expect to as soon as my credit union responds. Then I will ask for a emailed OTD price which should be the same as before. We'll see.

However just googled "Open Road Instaquote" (yes, instant) and got $26,100 (haven't talked about extrs yet) they are in Edison NJ, only about 50 mi fom Philly.

What are your experiences.

alanrosenberg

well it sure does sound like a complaint. The whole buying process is so draining and confrontational and the tactics some salespeople use are laughable; from the old, this deal is good for right now, if you leave it will not be the same. Now, you are saying, if you don’t have an adequate inventory, have the product I want to buy, either I should settle for something I don’t really want, or pay you extra to have you get it? Ludicrous! Thank capitalism there are competing dealers who value their customers and don’t just think of us as stupid marks.

scorpio5

I strongly recommend Reliance from Lake Jackson, eversince I bought there and recommended them in this Forum 3-5 other folks have trusted my recommendation and are speaking for themselves and enjoyin driving new Pilots ! If you don't mind driving 2-3 hours to get your pilot for a great deal contact them for a equote, I used edmunds quote requests and put their zipcode(google it) and selected their dealership to receive my quote request and they got back pretty quick w/the lowest quote in the Houston area, not to mention they were willing to negotiate further and their excellent customer service.
-miguel

keygo

The OTD price I got from DCH Kay is about $500 less than Open Road's. Base price is $25831

I just requested a quote on the same car and was given the price of $27,631. What was your magic?

dbros

2 hour drive for me is nothing, I'm planning to get mine in Reliance Honda which is in Lake Jackson, Texas and I'm from Florida it would take me 11 hours to do just that. Think of it this way you will save $3000 on the selling price and your monthly mortgage if you have that 4.9% in 60 mos. would be around $540 compared to $600.00 or more if you are going with your dealer right now which in the long run (60 Mos.)will save you around ($60 a month x 60 mos.) $3,600.00, that's a lot of money for me unless your rich. It's like working for a month without pay!!! :mad: :P :P

dwilliam

And by contrast you as a customer think because someone beat you to the product, or the dealership is outpacing their allocation (which is a sign they are competitive)or the dealer didn't just happen to order the exact match that you might buy two weeks from now they should absorb additional costs?

I am sorry but your arguement is laughable. No one says you "should" settle. and no one said you "should" fall for BS "only good for now!" deals. It's obvious you are an intelligent consumer and you know that a nominal cost should be expected to get the car you want. That is why it is a "Cost!" I even took the time to advise Forum members to beware of dealers rebuilding gross into the deal! We are usually hundreds less than our competitors and do not feel bad giving a GREAT deal and asking for COSTS to be paid. In addition to that I also said that occasionally we WILL cover the cost.

As far as Dealerships go I most certainly do not look at our customers as "stupid marks" and certainly resent the comment. As an intelligent consumer I cannot believe you do not find it reasonable to actually pay someone for their time. Much less the fuel it takes to get from point A to point B and back again! You really think $60.00 pays the FULL cost of a dealer trade?

Please don't attack people in the forums. It doesn't become you.

The Anonymous Dealer

"Thank capitalism there are competing dealers who value their customers and don't think of us as stupid marks." - It's a shame you have such a negative outlook.

mcdermott2

If DCH Kay is not OK then does anyone have the first name of the internet guy(or email)at Open Road. My brother-in-law wants a pilot also and we figure we might have some leverage with 2 at the same time.

dbros

"Bought a Pilot EX-L 4WD from OpenRoad on Friday. Took the instaQuote printout and they honored the price without any problems. 26,131 + dest + doc + ttl = 28.9K OTD."

Hey ai1, if you want your message to stay you better edit it because you will have a problem with the administrator its not allowed to put your salesman name.

That's a good price though

vinayg1

I agree with you dwilliam.

I have another question. How much profit do dealers expect to make for installed accessories?

For example, installing running boards was generally quoted at $664 but one dealer quoted $795.

Now the genuine Honda running boards are available for about $438 on the net. Assuming these vendors are also making a profit AND dealers get the accessory from Honda at the same price as these vendors, dealers are charging MORE THAN $225 for installation (forgetting the $795 quote).

Is that correct, or am I missing something?

dwilliam

Most dealers go by Honda's recommended selling prices. They will vary but usually not by much. The Parts and Service Departments are separate and they set their prices. Usually the mark up is not high. You pay for the convenience mostly. Sure you can get them cheaper on the net. What do they charge for freight? Are they new in the box or take-offs? (there will be both) Do you have the time, tools and inclination to "do-it yourself?" I am not trying to sell you off of getting your parts elsewhere but be concerned with the additional "leg-work"

Our parts department does pay the freight for all of the parts stocked in our department.

The Anonymous Dealer

luvasuv

Anonymous (or someone else in the know),

Can you shed light on the financing that appears to be on the horizon? It appears that Honda will offer for the Pilot what they are offering for the MDX (2.9% for 24/36 and 4.9% for 60). Is this true and does it start on Friday, or is it available today? I am trying to schedule a purchase (details to be shared) and need to know if I should wait until Friday. Much thanks to any and all responses.

luvasuv

Oh yeah, is there anything for 72 months in the offering?

dwilliam

Nothing for 72 months and consider the rest CONFIRMED

The Anonymous Dealer

starts friday

ai1

Thanks for the warning, dbros. Interestingly enough, I can't see the "Edit" link next to my post. It was there this afternoon.

Mods: Please delete my original post. Thanks.

kyfdx

Taken care of... You can only edit for the first 30 minutes after posting..

Thanks,
kyfdx

thom22

Well, I took the leap today and accepted the best offer (not the lowest offer, however) I could get on a Pilot EXL-RES 4WD. The quote I accepted was from John Holtz Honda in Rochester, NY. THe price was $28,690 + TTL = $31,240.15

Other quotes I received included:

Open Road instaquote of $28,169 + des. = $28,719 (5 hours away)

Paramus Honda for $28,040 + des. = $28,590 (5 hours away)

Ontario Honda $29,418 des. included

Dick Ide Honda at $28,500 was cheaper and local, but Holtz Honda was much easier to deal with. Ide was much more "car salesman" like, so for $190 extra, I choose Holtz.

I put down a good faith payment of $200 today and I hope to pick the car up on Friday.

Now, I'm hoping to ask you guys a few questions:

1. Does my down payment lock me out of the financing deals that starts on Friday, or should I still be able to take advantage of them? I was not told about this special today. I haven't signed any agreement other than an agreement of the purchase price.

2. In reading the purchase price agreement, I noticed two charges that I wasn't aware of and wanted to know if these are typical: $45 for an "optional fee" for application processing and $59.95 for wax, polish, & materials. The $45 fee I kind of understand, but the $59.95 fee strikes me as funny. Doesn't a brand new vehicle already come w/ wax?

3. Overall, do you think I got a good deal?

THanks for your input.

sueatopt

I am in LI and Internet Shopped Pilot EXL w/ RES 4/Wdr. $29,220 is the price that I got. That is $2500 below invoice. Lease is for $422.41 per month.(Excludes dmv) I am looking to do $2800 out of pocket to lower the monthly. Looking to add running boards and crossbars. Price would then go to $461.24. Seems to be most competitive deal so far also beating Cars direct price. I am going to see of they will go to $3K under like the rest of you seem to be getting. Will see...wish me luck!

fungjow

hey...would you mind sharing the names of the two dealers who wouldn't match as I too am about an 1 1/2 north of open road. Thanks

fxcoach

2006 honda Pilot AWD EX-L with Navigation for $29,210.36 (including destination). The only extra charge was $50.00 processing fee. Being in Oregon there is no state tax but I wouldn't have to pay it anyway since I'm taking it to Canada. It is actually manufactured in Canada (May 24,2006 so it's not an old stock sitting on the lot). I bought on June 22nd from Gresham Honda which is in Gresham, Oregon about 10 miles from downtown Portland. I brought it thru Pacific Crossing (Blaine, WA/ Surrey,BC.
As soon as you have a copy of the title (MSO) fax/e-mail it to US. Customs. From that point it will take at least three business days before you can process exporting with them. For that you will need ORIGINAL title and invoice.
They just looked at mine and wave me thru.
P.S. One of the Seattle dealers was giving me a storyb about being forbidden to sell to Canadians. NOT TRUE, my dealer in Oregon was happy to sell to me and he told me they have a lot of buyers from Canada.

tdoan

We plan to purchase this weekend in the Dallas, Texas area and I was about to send out the request for quotes from the Edmunds site when I found this forum. I'm interested to hear advise on the negociating process from the beginning. We know what color we want and do not want any options. I really don't even want them to put the dealer's name plate on the back if I can avoid it; I'd like it straight off the truck.

My plan is to request quotes from all the dealerships in the area and then take those with me to the dealership in Frisco where we did the test drives; we were treated very well and they deserve the business if they do well on the price. Based on advice from this forum, I may as well also request a quote from Reliance in Lake Jackson, Texas although that would be about a 7 hour drive.

According to the Consumer Reports car buying guide, $28247 is the price to begin negotiating from, but it looks like some have gotten even better deals than that. And with the 2.9% financing starting Friday, I may not even put much down. I had planned on about $15k down...

Thanks for the great forum!

mcdermott2

This is going to seem like a ridiculous question but does the 2.9% financing help towards a leased Pilot?

chomp

tdoan,

I am in the Dallas area (Denton) and did precisely what you are proposing to buy my wife's new 2WD EX-L Pilot. I got quotes from all the dealerships in the area. They ranged from a low of $26452 at Freeman Honda in Dallas all the way up to around $31,200 for that vehicle (all before TTL). We picked up her vehicle on Saturday without any problems. The dealership also threw in tinting and the power pack without charge.

tdoan

So did you go with Freeman for the purchase? I'll have to make sure to include them in the quote requests. You got a great price; $1500 less than I thought! I'm curious what the "power pack" is. The tinting sounds okay, but I'd still rather have the car untouched from the manufacturer if that's even possible. At least that's my thought.

dwilliam

Does not help towards a Lease. I haven't checked the lease factors for the Pilot as we don't do a lot of leasing here. Check the Pilot Lease questions forum though!

The Anonymous Dealer

piloto

No magic was used just pure straight talk. First get the Open Road instaquote and ask them to beat it. They will readily beat it by $200, but try to get them to go lower. I had my financing pre-approved by American Honda before I called them. I guess that helped convince them that I was a serious buyer. I wanted a white pilot but the salesman told me that they didn't have one in stock, Open Road didn't have one either. Nevertheless I still went to DCH Kay the following day because the deal was just too good and decided to get the blue metallic instead. To my surprise...they had a white pilot EXL that got in late the day before. Had to wait for 4 hours to get the car detailed and ready but everything else went smoothly. The OTD price was the same price I got over the phone.

hgbee

1. I don't know.
2. Optional fee may link to the Loan application, for credit check. If not, than dealer just use this cover some cost only on their book. I did not have this in my disclosure of numbers. $59.95 may be the detail wash cost on the car. Normally it is too dusty after shipment. Dealer need to clear it and give to you. But wax and polish, no need for new car, unless there is some profit in it. The dealer - Reliance in Houston, I bought my polit from, wash the car for free.

3. It is fair, better deal.

dwilliam

As long as you do not sign your paperwork BEFORE the 14th you will qualify for the APR special. Not all finance managers know their job as well as they should so try not to even let them submit your loan before the 14th

Putting down a deposit will not exclude you from the APR special if you follow above instructions.

Please do not be upset if you financed your vehicle prior to the APR special. We, as dealers, had NO idea this was coming. We expected something for the 4th of July and got nothing. This one came out of the blue.

The Anonymous Dealer

P.S. Good for you going with the dealer you liked! competitive but not lowest. That says something about the quality of that dealership!

hgbee

this is really good and accurate info. It would help a lot of fulks help. I like to read your post and gain the knownledge about how the dealer operate and deal is processed.

Thanks again.

jimmy5150

For those who have received quotes for 4WD EX-L's in the mid 26's....how much negotiating did you do and was there and was there a trade invloved that they low balled you on.

I'm getting quotes of 27,4 and 28, 1......first internet quotes.

dbros

Get a quote from Open Road Honda Insta quote it will immediately give you that price for that kind of vehicle!

lawrencej

MEA CULPA!!!!!

Sorry to all you out there for posting "email address and phone #" in the forum. Won't happen again!

Thanks coach for the info I'm calling Gresham as soon as I post this. I'll be back with how it went.

alanrosenberg

Well, I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion--to me, it is a shame there are dealers out there who will quote a price, have a customer agree to the deal points, then say 'oops, these are the wrong numbers, I'll have to raise your payment by $40 a month,,,’ as was done to me by renton Honda 2 weeks ago. As I previously said, dealing with car salesman can be a draining process.

keithrl

I was going to pick up my Pilot next week and was going to pay cash, but this 2.9% caught my attention. I called the finance manager at the dealership today, and she didnt even know about it till I told her, then she checked up on it and found it to be the case.

Anyway, I thought an earlier poster said 20% down payment would be required, but she said that wasnt the case. Any comments? Also, is there any origination fees, penalties for early pay off, etc to be aware of?

Thanks

mcdermott2

How do you go about getting a instaquote?

vinayg1

deleted.

thom22

dwilliam,

Thanks for the comment. I believe that buying a car is the second most expensive transaction people make. I don't feel like dealing with someone I don't trust or respect. I went into this buying process to get a good and fair deal. I never once played one dealer against another or disclosed any of there bids to each other. Could I have asked the dealer I bought from to match the lowest offer I received? For course, but if I expect people to deal with me fairly, I have to deal with them fairly. That's the way I prefer to do business. I hope he remembers my loyalty when I go to buy an Accord in two years and treats me fairly again.

Oh by the way -

Thanks for all you do on this forum, you have made countless people better educated about their decisions. It is something you don't have to do and I really appreciate it.

dwilliam

No down payment required to qualify for rate. No prepaymnet penalties. No origination fees. The days of origination fees and prepayment penalties are long since gone! I was a finance director for 8 years and have NEVER had an origination fee and all car loans that I have ever contracted state clearly "no prepayment penalty"

The Anonymous Dealer

mcdermott2

I SENT IT TO YOU AND THANS FOR THE INFO.