2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

qbrozen

nope. You are perfectly correct.

But that trade adjustment does happen alot. There were several times during our most recent shopping where the dealer gave a good discount off MSRP and then proceeded to offer way less for our trade. Its a very common practice. Pretty annoying.

$1500 over locally is virtually the same as getting it $500 over elsewhere and then needing to ship it. Even if you save $200-$300 by buying it halfway across the country, I don't think the hassle is worth it. That's exactly why we gladly took the offer of $1100 off sticker near our home.

6kidz

The market condition on used car trade is really driven by auction reports. Trade values are what you should expect off MSRP. Go to a couple of different dealers and see what each one of them offers. You can always sell your vehicle on your own if you think it will be an easier car to sell. Don't trade a convertible in the winter because a dealer will probably have to end up taking the vehicle to auction to cash out of it. That is just an example but that is why dealers will use the auction reports as a guide. What folks have to realize is that a salesperson would love to give you more money for your trade. It would make life alot easier, however the dealer would take a beating and wouldn't be in business very long. Dealerships are very expensive to run and operate. The true profit margin isn't what you think. I think that if you do business with a dealership and salesperson that you trust, it is just as important as getting a fair price. Service should be just as important. Any Comments?

qbrozen

nothing new there. I know that most buyers go in thinking their car is worth more than it is because they see it for sale at a certain price, etc. etc. personally, I do either get the auction numbers here on Edmunds from Terry and Bill or, in the past, I have gotten a copy of Galves (only because that is what many dealers here in Jersey use). So when Terry tells me that my vehicle is worth $6K and the first dealer I go to tells me $4500, I know they're trying to take me for a ride.

Service is one of the true money-generating areas of the dealership. So, yeah, if they treated me fairly, I got a good deal, and everything was pleasant, I give them my service business. Not to mention several referrals.

charzo

after calling dealers all over NW Washington, Olympia said they'd give me one in stock for 500 UNDER MSRP. This is significant here as many of the dealers are charging $4,000 OVER msrp "market value" because of high demand. After hours of negotiating and threatening to leave for the other dealership, our local one finally beat Oly's price by 80 bucks for a sagebrush EXL+DVD. We are Exec Costco members and went with their auto financing w/ People First for 3.74% for 60 months. I know we got a great deal because of all the comments other salespeople made from other dealerships telling me to go get it if someone's offering under msrp!

dorene1

We bought a few months ago for a few hundred over MSRP in Northern Ca. No inventory anywhere at all at the time, and dealers that promised us lower prices turned out not to have vehicles in stock when we called back. We sold our Toyota to a Toy dealer for a price above our expectation, and needed a rental car, so between saving the rental car fees and getting a huge break on accessories and warranty, along with good sales value on our used SUV, we did the best possible. It's still hard to find inventory up here, and color dictates availability.

Although very jealous of the prices seen in other states, it was nice to buy locally, and we think we'll get better service as a result, as we negotiated some extra waxing (yearly) and service with our high purchase price.

So far, our vehicle has been flawless. Only problem is some 'stuffing' poking out of the ventilated holes in our leather upholstery on the front passenger side. The ride is superior, and the mileage has been great.

Since we were such quick buyers, we got the only color available, which was black. Although we wouldn't have chosen it, we are now very happy with it. It looks sharp and doesn't get very hot, as we thought it would. It was 103 degrees today, and it wasn't any hotter than my husband's sandstone acura.

If I had to do it over again, I'd try to find that perfect price, but with 3 kids and a full time job, I'd probably be back to the local dealer, anyways! Enjoy your new vehicle - hope it brings you and your wife as much comfort and usability as ours!

binylee

You finance with People First for 3.74% for 60 months. That's supper low. How did you do that? Because I saw on the web site, they listed as 4.1% for 60months. Not like it makes a big different, but it's hard money earned.

desertscar

Dorene, unless the law changed since I left, I don't think you could buy the car outside of Cal and bring it back as a Cal resident anyway. So you could have gone to other cities to shop (one poster mentioned a good deal in Merced), but not other states.

Anyone one with suggestions in AZ or NV--and if going to Vegas is a good idea. E.g., good deals to be had and no state or local sales tax right?(though I think when you return to your home state you will still have to pay state taxes).

Thanks

Also, charzo that Costco Exec deal beats the hell out of my credit union (4.9/60 months)--I have a regular Costco membership can I still get that deal or simply pay for the Exec membership for the deal.

sepy

I've place a deposit for a Silver EX-L will arrive next week....$500.00 over invoice this is a great deal... total car cost is $28416.00 plus tax...let me know if you want one --see #1208

dorene1

that eases the financial pain, a little! I've also heard about the problems with interstate buying. I imagine the smog stuff is different too, and might add some expense. I should have checked Merced, and inland, but the factory 2.9 financing had just ended, and everyone had dealer traded so much that no inventory was correctly identified on the web. Oh well - still love our Pilot every day, and think it's underpriced for it's value. You guys getting close to invoice are getting the best of the best.

falcon74

I live in N.Cal and you can buy a car out of state. There used to be a problem with that due to different emmission standards for CA......no longer a problem.

You will have to pay CA state sales tax when you register the vehicle in this state.

falcon74

Can you give me the name and number of who I should I call? BTW, where is Corona in S. CAL??

thanks

macthor2

I just got my Pilot EX L, no navigation-Sageblush last night and so excited. It’s a long story, but here goes.

I traded my used 2001 MDX, 48K, touring, nav for $26,480 and paid $30,980 (this is MSRP and destination charge) for the Pilot. The dealer also tossed in a separation net ($160) and a cargo box ($80). I also negotiated on whatever accessories that I want in the future, the dealer will give me a 30% discount and a couple of free oil change. Lucky me, I made one phone call to the dealer to verify that they have one, and they do. They just got it in a couple of hours earlier through a trade in with another dealer and there is “no name” on it. Apparently, this happens a lot so you may want to check with your dealer. They just barely got the sticker on. My MDX’s trade in value seems low, but if you factor the sales tax that I save, it’s technically $28,500. I’ve been trying to sell my MDX privately for 3 weeks and the highest that I could get was only $28,000. I was not aware of the tax break until two days ago. Had I known about that earlier, I would have not wasted $200 on ads and time answering the phone (most of them were other people trying to sell their ads). It’s so hard to pay MSRP, but it feels so good driving the Pilot this morning to work. The whole time I spent at the dealer was 2 hours, the shortest time I’ve ever spent at the dealer for any car. Maybe that’s why I feel like I over paid for my car (but I'm hoping it's not too much). By the way, the Pilot feels just as good as the MDX for $8K cheaper.

qbrozen

why did you do it? What was the advantage to having the Pilot over the MDX? Just curious.

clpurnell

why trade "down" to the pilot?? You should have gotten at least 1k off/more on trade. But if you are happy with it that is all that counts. good luck and enjoy the pilot.

tarheel_13

Silver Pilot EXL Leather Interior with mud guards for: $29268.84

This price includes the dealer freight. Is this a good buy?

qbrozen

Is that what you are willing to pay? If so, its a good buy. Mudguards are next to nothing, so that's not really a factor. In any case, that's about $1700 off MSRP. Have people paid less? yes. Have people paid more? yes. So its all how you want to look at it.

macthor2

The MDX broke down twice within the last 6 months. There was something wrong with the emission valve and something else that I didn’t understand what the mechanic was saying. Also, the wiper never worked properly and the dealer can't figure it out. Luckily it was still under warranty. But my warranty was about to run out and I thought about buying extended warranty, but that’s another $1,700 for another 20,000 miles. I must have gotten a lemon. My ex bought the MDX for me and I just don’t want it any more. I would like another MDX, but it would cost me another $12K, which I don’t want to spend, but I still want an SUV and the Pilot is the next best thing out there.

You’re right, I could try to sell the MDX for a little more or negotiate better on the Pilot. I negotiated the price difference from $9500 down to $4925 (out the door) and was getting hungry (needed dinner). I kept reading about lack of availability and paying over MSRP so I thought I was getting a decent deal. But now, I realized that I paid $1K over. Oh well…I just have to amortize it over many years to come.

christopherp

From Brewster Honda (NY). Includes rear mud flaps and all fees. Very happy with Brewster Honda. Highly recommend them. They didn't have the configuration I wanted but they found one and did a swap. A++++

luciern

Anyone got any suggestions on how to approach the dealer?

rerenov8r

...don't stop by.

...don't ask for a "good price" in email.

...don't phone.

DO expect MOST dealers to ignore you.

DO be prepared to travel to where the deals are and/or buy from far away & have it trucked in.

It works. It is not the easiest, but that is the way most likely to result in the biggest savings.

Further, if you are "all set" to do the long distance the odds that a local dealer will come veryclose to your offer go way up. Maybe it partly "Murphy's Law", maybe partly the resolve you have just wards off their dealer ju-ju BUT it does work.

Good luck!

luciern

great tips--ill let you know how i make out!

cdfwife

Deja Vu..This whole Pilot thing is just like when the revamped Odyssey debuted in 99. Same hype, same shortage, same dealer price gouging. I was able to find a good deal on our Odyssey, and now at 90k I am looking for my next vehicle. The Od has been great, I am just looking for a change. Like the MDX and Pilot, but I am having a hard time swallowing the prices, given the fact that they are all basically Odyssey under the surface.( And all very bland styling at that, but great cars!) I REALLY want a 350Z, but the hub won't buy in. My local Honda dealer in El Cajon had the nerve to quote me 32k on a BASE Pilot ex, no leather, no nothing. And the sad thing is, he will probably get it. I have gone to this dealer many times, but was never able to get a deal. This next vehicle will be our 8th Honda, unless we switch brands. Also looked at the Volvo XC 90, which the hub likes, but is also exorbitant $$.

I got a phone quote for an outlying SOCAL dealer who told me 3.5% over invoice on a Pilot Base EX. This is the same dealer who found my Odyssey when everyone else was gouging. My only problem is...what they consider their "invoice". The guy was all over the road, pretending he didn't know the invoice. He is going to fax me a quote on Monday. Truthfully, I think he is just trying to get me to drive the 2 hour trip hoping I pay anything once I am at the dealership. I am hopeful, but not naive. I am also checking Corona as previously recommended..I will let you know what the quotes come out to.

I have to laugh as I see all the Odysseys stacked up at the dealers now. They must all have at least 20 on each lot. Pilots will probably suffer the same fate in about two years. Hope I can find a decnt deal by then.

Thanks for all the great leads.

qbrozen

Not sure what is so hard to swallow on the pilot price. Odyssey EX-L stickers for $28,860. MSRP of an EX-L Pilot is $30,980. Looks to me like its priced exactly right. $2K for AWD is perfectly reasonable, IMHO. And, in my neck of the woods, Odysseys still sell like hotcakes. Regardless, many folks are getting just as much off Pilot sticker as you can on Odyssey sticker, so its really all up to the buyer.

cdfwife

I completely agree with you that the Pilot and Odyssey are great values in their class. But the bargain hunter in me does have a problem paying $32,000 for a base EX ( no leather, etc) when it MSRP's at about 29,000. That is my only complaint about the pricing. But again, It was all they had left on the lot, so they clearly will have no problem selling it at that price.

Just curious, what part of the country are you in, how is the Pilot inventory near you? I need to rethink my husband's suggestion about just getting another Odyssey, since they are now a dime a dozen here, and I actually prefer the LX, so it would be a real deal.I just have to talk myself into another van. (It's a midlife thing ..

cp6689

Hi,

I new here and have two questions for fellow Edmunders, please advise... Thanks in advance.

I got a feeling that I won't get a good deal from my neighborhood dealers (Northern VA or even metro DC area).

1) Where around the country that I may have a chance to get a good deal on EX-L with Nav? I am willing to pay to truck it back if I can save a lot from local dealers here.

2) If I order it by the end of July, will I have to wait long? Will I get a '03? Or, maybe a '04 and being asked by dealer to pay extra if Honda raises the price for its '04?

Thank you for your opinions in advance.

C. P.

qbrozen

i live in jersey. The Pilot inventory is VERY tight. There is zero to very little chance of getting the kinds of deals some folks are seeing in the middle-of-the-country states. But we just stuck to our guns and talked with many dealers before finding one that was willing to give us our price. We weren't pressed for time, so that was our biggest advantage. Turned out this particular dealer had the exact model and color we wanted due in about a week, so we gave our deposit and got it about 9 days later.

good luck!

qbrozen

look through this message board and you'll see dealers names and locations where folks have gotten good deals. Seems to me most have been in the Ohio region.

stakeout

seems to me that only the people who are selling Pilots think they aren't overpriced... I wonder why $$$$ ...ca-ching.. ca-ching..

look at the PT Cruiser...they were getting over-sticker .. then the T-Bird.. that they just announced that production will end in '05... can't sell them at $40k anymore with ADP--Additional Dealer Profit-- lumped in...just about giving them away

in this type of market, when cars aren't selling, why would anyone pay those prices.. we get new vehicles every 2-3 years.. narrow our search down to two or three.. and whoever gives us the best deals at or below invoice --with $$$ rebates these days-- gets our business..

anyone who pays those asking prices at or above MSRP is just fueling the fire

brian125

cdwife,,,, you made it over here.. dont be so concerned with if a salesman knows the invoice price or if he is all over the road.. here are my thoughts.. if you know your model.. contact several dealers by internet or phone.. email or speak with the internet managers.. let every dealership know your looking to buy a pilot right now.. YOU TELL THEM THAT FOR 500/600/700 or what ever your number is...OVER INVOICE YOU BUY TODAY..that means you would leave a $500 refundable deposit til said dealer finds swaps or has to order your pilot.. if he agree's to your price let him fax you a buyers order with pilot make, model ,options, vin number etc.. its fast easy and there is no stress involved.. by buying over the phone you will weed out all the slimy dealers.. by buying this way you have all the numbers on the table.. if said dealer renigs on you your refudable deposit will be returned.. make sure the dealership writes on invoice refundable deposit.. check out the oddy forum i left you my email...brian

qbrozen

Maybe its just me, but I NEVER bring up invoice. You should know the invoice number, therefore you should know the price you want to pay. Don't give them any oppurtunity to screw with the numbers. They can easily tell you invoice is different. What are you going to do about it? Pull out a printout from edmunds? that means nothing. If the dealer pulls out a different printout, how can you tell them its wrong? So, anyway, my point is, why invite controversy? Just give them your price, nothing about so much under MSRP or so much over invoice, just the number you want to see on that sales receipt.

dako_tian

I couldn't agree with you more, qbrozen. Neither the invoice, payment amount, trade in nor any other specific other than the total, out-the-door price you are going to pay should enter into the process. Those things give the dealer the opportunity to satisfy your specific question ("Oh, you need a $350 payment? I can get you that!" "$500 over invoice? Sure thing!") while manipulating the other numbers (trade-in, sneaky add-ins, phony "adjusted" invoice, or whatever) to get the real, bottom-line price they want. It's the simple bottom line that counts -- both to you and to the dealers.

Use all the info you have to come up with what you consider a fair price. But then talk only about that price and be sure you are including every option you want in the negotiations. Then you make a deal on what the price of the vehicle as you want it will be. Even then, inspect the closing paper work carefully and be ready to refuse any "security packages" (engraved serial numbers), "paint sealant" (wax), "fabric protection" (Anti-stain spray) or "dealer adjustment" (pure profit) charges.

brian125

there are many car web sites, consumer reports, etc that give you the invoice price so there can be no mistake about the invoice price. my approach is very direct but who ever i speak with about a car purchase that dealership knows that this guy knows his stuff... do i play games with him, or do i try to make a quick sales on him.. my approach takes about 3 mins on the phone.. its a yes or no answer about earning my buiness/ paying my price.. my approach weeds out all dealers who dont sell cars and all dealers who are looking for the quick sale.. it has never failed in twenty years. there are many ways i guess to buy but i'm so tired of all the nonesense dealers try to run on us... god forbid if you walk into a dealership you want to know about pricing, the salesman wants to show you the nice radio and folding seats then he wants to take all your personel infomation like you just bought the car from him... give me a break!!! i hear and read all the horror stories.. buy by phone avoid all this nonsense.. my approach is nothing personal its buiness.. wasted time is money.. good luck to all buyers

brian125

when you buy by phone thats all you want to know. this much over invoice,tax and out the door.. it cant get any easier.. then you see what dealers want $350 for doc fee's 300 for prep fee's etc.... thats why when you buy by phone it all is disclosed in that phone call.. when your in the dealer ship you agree on a price then they tell you to speak with the finacial adviser he does the paper work i dont know the other fee's.. its all bull

kentuckyduck

I read through a number of past posts on this board and ended up using a hybrid approach to reaching a good price on our Pilot.

First, I e-mailed a handful of Akron OH area Honda dealers (see list archives for specific dealers). I also e-mailed a southern Indiana dealer and a Louisville dealer (we're in the Lexington KY area). It only took me an hour to do the research and send out the half-dozen feelers. I was very specific in my request -- "We are ready to purchase an '03 Honda Pilot EX-L with the RES (DVD) system. I would like your out-the-door price -- include everything but tax." The Ohio dealers gave pretty good quotes. The Lville and So. Indiana dealers gave muddled quotes full of garbage.

I then called my local Honda dealer (where we had test-driven the Pilot) and said "I've been in contact with a few other dealers. Here's the best out-the-door quote I've received. What can you do?" (BTW, the lowest quote was ~$29,900. But it would have cost an extra $300 to have it delivered. Or we could have spent an entire day driving the 600 mile round trip and picked it up ourselves -- not an easy prospect when you have 2 young kids. But I didn't tell our local dealer about the delivery fee.) As expected, he said he probably couldn't match that offer and that he'd have to check w/his manager. Ten minutes later, he called back with a quote of $30,240. Factor in the delivery fee we would have had to pay to have the Pilot shipped from Ohio and he came within $40 of their offer. So in the end we decided to keep the business local and still saved more than $2,200 off list.

So don't be too discouraged when your local salesman tells you he can't do much below MSRP (as ours initially did). Once they find out you can get a better deal, they will most certainly try to match it -- or at least come close.

Good luck to all!

major2829

I just purchased a black EX (cloth) for $27,200.00. I live in South Florida. Apparently prices are much higher up north than down here.

silverpilot03

I spent several hours having some items repaired at the Honda dealer (I should have arranged a ride home, but had NO idea it would take that long). During my time there, I ended up in the showroom quite a while. It really opened my eyes as to how these salesmen really view customers. At one point, they were all complaining about the taxes they paid. Numbers were $3700 in FIT last month. Do some math and you can figure salaries around $150K. A junior salesman, who spent most of his tough day smoking outside, confirmed those salaries for the best paid senior guys. Right after this conversation, a possible customer called to get a price over the phone. They would not give a price and after the call the salesman went on for 10 minutes with utter disgust that this person would dare CALL for a price. He actually told this caller that if they were 30 minutes or less from the lot that they OWED it to him to not waste his time and should come in to get any kind of price. When they finally made it over to ask me if I was looking at cars, I told them I was just in for service on a Honda. They asked if I bought it there and when I said I had not, they asked why. I told them they wanted MSRP and I bought for Invoice plus 300. They basically called me a liar and said no-one sells for that kind of price. SO, be prepared to be insulted, keep up the phone calls and use any tool at your disposal(internet/mutiple bids) to buy from the best COST dealer like KENTUCKYDUCK did.

njmom2boys

I have been visiting on this board for a few months and really appreciate all of the experience and advice you all have offered. In the next week or so I plan to start e-mailing dealerships in search of a good deal on my own Pilot! In order to fix my price, I'd like to know how to deal with dealer-installed options. For example, if the fog lights are listed by Honda at $389 (not installed) what price I should factor in for that option installed? Is the $389 reasonable installed?

I plan to send out e-mails with a total price I'm willing to pay (invoice + installed options + $500-800).

Also, I'm in central NJ. Any recent experience with dealers in a reasonable driving distance (no further than OH!)? I'll start with dealerships closest to home and work my way out. Never done a deal out of state, so all advice is welcome. How and where is tax handled? Do I register the vehicle when I get back to NJ?

Thanks for any help.

cp6689

Before my posting I had browsed some old messages but was worried that "Ohio pricing" is a history now. Thanks to kentuckyduck's post, I think the deal might be still there and the quote even can be used as a leverage to your local dealer.

Again, thanks to everyone's input.

at12110

I too live in Central Jersey.

I bought my Sagebursh EXL-RES for 750 above invoice from Waikem Honda in Akron OH on June 14 03. email me @ ncc1701e@att.net for further detail.

The drive was quite long but really enjoyable. I took I-80 all the way to OH. I rented Avis from Newark for $120 for one way rental.

I don't pay taxes, I will pay once my 30 days temporary OH tag expire and I register the car here in NJ.

Think of it this way, do you get paid $2000-2500 to drive 11-12 hours?

ALL NJ and nearby PA that I asked for a quote gave me 500 below sticker for EXL-RES. If you want EX or EX-L I've got a quote for 1000 below sticker locally.

cdfwife

Thanks for the advice. Our 99 Oddy dealer never called back, so we haven't moved forward. I was really hoping to repeat my luck with the Odyssey purchase, where I actually did what Brian suggested, drove over, and wrote the purchase contract THAT DAY even though the van hadn't arrived. ( That way, no tricks or surprises, price is fixed and they can't add crap or pull it out from under you.) But, alas, not meant to be in this tight market, so I think we will wait a bit and see if it slows.
 Kinda wish I was still in Jersey ( I'm from Somers Point). Might be able to at least find a deal or get closer to an Ohio Dealer. Still no inventory out here. Guess I'll be driving my faithful ole Odyssey for a few more miles!

Thanks again!

dwdel

Does anyone know when the 2004 Pilots will hit the dealerships?? And has anyone heard pricing for 2004?? I have been wanting to buy a Pilot but decided to wait for the new models.

Thanks

porknbeans

The new Pilots will be in dealer lots in August. Orders are already being being taken and placed. Other websites are stating minor changes with color being the biggie.

sxz4871

That's right, some dealers are taking order now. I just ordered mine (2004 model) EX Sagebursh for $700 under MSRP. Don't laugh, that's the best deal I can get in the Boston area (including the surrounding states as well). I thought about getting one from Ohio also, for $700 over invoice plus the shipping for a 2003 model. Then I thought it's only about $1000 more, and I'm getting a new year model. The Ohio dealer I spoke with did say they do not expect to offer discount initially for the new models, so... The dealer said the car will be here towards the end of August. I actually picked one from the list he had already ordered (somebody please say Sagebursh is a great color :-)). If I order it now, it will be deliveried some time around Sep-Oct. Hope this helps.

porknbeans

Sagebrush IS a great color. That's the color ours will be when we finally save up enough to make the downpayment we want.

sxz4871

Thanks for the encouragement :-) Hope you had a chance to look at that in person cause it's quite different from the one in the brochure. It's more grey and blue, and darker (more green in the brochure). It's not as shinning as some of the other colors but changes under different lights. Personally, I perfer the blue-ish and dark color cause I already own an Accord in green. The nice thing is that we don't see that color too often on the road.

qbrozen

YOU DIDN'T BUY ONE YET??

I really thought you were a current owner.

I also think sagebrush is nice. I wouldn't have considered it based on the little sample dot they show in the brochure, but after seeing pics of the actual vehicle, I like it.

at12110

Maybe I missed something regarding you calculation.

For an EX-L RES, all number are rounded off.
700 over invoice is about 30000, sticker for 2003 is 32500 so you can buy it for 700 under sticker which means 31800, that's still 1800 above the OH price, unless shipping is 800 I can't see why there's only 1000 difference.

If sticker for 2004 is higher then your difference would be higher as well.

People have been shipping Pilot from OH to the east coast for as little as 400.

sxz4871

I was talking about an EX cloth model (and initally was interested in an LX model), so that would probably knock a couple of hundres down (the difference between the invoice and MSRP on different trims). And the shipping I quoted was 500+. You are right though, the price will go up (200-500 according to the dealer althought they are sure either) for the new model. But it's July already and a peace of mind buying from someone you trust (I know people seemed having great experience buying from mid-west, but I'd never done that before), I think it's worth it. Just my 2 cents...

porknbeans

Unfortuanately...no, I'm not an owner yet. Had some personal issues come up that took most of our downpayment. I'm keeping my chin up and just looking at it as an early Christmas present instead of a summer hauler.

qbrozen

kinda had the same thing happen after I ordered a WRX. Had to cancel 1 week before delivery. ouch! But I love the (used) Volvo I got instead, so I stick by the addage that everything happens for a reason. You'll probably see some sort of reward for getting an '04 instead of an '03. Maybe non-sagging leather seats. LOL.