2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • daddyyankeedaddyyankee Member Posts: 10
    Did you buy a 4wd? How the heck were you able to score that price? If it was an EX-L 4WD, then you got it for $100 below actual dealer cost. The dealer is losing money on the sale. Did you have a trade in? I just don't understand how a dealer can sell for that low unless there is some hidden dealer incentive that we don't know about. I paid the same price for an EX-L 2wd and an sh** load of sales tax. In Los Angeles our sales tax is 9.75%. I'm moving to Oregon. :confuse:
  • theworkztheworkz Member Posts: 10
    Yes, it was the 4WD. They had a Pilot on sale for $29,999 but it had 4,200 miles on it. I used that price as my baseline and told them if they could get me the color I want which was the cherry pearl, and no miles (well 62), then I would make a deal.. I just worked them for a little (maybe 15 min), and finally I just laid out the stats for them and they caved. I said "Hey, Honda Pilot sales are down 55% this year, there are over 150 Pilots in the Portland Area on Lots sitting, and you have had this car on your lot for over 120 days.. You guys have to show your moving cars, give it to me at $29,999 and I will help you guys." I also went in with a pre-approval letter from my Credit Union, so they knew I already had the money ready and I wasn't just bartering to barter..

    He came back after talking to his manager and said "Fine, do we have a deal" and he put his hand out. Before finalizing the deal, I was able to have them also throw in 2 years of free maintenance.
  • bigdadi118bigdadi118 Member Posts: 1,207
    The dealer is losing money on the sale

    Ha we still don't know lots of other ways that dealers can make money, thus you think the dealer is losing money on the sale. Believe me, it is rare that dealers are gonna sell in losing money. The can get profit one way or the other.
  • theworkztheworkz Member Posts: 10
    I doubt the dealer lost anything. The only thing interesting is the salesmen didnt say anything about them loosing money on the one I bought. But when I went to finalize everything with the floor manager person, he said that this was below their purchase price and he said this was the best deal he's seen someone walk out with on this model. I'm not sure I buy the purchase price comment, but I do think I did ok on the deal.
  • kellysimkellysim Member Posts: 26
    The guy who wrote that the dealer is losing money is obviously a dealer!

    They didn't come close to losing anything on this deal. First of all, the thing is virtually unsaleable. That's why there are so many on the lots. They have to move them, or something, or they are going to die off. That's probably what Honda wants at this point anyway, to thin out their dealership base. If they are going to sell 40% fewer cars, what do they need so many dealerships for?

    Around here there are so many EXLs it's ridiculous. I wouldn't buy one for $30k or even $29k. Why? Why not just wait if you can, the prices are going to drop like a rock.

    That's a good one - they are losing money! Really funny. (The dealers must hate the internet at this point).

    These car dealers are thieves, let them starve. They've been raping the common man for so long - so let them eat cake.

    Good luck to all.

    P.S. The dealership with 50 EXLs in my area sold 3 between April 1 and April 30 (i.e. today).
  • cb35cb35 Member Posts: 27
    I'm waiting on a 09 touring. hopefully the '10 come out in may and gas goes up a bit for summer driving season - then the dealers will need to put parachutes on all the pilots in the lot they will be falling so fast.
  • daddyyankeedaddyyankee Member Posts: 10
    No, I am not a dealer and you are not answering my question. You seem to be traumatized by your last dealership experience and instead of adding value you are simply venting your past frustrations.

    My question is very simple: theworkz got an amazing deal for $29.9k for an EX-L 4wd. I paid the same price for an EX-L 2wd in Los Angeles. Can any mature person out there answer how much profit the dealer is making by selling the EX-L 4wd for $29.9k. The invoice on a EX-L 4wd is $31,969+670 destination charge. Subtract the $1,500 incentive and a 2% holdback (on MSRP) of $719 = dealer cost of $30,420. How the heck does a dealer make money selling at below cost? Extended warranty, dealer add-ons, trade-in?

    As much as a dealer would like to move inventory, they cannot sustain themselves by selling below cost. Heck, even with a bare minimum profit, the dealer still has to pay salaries, advertising, insurance, etc. Not all car dealerships are thieves and I don't expect myself or the dealer to get screwed.
  • oceanman2oceanman2 Member Posts: 4
    There is a shortage or the Touring with Nav here in NJ. Best quote I got was 35,500.00. Lots of Exs around, but you cannot get Nav. in them, what a bummer. I may have to go to Toyota Highlander. :confuse:
  • lithnightslithnights Member Posts: 25
    Wow, folks would switch from a Pilot to a Highlander just b/c of navigation! I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a Highlander but why not just get the pilot and use a portable (and much cheaper) GPS unit? I guess that's a dealbreaker for some huh?
  • cb35cb35 Member Posts: 27
    interesting news on the touring.shortage.......I'm most interested in the factory nav - but if necessary EX-L with a crutchfield Pioneer unit (uses garmin software) might be just as good. I won't pay a premium price for the touring - not in this climate.

    to the post with the portable option - I have one in my other vehicle - it really is a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] - they get stolen a bunch so you have to be careful with it - I've even heard of "scouts" in parking lots - basically they sit a guy that sits near the enterance - if they see it on your dash - they will target your vehicle. so even putting it out of sight isn't enough. I put in on my passanger seat when I'm nearing my destination LOL - in dash should be much easier.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    In tough times manufacturers typically offer incentives to dealerships based on various factors. # of total units sold--# of specific units sold-- etc. These monthly sales totals can mean tens of thousands of dollars that can offset what appears as a loss deal.Information on these incentives isn't available to the buyer so there is no way to tell what is truly going on. If they only need to move a few models to meet the bonus numbers -- short deals to real buyers occur.
  • kellysimkellysim Member Posts: 26
    Well if you aren't a salesman at a dealership you sure are putting on a good act.

    Usually when someone brings in "advertising, rents, insurance, salaries" etc., they are spewing the typical dealer line, i.e. "how are we supposed to stay in business if we have to sell a car for less than we paid." Well, dealers never sell cars for less than they paid. And $29.9k for an EXL 4WD is not that great of a price, not around here in PA anyway.

    To the new salesguy at the dealership in Oregon (if that's really where you are), and as has been said on here many times before, most incentives to the dealer are not published. Dealers have a monthly sales quota, meet it and you get a certain dollar amount per car. Ask your sales manager if you are unclear about it.

    Also, someone today buying an EXL 4WD doesn't have to be responsible for paying "salaries, rents, insurance, etc." Dealers need to move these vehicles, there is a huge inventory - it's not your personal responsibility to keep them in businsss. It is your prerogative, however, to try to get a reasonable price.

    Good luck (especially to the car salesman).

    P.S. Around here there are no longer any old car salesmen. They have all left as there is no longer any money in sellng cars. They have moved onto other things. Everyone is under 25. They work more cheaply.
  • sprmariosprmario Member Posts: 15
    Is there any way to check dealer inventory if a dealer doesn't offer an inventory search option? I know Nissan has a central inventory search system that is very easy to use to find the car you want and to see what dealers have on hand. I can't seem to find the same thing for Honda. I got a very good price from a local dealer last year on my Accord. I was withing $150 of the lowest price i saw anyone paying last year for my vehicle, but I'd like to see what Pilots are available at my local dealers if possible. We will be in the market for a car within the next 6 to 9 months or so. My accord is an EX-L and we'll probably be looking at an EX-L 2WD Pilot (we are in Miami, FL).

    Thanks.
  • theworkztheworkz Member Posts: 10
    Wait, are you calling me the dealer? Based on other prices posted in this forum and the fact my buddy here at work bought the same model a month ago for $31,200, I actually thought I did ok on my price. Not great, but ok..

    You don't have to be a dick about it though. I thought this was supposed to be a helpful area where people posted what they paid.

    Also, what about this??? You seem to be contradicting yourself and in going through all your previous posts you pretend to be an expert in every state.. Come on man...
    http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef0e959/12731!keywords=#12731
  • kellysimkellysim Member Posts: 26
    I hardly have to be an expert to specify the MI sales tax rate. You can look that up online you know.

    Yes, I believe you are a salesman at a dealer. I'm sure that that person did purchase the EXL 4WD it at the specified price, and it's highly unlikely that the dealer "lost money" as you have indicated. Only a salesperson at a dealer would say so. Your question has been answered repeatedly - dealers have unpublished incentives based on sales quotas. Even some of the salespeople do not know what they are. The value that you believe is the dealer's purchase price is not the correct value. Dealers do not sell vehicles at a loss and your assessment that that sale incurred a loss is incorrect. It is a statement that only a car salesman would likely make. That you supposedly purchased this vehicle and then insist that its cost to the dealer is higher than the price paid by another individual on here indicates unequivocally to me that you are a salesman. Who else would make such a statement?

    Also, there is no need for name calling. That's another indication that you are a salesperson. That's something that some car salesmen do to diminish the value of the prospect who is trying to obtain a fair price. It's very inconsiderate, unprofessional and unwise.

    Good luck to you.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I won't say "lets all play nice" because it's no fun. And with a little conflict, this thread draws more viewers who look at the ads which makes more $ for Edmunds. Win-win.
  • theworkztheworkz Member Posts: 10
    I really think you are getting my comments mixed up with the other guys.. I am not a dealer, plain and simple! daddyyankee was the person who said that the dealer was loosing money. Re-read just MY postings and I was only telling my recent story. I felt like I got a decent deal and thought I would share just like everyone else here, but according to you I didn't get a good deal and you were pretty blunt about that which is why I'm calling you a dick. This was the first time me and my family have had a new car and I was pretty excited about it and wanted to share my story. I didn't post a link to a dealership or promote anything or even talk about "incentives based on sales quotas", I just shared.. I came to this forum a week ago for the first time and read about what people were paying for an EX-L not even knowing i was going to get a pilot. After reading through, I went in last Friday morning to a honda dealership and talked them down $1,620 from their "on sale" price, which honestly I was proud of and maybe I shouldn't have been..

    If you really want proof, let me know, i'll send it your way. But don't call me a dealer out of ignorance without any proof. It's really insulting to be called a salesmen especially since i work in IT. :)
  • l5yardyl5yardy Member Posts: 2
    First of all thanks to everyone who posted their thoughts and especially the guy who posted that he bought his Touring for $31,888. That was my goal for my touring of which I got mine slightly under for $31,600. I bought it by my credit union at 5.5%. The only thing I wasn't aware of and am still reading and researching about after the fact is the DOC scam. They got me for $798. They claimed it was some kind of "transportation" crap, some type of dealers fee which I later found out was garbage. It is added by the dealership to gain a forced commission. Had I known I would have contested to that last minute addition. It was a cost that was never mentioned during the long negotiations.

    I love my Pilot non the less. Now I am going to get my after market accessories like the chrome side step and the upgraded chrome look alike wheels from other companies that sell genuine Honda parts. A good negotiation tip is to start from the top of the line vehicle and haggle down to the lowest price. If you wish to buy the ex-l go to that after reaching a low price on the touring. Good luck to all buying a Honda Pilot.
  • daddyyankeedaddyyankee Member Posts: 10
    theworkz: Congrats on your deal. I can tell you that no Los Angeles based dealer was willing to go that low on a ex -l 4wd when I was shopping last week. Hope you enjoy your new purchase. If anyone else can negotiate this same deal in Los Angeles, then I guess I paid way too much for my ex-l 2wd.

    sprmario: check out cars.com or autotrader.com and you will be able to search all new Honda Pilot inventory in your area. This way you don't have to go to a ton of dealer websites. Also, when I was shopping last week, I found that not all dealer websites were accurate in terms of inventory. Some of them listed vehicles that were no longer in stock.

    jayrider: What you say makes a lot of sense. I think theworkz was at the right dealer at the right time.

    kellysim: again, you provide very little factual info. The title of this forum is prices paid: honda pilot buying & leasing experience, not honda pilot: dealer conspiracy theories. (don't worry, I won't bother responding to anymore of your comments)
  • zojirushizojirushi Member Posts: 10
    Was that a 2WD or 4WD Touring? Lowest my dealership quoted me (in Colorado) was $34K for a 4WD Touring no RES ($31,158 for a 4WD EX-L no RES). I'm holding out for a better deal since it's not urgent.

    I really appreciate kellysim's advice and such, but at least in Colorado the dealerships aren't going down anywhere close to $28.5K for the EX-L (which kellysim indicated is already $500-$1K too much). I'd be happy getting the deal theworkz got in Oregon (EX-L for $29.9K) but even that seems to be $1K or so below what the dealerships around here are currently willing to go down to.

    So, I'll continue waiting - hoping the incentives pick up while there are still some Tourings available and hoping Honda releases the '10 models so the pressure is increased to move the '09s...
  • daddyyankeedaddyyankee Member Posts: 10
    Would you please share with all of us which City and State you purchased in. Thanks and enjoy your new Pilot.
  • l5yardyl5yardy Member Posts: 2
    It's a 2WD Touring. I bought it in Miami, Fl but it took us shopping around different counties to land this deal. We did however get another deal for 28,888 for the Ex-L, but I wanted the Touring so I held out. You can get a good deal on any model as long as you know your facts, stay strong, and negotiate from the highest to the lowest model. And for those who have a credit union behind them use it as your last weapon. Don't worry about the add-on accessories, you can find them cheaper on line and have someone else put them on for you, that is my plan. Example the side step, upgraded rims, etc. And by the way there might not be that pressure to sell the 09's like you may think. Honda has slowed the production of the 09's as a way to sell them off before the 2010's come out. Always check and DOUBLE check any figures during your deal. They tried TWICE to over charge me for the taxes, even after I corrected them the first time. Don't trust what they put on paper. Walk with your calculator and don't let them crowd or rush you. Good Luck, Pilot hunters!
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Well done and well said.
  • theworkztheworkz Member Posts: 10
    Thanks DaddyYankee, I did appreciate your earlier questions and comments even if someone else didn't. :)
    -Luke
  • malashmalash Member Posts: 5
    kellysim,
    I live in PA (1hour north of Philly) and am looking to buy a 4WD EXL this month. I certainly hope your statement of purchasing one for 29-30k is accurate. I work in NJ and pass 3 dealers everyday so I can easily stop by 5 to 6 dealerships in PA/NJ to get quotes and deal. We are very flexible with the colors (we'd be happy with 5 to 6 different color schemes) so there should be plenty to choose from since 4WD EXL's are 90% of the online inventory at the dealerships. Is it worth getting online quotes or should you just stop by in person??
  • slurislurislurisluri Member Posts: 6
    malash, i am getting ready to get a pilot as well either the exl with navi/res or the touring with res.
    i am in the same geographic area if you want to do a group buy
    my email is slurisluri@gmail.com
    let me know
    thx
  • zojirushizojirushi Member Posts: 10
    Just an FYI (although I imagine most folks here are already aware of this or can imply it). My dealership turned down my $30K for 4WD EX-L & $32.5 for 4WD Touring offer again today (the internet department this time), but they did say there are new incentives coming out on Tuesday. Looking forward to what Tuesday brings.
  • dukeandmariedukeandmarie Member Posts: 7
    Malash and Slurisluri.... if you two try the group buy, keep the rest of us posted... it'd be interesting to see how that turns out. I personally think it's a great idea!
  • angus72angus72 Member Posts: 2
    We just received an on-line quote from a dealer in Vancouver, WA for 28,867 for an EX-4WD no extra options. Although it appears after reading through some of the messages that we probably could get a better price. Any Thoughts?
  • herbie9821herbie9821 Member Posts: 1
    Paid $28,977 plus $220 TTL plus $1738.62 tax in PA for a EXL 4WD 2009 Pilot in Nimbus Grey. Scott Honda. They had about eighty (80) Pilots available (you can check their inventory online). Bought in April.

    $29-$30k for an EXL in PA is not a problem. If you are a female or an effeminate male get someone else to buy it. Dealers stick to a bad price for metrosexuals and females, don't know why.
  • zojirushizojirushi Member Posts: 10
    I'd personally wait for the new incentives to kick in. I can't imagine that they'd be less than what is currently available to the dealers. Unfortunately I haven't been looking at the EX 4WD to know whether $28,867 is good or not. MSRP difference between it and the 4WD EX-L is $3200, Invoice difference is $2892. So, given that I would expect that you could get the EX for decently below $28K... Especially since theworkz just got a 4WD EX-L for $29.9K in Hillsboro, OR (just across the stateline from you).
  • zojirushizojirushi Member Posts: 10
    Nice deal Herbie! Wishing I lived in PA!
    (my parents are actually moving there in two weeks... not sure I'd care to put the 1700 miles on the Pilot right out of the gate though.)
  • h2dkh2dk Member Posts: 2
    You can do better...Come a little farther South...McMinnville Honda, Jay Lee Honda in Gladstone or Parker Johnstone in Wilsonville...all should give you better prices (all quoted me a ~$35,000 for a Touring w/ RES ($1500 below invoice) you should be able to do the same)...

    If you live in Washington and buy in Oregon do you still pay sales tax?
  • windknotwindknot Member Posts: 3
    I am planning on buying an EX 4wd or EXL 4wd this week. I am aware of new incentives coming out tomorrow so I think I will wait until Tuesday before re-attacking my local dealer. I have received quotes from 5 dealers in Eastern and Central NC and they are all over the board. These prices all include TTT.
    Bob Barbour APH Crown Davenport Parker
    EX 4wd $29,449 $29,721 $29,624 $29,592
    EXL 4wd $32,311 $31,936 $32,652 $32,571

    I am leaning toward Bob Barbour, they have also offered 3 free oil changes and lifetime engine & powertrain warranty as long as we maintain the service with them. My real questions are coming from the posts of people buying the EXL 4wd for $1500 less than the best price I have received. Why are all the NC dealers stuck in this price range? I need some help in determining the difference in from dealer to dealer and state to state. I saw the Honda USA was off 25% in sale the month of April. If that is true whay am I locally getting such a hard time with the price?
  • angus72angus72 Member Posts: 2
    Yes, WA residents pay sales tax once you get your car plates/tabs. So we have to tack on another 8.4% to any purchase. We are not in a real hurry to make the purchase so we have time to shop around a bit. So we may check out Honda dealers in Oregon too.
  • cb35cb35 Member Posts: 27
    curious on what the incentives will be (and if they are regional) - and is the dealer incentive still active? I read somewhere it was extended to June 3rd?
  • lmartilmarti Member Posts: 16
    We purchased our EX-4WD for $27,450 +TTL. I'd say you could do a bit better.

    I'm fortunate that I was able to use the USAA car buying program. I got quotes through USAA and Edmunds and the dealer didn't hesitate to match the lowest price which was through USAA since it included the destination charge. The edmunds quote didn't include it. It was the easiest car buying experience.

    Also, went through Pentagon Federal for financing - 3.99%.
    We're pretty happy with our deal.
  • sprmariosprmario Member Posts: 15
    can you tell me what dealer you bought from? I am in Miami as well and I bought my accord from South Motors Honda last year. They were the best price by far after about a week of negotiating.
  • theworkztheworkz Member Posts: 10
    Angus, if you want to know who I bought through on the 4WD EXL I got in Hillsboro, shoot me an email at theworkz@gmail.com. I'm afraid if I say anything else in this forum, they will call me a salesman. :) haha

    Also, as an fyi, I had a buddy of mine buy an EX-L 4WD from the Vancouver store about a month ago and paid $31,200. He was just doing "internet shopping" and they offered the best price. I prefer the face-to-face haggling personally.

    PS. Cars are the only big things they hit you Vancouver people with for taxes so you cant complain much. I'm sure a lot of you come over to do the rest of your shopping here in Oregon. :)
  • tina1976tina1976 Member Posts: 18
    I'm curious too. Does anyone know what the rebates/incentives have looked like in the past? I did some searches for current rebates/incentives from other automakers and some of the rebates had restrictions on them, such as buyers having to go through the dealer's finance company.
  • nascarnut2488nascarnut2488 Member Posts: 1
    I was given this info from a dealer last week. Their net price on a 2009 Honda Pilot Touring Res & Navi is $33,675. Seems like the going price these days is ~$34K.
  • cb35cb35 Member Posts: 27
    previous deal which expired yesterday was factory to dealer incentive of $1500 on all Pilots. New incentives come out today - expected to be the same or maybe a financing deal as well. Honda doesn't do consumer rebates, but you should be able to get the $1500, if you let the dealer know you are aware of it.
  • windknotwindknot Member Posts: 3
    Just got a call from the dealer. The $1500 dealer cash is still available to the dealer and the only other Pilot incentive is a lease option. Looks like I be waiting a little later to buy. My best deal on an 09 EX 4wd was about $29,500 TTT included with lifetime oil changes and lifetime power train warranty. Eastern NC dealers are all about the same price.
  • ilanailana Member Posts: 25
    What was the lease offer?
    Thanks
  • bigdadi118bigdadi118 Member Posts: 1,207
    aprmario

    you can do that on www.vehix.com

    New Car -> SUV -> Honda -> Model Link -> View Local Inventory

    Lots of options to refine your search from this on.
  • squallsquall Member Posts: 1
    Can you provide:

    1) The zip code you put into USAA? The cheapest I can find for D.C. or VA (where PenFed is mostly) for this vehicle (2009) through USAA is $28,568.

    2) The name of the dealer where you bought this vehicle?

    Thanks.
  • lampitolampito Member Posts: 2
    I am looking for an 09 Honda Pilot Touring 4WD (I need the higher towing capacity), The only one in my area includes the RES and is a demo with 6k miles on it. The dealer wants over 35K (38k TTL out the door) for it which seems ridiculous. Where are these 34k Touring Models and can I get a dealer to ship me one to TX?
  • saxony902saxony902 Member Posts: 5
    I just received this from the local Honda Dealer. Seems like good pricing?

    2009 Honda Pilot 2WD 2009 Honda Pilot 4WD

    LX $23,460.00 4WD LX $24,907.00

    EX $25,991.00 4WD EX $27,437.00

    EXL $28,883.00 4WD EXL $30,328.00

    EXL-RES $30,328.00 4WD EXL-RES $31,774.00

    TOURING-NAVI $31,774.00 4WD TOURING-NAVI $33,220.00

    TOURING-RES&NAVI $33,220.00 4WD TOURING-RES&NAVI $34,666.00
  • lampitolampito Member Posts: 2
    Saxony902,
    What is the dealership name, city, and state? The price on the touring 4wd looks very good to me but do they actually have these cars available?
  • ncsu_wolfpackncsu_wolfpack Member Posts: 5
    Nascar - don't feel badly.

    I purchased an 09 Pilot Touring 4wd a couple of weeks ago and it was a demo. The inventory of the touring models is very low and the color combinations that are left aren't great...so the demo route was the only way to get what we wanted.

    I never did find the $34k price that I read on this forums...and I spent a lot of time and effort looking.

    $35,000 + tax is about the best you can do. What's funny is that I could get the same price on the demo as I could on the new car. They simply won't come off the price of the demo - despite the miles. I think the mileage credit is a paltry $0.15/mile and that is typically offset by some sort of add-on that you don't want. I wasn't a fan of the gray or beige interiors...so I was limited in my choices and ultimately chose to buy a demo.

    We love the car, though.
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