2013 and earlier-Honda Pilot Prices Paid and Buying Experience

shooterdave7

I had heard of Windy City Honda in previous posts, now that I think about it...but these other places I hadn't (Carr's, Independence) and it got me wondering. Could some of these places be dealing more now that the summer months are coming in? I mean, judging by their website inventory, Carr's has a LARGE stock of Pilots. I only looked at the $30,000 and under group because I wasn't planning on getting leather and there were 21 listed in that group alone. Compare that to the Honda place near me who currently has ZERO Pilots on their lot for sale, and I have never seen them have more than 7 or 8 at one time max. Maybe Carr's is looking at a lot full of bunches of Pilots with only a few months to get rid of them before the new models come in. I don't know...just a thought.

Have a good trip anna. And make sure they have all those fluids topped off before you make that long drive home!

anna

Actually, I received a quote from Independence Honda, as well. He was willing to pretty much match (off by $300) Carr's but my sister-in-law lives in Chicago, and it was just easier to make a trip out of it. I would do business with Independence, too. As far as the reason for the low quotes from Carr...yes, he did advise me that they are the oldest dealership in Chicago and that they had just completed a huge renovation (million $$). He stated they were really focused on volume right now as opposed to profit (obviously they are making some profit) to build up the inventory. I don't completely understand all of it but they will get more inventory the more they sell....does this make any sense?! He has been really great through this entire process...very responsive.

anna

I haven't checked the pricing on EX-L with the navi system....was this a good quote? It sounded like it to me but again, have no idea what the MSRP or invoice prices are.

gbd21

Hello Anna
You are not doing your homework well!
Heres the pricing from this website:
------------------------------------------------------------------ ---

2004 Honda Pilot
EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Leather and Navigation System (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
What Others
Are Paying
 
  MSRP Invoice
National Base Price $32,870 $29,568 $31,353
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code Change - - $128
Optional Equipment N/A N/A N/A
 No optional equipment selected
Color Adjustment - - -$47
  Starlight Silver Metallic
  Destination Charge $490 $490 $490
Total with Options $33,360 $30,058 $31,924
------------------------------------------------------------------ ----

Anna

$30,058 is the invoice price incl.of destination charge.
So Carr's Honda is actually quoting at invoice price.
Very good deal,indeed!

makers

I live in the Seattle/Everett area and completed internet negotiations for an EX-L in late March. First, I obtained quotes from dealers in the local area as well as several out-of -state dealers. I used the best initial quotes to try and get a better deal from all the dealerships that responded. The best quotes that I received were as follows (all prices include destination and document fees but not tax and license):

  Mike Pruitt Ohio $28761 (no options)
  Gardena CA $29306 (no options)
  Mick McClure Idaho $30071 (splash guards only)
  Local Dlrs WA $31360 (no options)

The cost of shipping from Ohio was quoted at around $1200 and from California was around $700. The sale consultant at Mick McClure offered three delivery options. He would drive it to my door at no additional cost, I could have it shipped for $450 or I could fly to Spokane and they would pick me up at the airport and drive me to Lewiston.

Since the cost of shipping ate up most of the savings of going with the Ohio and California dealers I went with Mick McClure. The sales consultant that I worked with was terrific (provide me with your email address if you would like his name). I elected to fly to Spokane ($90 airfare) where he met me for the drive to Lewiston. The buying experience was great, with no pressure to purchase the extended warranty or any other extras. Last week I thoroughly enjoyed driving my new Pilot back to Seattle.

Bottom line; though Pacific Northwest buyers may have trouble getting the deals that people are getting in other parts of the country, there is no good reason to pay MSRP at the local dealerships.

yys

Congrats to all that get the PILOT from Carrs Honda, Chicago....they give the best price so far....they sell the PILOT at invoice price....(which still allow them to profit at least 3% from holdback). I wonder if they also give a good financing rate (is there anybody do the financing with them?).

gbd21

Dealers would not survive,if they did not make some profit!
You cannot have your cake and eat it too.

gabber

I received a quote for $1,000 over invoice for ex leather in NC. Is this a good quote? Ideally, I think this is too high. I was looking for no more than 300 over invoice. Is this realistic?

gomudhens

After reading many posts in this forum, it appears as though a large number of users have requested quotes via e-mail or the internet. I am getting ready to request a few quotes and wondered what electronic method people are finding to be most effective:
- via Honda's Website?
- via dealer Website or direct e-mail to dealer?
- via third-party Website, such as Edmunds, Autobytel, or other?

Do to the competitive nature of the internet, do you find that dealers are more likely to provide a lower intial quote than they otherwise would if you requested a quote in person?

Thanks in advance.

kcchief

I've bought my last 3 cars by using autobytel.com and each time I've gotten a better deal. There is so much information available over the internet that I don't think there's any doubt that car dealers have become more competitive. I would recommend a service like autobytel or e-mail the dealers directly. I came back to my local dealer with the Mike Pruitt $400 over invoice deal and he matched it. I also used edmund's tmv for used cars for leverage with my trade-in.The more you know about pricing, particularly in your local situation, the better deal you'll make. Remember,knowledge is power! Good Luck!

gomudhens

After reading many posts in this forum, it appears as though a large number of users have requested quotes via e-mail or the internet. I am getting ready to request a few quotes and wondered what electronic method people are finding to be most effective:
- via Honda's Website?
- via dealer Website or direct e-mail to dealer?
- via third-party Website, such as Edmunds, Autobytel, or other?

Do to the competitive nature of the internet, do you find that dealers are more likely to provide a lower intial quote than they otherwise would if you requested a quote in person?

Thanks in advance.

gbd21

Most dealers do not respond to the Edmunds or other agents website.
Best is to do google search of dealers in particular city and email them after finding their own dealership websites.ie contact us link.
State complete details of your model including color and optional packages.
Meanwhile get the price /invoice/MRSP and TMV ready from edmunds website also, so that you know how much over invoice each dealer is quoting.If you do not do your homework in advance,you will not recognize a good deal
Most reputable dealers will give a complete breakup of their quote including stating the model.The dodgy ones will just mention a single figure which will be later open to misinterpretation and dirty tricks.

Hope this is helpfull.
Happpy buying!!

qbrozen

i agree with the above post.
send to their email addresses directly.
But don't send to more than one dealership with a single email. Send them all their own individual emails (although it can be the same email, of course, this is just to prevent them from seeing who else you are contacting).

shooterdave7

Oh annnnaaaaaaa....eager to hear about how your trip to Chicago went! How's the new Pilot? Did the whole deal come together as promised??

anna

I went to the Honda website and entered in different zip codes (of areas I was willing to travel to) and requested quotes this way. I let them know exactly what I was wanting and ended up buying my car this way. I had pretty good luck with responses. Also, this way, they have no idea who you sent requests to.

anna

Hello! I had a rough day today (had my baby in the ER but everything is ok) I had a great trip to Chicago. I must say, the salesman was an absolute gem. Everything was EXACTLY as promised...no wishy washy sales pitches on other items, etc. My husband and I were very impressed with the whole experience. We 'test' drove it and walked out of the dealership within less than two hours of arriving. We would do it again in a heartbeat! Drives like a charm! We love it! It is such a smooth ride and you barely hear, if any, outside noise. I'm telling you, this is the way to go. I wanted to pass on some info, as well. He advised us that he handles special accounts, fleet and internet sales. He said he always gives his lowest price because he doesn't have the time to go back and forth with emails. Says he is way too busy for that....which seems very true. He also said they are working on volume in order to be able to get more from Honda. So, it all makes sense and everything is perfectly legit. If anyone is interested, let me know and I would be glad to provide his name and number......also, you would not get the same pricing by walking into a dealership because the salemen work on commission and the internet salesmen are non-commissioned (from what I understand).

anna

I am not sure where you are willing to go but I don't think it is that great of a deal but it is better than a lot of dealers on doing...mostly, in the St. Louis area, I have found they will not go much lower than $500-$1000 below MSRP ($31,360). So, I guess it isn't too bad.

gbd21

Congratulations,Anna.

Another bit of advice to potential buyers.
Generaly the quotes from cross border states will be much better than the local dealers as they try to increase their catchment area and reputation.
Local dealers feel you are a captive market and care a damn about you as they know you will come to them for servicing.
So avoid local dealers like plague and beat them at their own game.
Under no circumstances should you shop with them with quotes from other states and expect them to beat that quote,because they will only laugh at you.
Try giving them the zip of a distant state and a friends tel number and beat them at their own game !!
(:-))

shooterdave7

Glad your baby's doing ok, anna. And good to hear your experience up there was a positive one. Always wonder what might happen to someone who travels like this to buy a vehicle, just to have a dealer mess with them after they get there and figure they have a "captive" buyer. Did the stock on their lot match the large numbers that their online inventory suggests?? According to it, they had a boatload of Pilots there.

Anyway, congrats and hope the new vehicle serves you well. :-)

shooterdave7

Oh, and I'd like that salesperson info you mentioned. An email addy is available for me in the "bio" portion of my profile. Thanks.

gabber

I was hoping to pay invoice, which I made my intention known with the dealer. Now they are asking if we can split the difference $500 over invoice. Is this good?

shooterdave7

I'd say it's pretty good considering some of the better ones we've been hearing about are only $300 - $400 over invoice. If you wanna try for more, you could say something like, "Ok, I'll go for your quoted price if you throw in splash guards."...and/or wheel locks or something along those lines. They can only say NO. ;-)

shooterdave7

And while we've been on the topic of Chicago Honda dealers, Grand Honda in Chicago has an online flier advertising their Pilot EX-L's for $28,770 - or about $500 over the Edmund's invoice listing.

gabber

Where do you find the cost for accessories for the 2004 pilot in order to compare what dealers are asking for them? Interested in towing package and possible side steps.

shooterdave7

Up at the top of this page is a banner for H and A accessories.com. There you can find the cost that they charge for accessories, and on most of them they state the corresponding cost if you buy from the Dealer. As far as what the dealers charge for installation of said parts, I don't know that there is a "standard" charge for labor from dealer to dealer and you would probably have to call or email individual dealers for their costs. From what I understand, many of the parts (like the sidesteps) are fairly easy to install yourself and you could save a bundle that way.

anna

I think this is a great deal as this is what I paid. I agree with shooterdave, though, you should ask for any and all options you are wanting, unless you have already done that. As I stated in my previous emails, I paid $28,802.02, out-the-door...for an EX-L with splash guards, cross bars, cargo cover and cargo organizer. All in all, I would have to say it is pretty good. Good luck!

anna

I didn't see the stock...they did have some on their lower lot but I think they keep some upstairs, in their building. They have a very nice dealership and very large. I would have to say they had pretty many.

jjmitrevtcctv

Anna:

Congrats for a great car buying experience and enjoy your new car!
I would like the salesperson's information. My email is jjmitrevtcctv@yahoo.com. Thanks very much.

     Jonathan

jjmitrevtcctv

Hi, folks:

What is a good price discount if a car has 2000 miles on it, as dealer used it for demo and/or driving?

Thanks very much.

gabber

What percentage did you get for financing or did you finance? Did you pay a doc fee? $299.00 was what I was quoted.

gbd21

Atleast one thousand off the invoice or a thousand worth of free accessories.

matttvdude

Love to get the email address you listed. Thanks.

hungp

Hi,
I got my Red EX-L for ~29950 before tax and misc at Honda Bellevue.
I am not sure this is the best possible price in this area? But I am happy with it and absolutely love the car. So far I got around 20 mpg (not worse than my Ford Taurus 97, but ~1000lb heavier for Pilot).
I bougth a lot of accessories from HandA Accessories. They have very prices and FAST.

matttvdude

After throwing some verified prices at Renton Honda, they came back with 30,260 before tax and license for EX-L. Still waiting to hear back from others.

hungp

BTW, when I picked up my car (waited for 2 weeks), I discovered 3 things installed: rear splash guards, door edge guard, and wheel molding (which I don't know what it is) with the total (dealer) price = 400. I loved the door edge guard, it looks cool.

anna

We actually received 3.9% with our credit union but they were able to get us just under that (3.75% or something)...we just decided to have everything when we headed to the dealership. The doc fee was only $53.52....that doc fee you were quoted sounds really high.

makers

You are doing better in Seattle area than I did back in March. My local dealer, where I had faithfully taken my previous Honda for all major service for over 10 years and 200,000 miles, did not quote anything less than MSRP. Other local dealers weren’t any better. That’s why I ended up getting mine from Mick McClure.

I am also shopping HandA and other third party sellers for accessories.

Great to see some postings on this forum from Northwest Pilot shoppers. Keep them coming and let us know how your Pilot deal works out ‘hungp’

gabber

Thanks for your help. I have got them to invoice but they are sticking to the doc fee. Which is still a good price I think. Now to just get the financing I want!

anna

I would have to say invoice is good (provided you are getting any extra options you want in that price), actually it is great, but it sounds like they are getting a little bit with the doc fee. All in all I would say to take it! Just my experience. Good luck!

tom3

Fed rate increase is going to effect the Honda Pilot price .Currently these are imported from Canada.
And what about the Honda finances going up and base price going down.
Any take on this/ what do U say ?

hondaluva

What has been your experience for the out the door price for an EX-L with DVD?

alfa

I am trying to get a pilot for close to invoice and have not had any luck in this high rent district? Carsdirect. and and several local dealers all want 32-33k for EXL w/Nav I do not want to pay more then 31k even tried some valley
dealers 3 hrs away same price.I may need to let them work me over in the back room and see what I can get ? But I do not want to play that stupid game.I guess I will wait until the 05's or I might buy a rx330 premium pkg/nav can get those for about 38k which is close to inv.

gbd21

You can try getting it from Carrs Honda, Chicago at invoice price and let them ship it to SF on a trailer.You will still save 2-3 grand.

nolansdad

I have been working with a Broker who is able to get one from LA for $1200 over invoice. That is the best deal I have found thus far. I contacted Carrs over their site to request a quote and see if shipping it in from Chicago makes any sense. It seems ridiculous, but to save some $ what the heck.

elcpooh

Try the getting internet quotes. I got 10 and the best I got was from Jim Dotsen in Berkeley (I believe) at $29,660. Then Los Gatos Honda quoted $1,000.00 over invoice. Steven's Creek Honda in Santa Clara will beat anyone's by $100.00.

Hope this helps. I'm probably going to get mine this week from Los Gatos.

eric

bubba.werk

I have seen that there is a pilot for sale in the paper but have not talked to my fleet guy yet to see if that was correct. The sale price was $27,059 for an EX pilot. I will let you know when I am sure of this price. Only posted to see if anyone else has heard about this.

nolansdad

I had been talking to someone at Stevens Creek and they said they would not match the brokers price of $1200 over invoice. Said he would need ALOT more than that. It may be because the Nav systems command more of a premium..
YMMV

Jon

erk5

Hi,

I'm not sure what I'm allowed to post on here, so please email me regarding Pilot pricing in SF. I also have advice if you're looking for an RX.

isellhondas

Trying to "save" a few hundred dollars...

Have a new Pilot shipped from out of state. So, it get's damaged in transit or something is cosmetically wrong.

Who's going to fix it?

Happens all of the time. Is it really worth it?

gbd21

Shipping is always insured against loss/theft/damage.
If the the local Honda does'nt fix it,sue him,as the vehicle is under Honda Nationwide Warranty