Honda Fit

1555658606180

Comments

  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    Köszönöm szépen, giob! ;)

    Make sure you pay nothing more than MSRP. After hearing all of these horror stories on the forum about some of these dealers, I realize I was quite fortunate. My dealership did not try to sneak any premiums or nonsense fees like VIN etching on my purchase.

    The Fit is a great car, but there is no need to satisfy the greed of some salespeople by paying over-MSRP premiums.

    When do you expect delivery for your car?
  • haulsmallhaulsmall Member Posts: 30
    44 - Trying to track down a Blue Sport AT
  • dewaltdakotadewaltdakota Member Posts: 364
    Well, you can't have mine! ;)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    In a few days, various web sites including Edmunds.com will post the invoice figures for the Fit. I checked last night and they weren't up on Edmunds yet.
  • giobgiob Member Posts: 5
    As of last night, the salesman could not tell me for sure, only that it will be today or tomorrow.
    As to the price, I locked myself in with MSRP almost a month ago.
    I asked the salesman to quote me on tinting: $390, he must think I am stupid, I can get it done at a reputable tinting shop for about $140.
    I don't like to generalize, but some of these guys a real sheisters :mad:
  • raychuang00raychuang00 Member Posts: 541
    ...They weren't kidding, either.

    The car I saw (Fit Sport 5AT in Vivid Blue) uses the height of the vehicle to get more interior space. And gawd, the interior space is surprisingly big--it's almost as roomy as the 2006 Civic LX sedan! :surprise: I set up the driver's seat for best comfort for me and then sat in the back--plentiful leg room still left and excellent headroom in back, too. (This is good reason why Honda should refrain at all costs from offering the moonroof on the Fit in the North American market--even after the full-model change coming probably some time in 2007. :) )

    Externally, the length of the car is pretty small--even my 1998 Civic HX CVT coupé looks downright BIG compared to the Fit. Given its very low stance, it's small wonder why Car and Driver loved the handling of the car.

    Now I know why European cars like the Renault Modus, European Ford Fusion, and Fiat Idea have all been inspired by the Honda Fit/Jazz design. :)
  • timbuk3timbuk3 Member Posts: 17
    Yeah...I'm sure I could get more than $700 if I did it myself, but right now I'm a student finishing up my master's degree and have a lot going on. Plus I'm moving out of my apartment (the Fit sure will help with that) and I think it's worth the $100-200 difference for just ease of the trade-in. They could have done worse I think (plus this dealership is quoting nothing above MSRP).
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    The car looks small from the side, but from the back it actually looks pretty big. So far, everyone who has gone for a ride has remarked how HUGE the interior is. Legroom and headroom are obviously excellent without compromising cargo space.

    The car has the most interesting way of looking small and big at the same time. Plenty of stares so far. First one was before I even pulled out of the dealership from a fellow coming back from a Ridgeline test drive. :surprise:
  • cephmecephme Member Posts: 26
    Wow. :surprise:

    Maybe Edmunds' vision of it being an SUV/Truck killer will come true. :D

    I can't wait to see it tonight. (looks at clock) Tick tock Tick Tock.
  • cephmecephme Member Posts: 26
    Did anyone else notice the new drag icons on the advert side bar. They are pretty funny.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    NADA trade-in is made up of mark up and wholesale value. Your dealer showed you trade in what wholesale value was. The Fit has no mark up. I just noticed the invoice to the sport is like 100 less than MSRP. Now add destination then subtract rouly $300 for PDI and the dealers do not make make anything at sticker. Yes, I do work for a dealership but this takes the wind out of the sales a little bit. To make any money then you have to hold back on the trade or add to the MSRP. Do I agree with $4k over? He** No , but 3% over is not asking for to much.

    Dude, I just have one question. DO YOU THINK WE ARE FREAKING MORONS !!?? Get off this board with that BS. Don't cry to us that you make no profit selling at MSRP. Have you heard of Holdback?? If you sell at invoice, you make profit. This was the funny part: $300.00 for PDI (Pre delivery inspection). That was funny. You should go into comedy. It takes 20 minutes to PDI a car.

    BE HAPPY YOU ARE GETTING MSRP!
  • repoman1repoman1 Member Posts: 64
    Spotbearsd - excellent - you are the first on this board to take delivery of an (auto). I do alot of highway driving - what is the RPM at 70 MPH.
  • mwqamwqa Member Posts: 106
    Is it possible for you to list the differences between your Fit and the European one? (As you've had experience with both.)

    For example, has Honda de-contented it in more ways than just by removing the locking gas cap? Have they made any changes to the suspension for the NA market?

    Inquiring minds want to know! :)
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Honda actually announced that the suspension of the NA Fit was softened relative to the European model, to allow for the junky roads here and the more comfy ride that everyone thinks Americans want.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • cephmecephme Member Posts: 26
    Just wondering. What brand and model are the OEM tires. One of the biggest drawbacks for me on the Mazda 3 wagon is it has pretty crappy Goodyear Eagle RS-As and since the wheels are 17 inches it is pretty expensive to replace them with Mechelin's or Cooper/Avon Techs which are much better, particularly in snow (I live in New England so that is an issue).
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    Exterior:
    Almost identical to the European. At certain angles the front end does looks a bit longer (since it is), but for the most part it looks the same. You can’t see the hood from the front seats. Also, the turn signal and the reverse lights are switched on the NA model for some reason. The wheel covers are basically the 2001-2003 Fit/Jazz covers with black stripes on them. Fuel filler door is located slightly higher and has no locking mechanism. I’ve never checked this feature on the EUDM Jazz, but I heard it has the lock.

    Interior:
    The European Jazz had a bluish interior (I think later years have nicer looking color). The dark gray of the US model looks better, IMO. The interior feels just as nice and solid as the EUDM version. The blue light on the dials of the US instrument panel has a more upscale look than the red light on the Jazz.

    Performance:
    Naturally, the 1.5L engine (L15A1 to be exact ;)) is more powerful than the L13A. The 5-speed manual feels identical to the European version…everything from clutch to shifter. I have never actually even seen the automatic version (CVT or US-market 5-speed), so I am not much help there. The difference between drive-by-wire and the traditional throttle cable is imperceptible to me. In fact, I didn't even think about it until I saw it again on the window sticker when I got home!

    Handling:
    Ride is comfortable. It feels like it might be a bit softer for the US model, but not enough to affect the handling. I know the original Jazzes (2002) had a harsh, jarring ride. This was fixed on later models. I actually have a few days off of work this week, so tomorrow I will take the car on some windy roads and test some of the side-to-side motions of the car. So far in my own “quick lane change tests”, the response has been excellent. The electric steering really shines at very low speeds. It is quiet and feels effortless, there is nothing taken from the engine, so the motor stays smooth.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Fit Media

    The brochure that is at the dealer is well executed. Now if Honda will only get rid of the cartoonish Mattel toy type advertising.
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    There are Dunlop all-season tires on the base model. I forgot the exact name...SP3 or something. I can check later.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    The Fit Sport has Dunlop SP31 A/S P195/55R15 84 H M+S tires. I believe it is new size for this tire, because about a month ago the Fit's size was not listed at Tire Rack. The base is 175/65R14 probably the same tire model based on what Hungarian put above.
  • ramoramo Member Posts: 66
    I am in B.C. so I realize this is not as relevant as a U.S. post, but I I paid Car Cost Canada $40.00 for 5 wholesale reports for cars of my choosing. The MSRP for the Fit auto (DX model, no a/c) was 890.00 above wholesale. Then, there is normally 2% holdback for the dealership, pd. by manufacturer after sale. I come up with $1210.00 Canadian profit margin, or 1060.84, U.S. by today's rates.
    My research also tells me that car dealers make good money on trades, so selling cars is lucrative, especially if consumers think that salesmen are in it for their health! I did not bargain very aggressively due to who I am, but was happy with my deal, just not happy with the wait and lack of info. about arrival time.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "I did not bargain very aggressively due to who I am,"

    How do you mean? Are you Carol James, Carole Taylor, or some public figure?

    But wait, your profile says you are a stay-at-home mom, so you can't be a politician. So what prevents you from bargaining aggressively? Don't tell me you're Todd Bertuzzi's mother. Then I would understand why no one will give you a good deal! ;)
  • dewaltdakotadewaltdakota Member Posts: 364
    I think they mean "personality-wise" they are not the aggressive type, and are willing to pay a little more, in order to avoid the anxiety that some experience, when haggling for a decent car price.
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    I don't think everyone here is a FREAKING MORON but I can pick one out so far. It's the jerk that can't post a comment on here with being a know it all jacka**. I never posted anything that said I wouldn't sell at MSRP or that our dealership was charging over. You right about holdback. It's roughly $400. However, I AM NOT a salesman on the lot dealing with jacka** customer like you that thinks the Fit should be discounted $3000 off sticker just so I can make $100. The comments I made was to the fact of the invoice to MSRP mark up is nothing. But, I guess since you know everything else, you already knew that yourself. But wait, you couldn't know that yet since you do not work for a dealership. Which I do and have seen the invoice.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Which dealership do you work at? I would prefer to never set foot in it!
  • bprendersonbprenderson Member Posts: 99
    H,

    Thanks for the comparison. Please check your ownwers manual to see if the Fit automatic trans can be towed 4 wheels flat or not. Thanks..
  • ramoramo Member Posts: 66
    Now, If I was Todd Bertuzzi's mom, I would be buying a Hummer with tinted windows and Zoloft. Hmm. good point. I still think unpaid time is worth money. Already, one dealership did not want to talk Fit when I asked if they were as obstinate about pricing as Toyota. After factoring in condition, detailing and pending repairs of the Tercel, I thought My dealer's offer beat selling privately. I got 250.00 off MSRP and a good trade in. By then, I was out of steam. When I buy my next car, hopefully hydrogen fueled, I'll be so old I won't give a hoot about spirited bargaining. Peak oil will be past, and I'll be lucky to have any car!!!
  • carfanatic007carfanatic007 Member Posts: 267
    Remember people, car salesmen have to make a living. They are not going sell you a car at a loss. Be realistic. That being said, obnoxious car salesmen, who berate and laugh at customers in the "managers" office really p**** me off! Its a two way street. Treat me with respect, I will treat you the same way.
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    All I was stating from the get go is how there isn't much mark-up in a Fit. I do not believe in gouging but dealerships aren't non-profit organizations. For what its worth, I have saved people more money that I never sold a car to or had in my dealership on Honda Care's than their original dealer hit them for. But any ways, not here to act like a three year old, I was just making a statement.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    I don't think everyone here is a FREAKING MORON but I can pick one out so far. It's the jerk that can't post a comment on here with being a know it all jacka**.

    Nice, name calling. I never called you a name.

    I never posted anything that said I wouldn't sell at MSRP or that our dealership was charging over. You right about holdback. It's roughly $400. However, I AM NOT a salesman on the lot dealing with jacka** customer like you that thinks the Fit should be discounted $3000 off sticker just so I can make $100.

    Nice, more name calling from a sales professional. I never once suggested a discount of 3,000 off MSRP, nor would I expect one. I fully expect to pay MSRP for the Fit. You said invoice was $100.00 below MSRP and that is not true. Another salesman on another board says there is only a $600.00 mark up on the Fit not 100.00 like you suggested.

    Your quote:


    "I just noticed the invoice to the sport is like 100 less than MSRP".

    The comments I made was to the fact of the invoice to MSRP mark up is nothing. But, I guess since you know everything else, you already knew that yourself. But wait, you couldn't know that yet since you do not work for a dealership. Which I do and have seen the invoice.

    You've seen wrong. There is more than a $100.00 markup on a Fit, and I doubt a PDI cost $300.00.

    Your quote:

    "Now add destination then subtract rouly $300 for PDI and the dealers do not make make anything at sticker."

    Maybe you could give the name of your dealership, I would also prefer not to step foot in it.
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    If you re-read my post I said the MSRP is $100 over invoice. Then add destination. That would be roughly a $600 profit. I don't care what anyone here does in the real world but Honda requires us to PDI. MY shop charges me roughly $300. I did find out today that it will be a little less on the Fit than on the other cars. I don't care what you think or anyone else thinks about the PDI. Honda requires it and it must be done before a car leaves the dealership. Not just our dealership, but all Honda dealerships. I also stated that I didn't agree with charging $4k over but 3% over is not asking to much. If I can't make $400-550 over on a $16k car then I don't need to sell it. I wonder how many time you have been to Walmart and got them to come off there prices. If you read this time a little slower I wasn't pulling no crap on here as the info will be all over the web. Which at this time I will repost to remind you what I had said in the first place. I didn't come here and post my name, dealership or prices to anyone. I don't plan on selling anyone on here as we are only getting roughly 30 a year and it's not a big demand item like the Odyssey was. Which our dealership sold those for $500 off MSRP when other dealership where adding on.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    but 3% over is not asking to much.

    3% over what? You want 3% over MSRP or 3% over invoice?

    How much are you charging for a doc fee?

    Car dealerships are not Wal Mart. I wish they were, but they are totally structured and prepared for negotiation and pad their prices for this activity.

    I dearly wish there was such a thing as Toyota and Honda stores staffed by Honda employees instead of saleman, but it's not to be.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    Reread the invoice. The dealer pays destination which is included in the invoice. The customer then pays destination. Total MSRP(includes destination) - Invoice (includes destination) does not equal $100. That was all of our points. Is the $600 for the base? If so the Sport is more than $600.
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    3% of either is not asking to much. The key is not how much we ask, it's what we end up selling them for. If people know that car dealers are structured to negotiate, then what does it matter what we ask for our cars? It's like when people ask how much will I come down if they keep their trade-in, well that would be the amount of mark up I was offering plus the wholesale. What does edmunds or consumer reports state as a fair percent of profit? Our dealership has a doc fee of $199. Yes, I know that is profit but it pays the depreciation of my loaner cars and the salesman Christmas bonus. If Toyota or Honda staffed the dealership then you would have a set price and you would pay it.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The window sticker of every new car I have purchased, including Hondas, also says something like, "Manufacturer's suggested retail price includes manufacturer's recommended pre-delivery service." Do stickers on Hondas still say that? (hungarian83, what does the sticker for your Fit say?) So why is Honda forcing dealers to charge $300 for PDI?
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    If you look at the window sticker it shows in the top right corner a base MSRP then adds the destination a little ways down. I wasn't misleading anyone when I said MSRP was $100 over invoice. Then add destination.. The Fit base manual transmission which I have coming is $28 (BASE MSRP) over invoice plus destination.
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    I didn't say we are adding the PDI to the MSRP, but that the dealers have to pay it out of there gross. Which on this car is a low profit car anyway. But we all knew that when Honda announced it was coming. You can't call it an Economy car and have $3k mark up in it.
  • hungarian83hungarian83 Member Posts: 678
    It says MSRP is $13,850 and destination & handling is $550. The total vehicle price is $14,400.

    Underneath the total vehicle price it says "(Includes Pre-Delivery Service").
    My assumption would be that means the "Pre-Delivery Service is included in MSRP. I did not pay a cent over MSRP for anything. No ADMU, no premiums, no extra pre-delivery service, no pinstriping, no window etching, nothing.
    Just MSRP, destination, tax, DMV fees.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    From what I have seen here in Town Hall the past couple of days, it appears at least some Honda dealers are trying to have a $3k or more mark up on this Economy car.

    Since you charge for PDI (something that is supposed to be included in the MSRP), I am surprised you don't have special charges for Electricity, Heat, Salaried Employees... that is, all the costs of doing business.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    If people know that car dealers are structured to negotiate, then what does it matter what we ask for our cars?

    Well, it kinda matters. It matters because not everyone deals with car dealers everyday and they are not aware of all the hidden pockets of profit dealers have and might just ignorantly pay all of them, so it is kind of unfair to the dear little old lady that walks in to the lion's den.

    For the record I plan to pay:

    MSRP
    destination charge
    doc fee
    sales tax

    These are all legitimate fees.

    I'm making a guess that demand will be strong and I will concede to pay MSRP for the Fit. I'm not looking to scalp any dealer. Honda also frowns heavily on dealers that charge over MSRP as I'm sure you know.

    If a customer pays MSRP, the dealer walks away with MSRP, hold back and the doc fee. If you can't pay your light bill, get a pizza, take the kids to a movie with that, something is wrong.

    Your fortunate to represent a company like Honda that is making products that are in demand. Your probably cursing them that they can't supply more Si's to you.
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    I never said we where adding the PDI to the MSRP. I stated that is coming out of the dealer profit.
  • ludexrludexr Member Posts: 20
  • mreismreis Member Posts: 1
    36
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Thanks for clarifying that. I have seen some dealers who have charged (or tried to charge) buyers for dealer prep. So I was not clear what you were saying about your dealer's practice.
  • lykenslykens Member Posts: 13
    I am prouod of the dealership and brand I work for. I don't look at the word profit as an evil word. Look at the prfoit EXXON took in and all they did was blow smoke up our tails. Did we boycott, no we drive more everyday. We have a dealership down the road that everytime they knock someone's head off the put a preferred sticker on the windshield. They tell the customer that this is so they get treated better when they come back for service. What it really means is that they are buried, stay away and let the new guy get. I have a wife, two kids, two car payments and a house. I have bills like everyone on here since we are talking about the Fit. But I lay down and sleep just like everybody else. I don't feel my job is bad. I am not a doctor making $300k just to tell you that you have a cold.If I was I wouldn't be looking at a Fit.
  • jbrahmsjbrahms Member Posts: 24
    I've been eagerly waiting for the Fit to appear at a nearby dealer here in L.A. Finally I got the chance to check one out today, a Sport model. It's beautifully designed, but my enthusiasm took a sharp dive when I drove it. It has decent acceleration from a standing start, and its great on a smooth road. But the suspension is far too stiff for my taste. You feel as well as hear every little ripple in the road surface.

    The one other complaint I have is the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. I'm 6 ft 2 in with fairly long legs so I have to move the driver's seat all the way back. From there it is a long reach to the steering wheel, not a pleasant feeling.

    So I am back to square one, still hoping to find a small 5-door vehicle that works for me. I would love to see a hatch back model of the 06 Honda Civic sedan, but I've been told there is activity at Honda on such a vehicle.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    Let me try again. Total Price (MSRP + Destination) - Invoice (includes Destination) is not equal to $100. Another way, MSRP (No Destination) - Invoice (less Destination) is not equal to $100. These two numbers are equal as the dealer and the customer both pay destination. The number is not $100. It is not $28.

    Please jmurman or isellhondas tell us roughly what the number is. We will all find out in the next couple of weeks. I am guessing based on the above $600-$1100.
  • mainefitmainefit Member Posts: 7
    Don't understand what a doc fee is. Also TTL. I am expecting to go to a dealer tomorrow in Boston and pay MRSP plus 550 destination plus sales tax. I expect to pay any additional feels at Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, not at the dealer.

    Any help would be appreciated.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    between invoice and MSRP in a Yaris is about $700 before options, I would expect the Fit to be similar. With holdback, that is an $1100 profit for the dealership, minus the cost of the PDI I guess. There are some incremental costs in there, but nothing on the order of three digits. Buying a Fit at MSRP today allows the dealership to clear a solid $1000 profit, I would guess.

    Not bad for a car that pretty much sells itself, and which will hang around on the lot less than a week for quite a while to come, I would imagine...

    The only Honda dealerships I ever bought from new did such a crappy job of the PDI that I was back there a couple of times in the first two weeks. I get the impression after 20 years of car-buying that most dealerships skimp on the PDI just as much as they possibly can. And if it takes a half hour to an hour, that is what, a $75 cost to the dealership?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • jbrahmsjbrahms Member Posts: 24
    Correction. I meant to say that there is NO activity at Honda on a Civic hatchback, according to what I've been told. Seems like a natural to compete with the Toyota Matrix and the Mazda3 5-door.
  • ramoramo Member Posts: 66
    Hey guy, it's OK to make a living. Just be really clear on your facts and stay straight. This group seems very savvy to me, and I applaud you for getting involved when the bias is for the consumer. You might be surprised at who is looking for a Fit. Don't ever judge a customer by his/her title. I am always amazed at who acts snotty, thereby losing my business, case in point, the salesman at Nissan's Versa display at the Van. car show. He told my son and I to stay off the elevated Versa display, because the car was a prototype (delicate?) I still don't know if the hatch would hold my dog. Honda people on the other hand gave us plenty of space to check out everything and treated me with respect. Makes a difference.
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