The parts department said that these would both work on the Fit. They both look ten times better than the stock steel wheel and are dirt cheap as alloys go.
So, those do work! I e-mailed them about the exact same wheels (particularly the 10-spoke ones) since I am looking specifically at the 14" alloys for the Fit, and they said they would not recommend them due to the difference in offset. If you do go ahead with them, tell me how they work! Thanks!
I would imagine that the Fit would be the same as the rest of the regular engined Honda line.
If so then your "Break In" period is 600 miles.
Speed is not so much of a factor as variance. In other words, drive normally, but don't take your car on a 600 mile freeway ride with cruise on. Take it easy on the brakes for the first 200 miles.
First servicing is between 3700-4000 miles with regular oil changes approx 3500 miles. Make sure you use 5W-20W oil like the oil filler caps states.
FYI- My cargo cover was grossly market up $50, but I decided to go for it since it was in stock and I wanted it to hide my stuff ASAP.
Only marked up $50? When the salesman told me that the option was $295, I told him that he must have been mistkane, and I made him go back and check the numbers again. He came back and said "It's really $295" and I told him I could purchase it for 1/3 of that on the internet. He wouldn't budge, so I will have to do without a cargo cover until the one I ordered online last night comes in.
This is my first new car, and I have put in lots of research since January... but I never really truly understood the amount of slush the dealers have in their markup until I was in the showroom looking at what they were charging for dealer-installed options. Yowza.
I'm going to see the dealer on my way to work today(overtime - yay... I think... job still stinks) and will ask.
The Civic hybrid alloys appear that they will work - but i'll have them double-check. It's a non-standard item that doesn't even appear in their sales brochures, much like most of the Hybrid models. I do know the 7 spoke is thinner like the Fit's wheels. The 10 spoke looks like it's form another model and might/might not work.
I'll have actual hard data/ confirmation in 6-8 hours. Even the 7 spoke model is a godsend if it works - inexpensive and attractive.
There are some reversible mats, which makes a lot of sense in the northeast... carpet side up for the nice weather, rubbery side up for the snow and slush. So instead of having to decide between the two kinds of mats you can get from Honda, you can get the functionality of both, probably for about half the price of just one Honda set!
The first car I bought with my own money was a 1980 Plymouth Champ (aka Dodge Colt, built by Mitsubishi), a hatchback that got about the highest mileage of the day. Cost about $5k. I learned to drive a stick for it, because economy was everything. Yes, in a way, shopping for a Fit is going full circle...
(Though my very first car, handed down to me from my folks, was a 1966 Mustang...)
Okay I checked. The Honda Fit uses the exact same wheels as the older Honda Civic hatchback. The ugly black steel wheels. Remove that crummy plastic cover and it's instantly recognizeable as such.
Standard Honda bolt pattern and offset, so ANY wheel that will physically mount on a Civic, within reason, will also work. I say a pair of 17 inch Civic alloys they slapped on a Fit Sport today. Same exact bolts and offset.
So... Both options will work perfectly. Which would you rather have after 4 months? A:Steel Junk
Plus a plastic cover, of course - that will invariably fall off, hence my "4 months" comment above.
I went over the supply catalog with my local dealer about 2 weeks ago, and no matter where he looked, he couldn't find those 10-spoke 14" wheels. I saw the 7-spoke 14" wheels though.
Hmmmm...I might order from College Hills. Shipping is $82.49 for the 4 wheels, but that's nothing considering they charge $136 instead of $179.
It seems that the steel wheels weigh the same as the aluminum - go figure. So it's not going to improve handling at all. OTOH, it sure looks nice, especially since you can see the calipers.
About that - it's stock crud all manufacturers use. Upgrading the front calpiers to three piston models in a matching color is a definite must.
I don't understand your post. The invoice prices listed seem in the ballpark, e.g. Fit base manual MSRP + destination $14,400, invoice $13,407 looks about right.
if you check the website and search inventory for the fit, it give you MSRP (which includes delivery) and dealer cost. All I can be sure of is what it says, but it appears that the dealer cost includes delivery. This was the first time I had seen anywhere on any site a listing for costs and figured I'd pass it on. Again check www.bochhonda.com and look up new inventory.
Yay! we got our Fit - Red Sport Automatic - yesterday for MSRP - 16,520. I had to drive 90 miles one way, but it was worth it. My local dealers - Seattle area - were asking for 2K to 3K over MSRP. I started calling and finally got the car, for the price I was willing to pay, from Northwest Honda, Bellingham. This is the first new car purchase in my life and they made it a very pleasant experience - no pressure at all. The sales person was great (sad I couldn't mention his name here). We - my wife, our 3 year old and I, love our car.
The car handles quite well with the stock 14" wheels/tires. Sure, it could do better with 15" and lower profile tires, but it is for the looks I would be getting the alloys.
plekto, have you ordered your car, or are you waiting for delivery? Sorry, it's just all these people who now have Fits, I forget who has one and who doesn't
Trim: Sport Automatic MSRP: 15,970.00 D&H : 550.00 Total: 16,520.00
History:
My 2001 Audi A4 Quattro had started spending too much time (and too much of my money) in the shop since mid-summer of last year. We recently purchased a 2005 Jeep Liberty for my wife. I decided I'd get all "old" and look at a gas efficient commuter vehicle for me. (We're also season ticket holders for the Washington Nationals. The stadium is located about 40 miles away and some ugly highway traffic through DC is necessary.)
I saw a promotion for an edmunds.com review for the FIT on AOL. After reading the review, I did additional research over several days online and decided that if I was not disappointed upon seeing one of these things, the FIT would be my choice. My initial thought was standard trans, but definitely the Sport trim.
Through Edmunds, I requested an online quote. Dealerships in Leesburg VA and Harrisburg PA were recommended, so I send of my request to both. Both dealerships responded via e-mail the same day. Since I live in Leesburg, I responded to the Leesburg dealer, indicating I'd be interested in a test drive and possible trade in of my Audi when a FIT became available. An e-mail response indicated they expected some models in prior to the national rollout day of 4/20, and they'd be happy to have my Audi in their pre-owned selection.
A few days later - Wednesday the 19th - I was notified that a blue Sports automatic had arrived. The sales rep indicated she'd hang out and wait for me to demo this car when I got off of work. My wife wasn't available until 7 in the evening, so I left work a bit early and headed to the local Carmax to see what they would offer to buy the Audi outright. My research indicated a Kelly BB value of my car at 11,300. Carmax did their thing and came back with an offer of 11,000. The offer was good for 300 miles or 7 days. I had the printout and put it in my back pocket as I picked up the wife and headed to Honda.
Upon arrival, I met in person the saleswoman I'd been communicating with through e-mail. She had the car ready and said she'd taken a quick spin and was surprised at it's "pep". I know...a sales person speaking positively about a car they're trying to sell. Anyway, we took a ride and liked what we experienced. I decided that the presence of the shifter paddles and the knowledge of much waiting in stop-and-go DC traffic on the way to Nats games was a sufficient trade off from demanding the standard tranny. I paid sticker, yes. I don't buy a lot of cars and didn't really feel like dickering around for a couple hundred bucks.
Unfortunately, like other Honda dealers, it would appear, the trade-in offer for my Audi was near insulting. The dealer came in at 8000 and then started deducting for prep and stuff to get it on the sales floor. I whipped out the Carmax quote. At this point, at least, they were honest. The couldn't match it and suggested I do the Carmax thing.
So we bought the car. The next day I sold the Audi at Carmax.
Honestly, my wife doesn't like the look of the thing. But she enjoyed driving it, the functionality, the efficiency and the cargo capability. And it's my car. She's got her Jeep.
I love it so far. This evening will be my first driving of the FIT to RFK stadium. I'm anxious to see how it handles the hot DC summers on the road to these games.
So in short:
Excellent Web experience Excellent sales person Terrific business office Lousy trade-in offer
Paid standard MSRP
Terrific little car. (And the first non-US vehicle I've bought new.)
I'm waiting on my IRS refund of a couple of thousand dollars for the downpayment. I'm definately not selling my "little" 230S. Okay, I parked it next to a late 90s Camry in a parking lot - it's almost the same - very VERY long and narrow. Not quite "petite" - the rear end goes on for miles.
Planned Fit: Base 5-speed. Red(want YELLOW - sigh), most likely, with tan(black I don't like) interior. Add 14 inch 10-spoke Honda alloys and foglights. Put in a proper stereo. Just upgrading the factory speakers alone is 90% of the solution). Might get 14 inch run-flats if I get crazy and toss the spare tire - put a sub in the empty space.
Definately will upgrade the calipers, springs, and swaybar(figure $1000 right here) - turn it into a real "SPORT". I've sent Mugen a request for pricing on their supercharger/body kit. $14K should get me a nice car, and for $3-4K more, a Mini Cooper S competitor when the time comes.
I looked at the fit yesterday here in Northwest Florida. The salesman said they had gotten eleven and were down to five. Each Fit had an "additional dealer markup" sticker in the window, for $850. I was very impressed with the layout of the car and the test drive. After the test drive, the salesman invited me insde the showroom for a Fit brochoure. Then he told me that he needed to introduce me to his sales manager. (It was almost like I needed this guy's permission to buy the car or something.) The manager immeidatly asked me which Fit I wanted to buy. I told him that I hadn't made a buying decision yet. The sales manager emphasised that the Fit's were selling fast and I should act now if I wanted one. They also wanted to know what other cars I was interestd in. All in all, I wouldn't call the dealer experience positive and probably wont be purchasing a Fit, even though it fits my needs well and I was impressed with the car.
This is standard dealer tactics. They ask what other cars you are interested in to see how serious you are. If you say "I don't know" or something like, "Well, maybe the Malibu and the Accord," they know you are probably not a serious short-term buyer for the Fit.
You may have to wait a couple of months if you want a better deal. Even now, you could request some quotes online through Edmunds, autobytel, cars.com, etc and see what you get. I recently bought a new car (not Fit) -- a new "hot" model and such -- and was able to get a decent deal and to by-pass the whole dealership experience by working with internet/fleet managers.
Yes, that works well I've found. I don't know if it will help in the near term for the Fit, with the short supply and pent-up demand, but it may work with out-of-the-way dealers or down the road.
Hey I actually work at the San Francisco Honda. I'm sure this is our dealership that you're talking about because we're the ones who had the blue and silver sport fits. I sold the blue fit on the 20th for a slight mark-up but not the full $2995 that the dealership originally wanted. I just want to say I understand your frustration with the markup, the best thing to do is to use the salesperson as a middleman and keep asking for a lower price. If you give a comitment to buy the car today, you just might get the price you're looking for. Not only that but you'll get to be the first one out on the street with a 2007 Honda Fit. That's got to be worth something right?
If you're wondering why dealerships work like this, let me explain a little bit. Just like in the stock market car prices actually fluctuate above and below MSRP based on supply and demand factors. The dealership considers the Fit to be worth well over MSRP because we only have a few coming in and like 1000 people will be wanting one in San Francisco alone... On the otherhand a sure deal TODAY is worth more than a maybe deal tomarrow or a maybe deal next week, so once you make the "I'll buy it today" comitment for (insert your desired price here) that will sway the dealer to bring the price down. Not only that but we want you to feel happy about the price you bought the car for and not ripped off, that way you'll refer more customers to us and give us a better overall reputation.
If it was such a problem dealers wouldn't continue to do it; trust me. ADMU makes business sense for dealers, just like big rebates for other companies.
If it was such a problem dealers wouldn't continue to do it; trust me. ADMU makes business sense for dealers, just like big rebates for other companies.
The dealerships where I see this done are the exact same dealerships that change ownership every two to three years. It does not seem to be a problem for those who will not be in business 10 years later. Also, it appears to be more prevalent at the "corporate" multi location dealerships.
We should remember that MSRP = "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price", meaning actual retail prices are set by the dealers. This is the Free Enterprise system at work, and dealers have the right to set whatever price they want (as long as they don't violate the law). We buyers have the right to give a little laugh and go someplace else, or wait until demand slackens, or buy something else. Is America a great country or what!
Hey, I know it's your job to sell cars, and I can appreciate that, but the stuff you're saying (first one on the street..., I'll buy today for..., etc. etc)is straight from the salesman manual. But it's the kind of talk that gives car salesmen their sleazy reputation. Yes, there is currently a lot of interest in the Fit, but don't misinterpret that as actual demand. Many of those tire-kickers are a little pissed at the feature-content of the Fit. After a couple of months, you guys will be happy to get MSRP.
I think it's short-sited for dealers to mark up the Fit when it's competing directly with Scion. It's a no brainer for a young first-time car owner to choose a hassle-free no BS price over dealing with the brazen greed of market adjustments.
Also, I hope for the sake of the dealers that Honda gets it together with the Fit advertising because after the wave of early adopters there's not much else driving sales of the Fit and lots of new competition.
The current issue of Car & Driver has a really good article about how to deal with a dealer. It's written by a salesman.
The short version is:
1. Stay outside. There's no need to go in the showroom or "talk to the sales manager".
2. Don't tell them what kind of payment you want and don't make them an offer. Just stand around outside waiting for a little piece of paper with their best number on it, then tell them you're heading to other Honda dealers, and maybe you'll have a look at that cute little Yaris on the way. That tells them you're seriosly shopping for a car soon and you know what market you're in.
3. The trade-in is a completely separate deal. Don't mix the two numbers. They'll give you a lower Fit price, then drop the amount they're willing to pay on the trade-in.
My two cents:
There's no such thing as Dealer's Asking Price. There's what you're willing to pay, and what they're willing to let it go for. What the market will bare. MSRP is reasonable if you want a car that's only been on the market since thursday. If you pay more, you want the car too bad.
I send a query to a bunch of dealers in the Chicagoland area. One dealership got back... with an offer of 500 below MSRP.
No idea on the exact date of delivery... the salesguy admitted that they don't have any in stock currently bust should have some in a week or so.
Anyway, I think its crazy to pay over MSRP for the FIT. Its a econo-mobile with questionable long term resale value (in my opinion... if gas prices fall, it will be interesting how these cars hold up... but thats an aside).
At 2000 over, the Civic should be a better buy.
I would not pay a cent over MSRP.
And regarding some smart guys comment here... that being the first among everyone to own a new car has to be worth something... the suggestion is laughable for the FIT. Its an econo-mobile... for goodness sakes!
Well, not really...econo-mobile usually means lower quality and limited standard features. Fit doesn't fit either of those terms. Of course, I'm assuming you've at least sat in the Fit.
Okay... I looked again for the 3rd time and compromised. I got the deal done after almost 4 hours and I am finally waiting for delivery of my Meteor Silver Sport. I could have driven off with the showroom car but heck, I want a fresh one off the truck!
Fit Sport 5sp $15,720.00 Trade in for my 2005 Mazda 3i auto/31K miles $10,800.00 Taxable amount is $4,920.00 Tax @8.125% is $399.75 NY inspection $10 DMV $45 Dealer proc $20 Subtotal is $5394.75 Allowance I gave dealer to get the deal done $125
Total out the door is $5,519.75
I know I paid a lil more to be the first to get the car but hey, I've been waiting since Dec 2004. :P
I have an offer "in writing" for 15,700 for the Fit Sport... with a stick. And thats the worst one as of now.
I am not really going to sell my GTI anytime soon, but I was interested in a FIT as a cost cutting measure.
Don't think I am going to buy one at $500 over sticker... much less pay $2000 over.
Whatever anyone has to say, a FIT is NOT, and I repeat, NOT... an exercise in burnishing your image. Its a clever but awkward gawky looking car that would suit the geeks.
At that price, the Civic makes far more sense... and the Civic has better gas mileage than the FIT on the freeway. I regulary do 80+ when I travel to Michigan, and from what I have read, the FIT is really not very happy (or quiet) at those speeds.
Anyway, I'll wait till the price becomes more reasonable.
From what I am reading currently, it seems that there are a bunch of car salesmen who are interested in extolling the virtues of buying a FIT at $2K over sticker.
NO THANK YOU SIRS :-)
I will listen to people with better reputations....
Well, in terms of real incomes, gas prices are still not as high as they were in the seventies.
People getting used to higher gas prices is the equivalent to a fall in gas prices. There was a time when gas was 20-30 cents a gallon. Now we are comfortable paying $2... a couple of years down the line, it might be $3.50
But thats not the point I was trying to make.
My post was more about the wisdom in paying over sticker for a FIT
To latch onto that aside... very 'Karl Rove' like... Not GOOD.
Yes I have sat in the FIT. Its very nice for a $15K car.
The point I am trying to make it that it is a $15K car... which is still a $15K car. So if you are going to extend the idea that being the first to be seen in one is desirable.... I have my doubts.
To the outside observer, it is still some dude in a $15K car. And its not like its an image car like the Solstice or the Sky... Its a Honda. A sensible buy... a good commuter appliance. And an economic one at that...
So... bottomline, it is a economobile.... a quality economobile, but still an economobile.
The $15,700 in writing is $20 below sticker... You say you want to wait until the price becomes more reasonable, but also say you have an offer at $500 below sticker... What price are you waiting for, what do you think would be reasonable?
I took note of the guy from New York where he was taxed on the difference between his trade value and sale price. Out here west you get taxed on the full sale price. Typically it costs 10% above the sale price to buy a car.A $15000 FIT would costs you $16500 out the door.To add insult to injury some dealers are marking up the FIT $2000.I hope those dealers are stuck with their inventory at the end of the year.Gas is about $3.15 now and rising.Taking the bus to work is no option because it takes 2 hours to go 15 miles.When Mexico reclaims California we won't have to worry because we will all be riding burros.Back to the Fit those base model wheels are awful.For less money and a much prettier face a KIA Rio 5 is a better choice.
Honda of Pasadena has had two Fits on its lot with a $2000 markup since last thursday - and nobody is buying them. One, a white base model with stickshift, is priced at $16,995 and sits right next to a base model Civic for the same price. I think it's a tactic to sell the higher profit-margin Civics, actually.
I'll talk to them when the car has a thousand miles in test-drives and has been sitting there for a month.
Comments
The parts department said that these would both work on the Fit. They both look ten times better than the stock steel wheel and are dirt cheap as alloys go.
So, those do work!
I e-mailed them about the exact same wheels (particularly the 10-spoke ones) since I am looking specifically at the 14" alloys for the Fit, and they said they would not recommend them due to the difference in offset. If you do go ahead with them, tell me how they work! Thanks!
If so then your "Break In" period is 600 miles.
Speed is not so much of a factor as variance. In other words, drive normally, but don't take your car on a 600 mile freeway ride with cruise on. Take it easy on the brakes for the first 200 miles.
First servicing is between 3700-4000 miles with regular oil changes approx 3500 miles. Make sure you use 5W-20W oil like the oil filler caps states.
Have fun.
Only marked up $50? When the salesman told me that the option was $295, I told him that he must have been mistkane, and I made him go back and check the numbers again. He came back and said "It's really $295" and I told him I could purchase it for 1/3 of that on the internet. He wouldn't budge, so I will have to do without a cargo cover until the one I ordered online last night comes in.
This is my first new car, and I have put in lots of research since January... but I never really truly understood the amount of slush the dealers have in their markup until I was in the showroom looking at what they were charging for dealer-installed options. Yowza.
The fit sport 5sp manual = $14,628
fit base 5sp manual = $13,407
fit base auto= $14,147
fit sport auto= $15,368
you can check for yourself at bochhonda.com
The fit sport 5sp manual = $14,628
fit base 5sp manual = $13,407
fit base auto= $14,147
fit sport auto= $15,368
you can check for yourself at bochhonda.com
I like the cargo cover and it really finished the trunk area. I also bought that rear bumper cover, but have yet to install it.
The Civic hybrid alloys appear that they will work - but i'll have them double-check. It's a non-standard item that doesn't even appear in their sales brochures, much like most of the Hybrid models. I do know the 7 spoke is thinner like the Fit's wheels. The 10 spoke looks like it's form another model and might/might not work.
I'll have actual hard data/ confirmation in 6-8 hours. Even the 7 spoke model is a godsend if it works - inexpensive and attractive.
The first car I bought with my own money was a 1980 Plymouth Champ (aka Dodge Colt, built by Mitsubishi), a hatchback that got about the highest mileage of the day. Cost about $5k. I learned to drive a stick for it, because economy was everything. Yes, in a way, shopping for a Fit is going full circle...
(Though my very first car, handed down to me from my folks, was a 1966 Mustang...)
Standard Honda bolt pattern and offset, so ANY wheel that will physically mount on a Civic, within reason, will also work. I say a pair of 17 inch Civic alloys they slapped on a Fit Sport today. Same exact bolts and offset.
So...
Both options will work perfectly.
Which would you rather have after 4 months?
A:Steel Junk
Plus a plastic cover, of course - that will invariably fall off, hence my "4 months" comment above.
B:Alloy Coolness
DUH.
Do I have to keep going back to the dealer to get the car serviced??
Can I do my own oil changes??
I went over the supply catalog with my local dealer about 2 weeks ago, and no matter where he looked, he couldn't find those 10-spoke 14" wheels. I saw the 7-spoke 14" wheels though.
Hmmmm...I might order from College Hills. Shipping is $82.49 for the 4 wheels, but that's nothing considering they charge $136 instead of $179.
Good work!
[quote]
While searching inventory at local dealers I came across a site that lists dealer costs for all its cars.
The fit sport 5sp manual = $14,628
fit base 5sp manual = $13,407
fit base auto= $14,147
fit sport auto= $15,368
[/quote]
About that - it's stock crud all manufacturers use. Upgrading the front calpiers to three piston models in a matching color is a definite must.
thanks,
kyfdx
Host-Prices Paid Forums
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
plekto, have you ordered your car, or are you waiting for delivery? Sorry, it's just all these people who now have Fits, I forget who has one and who doesn't
Trim: Sport Automatic
MSRP: 15,970.00
D&H : 550.00
Total: 16,520.00
History:
My 2001 Audi A4 Quattro had started spending too much time (and too much of my money) in the shop since mid-summer of last year. We recently purchased a 2005 Jeep Liberty for my wife. I decided I'd get all "old" and look at a gas efficient commuter vehicle for me. (We're also season ticket holders for the Washington Nationals. The stadium is located about 40 miles away and some ugly highway traffic through DC is necessary.)
I saw a promotion for an edmunds.com review for the FIT on AOL. After reading the review, I did additional research over several days online and decided that if I was not disappointed upon seeing one of these things, the FIT would be my choice. My initial thought was standard trans, but definitely the Sport trim.
Through Edmunds, I requested an online quote. Dealerships in Leesburg VA and Harrisburg PA were recommended, so I send of my request to both. Both dealerships responded via e-mail the same day. Since I live in Leesburg, I responded to the Leesburg dealer, indicating I'd be interested in a test drive and possible trade in of my Audi when a FIT became available. An e-mail response indicated they expected some models in prior to the national rollout day of 4/20, and they'd be happy to have my Audi in their pre-owned selection.
A few days later - Wednesday the 19th - I was notified that a blue Sports automatic had arrived. The sales rep indicated she'd hang out and wait for me to demo this car when I got off of work. My wife wasn't available until 7 in the evening, so I left work a bit early and headed to the local Carmax to see what they would offer to buy the Audi outright. My research indicated a Kelly BB value of my car at 11,300. Carmax did their thing and came back with an offer of 11,000. The offer was good for 300 miles or 7 days. I had the printout and put it in my back pocket as I picked up the wife and headed to Honda.
Upon arrival, I met in person the saleswoman I'd been communicating with through e-mail. She had the car ready and said she'd taken a quick spin and was surprised at it's "pep". I know...a sales person speaking positively about a car they're trying to sell.
Unfortunately, like other Honda dealers, it would appear, the trade-in offer for my Audi was near insulting. The dealer came in at 8000 and then started deducting for prep and stuff to get it on the sales floor. I whipped out the Carmax quote. At this point, at least, they were honest. The couldn't match it and suggested I do the Carmax thing.
So we bought the car. The next day I sold the Audi at Carmax.
Honestly, my wife doesn't like the look of the thing. But she enjoyed driving it, the functionality, the efficiency and the cargo capability. And it's my car. She's got her Jeep.
I love it so far. This evening will be my first driving of the FIT to RFK stadium. I'm anxious to see how it handles the hot DC summers on the road to these games.
So in short:
Excellent Web experience
Excellent sales person
Terrific business office
Lousy trade-in offer
Paid standard MSRP
Terrific little car. (And the first non-US vehicle I've bought new.)
Planned Fit:
Base 5-speed. Red(want YELLOW - sigh), most likely, with tan(black I don't like) interior. Add 14 inch 10-spoke Honda alloys and foglights. Put in a proper stereo. Just upgrading the factory speakers alone is 90% of the solution). Might get 14 inch run-flats if I get crazy and toss the spare tire - put a sub in the empty space.
Definately will upgrade the calipers, springs, and swaybar(figure $1000 right here) - turn it into a real "SPORT". I've sent Mugen a request for pricing on their supercharger/body kit. $14K should get me a nice car, and for $3-4K more, a Mini Cooper S competitor when the time comes.
All in all, I wouldn't call the dealer experience positive and probably wont be purchasing a Fit, even though it fits my needs well and I was impressed with the car.
2007 Honda Fit 5dr HB Manual
Base MSRP $13,850.00
Base Invoice $13,272.30
2007 Honda Fit 5dr HB Auto
Base MSRP $14,650.00
Base Invoice $14,036.34
2007 Honda Fit 5dr HB Sport Manual
Base MSRP $15,170.00
Base Invoice $14,532.96
Destination $550.00
2007 Honda Fit 5dr HB Sport Auto
Base MSRP $15,970.00
Base Invoice $15,296.99
If you're wondering why dealerships work like this, let me explain a little bit. Just like in the stock market car prices actually fluctuate above and below MSRP based on supply and demand factors. The dealership considers the Fit to be worth well over MSRP because we only have a few coming in and like 1000 people will be wanting one in San Francisco alone... On the otherhand a sure deal TODAY is worth more than a maybe deal tomarrow or a maybe deal next week, so once you make the "I'll buy it today" comitment for (insert your desired price here) that will sway the dealer to bring the price down. Not only that but we want you to feel happy about the price you bought the car for and not ripped off, that way you'll refer more customers to us and give us a better overall reputation.
Added markup may be a sure way to create "angry dissatisfied customers for life". :surprise:
The dealerships where I see this done are the exact same dealerships that change ownership every two to three years. It does not seem to be a problem for those who will not be in business 10 years later. Also, it appears to be more prevalent at the "corporate" multi location dealerships.
Also, I hope for the sake of the dealers that Honda gets it together with the Fit advertising because after the wave of early adopters there's not much else driving sales of the Fit and lots of new competition.
The short version is:
1. Stay outside. There's no need to go in the showroom or "talk to the sales manager".
2. Don't tell them what kind of payment you want and don't make them an offer. Just stand around outside waiting for a little piece of paper with their best number on it, then tell them you're heading to other Honda dealers, and maybe you'll have a look at that cute little Yaris on the way.
That tells them you're seriosly shopping for a car soon and you know what market you're in.
3. The trade-in is a completely separate deal. Don't mix the two numbers. They'll give you a lower Fit price, then drop the amount they're willing to pay on the trade-in.
My two cents:
There's no such thing as Dealer's Asking Price. There's what you're willing to pay, and what they're willing to let it go for. What the market will bare. MSRP is reasonable if you want a car that's only been on the market since thursday. If you pay more, you want the car too bad.
No idea on the exact date of delivery... the salesguy admitted that they don't have any in stock currently bust should have some in a week or so.
Anyway, I think its crazy to pay over MSRP for the FIT. Its a econo-mobile with questionable long term resale value (in my opinion... if gas prices fall, it will be interesting how these cars hold up... but thats an aside).
At 2000 over, the Civic should be a better buy.
I would not pay a cent over MSRP.
And regarding some smart guys comment here... that being the first among everyone to own a new car has to be worth something... the suggestion is laughable for the FIT. Its an econo-mobile... for goodness sakes!
Do you have a complete listing of all charges?
Have you placed a deposit on the car at this price?
If you don't have any of the above, all you have is talk. Not much else.
Well, not really...econo-mobile usually means lower quality and limited standard features. Fit doesn't fit either of those terms. Of course, I'm assuming you've at least sat in the Fit.
Yeah right... and bread's going back to a nickle a loaf / gallon of milk's a dime...
Fit Sport 5sp $15,720.00
Trade in for my 2005 Mazda 3i auto/31K miles $10,800.00
Taxable amount is $4,920.00
Tax @8.125% is $399.75
NY inspection $10
DMV $45
Dealer proc $20
Subtotal is $5394.75
Allowance I gave dealer to get the deal done $125
Total out the door is $5,519.75
I know I paid a lil more to be the first to get the car but hey, I've been waiting since Dec 2004. :P
I am not really going to sell my GTI anytime soon, but I was interested in a FIT as a cost cutting measure.
Don't think I am going to buy one at $500 over sticker... much less pay $2000 over.
Whatever anyone has to say, a FIT is NOT, and I repeat, NOT... an exercise in burnishing your image. Its a clever but awkward gawky looking car that would suit the geeks.
At that price, the Civic makes far more sense... and the Civic has better gas mileage than the FIT on the freeway. I regulary do 80+ when I travel to Michigan, and from what I have read, the FIT is really not very happy (or quiet) at those speeds.
Anyway, I'll wait till the price becomes more reasonable.
From what I am reading currently, it seems that there are a bunch of car salesmen who are interested in extolling the virtues of buying a FIT at $2K over sticker.
NO THANK YOU SIRS :-)
I will listen to people with better reputations....
People getting used to higher gas prices is the equivalent to a fall in gas prices. There was a time when gas was 20-30 cents a gallon. Now we are comfortable paying $2... a couple of years down the line, it might be $3.50
But thats not the point I was trying to make.
My post was more about the wisdom in paying over sticker for a FIT
To latch onto that aside... very 'Karl Rove' like... Not GOOD.
Anyway, lets get back on topic.
The point I am trying to make it that it is a $15K car... which is still a $15K car. So if you are going to extend the idea that being the first to be seen in one is desirable.... I have my doubts.
To the outside observer, it is still some dude in a $15K car. And its not like its an image car like the Solstice or the Sky... Its a Honda. A sensible buy... a good commuter appliance. And an economic one at that...
So... bottomline, it is a economobile.... a quality economobile, but still an economobile.
FIT would costs you $16500 out the door.To add insult to injury some dealers are marking up the FIT $2000.I hope those dealers are stuck with their inventory at the end of the year.Gas is about $3.15 now and rising.Taking the bus to work is no option because it takes 2 hours to go 15 miles.When Mexico reclaims California we won't have to worry because we will all be riding burros.Back to the Fit
those base model wheels are awful.For less money and a much prettier face a KIA Rio 5 is a better choice.
I'll talk to them when the car has a thousand miles in test-drives and has been sitting there for a month.