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Comments
If you haven't already checked on other highly-rated cars in this class, e.g. Corolla, Elantra, Impreza, Mazda3i, Rabbit, Sentra, then you might want to do that before paying such a high price for the Civic. Fit and Versa are worth checking out also if you could use something a little smaller than the Civic (although both are pretty roomy inside where it counts). You might find you like one of these other cars just as much as the Civic (if not better) and could save money to boot. You could also check on the U.S.-made cars, i.e. Cobalt and Focus, and maybe you would like them although IMO they are not nearly as good a car as the Civic and the others I listed.
I am planning to buy Honda Civic EX (EX or EX-L). I am in Central New Jersey. Recently I contacted one dealer in Central jersey and was told that Civic is very hot these days and the cars are sold above MSRP. Is this true? He gave me a quote of $21,700 OTD for EX.Is this a good deal? Please advise and thanks in advance.
I personally feel $21,700 is a bit too steep for small Civic. Also, what are the loan deals that I may get on Civic? I plan to put about $3000 upfront.
Again, thanks in advance.
I got an honest offer of $22,000.00 including tax, and tag transfer for a 2008 Si Sedan M/T with summer tires. Another dealer that promised to beat any price changed their story when I showed up with email quotes. So typical. They allowed me to drive away, and I told them to hold onto their car that had been on the lot for 4 months over the $400 difference for the summer tires they gave as a reason not to match price. I was three miles into my 103 mile jaunt to the honest original dealer when the manager of the dealer I just left called me back. Don't play into their games! The $22k price was $1095.00 cheaper than the broker' s. Know your stuff before speaking to anyone in person
Have you checked the biggest dealers in the big cities, Houston, DFW, and San Antonio? If you are in North Texas, you might also check the dealers in OK.
Good luck!
thanks again -
BTW I have checked in San Antonio and will try Austin - they don't seem to have very much either - plus they don't seem to want to lower the price at all - they also say they have these cars sold before they're in. Really don't know how much of this all is "hype" Also have been looking at Corollas but they are about the same as far as price and don't have as much style.
I've been watching your posts. I agree that the price you've been quoted seems very high. My wife and I bought a Civic LX in Dallas last December for around $17,500 OTD. That INCLUDED the "performance package" (mud guards, trunk tray, pin stripes, wheel locks, etc.). I wouldn't expect to get that price now, but it does provide a point of reference. As previously mentioned, you might be better off waiting until the end of the year (December). That way, you avoid the short supply of '08's and the rush on '09's.
Good luck!
From what I'm reading seems like $19,500 OTD might make a good starting offer - though it is about $1500 off what they've listed on their internet price. Do I stick to that price?
Seems like I could get an LX with a/t for a few hundred below MSRP, but if I wait for the '09s, I'd end up trying to buy when '09 prices are at their highest. Any thoughts?
By the end of the year, supply of the 2009s will be good and there will be competition for the Civic from Honda's own all-new Fit. Plus there are usually year-end closeout sales at year's end--if not on the Civic than on other models.
Re the Elantra, keep in mind that all brands have problems. The current gen Civic has had its share of problems (read the Civic Problems discussion here to get some background). Also Honda has had its share of safety issues, e.g. the recall a few years ago of 1 million Accords for a transmission defect, and of CR-Vs because they were catching fire in owner's garages (!). At least the problem on the Elantra is being worked on by the NHTSA and Hyundai, so there should be a resolution fairly soon. Buying a Honda will not guarantee that you won't have problems down the line. Overall, the Elantra is considered a very reliable car--e.g. it gets top marks for reliability from Consumer Reports.
As for your question about which cars I think are better for $20k... that is really a personal question, and I probably have different buying criteria than you do. I've already mentioned other small cars that are well regarded, e.g. Mazda3i, Elantra, Corolla, Impreza, Rabbit, Jetta, and Sentra. But you might not like some of these (Impreza, Rabbit, Jetta) because they don't provide high fuel economy like the Civic. My advice is, before you plop down $20k on a car, check out all the alternatives that at least on paper fit your criteria. If you didn't like the Mazda3i, I doubt you'll like the Focus or the Cobalt for that matter. But it wouldn't hurt to drive them, if you have the time. (BTW, the Focus is available with an automatic.) For $20k or less OTD I would consider a fairly broad range of cars because I would also consider some in the mid-sized class, e.g. Optima and Sonata. Other mid-sizers such as Fusion, Milan, and 2008 Mazda6i are also available OTD for under $20k. But maybe you don't want a car that big.
No 2008 Civic except the Si has stability control. ESC helps keep the car on the road in extreme conditions and IMO is a very important safety feature, so I want my next car to have it. Because of its safety benefits, it will be standard on all new cars sold in the U.S. by 2012. For 2009 the EX-L is supposed to get VSA also. But probably not the LX. Some small cars that offer ESC standard are the Elantra SE, and for 2009 the Impreza (all trims), Rabbit, and Jetta. It's an option on the Corolla, Mazda3s (with the 2.3L engine), SX4 and SX Sport, and maybe a few others I'm forgetting.
Until a few years ago, I'd never owned a car with ABS. But now I won't do without it. And no car I own has side curtain airbags. But there again, I won't buy another car without them, since they are so valuable in protecting from head injuries. Safety technology has improved by leaps and bounds in the past ten years. What was unavailable or very rare 10 years ago is now commonplace even on inexpensive cars. As I mentioned, by 2012 ESC will be mandatory on all new cars sold in the U.S. I am just jumping in 3 years early by getting ESC on my next car. That car will, in a few years, be handed down to my daughter. You can bet I want all the safety features I can get on that car.
The Civic has excellent crash safety for a small car (in fact it would be an IIHS "Top Pick" if VSA were more widely available on it), and has ABS standard on all trims, so it's no slouch in the safety department. And its crisp handling can help avoid some accidents too.
FWIW, the Rabbit is rated "above average" in predicted reliability by CR, and the Jetta "average". They recommend both cars. It appears VW has improved some in reliability of late, at least with the Jetta and Rabbit.
Thanks.
Sounds like a great deal--sure does pay to shop around..that's a huge difference on the trade in offer...what did you trade in?
I too decided against the Elantra and I'm glad I did, although many clearly are quite happy with it-- and it's a major contender worth considering.
Let us know how you like your new Civic!
If you are looking for a small car with high fuel economy and a good bet for reliabiilty, it's hard to go wrong with either the Civic or Corolla. But they do drive differently; some people have a strong preference for one or the other just based on that.
I have been offered an 08 Civic Coupe EX MT for $17469 including destination charge. The dealership claims that it is $500 below invoice? I walked out, of course, to further investigate this deal.
I think it is a fair deal, but what do you guys think?
Thanks.
PS. The price mentioned above is not an OTD price.
A Boston area large Honda dealer had a weekend newspaper ad for a 05' Civic with 16,000 miles and a "Value Package" (it's a DX with AT, Air and a radio) in absolutely perfect condition advertised for $7888 as a loss leader to increase floor traffic.
I was stunned that we were able to buy it for that. No BS just a car that looks like it just came out of the factory. I wish I could get two more just like it.
I know that most of you need a new car with lots of additional stuff on it but how can you justify the extra $10,000 plus extra sales tax, insurance, auto excise tax, depreciation etc.?
The American Love Affair With The Automobile! :confuse:
In other words... it may not be love of The Automobile that causes some of us to buy the latest cars, with the latest "stuff".
"I was stunned that we were able to buy it for that. No BS just a car that looks like it just came out of the factory. I wish I could get two more just like it."
Congrats, you were The Guy Who Got the Loss Leader. You can't get two more just like it because nobody can, it's a one-off deal. So getting high and mighty with the rest of us based on your deal is a lot like someone else saying "Yeah, I bought this great 2005 with hardly any miles from this guy in my neighborhood for a great price! The rest of you are idiots for paying more!" Extrapolating that further and telling us we're all blinded by our "American love affair with the automobile" is laughable and one of the weaker attempts at patronization I've seen.
I would like to know if others think this is a good deal. Other dealerships won't even match it let alone beat it, but since my husband and I have never done this before, we're nervous about not doing as well as we could. Do people think waiting until the end of the month would help?
Thanks!!
what's your civic?
To each his or her own I suspect.
The Sandman
Please could you tell me which city in Texas? I live in DFW area and I am not getting good deals.
Anybody looking in Dallas area??
I am looking to buy a civic lx 4 dr sedan.
You mentioned you bought civic LX auto for 1100 under MSRP. Did that include destination, tax, title etc
I am looking to buy one now and am hoping i can get a good deal....
I think Civics are going for MSRP in this area right now.
I already have over 8,000 miles on mine. Purchased at the end of May. Just got back from Big Sur, Carmel, etc. Got 45mpg two fill-ups, never under 39 on the rest!! Tires are wearing perfectly even, no troubles. A little noisy on course pavement, but most pavement isn't course. Or the kind of course that makes the noise. Uh, anyway...The only thing I really do not care for is the Oil Dip Stick. Yellow semi-gloss plastic? I have a very hard time reading it. Flat Black would be a vast improvement, IMHO.
Dealers in SE PA only talk MSRP these days ..what gives?
Gas hit 4.00 a gallon and we were stampeded by people wanting Civics. The cars went away and so did the "deals".
This could change in the future?
Great little car, I'm off on another adventure this week, but not quite as far as last week's.
Checked 50 dealers in NYC, PA, MA, CT, and up to Keene,NH. Prices were rock solid at MSRP of $18430 to the lowest of $18,000 for the 08 Civic LX. I ended up ordering a 2009 Civic LX-S with fogs and splash guards for $19,954 plus tax and DMV.
Two dealers offered me same price via email, all Ihad to do was to walk in and place deposit. White Plains Honda, ask for Walter and/or Honda of Keene ask for George. Found them both to be straightforward and no pressure. Hope this helps
Thats what I here all the time when people are trying to buy a Civic at or below invoice. Your example is why a Civic is worth MSRP.