Is this a good price in Maryland/DC area? The dealer also offers to lower it by $100, if I can find any better deal. Well, I haven't, after my exhaustive search within 40 miles or so. Thanks.
For someone purchasing their first new car I'd say you did well . I pick up the same car (minus the dealer add ons) this Friday for $450 more. Basically, Edmunds Invoice + tax, title, license. (<20K). We balked at buying an LX with side air bags since nobody had the color we wanted in stock. And if you saw the crash film I did of an SUV hitting an Accord from the side, you won't worry too much about side air bags ;(.
For what its worth, I wouldn't incorporate those add ons as any sort of real value since they are pure profit for all dealers. The cost is much, much less than the price they charge. Any other accessories we might want I plan on buying online for less. But since they threw it in, fine. No harm no foul. If you read most of the forums here, the consensus with most reliable brands (Honda, etc.) is to put the money you would spend on an extended warranty into a CD or other interest bearing account to cover cost of repairs if needed. Excluding the warranty which comes with the car, its really only a 2 year/67000 mile extended warranty .
Enjoy your new car [don't you love the way the instruments light up? ].
This is a GREAT forum. I have been following along for about a week, and I have learned a ton from you guys. Since last October (when I started looking) the local dealers have consistently given the message that the sticker price is pretty much it--not interested in negotiating beyond a few hundred off MSRP. Since it was not worth it to me to pay $2,000+ too much for the privilege of being the first on my block to own the new accord, I decided to sit it out for a while, but when I stumbled on this site, I realized it's time to give it a try. The honda.autofair.com site was particularly helpful--thanks to all for the suggestion.
I am looking for an EX 4cyl (cloth) AT. I will keep you posted with my progress.
They're inexpensive, and are therefore a favorite negotiating tool of the dealer (as are "free oil changes for the first year-" an insignificant $40 value if one has 2 oil drains running 15k miles/year).
Nevertheless, they're a definite plus. I'd recommend the "male" type of lock (non-groove) that has similar height as the other lug nuts.
They have the potential of getting lost or forgotten, but putting key in glovebox and checking if it's returned there after a tire service are easy precautions.
We checked everywhere and paid $21,500 + taxes and tags (destination included)for a '03 EX-L -I4. Wheel locks, mud guards, pin striping and door edge guards included. Sounds real close to being the same price. Invoice from what I can find is $21,787 We purchased just a month ago, when the 2.9% interest was available. A Great Car!
Same thing happens with German cars, my friend got free 4 years oil change when he was negotiating price on his BMW, then was told it only requires oil change every 12K miles, so that's total 4 oil changes in the 4 years!!! So talk the price down as much as you can then ask for those freebies.
Just closed a deal on the car in SC. Silver, with mud flaps, wheel locks, trunk tray, sunroof visor, rear spoiler, tax, tags, title out the door $24,249. 23,250 for the car, 300 tax, 249 doc, 450 spoiler. Flaps and visor tossed in. 100% internet deal. Easy and quick. Probably could have pushed harder, but needed vehicle. Waiting is fine, but they're very hungry to deal out there.
Nice to know your friend didn't have to pay for something that was free already. BMW has been including free maintenance for 4 or 5 years now?
***As part of BMW's complete commitment to your driving pleasure and safety, we include Full Maintenance on every new 2003 model year BMW purchased from any authorized BMW center in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. The BMW Full Maintenance program provides superior service by expert technicians at all authorized BMW centers in the U.S. or Puerto Rico for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.***
Too many variables to say, djocks. That 105,000 miles does not help, though it is average for the car's age. Unsaid is your location, the condition of the interior and exterior, how soon a timing belt replacement, tires, hoses, etc will need attention, and the condition of the exhaust system. If the car is immaculate inside and out, the engine strong and quiet, and the high mileage consummable wear items are in good condition, your price might actually be low. Have you tried either Edmunds' or Kelly's online used car appraisal pages? They're free. When my '96 Accord got totaled and I was waiting for my insurance company's payoff offer, I worked both online services and averaged their appraisals. When my adjuster called, she was within $75.00 of that average so I didn't quibble.
Shopping for an EX V4 with auto transmission and leather. Any recommendations on any Oregon dealers that are flexible in price negotiation? Is there any Oregon dealer that has a web site in the style of honda.autofair.com?
From windowetch.com "Etch is simply a process of putting traceable numbers on the windows of your vehicle... Auto window etch is a strong theft deterrent" So it's just a warning... How helpfull ?
Do you know why ? "It has been recommended by police departments all over the country and several states now require insurance companies to provide a discount on your auto insurance of you have your windows etched." from windowetch.com
Have anyone use the window etch kit from windowetch.com ?
------------------------------ Thanks mike37... Yes, if it is just simply a sticker... I couldn't figure what different it can be between dealers (someone have claimed..dealer tried to charge up to 699) and windowetch.com for that expensive warning sticker.
I bought and EX auto 4cyl cloth from the one in Gladstone via internet sales about 3 weeks ago. I got it at invoice. We originally wanted leather but were told by more than one dealer that they have no problem selling the leather cars and the best price would be with cloth.
I would strongly advise that you stay away from the Beaverton dealer; real sleazy. They agreed to our price over the phone then tried to raise the price $200 when we got there. During the paperwork phase, we walked out when they tried to pull the window etching scam on us; adding in $189 to the agreed price without telling us what was going on.
daytona1: The $29 etching kit is the same thing that the dealer uses at a fraction of the price. They buy a machine that prints out the VIN number stencils and paint the stencils with acid. You can order a kit with your VIN number stencils and the acid for $29.
I did a little research on Vehicle Theft Registration (window etching). I found a review by a consumer advocate lawyer that said the "insurance" policy offered with the etching is worthless. The fine print claims you will be reimbursed if your car isn't recovered. The problem is 99% of all stolen cars are recovered; they may not have any parts left on them but they are recovered and in that case you wouldn't get a dime from the etching company.
Hi, Any buyers in FL with feedback on recommended dealers and experiences? I'm looking for EX-4 Auto in Graphite. I notice that all the dealers here have a dealer fee of $400. I want to purchase at invoice with the dealer fee included. Has anyone gotten close?
Go to Grandhonda at Elmhurst, IL and they are really selling the cars below invoice sometimes. Their website is "www.grandhonda.com". When you talk to the sales rep let them know the web price and they will stick on that price. We got 2003 Honda Accord EX/V6 with no add on options for the price of $23,460 +tax which is below invoice price. Please don't pay more and shop around. Good luck.
I've been pricing the accord and the camry for the past month or so. the camry le-auto was offered at $16,900 (exc;e tax etc.) + 4.5% apr. I haaven't been getting as many good deals on the accord lx -auto sedan, about $18,000?
i know this is a honda forum, but i could go either way, depending on the price.
Also, one dealer said that carsdirect prices are bogus. he said that they try to "low-ball" the price on a car that they won't find and then will try to get you to buy a car with more options? is this guy full of $#*# or is there some truth to this?
Back in 2000, my wife used carsdirect.com to purchase her Accord because the local Honda dealers would noy matched the price (below invoice) from carsdirect.com. Everything went smoothly, the car was delivered to her work place by a Honda dealer 70 miles away (they drove the car to her work place). I can tell you that I will not hesitate to use them again.
Dealer says it will be more expensive if I choose silver color... (their explain: b/c silver is a popular color they can easily sell to others)
I thought: if silver is a popular color => Honda is making a lot it. => Dealer should have a lot of silver => supply and demand are balance => price for silver should be the same (or may be even cheaper) as other colors
I remember there were dealers saying the same thing about the VW Jetta, Acura TL, and a couple of other cars. So yes, the line is BS, but it's not the first time it's been used.
Hey group. I'm in the market for a 2003 EX 4 cyl. My lease is up in mid April on my current car. I'm wondering if anyone out there has any experience with the notion that I might get a better deal at the end of this month instead of waiting for mid April? I'm looking to pay around 22,200 out the door (including 6% Florida tax and $195! for dealer prep), with a wing as the only option. I have yet to run this figure by a dealer yet, but it will be my starting point. My local bank is offering 4.7% for 5 years. I would appreciate any advice from anyone out there that could help. THanks in advance.
I was just quoted a purchase price of $18,331.00 for a 2003 Accord LX w/ an automatic tranny. This price also includes the delivery and destination charges. Does this seem like a good deal? I check out the TMV for this car and the deal looks quite promising. I'm in the Chicagoland area.
Hi, I am in the market for a 2003 Accord EX w/ leather. Can anyone recommend any good dealers, or share good deals they have gotten on this car? Anyone at/close to invoice? How much would I really save if I got cloth instead? Thanks!
I tried this site out to shop for CAMRY SE and ACCORD EX. Now, the Camry SE is not the volume seller so the one I wanted, basically a base SE, was hard to find and the carsdirect salesperson quoted me a price higher than I wanted to pay. However, I understood the rationale that the SE is usually equipped with options. The only problem I had with this salesperson was that he worked at a dealership where I was to pick up the car. So far, I have balked at his deal.
As for the Accord EX, I spoke to a different salesperson located (according to him) in CA. I'm from NY. He said the price on the website where you build your car is the price, excluding taxes and dmv fees. He seemed to be pretty honest. I didn't actually deal with him to much and did not talk about what type of ACCORD EX I wanted so I'm not sure if he would have steered to one with options I don't want.
Be forewarned, carsdirect.com is NOT independent. The toyota salesperson worked at a Toyota dealership. I'm not saying that he was sleazy or anything, just that the website is a little deceiving about them being independent from dealers.
I think that it is a very good price. I show the invoice on a 2003 Accord LX w/auto trans and with the 4-cylinder as being 18,462 which includes delivery charge. I figure if you can get that vehicle for under invoice then it is a good deal. Can you tell me what dealer it is or e-mail me? The address is in my profile.
Just bought a 03 Graphite Pearl Accord V6 EX all standard equipment from Hennessy Honda in Woodstock via their internet dept. for $23,244 + 249 doc. fee + 21 title + tax (6%). Transaction went smoothly without any surprises. The nearest quote I received from other dealers in the metro area was $900 more. Shows one how variable the deal can be going from one dealer to another ( half of the other dealers could not believe I was getting the Accord for the price I did, remarking Hennessy would be losing money on this. Also show one how some dealers will say anything - sleazy. I pretty sure some of those dealers are reading this right now.)
Went to Carsdirect.com first when I started to look around, but their quote ended up $200 more than what I got on my own and I didn't like what they said my trade in would be worth. My dealer actually gave me a bit more.
Now considering a Honda Accord LX(Bought at January 2001), Standard equipment, AUTO but NO ABS, 40020 miles, condition is good, maintained in Honda dealer. What is the reasonable price for this car. What about $12000. It is a good deal or not. Thank you very much. Need you advice asap.
Just purchased 03 Accord EX 4-dr-only options were mud guards and wheel locks. Paid $19,827 + 460 destination + tax, title and tags. I received several sub-$20,000 quotes. O'Donnell Honda is "very aggressively pricing cars" -- and that is information from other dealers.
Did anyone purchase data from Fighting Chance before they bought their car? Did you find it useful? I am going to start negotiating for a 03 Accord EX V6 auto w/navi and was trying to decide whether to buy the fighting chance or not.
jsolis, Can you please email (geethanjalli@yahoo.com) me the name of the internet salesperson you talked to at David McDavid Honda in Irving where you bought your Accord EX V6? I'm planning to buy one within the next 2 weeks and really appreciate your help with this. Thanks in advance.
midwes1967: We bought a car from Hennessy and overall it was a good experience. Would've bought from them again but they didn't have the car we wanted.
Hello all. Finally got my 03 EX V6 coupe today at $650 below invoice.
I called dealer's internet manager and said that an out-of-state dealer sold a V6 Sedan at $24200 out-the-door (based on an earlier post here) and what could they do with the coupe.
After consulting with his manager, he called me back with a counter of $24900 - to which I said I could get the same car out of state for $24300 including airfare.
He came back with $24600 and we finally agreed on $24500 OTD. Minus 6% sales tax, net vehicle price with m-roof visor, wheel locks & mudguards is $650 below invoice. Car had 22 miles on the ODO. Also declined Finance Manager's offer for "gap insurance" and other standard profit boosters.
Do what I did, especially at month end to better your batting average. But call at least 3 dealers (which I did, and only one came through).
After quite a few months of work through the internet I have an offer of $337 per month tax-in for an '03 Accord EXV6 for 48 months 15,000 miles per year and I have added the day/night mirror, chrome exhaust tips and mudflaps with only $438 due at signing. Do you think this is a good deal?
Bought a 03 Ex V6 a month ago. I bought it for $23,500 not including tax and registration. There were not any dealers fees or any other kind of fees. The m.s.r.p. was $26,260. Bought from Metro Honda in Johnston after visiting two other dealers in the area(Majestic and Herb Chambers). Herb Chambers could only come within $500 without, what they say, losing any money.
Make sure you visit a couple of dealerships before you decide to buy. That is how you will get your best price.
Congratulations on getting a good price. But be careful about Metro Honda's service department. I recently had an experience with them where they overcharged me. Quoted $35 for dianostic fee over the phone (I had a suspected front bearing noise). I asked what was done for that fee and was told that was the standard charge for dianostic work. When I dropped the car off for this work, it was like talking to a car salesman, was asked some questions about what I planned to do after they found the problem etc. that had nothing to do with finding the problem. After they were done, they offered to do the work for $299.00 per bearing. I declined (too expensive) and asked to pay for the dianostic work. Well the bill came to about $78. I told the service writer that I was quoted $35., he said in a matter-of-fact, unquestionable, voice that that's how much it costs. If I wasn't in a hurry I would have made a fuss about it, but I was on a tight schedule that day and just paid the inflated bill. To add insult to injury, they charge a $5 "waste disposal fee" for the carbon paper that the invoice is printed on; this fee is printed at the bottom of their invoice form just like the way the "dealer documentation" charges are usually printed at the bottom of car sales agreements. Good service is hard to find and other dealers may not be any better but this is one to be cautious with (get their quotes in writing), just wanted to relay this actual experience.
So, I tried to start Internet negotiations with 8 different Honda dealerships in the Houston area to buy an Accord EX V6.
I was AMAZED by how different they were in responsiveness. 2 were great, 4 were slow but acceptable, and 2 never even bothered to acknowledge my request. Most immediately turned it into a phone negotiation. In all cases, I was amazed how terrible their first offers were.
After I got over my initial shock, they began to move down a bit on price. All tried to get me in the door before they'd get serious with their offers. Some wouldn't even put the quote they gave me (over the phone) into an email as negotiations progressed - that stank like rotten fish.
The ironic part is that we ended up buying the car from the dealership where we test drove the car (but didn't negotiate with over the Internet).
For those of you in Houston who are curious, one dealer would go $150 below invoice over the Internet, but we wanted to reward the salesperson who spent a couple of hours with us.
The worst part? I paid invoice for the car. That's what this board does for me. I am bummed about paying invoice! 10 years ago and I would have been thrilled to knock $1000 off the MSRP, now I expect to do BETTER than invoice because of you guys! Thanks a LOT!
This is essentially a re-post of mine but I thought that it might interest new forum members.
Having tracked somewhat reasonably well the price increase announcements of carmakers since 1996, I'm lead to believe that invoice pricing is probably different from our impression of the term.
Since I got a "rock bottom offer" of $16500 at invoice for an Accord LX automatic in 1996, Honda has announced at most 3 price increase if not decreases, with each increase not being more than 2%.
At most, therefore, the 2003 LX shouldn't be more than $17200 today if my assumptions are correct. Edmunds' invoice for the 03 LX is $18463.
The car industry is probably smart enough to realize that invoice prices are almost public knowledge these days and to continue motivating dealers, would have added compensation other than the holdback in the "invoice price."
Thus, if a dealer seems willing to sacrifice their 3% holdback, there's maybe more than meets the eye.
such as Post 1999 are what lead buyers to be unhappy as Post 1998 is. It's this lack of knowledge and the market that also leads to topics such as the one on poor salespeople. If we are to use the Emunds site as a learning tool and a buying aid then we should trust the invoice as shown is correct. I can only ASSUME that your assumptions are incorrect and lead the unwary to unattainable expectations which when not met lead to dissatisfaction. fjb323
Post 1998 looks like a tongue-in-cheek (wink-wink) message to me.
However, as I do monitor car industry press releases, my assumptions in post 2000 aren't really born out of "lack of knowledge." The opposite, on the other hand, is closer to the truth. That said, the extrapolations aren't all that amazing.
And if one really understands that the purpose of this consumer-oriented forum is really to extract facts, figures and information from those who know better (for example, a dealer or knowledgable salesperson could refute my hypothesis in post 2000), then I believe we're all for the better if we put our educated theories on the table and let it be discussed/refuted/confirmed.
Or should we really believe everything we see at face value ?
Add'l food for thought on why to question Invoice Pricing:
1) In Dec 2002, a Honda dealer advised me that they were giving up the holdback on their Civics PLUS $1500. 2) Last week, I purchased a v6 Coupe for $650 (someone said it's closer to $1000 because I considered the doc fee as essentially invisible proft) below invoice. 3% holdback on this car's $23,305 invoice price is just $699.
Comments
Is this a good price in Maryland/DC area? The dealer also offers to lower it by $100, if I can find any better deal. Well, I haven't, after my exhaustive search within 40 miles or so. Thanks.
For what its worth, I wouldn't incorporate those add ons as any sort of real value since they are pure profit for all dealers. The cost is much, much less than the price they charge. Any other accessories we might want I plan on buying online for less. But since they threw it in, fine. No harm no foul. If you read most of the forums here, the consensus with most reliable brands (Honda, etc.) is to put the money you would spend on an extended warranty into a CD or other interest bearing account to cover cost of repairs if needed. Excluding the warranty which comes with the car, its really only a 2 year/67000 mile extended warranty
Enjoy your new car [don't you love the way the instruments light up?
cheers,
Pedro
This is a GREAT forum. I have been following along for about a week, and I have learned a ton from you guys. Since last October (when I started looking) the local dealers have consistently given the message that the sticker price is pretty much it--not interested in negotiating beyond a few hundred off MSRP. Since it was not worth it to me to pay $2,000+ too much for the privilege of being the first on my block to own the new accord, I decided to sit it out for a while, but when I stumbled on this site, I realized it's time to give it a try. The honda.autofair.com site was particularly helpful--thanks to all for the suggestion.
I am looking for an EX 4cyl (cloth) AT. I will keep you posted with my progress.
Any input on the pros and cons of wheel locks?
Nevertheless, they're a definite plus. I'd recommend the "male" type of lock (non-groove) that has similar height as the other lug nuts.
They have the potential of getting lost or forgotten, but putting key in glovebox and checking if it's returned there after a tire service are easy precautions.
23,250 for the car, 300 tax, 249 doc, 450 spoiler. Flaps and visor tossed in.
100% internet deal. Easy and quick.
Probably could have pushed harder, but needed vehicle. Waiting is fine, but they're very hungry to deal out there.
***As part of BMW's complete commitment to your driving pleasure and safety, we include Full Maintenance on every new 2003 model year BMW purchased from any authorized BMW center in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. The BMW Full Maintenance program provides superior service by expert technicians at all authorized BMW centers in the U.S. or Puerto Rico for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.***
Listed at $6900
Do you think I will get good activity on the car? Or is the price either too high or too low?
offered by dealer (between $100 - $269)
and windowetch.com ($29) ?
Thanks
"Etch is simply a process of putting traceable numbers on the windows of your vehicle...
Auto window etch is a strong theft deterrent"
So it's just a warning... How helpfull ?
Do you know why ?
"It has been recommended by police departments all over the country and several states now require insurance companies to provide a discount on your auto insurance of you have your windows etched."
from windowetch.com
Have anyone use the window etch kit from windowetch.com ?
------------------------------
Thanks mike37...
Yes, if it is just simply a sticker...
I couldn't figure what different it can be between dealers (someone have claimed..dealer tried to charge up to 699) and windowetch.com for that expensive warning sticker.
I would strongly advise that you stay away from the Beaverton dealer; real sleazy. They agreed to our price over the phone then tried to raise the price $200 when we got there. During the paperwork phase, we walked out when they tried to pull the window etching scam on us; adding in $189 to the agreed price without telling us what was going on.
I did a little research on Vehicle Theft Registration (window etching). I found a review by a consumer advocate lawyer that said the "insurance" policy offered with the etching is worthless. The fine print claims you will be reimbursed if your car isn't recovered. The problem is 99% of all stolen cars are recovered; they may not have any parts left on them but they are recovered and in that case you wouldn't get a dime from the etching company.
Any buyers in FL with feedback on recommended dealers and experiences? I'm looking for EX-4 Auto in Graphite. I notice that all the dealers here have a dealer fee of $400. I want to purchase at invoice with the dealer fee included. Has anyone gotten close?
i know this is a honda forum, but i could go either way, depending on the price.
Also, one dealer said that carsdirect prices are bogus. he said that they try to "low-ball" the price on a car that they won't find and then will try to get you to buy a car with more options? is this guy full of $#*# or is there some truth to this?
thanks.
Back in 2000, my wife used carsdirect.com to purchase her Accord because the local Honda dealers would noy matched the price (below invoice) from carsdirect.com. Everything went smoothly, the car was delivered to her work place by a Honda dealer 70 miles away (they drove the car to her work place). I can tell you that I will not hesitate to use them again.
I thought: if silver is a popular color
=> Honda is making a lot it.
=> Dealer should have a lot of silver
=> supply and demand are balance
=> price for silver should be the same (or may be even cheaper) as other colors
Does dealer explaination really make sense ????
THanks in advance.
I was just quoted a purchase price of $18,331.00 for a 2003 Accord LX w/ an automatic tranny. This price also includes the delivery and destination charges. Does this seem like a good deal? I check out the TMV for this car and the deal looks quite promising. I'm in the Chicagoland area.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I am in the market for a 2003 Accord EX w/ leather. Can anyone recommend any good dealers, or share good deals they have gotten on this car? Anyone at/close to invoice? How much would I really save if I got cloth instead?
Thanks!
As for the Accord EX, I spoke to a different salesperson located (according to him) in CA. I'm from NY. He said the price on the website where you build your car is the price, excluding taxes and dmv fees. He seemed to be pretty honest. I didn't actually deal with him to much and did not talk about what type of ACCORD EX I wanted so I'm not sure if he would have steered to one with options I don't want.
Be forewarned, carsdirect.com is NOT independent. The toyota salesperson worked at a Toyota dealership. I'm not saying that he was sleazy or anything, just that the website is a little deceiving about them being independent from dealers.
Went to Carsdirect.com first when I started to look around, but their quote ended up $200 more than what I got on my own and I didn't like what they said my trade in would be worth. My dealer actually gave me a bit more.
Thank you very much. Need you advice asap.
Kevin
Is the documentation fee just a dealer fee for doing their paper work (profit)
Thanks
Can you please email (geethanjalli@yahoo.com) me the name of the internet salesperson you talked to at David McDavid Honda in Irving where you bought your Accord EX V6? I'm planning to buy one within the next 2 weeks and really appreciate your help with this. Thanks in advance.
TIA
I called dealer's internet manager and said that an out-of-state dealer sold a V6 Sedan at $24200 out-the-door (based on an earlier post here) and what could they do with the coupe.
After consulting with his manager, he called me back with a counter of $24900 - to which I said I could get the same car out of state for $24300 including airfare.
He came back with $24600 and we finally agreed on $24500 OTD. Minus 6% sales tax, net vehicle price with m-roof visor, wheel locks & mudguards is $650 below invoice. Car had 22 miles on the ODO. Also declined Finance Manager's offer for "gap insurance" and other standard profit boosters.
Do what I did, especially at month end to better your batting average. But call at least 3 dealers (which I did, and only one came through).
Good luck.
Make sure you visit a couple of dealerships before you decide to buy. That is how you will get your best price.
mp3pro
email: saybolt@comcast.net
After they were done, they offered to do the work for $299.00 per bearing. I declined (too expensive) and asked to pay for the dianostic work. Well the bill came to about $78. I told the service writer that I was quoted $35., he said in a matter-of-fact, unquestionable, voice that that's how much it costs. If I wasn't in a hurry I would have made a fuss about it, but I was on a tight schedule that day and just paid the inflated bill. To add insult to injury, they charge a $5 "waste disposal fee" for the carbon paper that the invoice is printed on; this fee is printed at the bottom of their invoice form just like the way the "dealer documentation" charges are usually printed at the bottom of car sales agreements. Good service is hard to find and other dealers may not be any better but this is one to be cautious with (get their quotes in writing), just wanted to relay this actual experience.
I was AMAZED by how different they were in responsiveness. 2 were great, 4 were slow but acceptable, and 2 never even bothered to acknowledge my request. Most immediately turned it into a phone negotiation. In all cases, I was amazed how terrible their first offers were.
After I got over my initial shock, they began to move down a bit on price. All tried to get me in the door before they'd get serious with their offers. Some wouldn't even put the quote they gave me (over the phone) into an email as negotiations progressed - that stank like rotten fish.
The ironic part is that we ended up buying the car from the dealership where we test drove the car (but didn't negotiate with over the Internet).
For those of you in Houston who are curious, one dealer would go $150 below invoice over the Internet, but we wanted to reward the salesperson who spent a couple of hours with us.
The worst part? I paid invoice for the car. That's what this board does for me. I am bummed about paying invoice! 10 years ago and I would have been thrilled to knock $1000 off the MSRP, now I expect to do BETTER than invoice because of you guys!
Having tracked somewhat reasonably well the price increase announcements of carmakers since 1996, I'm lead to believe that invoice pricing is probably different from our impression of the term.
Since I got a "rock bottom offer" of $16500 at invoice for an Accord LX automatic in 1996, Honda has announced at most 3 price increase if not decreases, with each increase not being more than 2%.
At most, therefore, the 2003 LX shouldn't be more than $17200 today if my assumptions are correct. Edmunds' invoice for the 03 LX is $18463.
The car industry is probably smart enough to realize that invoice prices are almost public knowledge these days and to continue motivating dealers, would have added compensation other than the holdback in the "invoice price."
Thus, if a dealer seems willing to sacrifice their 3% holdback, there's maybe more than meets the eye.
fjb323
However, as I do monitor car industry press releases, my assumptions in post 2000 aren't really born out of "lack of knowledge." The opposite, on the other hand, is closer to the truth. That said, the extrapolations aren't all that amazing.
And if one really understands that the purpose of this consumer-oriented forum is really to extract facts, figures and information from those who know better (for example, a dealer or knowledgable salesperson could refute my hypothesis in post 2000), then I believe we're all for the better if we put our educated theories on the table and let it be discussed/refuted/confirmed.
Or should we really believe everything we see at face value ?
1) In Dec 2002, a Honda dealer advised me that they were giving up the holdback on their Civics PLUS $1500.
2) Last week, I purchased a v6 Coupe for $650 (someone said it's closer to $1000 because I considered the doc fee as essentially invisible proft) below invoice. 3% holdback on this car's $23,305 invoice price is just $699.