2013 and earlier-Honda Accord Prices Paid and Buying Experience

accord03 · November 2003

I just got a price for an '04 4dr ex-l 4cyl auto with mud guards, wheel locks, pin stripes, and trunk liner for 22176 including destination fee (490). Adding tax (1330) doc fee (159) and title/regist (102) the total out the door is 23767.56. No trade-in involved. My biggest question is that the car has 70 miles on it, that seems a little high but I guess is no big deal. What do you think about this deal? If financing gets approved at 3.9% I can pick up next saturday.

richards38 · November 2003

That is a very good deal and is well below invoice. If the car had been traded from another dealer, that could account for the 70 miles.

If the car was used as a demo it's not necessarily a problem unless the drivers testing the car drove it as if they KNEW they'd never own it. That's probably why the deal is so good.

The car is most likely OK and if there's nothing wrong with it you will have bought an excellent car at a lower than typical price....Richard

barryss · November 2003

I just picked up my '04 EX V6 sedan (woohoo!) I emailed a bunch of local dealers via edmunds.com and got what seems like a great price. Edmunds gave me prices of:

Invoice: $24,244
TMV: $25,327

My price was $23,500 ($744 under invoice). This included freight, dealer processing fee, wheel locks and pin stripe. I didn't want the wheel locks and pin stripe (itemized at $100 for both), but didn't have the heart to make a big issue about it for such a low price. We discussed the price and the internet salesperson told me he gave me their 3% holdback because things had been so slow lately.

The dealer was fairly new and had a huge inventory of Accords, so they were really looking to move some cars. The deal was negotiated with no trade-in or commitment to buy an extended warranty. However, I did decide to buy the Honda Care 7 yr/100K warranty for $1046 while I was in the finance office. I figure they made some money on the warranty and I had decided to get it beforehand (although I didn't mention it). I got the 1.9% 36 month financing.

I'll admit that I got lucky as far as the price I got--timing is everything. However, I knew enough to jump on a good deal when it came up and avoid some of the inflated add-ons.

Barry S.

hungluu00 · November 2003

I just bought it for 23,850 + CA tax. They also threw in flash guard for free. Is this a good deal? guys.

niv · November 2003

I guess, It is fair deal. Since carsdirect offering the same at, 21,360(around 300 lessthan invoice) with North California zip code.
You can try with your zip code. With this price, you can bargain your dealer for more.

Best of luck!

-Niv

aliasfan · November 2003

Congratulations on your car. Are you still happy with it? I am thrilled with mine as well... still getting used to the Navi system. I have already noticed that Rock Creek Park is not in its database and some other odd areas, but all in all, it has been great so far.

brandstetter · November 2003

I have a standing offer for invoice at a dealer in town, but still think I can get a better deal. One place said that they wouldn't go below invoice on 04 Accords, but I haven't pushed them too much.

Any thoughts or experiences on how to get below invoice, or if it is possible?

jrock65 · November 2003

barryss,

That's a nice deal. Which dealer did you buy the car at? What was the dealer documentation fee? Thanks.

barryss · November 2003

jrock65,

I bought my Accord at Criswell Honda in Germantown, MD. The dealer processing fee was $100, but my focus was on the final price before tax and tags, regardless of any fees. There wasn't anything specifically listed as a "documentation fee".

Barry S.

brandstetter · November 2003

I have the offer at a dealer in Raleigh, NC. I think I may wait until December before moving on it in case Honda comes out with better deals next month.

jrock65 · November 2003

Does anyone live in Virginia but bought a car in Maryland? How does the tax, title, and registration work if you do this? Do the dealers in Maryland have have all the paperwork ready for a Virginia resident? Thanks.

accord03 · November 2003

cars direct shows a price for an '04 exl 4 cyl auto as 22,806 in south jersey. I was wondering if you clicked on automatic when pricing. I'm just wondering how you get a cars direct price about $1500 less there. What is your zip code where you are?

geneta · November 2003

Not a problem, really you can do it in almost any state. In the DC area, the Maryland dealer will collect the VA state tax and can process the plates for you (for a fee). Outside of the DC area, you would not pay sales tax, but would pay the sales tax when the car is registered. The concern is getting the state inspection, you'll need to go to an inspection station and pay for the sticker. All the Va dealers already have state safety inspection stickers on vehicles. I purchased an Odyssey in Md and I live in Burke, VA -- smooth as silk.

gene65 · November 2003

I 've got my black exv6 with navi including evething w/o tax for $25,521. I think its a good price in Cristal Lake Honda its in northern IL.
Thanks to edmunds.com

graphite22 · November 2003

I recently purchased a 04' Ex w/Leather and XM RADIO for 24,052 with taxes in Naperville, Illinois....do you guys think I got a good deal??
I used Carsdirect by the way.

jvatmw2 · November 2003

Re: I 've got my black exv6 with navi including evething w/o tax for $25,521. I think its a good price in Cristal Lake Honda its in northern IL.
Thanks to edmunds.com

---Are you sure? Why would a dealer lose money on an '04 car that is rare to begin with (Navi)?
Did they stick it to you in a trade, financing, protection package, or warranty?---

gene65 · November 2003

I didn't have any trade, didn't take any protection package I don't believe in it, I didn't take any warranty, I may do it after 3 years, financing is 3.9% but I will pay it off by taking home equate that is tax deductible. By the way I asked for a black pearl & they had to get it from other dealer. It took them a week to get. I don't think they loose money, but don't ask me how they make them. I don't know. All I know that new car is on my drive way & the total price with tax & all the fee was 27,300 out of the door.

kendrid · November 2003

Edmunds states that invoice is 25,551 for that car, so they sold it for just below invoice. Since (from what I have read) the dealers get the cars at 3% below invoice, they still made money. Just not much.

I live in the town over from Crystal Lake (Lake in the Hills). That dealership is probably fairly desperate to move some cars. I doubt they get much business.

graphite22 · November 2003

If that's what you actually paid..you got yourself a good deal!~..that's of course if taxes are 7% in crystal lake and you did a license plate transfer......I paid chicago tax on my 04'Ex with leather and xm.....but I still think I got an awesome deal at 22,000 plus taxes.

gene65 · November 2003

I don't think they are desperate to move cars. They sell more cars then others I believe. I also know the more they sell the bigger discount they get from supplier. I bought a car from them before. There were 3 more people to pick up cars from the same lady that saturday morning. She was so busy running from one to the other.
I also remember seeing about the same price on this page from a guy who bought similar car in WI.

jmacgt · November 2003

Guys,

I just paid 20,629 for a 04 coupe EX automatic. the out the door price ended up being 21,956 (with wheel locks and splash guards). What do you guys think. (in ATL area)

ghulet · November 2003

I know they're not so easy to come by, but I'm wondering what a 'price to shoot for' would be in the Chicago area? I'm trying to convince my S.O. to look at one instead of the G35.....the Accord is less money, has more room, insurance will be less, and I shutter to think what the G will be like in a foot of snow.....any advice?

dust90 · November 2003

I bought one 4 weeks ago for $500 over invoice, here in WV. However, most of the dealers that I contacted(WV, KY, OH) wanted MSRP or close to it. I was told that most dealers only get one 6-speed V6 coupe per month, but the dealer I bought mine from now has 2 silver 6 speeds on his lot! I love my 6-speed V6 coupe, but I wouldn't want to take it any serious snow without some good snow tires. The traction control kicks in quite frequently on just wet roads.

hyounglho · November 2003

Here are the price I paid for the car. This discussion group helped me a great deal and want to share it with others to help them.

MSRP 26400
Dest 490
Total Vehicle Price : 26890

Invoice : 24244

Price I got : 24500 with Floormats and Splash Guards thrown in for Free

Tax 1531.25
TTL Fees : 117.55
Doc Fees : 50

TOTAL OTD : 26254.34 with 1.9% financing

Basically, I've paid $256 over invoice with splash guard and floormats thrown in. I think I got a good price. I have seen some prices even below invoice but I think some are little exaggerated. I personally believe $200 over invoice is a very reasonable price to pay for a car. I just want to thank everyone who have shared their prices !!!!!!!!!!!! You guys ROCK.

Happy Owner

waxman · November 2003

Hi,
I am trying to lease an 2004 Accord EX with Leather. Can anyone share what the lease quotes they were. So far, I have been quoted $347, $0 down/cap cost. 15,000/yr 36 months.
Any help would be appreciated.

FYI.. I also have a quote for a VW Passat GLS, with leather pkge for $370/mo $1000 down. 42 month lease.

Any help is appreciated.
Bob

alexknyc2002 · November 2003

does anyone actually pays destination fee ?

richwjenn · November 2003

I bought my 2004 EX V6 Sedan for $200 over invoice here in San Diego. No dealer fees for documentation, processing, etc. Just invoice, $200, registration, and taxes. It was done in about 60 minutes.

I love the car

vaxheadroom · November 2003

Paid invoice ($21,638) + tax + $400 in dealer doc fees for 2004 Accord Sedan EX-L w/manual. No negotiating involved; the dealer offered the invoice price via the first email exchange. I probably could have negotiated on the $400 doc fee, but since the dealer didn't actually have the model on the lot (Manual transmissions EX-Ls are rare), I didn't have much leverage. When I approached this dealer earlier this year on a 2003 accord, they wanted 3% over invoice.

I was very pleasantly surprised to have this dealer quote invoice on a model that they have to locate.

This is in Louisville KY, at the "big" Honda dealer.

gibber · November 2003

Paid 21363 for EX-L manual. Invoice was about 21660. I really like the 4-cyl manual combo, extra power with terrific mileage, too bad it is so rare. I got the graphite with gray leather interior, which wasn't my first choice, but I really like now that I have it. Charged me $176 for door guards and wheel locks which were already on the car from the dealer trade(retail on those was $500!-even the dealer thought that was outrageous). Also bought the 6yr/100K $0 deductable Honda extended warranty for ~1085, I think that was well below retail but I'm not sure how much over cost. I'm not really in favor of extended warranties, but I'll probably rack up the miles quickly so I thought why not. I think the whole thing was about 24500 out the door(thanks Arnold for the lower license fee). Also got 1.9% financing for 36 months. Went through CarsDirect, purchased at Dublin Honda(Dublin, CA)) Fleet/internet sales. Service was great-no hassles or BS whatsoever. An excellent buying experience all around, a very good price, and a terrific car.

brianl0202 · November 2003

im new here but was hoping for some help. sorry if this is in the wrong spot. im looking at a 2003 LX V6 coupe special editon. first i was wondering what exactly does the "special edition" mean. msrp is 23,560 w/ dest. charge. im in south jersey. im trying to find an invoice price but i dont know how the special edition affects it and i cant find too much on that. is the special edition really anything special. im looking to buy soon and i want to get a good deal. any help is appreciated!! thanks Email me if you want.

lelandhendrix · December 2003

Please give an update when you get to the bottom of this. I don't think that a 'special edition' exists of any 2003 Accord trim.

porknbeans · December 2003

Honda doesn't come out with a special addition on their vehicles (typically) until the last year or two of the body styles run. If there is a special addition Accord out there it is probably a dealer thing.

brianl0202 · December 2003

I was just looking at the car last night, so unless i am somehow making a mistake, im 99% sure it was a 2003 LX V6 Special Edition, it said it on the window sticker and it said special edition on both of the seats up towards the top. so if anyone knows anything about it any info would be appreciated. i might go back ther tonight but not sure yet. thanks.

duramaxplus · December 2003

Hey folks, I'm not sure what some of these folks are trying to pull. I myself just bought myself an Accord EX/V6 with XM and NAV. I also must mention I am a Honda salesman. I bought the car with EVERY possible option Availiable. Including spoiler and $500 at cost dealer adds. I paid $26,546, which is cost for this vehicle. This numbers are not hard to find anywhere on the net. If you got anywhere between 0-500 over invoice thats fantastic. Also, there is no such thing as a Special Edition....CURRENTLY.

brianl0202 · December 2003

hey duramaxplus or anyone,if there is no such thing as special edition then what did i see? could it be what porknbeans said in the above post that it is a dealer thing? im positive it said special edition on both seats. it had leather seats too,2-toned, maybe like a beige on the back and then a darker color on most of the seat part where you sit, the beige still around the perimeter area of where you sit and darker on the rest. 16 inch steel wheel covers. i think it had heated seats too. they werent opened when i looked thats why i dont have a lot of info. just trying to figure out if i should be paying more for a "special edition"?

kyfdx · December 2003

It had to be a dealer thing.. No leather on LX-V6 either... That all sounds like aftermarket.. I wouldn't touch it.. My $.02

regards,
kyfdx

ymreddy · December 2003

Hi,
I bought a 2004 EX 4 cyl (w/out CSRS)Auto this Saturday, for $20,500 + taxes with 1.9% APR for 36 Mo. ($21,800 out of the door) The MSRP was $22,960 and dealer said their cost was $20,740. They also 've thrown-in free splash gaurds and pin stripe.. Please let me know how I did..I did not see many posts about 4cyl EX, so Curious...!

The dealer is offering me 7yr/100k Honda care for $1,000. I haven't made up my mind with this yet. Can someone suggest me whether this a good offer, or point me to any web site that lists actual costs of Honda care plans

Thanks..

brianl0202 · December 2003

thanks for the reply. why would it be bad if it was something the dealer did, as far as the leather seats or anything else? just wondering, im new to car buying

porknbeans · December 2003

If you like the car and it is in your price range then in my opinion you should take a serious look at it. I think that most people feel that if you buy a car like the special addition that you saw it isn't going to reward you when it comes time to trade it in. Most of the accessories or aftermarket pieces that we put on our cars are for our own personal enjoyment and/or to make it not look like the one down the street. The problem is that most other folks don't see the same value in these items when it comes time to trade it in. Ask the dealer if this was something that they did and if they will stand behind warranting any problems that may come from them (get it in writing). To make a long story short, if you like it, buy it and enjoy the ride while you have it.

lelandhendrix · December 2003

There is NOTHING wrong with aftermarket leather seats, especailly from Katzkin or Classic Soft Trim.

What we are trying to point out is that Honda makes a special edition of their cars, and it says "SE" on the back of the car instead of LX or EX, etc. The SE cars come fitted with all sorts of do-dads from the factory, and have been known to say special edition somewhere.

Just like was said before, there is NO 2003 SE.

If the car you are looking at is new, it should have the aftermarket toys listed on a different sticker than the one that came on the car from the factory. And on the factory sticker you should see the original trim level (LX, EX)

richards38 · December 2003

I agree. When I started shopping in mid-August just after 2004 Accord pricing was announced, I used the internet to see about what I should pay for an '04 EX-L--didn't consider the LX because no side curtain air bags are available.

Internet quotes at that time were in the area of $22,650 to $22,980, and when the local dealer (after making a ridiculous offer I quickly dismissed) realized that I was serious and had done my homework, then offered the EX-L 4 cyl sedan for $22,700 without any added price packs of any kind.

I accepted immediately because it seemed to be a fair price--about $238 over invoice for a PZEV car with $460 transportation charge included--$22.7 plus tax, lic. and $45 doc fee = $24,876 total.

Invoice amounts are now accurate on Edmunds and so long as there are no hidden price packs like overpriced accessories, doc fees of more than $50, etc., $200 to $400 over invoice is very good--especially if the car can be bought conveniently from a well-regarded dealer.

Oh, and the car is superb!....Richard

brianl0202 · December 2003

i talked to someone from the dealers internet department. the actual salesman wasnt there when i called but the woman gave me a price of 23,8 something in south jersey, also went to the same dealer and talked to a different salesman-not the internet dept and was quoted a higer price. didnt try to negotiate anything yet. but should i just be dealing with one of them, or should i tell the internet guy i talked to the other salesman--or does it matter? they are both the same dealership but i guess the internet dept doesnt communicate to much with the regular sales. just wondering thanks.

isellhondas · December 2003

Was "created" by the dealer.

LX V-6 coupes are very slow sellers so they probably dolled one up hoping someone would be attracted to it.

Sounds like they just made a hard to sell car even harder to move!

Also...

There is no such thing as volume discounts as someone stated. It's not a matter of the more we sell the lower the price. We all pay the same.

And...

Everyone pays destination charges. These charges are paid by the dealers who simply pass them on. This isn't optional.

kyfdx · December 2003

I guess I kind of overstated it. What I should have said was, I wouldn't pay extra for the leather, etc.. Its like Craig says. LX-V6 are generally undesirable, and if I was interested in leather,etc, I would shop for an EX-V6. If you are happy with the features on the LX, I guess this one would be as good as any, but realize its not worth any more with the leather, and it will still be harder to sell than an EX-V6 when its time to get rid of it. And I'm casting no aspersions on the after-market leather.. Its just how I see the value of it.

regards,
kyfdx

gary3308 · December 2003

Just paid 20,843 + taxes on the above car.(yes that's right, 2004 EX-L with Auto, PZEV ). Anyone know why I got the great deal...secret rebate, end of the month bonus for dealership, or mistake by the dealer. Invoice 22,500 (less holdback of 730) still results in an about $1000 loss for the dealership. Did not puchase any add-ons, but financed 15k at 1.9 percent. What happened here?????

kyfdx · December 2003

If not, wait for the part where they say: " Oh, you wanted leather? " I hope thats not the case, and that you got a steal.

regards,
kyfdx

z71bill · December 2003

I am not sure about Honda - but I thought that the hold back was paid out at 100% if car is moved in X number of days - say 30 - and that the hold back paid to the dealer would decrease the longer the car sat on the lot. After say 90 days the hold back would be zero.

Although not a direct volume discount - if you move more cars (faster turnover) you do in fact pay a lower average cost.

I doubt Honda treats a dealer that sells 300 cars a month exactly the same as one that sells 30.

ral2167 · December 2003

i bought an LX-V6 coupe new back in 2001 because it DIDN'T have leather seats... not quite sure what the allure of leather is... i prefer cloth....didn't need the alloy wheels either... the moonroof i would have liked to have tho... same size coinbox in EX or LX-- so went with the LX.

isellhondas · December 2003

The price you paid makes no sense at all.

These aren't distressed merchandise.

billyperks · December 2003

that price on a EX-L is too good to be true.
Like kyfdx said- untill you signed that dotted line then you can start bragging.

I paid approx 22600 + tax and this is after phone calls and visits to SEVERAL dealerships.

2013 and earlier-Honda Accord Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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