When test-driving a new car, hand over a photocopy, not the original, of your driver's license and write "no credit checks allowed." Additionally inform the salesperson that the Federal Trade Commission fines dealers $2,500 for unauthorized checks.
Reason for all this is to prevent the dealer from using beacon score knowledge in advance during negotiation. Meaning, if they knew one's beacon score and the corresponding APR, say of 5.4%, they could start negotiating based on 7.4%.
I meant the statement as one extreme a dealer "could" go to. It pays to be discrete during negotiations involving thousands of dollars. He who has the most information has the advantage. That is why these newsgroups are so important. Information and experiences are learned here. A small wireless mike can be very inexpensive. Ironically, we have a "Spy" store here locally that sells such items and hidden cameras..Now think of a hungry new salesperson who HAS to meet a quota.....Far Fetched? ....Go figure SoulWind
I just bought a 2004 Accord LX 2.4 AT today after a little haggling between three dealers over the phone. I was lucky that the dealership who offered the lowest price was the only one who had the color I wanted which is graphite pearl. A little haggling goes a long way and can be done from home. This is what I paid which I feel is a fair price.
price: 18,101 after tax(7%),tag,title,liscense: 19,500 OTD
Just picked up my EX V-6 Sedan, no navi package. Got $500 under invoice at Gardena Honda. Internet sales guy was amazing, easiest purchase of a vehicle I have ever made. Even changed the color after I had completed all of the paper work. Strongly recommend Gardena Honda to anybody in the L.A. area. Feel free to e-mail and I will give you the salesmen's name.
Anyone buy the extended warranty? My dealer extends Honda's to 5/50,000 if I use their service. They also offer an extended warranty where I can get my service anywhere and extends to 7 years/100,000 miles for about $1,150 (additional $50 to pass it on when I sell). If I don't use it, I get my money back at the end. It doesn't cover wear items (tires, oil changes etc) so by taking it, I'm thinking that I'd be assuming that I'd have a major problem somewhere down the line which Honda is usually not an issue. Once my payments are done, it may be cheaper to make about 2 or 3 additional payments to my savings account and keep that as my warranty. Anyone who has a recommendation would be welcome.
Well you will hear alot of opinions for and against getting a warranty. For me I like to have one. Id recommend getting the honda care warranty through a popular online dealer. I did and got it cheaper. 7 years/100k in the 900's. Id shy away from the dealer warranty if its not hondacare. I got tricked into getting another brand of warranty by the dealer. I recently sold that one back for the honda care warranty.
jumpnjoe, I have yet to purchase extended warranty on my Honda vehicles. I have not regretted that. On my most recent honda purchase, they really tried to sell me on it, but I held firm, as unless their vehicles have gone downhill, I don't expect to have the need for it.
A dealer says that they still have the 2003 LX AT Accord that we tried to buy in Dec. 2003. Is this possible? If so, is this considered a new or used car?
I would also appreciate if anyone could give advice on negotiations: We will try to ask for an on the road price--which includes taxes, tags, title. Is this a good idea?
Lastly, what would be a good price for the 03 Accord? many thanks.
A car is new until it is titled to someone--even if it is a demo. That car didn't sell yet so it's new, and technically will be until someone buys it. Still true even if it sits there until this fall when the 2005s arrive.
is there a better car than a ex-L 4 cylinder with navigation and XM radio? i am impressed by ours after just over a week of owning. thinking of getting a coupe with the XM but no navigation, since the vacation car will be the sedan.
Sure there is, but you'll probably have to spend thousands of $$$$$$ more to buy it. The EX-L 4 cyl. AT sedan is as good as anything costing in the $30k--$35k range--my EX-L sedan's pre tax price was well under $23. For the money, I don't think there's any better car out there.........Richard
Make sure your contract states that you get all your money back at the end of the warranty if you never have a claim. That sounds like a salesman's promise that won't be accurate in seven years.
You can get the warranty much cheaper. I got a Hondacare 7 yr./100000 mile/$0 deductible warranty for $765 through Pohanka Honda in late December. It's probably a bit more now, but it'll still be a lot less than $1150. I usually shy away from extended warranties, but I thought the price was right for this one. Visit the Odyssey Club web site forums for more information. (Not sure if I can post the direct link, search on Yahoo. )
I just bought an Accord EX AT 4 Dr, 2003 for 19500 out the door...including taxes, fees, dealers profit, and a cup of coffee....read my message from about a week ago....
Are the Honda Care Warranties basically the same coverage as the orig factory warranty? I know some of the independant extended warranties seem to cover less. $765 for a 7 year/100,000K/0 ded sounds like a great deal to me! I wonder how many other dealers offer anything close to that price.
I just bought an Accord EX AT 4 Dr, 2003 for 19500 out the door...including taxes, fees, dealers profit, and a cup of coffee....read my message from about a week ago....
WOW! That is amazing! I live in the DC Metro area. I don't think we can get an EX for $19500 out the door. If I'm not mistaken they might let the 2003 LX go for around $19,000 out the door. I'm new to the list, I'll try to find your message from a week ago. Thanks.
Are the Honda Care Warranties basically the same coverage as the orig factory warranty? I know some of the independant extended warranties seem to cover less. $765 for a 7 year/100,000K/0 ded sounds like a great deal to me! I wonder how many other dealers offer anything close to that price.
I can assure you that the dealer would give you the same price....or atleast you could talk to them...I dealt with the manager named Sunil - didn't even haggle.....call him at open road honda edison NJ, and talk to him. They have 7 ex's left...if its not too much trouble - it might not be a long drive...about 4 hrs...but you will have an awesome car/deal...
There are quite a few new 03 Accords out there for sale, they just aren't selling incredibly well. Too much competition and too many little issues associated with the Accord have caused some folks to re-think their decision. If you really want to know about the Accord ownership experience, ask friends, neighbors, co-workers who have purchased one. Don't base your buying decision on some faceless "name" on this board, talk to people who you can actually see driving the vehicle you are interested in buying.
he is right...this honda is my first vehicle period..before these I was driving old toyota (bought used at 75 k - now 189 k) - NEVER had a engine problem...but I had heard that hondas are just as reliable as toyotas and I liked the honda interior....that combined with 19500 OTD for a brand new 2003 EX - forced me into buying this...lets see how it goes...
miragesea> WOW! That is amazing! I live in the DC miragesea> Metro area. I don't think we can get an miragesea> EX for $19500 out the door. miragesea> If I'm not mistaken they might let the miragesea> 2003 LX go for around $19,000 out the door.
I live in the DC Metro area as well and recently bought a 2004 LX WITH Side Airbags (plus pinstripes, mud guards and wheel locks) for $18,480 Out The Door so I think you should be able to do better than 19,000 OTD for a 2003 Without Side Airbags.
Please see my prior messages on this board #3825, 3878 and 3898 for full details about my experience. (Just type in the numbers near the top of the page where it says "Go To Msg#" and press "Go" to get there.)
...priced at $22,700 before taxes, tags, destination in the DC Metro area. Good deal, great deal, or back to the dealer--any thoughts from recent buyers?
Great! The internet price I last have is 21,095; based on sales tax of 8.25% in calif, the out the door price is 23,081. I called another dealer to see if they could beat the price and they said they could not--but I spoke to a very helpful internet salesperson who said before I go to the dealer to get a vehicle ID#, color, odometer reading, make sure it is not a demo, and that it doesn't have dings, etc. on it.She was so helpful I would like to give my business to her--but she said she'd have to charge 300.00 more. (this is for a 2004 accord ex/leather/automatic (no navigation) 4 cyl. in the bay area.)I have another dealer who says he'd go 100.00 better but did not give specific breakdowns of prices.
You have to keep in mind that Honda has offered comparatively few incentives on the Accord. You can purchase midsize sedans now with rebates, special financing, etc. For the Accord to say in the top 3 selling cars in the country despite it's lack of major incentives speaks volumes for the quality of the product.
$22,700 for a 2004 EX V6, even before destination, is a very good deal. Would you mind telling me which dealership offered that deal? I'm looking to purchase an EX V6 in the DC area in a couple months as well.
I'm negotiation on an 04 EX-6 "dealer demo." The dealership allows managers to drive new vehicles in town until 5,000 miles, then dealership sells car as a dealer demo. Car is in perfect condition and has pinstriping and splash guards. I would appreciate opinions: 1)Is $23,000 a fair price? 2)Any concerns about the mileage (5,000) or the concept of buyer a "dealer demo?"
The discount never seems worth it.. If you are only saving $500 on a car with 5k miles, I'd rather have a new one. The only thing most dealers are willing to give up on demos is their profit margin.. I'm not saying whether its right or not, just that the savings don't justify it. Unless they are willing to sell for $1000 under invoice on their demo, stick with a new one.
A demo at the right price is probably OK, but think about it: when some people take a car out for a demo drive, they floor the accelerator to see how fast it goes, then stand on the brakes to see how quickly it stops. They're likely do all the things the instruction manual says NOT to do to a new car.
Of course, I didn't do any evil things to the Accord I test drove prior to buying one a few weeks later (I'm just too considerate!). But what about the clowns who really shake down a demo before buying a nice, fresh car? Do you want an automobile many people might have abused?........Richard
Thanks for the opinions. Richards38-my thoughts exactly. I asked the salesman about that and he said that the car was never used for test drives- just for the manager's personal driving (could be just as bad.) But you raise a good point. After further consideration, I might be interested, but not at $23,000.
That's a superb deal, in fact you just through my whole game plan out of whack since I am waiting to pounce on the exact same model on the last weekend this month? Where did this transaction occur may I ask? Was their a trade involved? I was ready to start bidding in low the low $23000 range and try to stay about $300-$500 under invoice. Any other comments?
Thanks for the feedback KYFDX, JROCK65, SJMURRAY3, COOKPR. Based on your feedback, I bought the car. $24.5k out the door (including 5% MD tax, tags, destination, processing fee), no trade-in, after-market add-ons, extended warrantee, gap insurance or any of that other stuff. I got it from the biggest Honda dealer in the Balt-DC area. The internet manager didn't want me saying which, because they want to get the calls rather than getting their price shopped...but they show up on both CARS.COM and AUTOBYTEL (surprisingly, not on Edmunds). They were super-honest, very helpful--no haggling on either side, no pressure for extra junk.
Based on a similar price and internet purchase experience 3 weeks ago, my _guess_ would be O'Donnell Honda in Ellicott City. I don't know about them being the biggest in DC (there are a lot around). Wouldn't hurt to email an inquiry.
Is everyone here using the same invoice formula (i.e., Edmund's Invoice)?
It seems people in this forum use Edmund's invoice, as the car price minus the destination charge.
However, dealers in my area (CA) add the destination charge ($490) to "Edmund's Invoice" and call this the "invoice" or "car price."
So, when I am reading the posts it's a little confusing to me. But, I assume everyone in this forum refers to "Invoice" as invoice less the destination charge--which sort of makes sense, since destination charges may differ in different areas.
jrock65> I can't find who the biggest Honda dealer jrock65> in Balt-DC area is. Anyone know? Any hints?
edmerks> my _guess_ would be O'Donnell Honda in edmerks> Ellicott City. I don't know about them edmerks> being the biggest in DC
Like edmerks said, I don't know if O'Donnell Honda in Ellicott City, MD is the biggest Honda dealer in the Balt-Wash area but I did receive the initial lowest email bid from them on my recent purchase. However, I had another MD dealer beat their price by more than $400.
marvin> But, I assume everyone in this forum marvin> refers to "Invoice" as invoice less the marvin> destination charge--which sort of makes marvin> sense, since destination charges may marvin> differ in different areas.
I think you have to look closely when reading the posts because it seems to me some include the destination in the invoice price and some don't. As for myself, I try to make it clear in any posts that I make whether it includes or excludes destination.
Also the destination charge is the same, $490.00 for Honda Accord, for every destination in the 48 states.
Musicboy> However, I had another MD dealer beat their price by more than $400.
Who is this dealer????? Please tell. Is it important or not to but a car from a dealer close to one's home? College Park Honda is closest to my house but they don't have a good reputation.
I was just quoted $14,000 for a 2001 2-door EX accord w/ a MT, leather interior. The car has 49,000 miles on it and would come with the 12month/12,000 mile BTB warranty and 100,000 mile powertrain warranty for a certified Honda. It seemed to be in great shape inside and out with the usual no excessive signs of wear and tear. Is this a good deal???
Comments
Reason for all this is to prevent the dealer from using beacon score knowledge in advance during negotiation. Meaning, if they knew one's beacon score and the corresponding APR, say of 5.4%, they could start negotiating based on 7.4%.
A small wireless mike can be very inexpensive. Ironically, we have a "Spy" store here locally that sells such items and hidden cameras..Now think of a hungry new salesperson who HAS to meet a quota.....Far Fetched? ....Go figure
SoulWind
price: 18,101
after tax(7%),tag,title,liscense: 19,500 OTD
Thanks,
Joe
just my 2 cents.
Is this possible? If so, is this considered a new or used car?
I would also appreciate if anyone could give advice on negotiations: We will try to ask for an on the road price--which includes taxes, tags, title. Is this a good idea?
Lastly, what would be a good price for the 03 Accord? many thanks.
please keep us posted on how you do !
WOW! That is amazing! I live in the DC Metro area. I don't think we can get an EX for $19500 out the door.
If I'm not mistaken they might let the 2003 LX go for around $19,000 out the door.
I'm new to the list, I'll try to find your message from a week ago. Thanks.
They have 7 ex's left...if its not too much trouble - it might not be a long drive...about 4 hrs...but you will have an awesome car/deal...
miragesea> Metro area. I don't think we can get an
miragesea> EX for $19500 out the door.
miragesea> If I'm not mistaken they might let the
miragesea> 2003 LX go for around $19,000 out the door.
I live in the DC Metro area as well and recently bought a 2004 LX WITH Side Airbags (plus pinstripes, mud guards and wheel locks) for $18,480 Out The Door so I think you should be able to do better than 19,000 OTD for a 2003 Without Side Airbags.
Please see my prior messages on this board #3825, 3878 and 3898 for full details about my experience. (Just type in the numbers near the top of the page where it says "Go To Msg#" and press "Go" to get there.)
Jeff
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$22,700 for a 2004 EX V6, even before destination, is a very good deal. Would you mind telling me which dealership offered that deal? I'm looking to purchase an EX V6 in the DC area in a couple months as well.
Thanks.
John284> picked it up?
I'm not sure if you meant to direct this question to me or not. Since it posted immediately following mine I'll assume you did and answer it.
My 2004 Accord LX SRS (4cyl, 5AT) had 8 miles on it when I picked it up.
2)Any concerns about the mileage (5,000) or the concept of buyer a "dealer demo?"
regards,
kyfdx
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Of course, I didn't do any evil things to the Accord I test drove prior to buying one a few weeks later (I'm just too considerate!). But what about the clowns who really shake down a demo before buying a nice, fresh car? Do you want an automobile many people might have abused?........Richard
After further consideration, I might be interested, but not at $23,000.
Jeff
I can't find who the biggest Honda dealer in Balt-DC area is. Anyone know? Any hints?
Based on a similar price and internet purchase experience 3 weeks ago, my _guess_ would be O'Donnell Honda in Ellicott City. I don't know about them being the biggest in DC (there are a lot around). Wouldn't hurt to email an inquiry.
Ed
I am quoted a 23100 drive out price that includes taxes of 1397 and 182 for license and tile. It is around $800 below the invoice.
Sounds like a good deal?
It seems people in this forum use Edmund's invoice, as the car price minus the destination charge.
However, dealers in my area (CA) add the destination charge ($490) to "Edmund's Invoice" and call this the "invoice" or "car price."
So, when I am reading the posts it's a little confusing to me. But, I assume everyone in this forum refers to "Invoice" as invoice less the destination charge--which sort of makes sense, since destination charges may differ in different areas.
jrock65> in Balt-DC area is. Anyone know? Any hints?
edmerks> my _guess_ would be O'Donnell Honda in
edmerks> Ellicott City. I don't know about them
edmerks> being the biggest in DC
Like edmerks said, I don't know if O'Donnell Honda in Ellicott City, MD is the biggest Honda dealer in the Balt-Wash area but I did receive the initial lowest email bid from them on my recent purchase. However, I had another MD dealer beat their price by more than $400.
marvin> refers to "Invoice" as invoice less the
marvin> destination charge--which sort of makes
marvin> sense, since destination charges may
marvin> differ in different areas.
I think you have to look closely when reading the posts because it seems to me some include the destination in the invoice price and some don't. As for myself, I try to make it clear in any posts that I make whether it includes or excludes destination.
Also the destination charge is the same, $490.00 for Honda Accord, for every destination in the 48 states.
And which dealer was that? (if you don't mind me asking)
Who is this dealer????? Please tell.
Is it important or not to but a car from a dealer close to one's home?
College Park Honda is closest to my house but they don't have a good reputation.
accord COUPE ex-L with xm radio-- 5 speed manual...
any advice?
also, do the all weather mats just come in dark color and not go well with the beige interior??? no beige all weather mats??
thanks
regards,
kyfdx
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