Congrats on the Pilot, agree fully on Planet Scamda. I hope you didn't end up with the Billet Silver EX-L that VIP had with ~600 miles on it. I had a deposit on it two weeks ago that I had placed with George who neglected to tell me that it was a demo. When I saw the mileage, and more importantly the condition of the car, I walked. The interior was pretty ragged and I convert demo miles like rental car miles - roughly 3-5 / 1. So for 600 miles I would equate that to 2,000-3,000 miles of normal use which did not interest me, especially at a new car price. Jokers. They did have another white/tan one there that seemed to be in new condition - hope you snagged that one instead.
Sadly, I ended up buying at Planet Scamda, suited up for the 5-6 battle even after internet negotiations and ended up getting an EX 4WD (wanted an EX-L but the ones they had they loaded up with aftermarket equipment) for $24k plus they got me for a few hundred on random fees. They also refused three forms of payment from me in order to push Honda financing that I did not want or need. I've already paid off most of it and will pay off the rest in a week or so - all before receiving my first statement.
New 08 Black SE FWD now sitting in the driveway. Didn't get all I wanted on pricing with selling price at $25,800 with a few small dealer installed items. But I did get a 6 year/100,000 mile warranty extension thrown in. So I figure I came out ahead.
Man...thing drives much smoother than I anticipated.
Yes you can haggle and this price is what I got the Bay Area of Northern California. Now CNN has a news that Honda is giving dealers up to $7K incentives to get the 2008 models out of their lot. This means I could get the same model I purchased 3 weeks ago for $23,000. At first we were looking into trading our 2003 Odyssey but changed our mind because that one has 19mpg city/25mgp hwy. Our new Pilot has been driven 50% city and has showed 17mpg. I expect the 2009 Pilot will also be a bust because there is no compelling reason to buy since the MPG is the same. If you can wait, Honda could come up with a 2010 hydrid model that has 20mpg city/25mpg hwy. For me that is not still compelling. If I am going to pay 30% more for a hybrid, it must give me 30mpg city/40mg hwy performance. When these hybrids break or get into problems, you would have saved more buying a non-hybrid.
Go out there, get pre-approved by a bank, and enjoy shopping. It is the buyers turn now to push those aggressive salesman around. If you are not pre-approved, you will get whacked by their "creative financing". Bottom line is say NO to any additional offers from the dealer.
$23K for a VP is "NOT A GOOD DEAL". A VP in Northern California is selling for $20,500 now. I got an offer 3 weeks ago for $21,500. I end up buying an SE 2WD for $24,600
The 2009 Pilot specs are not that impressive and compelling for anyone to buy. If gas stays at $4 per gallon, it will end up like the 2008 model also with incentives all over the ying-yang to get it out of the dealer's lot.
I'm in the middle of working a deal on an EX-L or SE. Best deal in Denver area seems to be an SE at $26930 with no added fees, just tax & title. I have forwarded three dealers the CNN story, see it at:
They all strongly deny the increase of incentive to $7000 and wouldn't reduce the car pricing becasue of it. Wondering if this higher incentive will become effective after the holiday weekend.
I got an Internet quote of $26,400 from Gaston on an EX-L, 2wd. Thinking that I might want a 2009, we decided to wait. However, if I could get it one for $25,800 (invoice is approximately $800 more the EX, 4wd) plus get the 3-year 0.9% financing, I would probably go for that. Thanks for the reply!
Honda has begun offering $7,000 cash back on 2008 models of its largest SUV, the Pilot. That is the most money it has ever offered buyers on a vehicle, said Michelle Krebs, senior industry editor for Edmunds.com.
Honda has never offered customer cash back, never have and probably never will. They may do dealer incentives but no "rebates" to the customer. So that part is wrong for sure.
I think they are talking about the difference between what you can get a Pilot for and MSRP, not $7,000 under invoice. If you look at the difference between invoice and MSRP on an EX-L w/NAV 4wd is is nearly $3,500 and then add in the $3,500 incentive and you get nearly $7k off of MSRP. Since most dealers will also deal into the hold back a little to move a Pilot, $7k off of MSRP on some models is possible.
They also quote someone from Edmunds, yet Edmunds incentives on the Pilot show $2,500 or $3,500 for all but the VP no matter which ZIP code I use.
Anything is possible, but I would say it is very likely the CNN story is just plain wrong.
Very, very true...news outlets take "snippets" and run with them. And now there are dealers fielding calls and DEMANDS everywhere "but CNN said...".
The start of the story likely was just hearing that deals were being made on Pilots, in general, for $7k under sticker (not just in dealer cash, but in general) around-about. That is very much in general to what people have seen here.
MISLEADING AND TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!! We had a great deal for a new 2008 Pilot at a dealer but preferred another color. We found online that Spirit Honda in El Monte had that car in their inventory. We called and spoke with a sales manager to confirm the car was there and that they could match the offer we had, before driving 40min while 8 months pregnant and with a 2 yr old.
We were told we had a deal... drove all the way there only to find out that the car they had was a beat up demo without the original Honda Pilot grille AND with 5400 miles on it!! - only to get the following (and outrageous) response from the sales manager we spoke with: "legally the DMV considers it new."
After repeating our story to three other managers, wasting a whole afternoon - they still had not found an adequate solution. While the General Sales manager tried to make up for his staff's incompetence, it made no sense to buy it there. We left and ended up buying a fully loaded 2008 Honda Pilot FWD w/ NAV plus other options for $28,500 + ttl at Honda Pasadena where the service was impeccable, no lies and a sincere willingness to work with you. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME at Spirit Honda.
I am with you. I almost made the deal in first 3 attempts to the dealers. 2 of that trips were Boch Honda, which took me 2 x 2 hrs round trips. It was the trade-in problem which they insisted can't give me a ballpark price until I drove the car down to let them see. Of course they gave me a 'trash' trade-in price (trying to make money as I took the new car on their newspaper special), $4,000 lower than what I actually traded-in in another Honda dealership. While the trade-in isn't working, of course I walked instead of taking their bait of other sales gimmicks.
Also look out for the gimmick of destination charge... when they advertise the car in How Much Off MSRP (MSRP includes destination charge, the last amount before the MSRP totals). The floor manager added the destination charge on his quote again. If one agreed then one is paying twice the destination. Once in the MSRP, one more time in "How Much Off MSRP". When I protested, he knows what's he's doing, so he took it off easily.
First, I would like to thank everyone for the information shared on this board. It really helped me work a deal on a 2008 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD. Here is what I got:
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD Dark Cherry Pearl with Saddle Interior No Nav or RES No Options
Here is the deal I worked:
Vehicle price WITH Destination: $26,417.04 ($25,782.04 Vehicle Price and $635.00 Dest. Fee) Virginia Tax: $818.93 Tags & License: $59.50 Doc/Processing Fee: $398.00 Total OTD: $27,693.47
I worked on this for about a week before I landed this price. I actually bought the car in Cary, NC for those interested.
Auto Park Honda of Cary, NC was a dream to deal with. Fantastic Salesman, no pressure Finance Manager, it couldn't have been any better. I would HIGHLY recommend them!
I have been in conversations with Rancho Santa Margarita Honda in California and my only complain is that the dealers always give you lip service but never commit to an specific price. They just want to bring you at the door to work you out. The deal I was offered was, I am quoting: For a Honda Pilot EX-L 2WD (No nav nor video system) Just to earn your business, I will give you OTD$29,835.51 > Breakdown: > $27,400.00 Car price > $ 2,127.76 Tax > $ 252.75 License > $29,9835.51 TOTAL > > Financing on approved credit is 2.9% for 60 months. > > When are you available to come see me and print this email and ask > specifically for me. > Looking forward in doing business with you. > Best regards. > > SALLY B.
As you can see the deals in California are not even close to those deals back east. I do not think the dealers believe the economy is affecting HONDA but I have my reservations and they will have to deal with better pricing if they want to move the 2008 Pilots.
I also have to give sincere thanks to the board as we finally brought home our Pilot this weekend.
I am happy to report that I had the best car-buying experience of my life at Hinshaw's Honda in Auburn, Washington, just outside of Seattle. I worked with Jessie Napenias, the internet manager, as well as Rochelle, their business manager, and it all worked out very well.
The deal: 2008 Pilot EX-L, black w/saddle interior rear mudguards pre-installed Final OTD price (including destination and doc fees): $26,596.40
I will have to title/register here in Montana but we don't have state sales tax. I paid the $96.40 for the mudguards, which was admittedly high, even for being installed, but I was happy enough with the rest of deal to accept that. They also wanted to sell pre-installed wheel locks for a premium but I requested that they be removed and they happily obliged. We also bought the all-season mats and the rear cargo tray at a discount.
Jessie was absolutely fantastic to work with, as was Rochelle. Very professional, friendly, helpful. I cannot recommend them enough... No gimmicks, pressure, etc. We've talked with probably over 20 dealers/salespeople over the last few months in trying to purchase this car, and these guys stood out head and shoulders over the rest.
On that note... I am still waiting on Castle Honda in Niles, IL to return our deposit that we put down to hold a Pilot until we found our travel plans had changed and we had to cancel the deal... and that's been over two weeks now.
Sorry Rich... had to go for the black. I see what you mean about it getting dirty, but my wife loves it, and that is worth everything.
I would use the Honda dealer locator to find a dealer more willing to deal and one that will commit to a price without you having to set foot on the lot. You may have to do a little driving to get a better deal, but it is likely to be worth it.
The trend of internet pricing is getting more & more popular. I think, one day car dealerships will be more like a new, used car holding lot + repair & parts shop. Sooner or later Honda will the one to do all online pricing, financing and the contract is all printed out by the time you arrive the Honda local shops. Then it won't make any difference which dealership you go to visit. Honda.com now has Current offers basically on all models, nationally and/or regionally.
Thanks to all on this forum who assisted on my purchase today...and I agree with Dennis totally on the online purchasing...did my purchase via internet using Honda.com to locate the Nimbus Gray EX-L 4WD at Tameron Honda in Daphne, Alabama and simple e-mails/phone follow-up with internet manager.
Simple purchase, nice dealership, knowledgable internet manager, no surprises. Vehicle price was $28,314...took the Honda 2.9% financing...doc fee was high, $499, but they threw in the prep package (wheel locks, mats, mud guards, pinstrip, treatment, moon roof visor) for $299. Also transferred over tow package from '05 pilot for $600.
All told, OTD was $30,414 (vehicle, tax, title, doc, equipment).
By the way...they already had 12 '09's on the lot with many more coming. Sales staff would prefer many more Civics (only 5 on lot) and CR-V's...
Just bought one for MSRP in Virginia. They felt sorry for me as I was trying to dump my very nice 2007 LTZ Suburban before it was worth zilch. Financed through honda up side down with money down. Great to work with.
Looking to see if anyone in this area has any information to share. I have seen an 09 Touring with RES 4 wheel drive at $6000 over MSRP Tampa Honda Land! :surprise:
So, about $45,000 plus TTL for a HONDA!! That's crazy, those prices are out of whack, but there may be a sucker who comes along. Why buy at that price when you can buy an Acura MDX or RDX at comparable prices, other than it's a brand new (model) car?! Those prices won't and can't hold in today's economy with economic problems and $4 gas. My purchase of an '08 EX-L Navi AWD last month at just below $30,900 OTD is looking better and better IMHO.
WOW! Good luck. Sounds like someone is milking that one. There are no options that my vehicle does not have and I paid $40,900. Touring RES 4 wheel drive
I've been researching used '07 Pilots EXL (low mileage) as well as New '08 VP. I'm looking for only a 4WD model and I feel the market is such on an SUV that the incentives will continue to improve, even on the reliable Hondas. So far, in the few forays via the internet with Dealerships I've come to the conclusion that an INFORMED BUYER is the last thing that most Dealerships/Salesmen want to hear from and the more data you've gathered the less likely they are prepared to CUT A REAL DEAL. I'm being very aggressive & selfish about the transaction, taking my time, not caring about color but looking for the right Dealership (inventory level) to pounce. Am I being unrealistic as the best offer I've received on an '08 VP(4x4) is around $23K and I feel it should be at least $2K lower. Any comments/advice would be appreciated. Also, how do you feel sales of Pilots have been over the Memorial Holiday (the incentives expire around the 2nd of June) as I feel they've remained lackluster at most Dealerships throughout the country and more incentives are needed to deplete remaining '08 stock as the '09 Pilots are already arriving as we speak!
camatt1 - you took the words right out of my mouth. I'm stunned that the bigger land-yachts (Suburban, Expedition, Yukon, etc) haven't dropped substantially yet. The Pilot is likely to drop later than they do -- but it's got to be coming.
Can someone confirm that VP target price -- before dealer cheese -- should be $21k? What's the lowest someone has paid for a VP?
I am new to this forum and am impressed by the amount of information here. Great and i believe my Honda buying experience would be great with info here. I am looking to buy a 2009 Honda Pilot touring with RES. Live in Tallahasee, FL. I got an offer of 39640$ + tax and title. Did anyone get a better quote/deal? Is there a chance of any better deals in the next month or 2? i can wait!
I was at a Honda dealer today picking up a new car and asked my salesperson if they were running on pool on how long it would take Honda to offer incentives on the 09 Pilot. The salesperson laughed and said they had been talking about that very thing this week. I suggested a pick of an early date or the "under" number depending on how the pool works .
Big ups to all the posters who helped me get the deal I wanted especially lillypad2000.
Silver w/Grey Leather EX-L 4WD for $28,500.01 with 2.9% financing for 60 months from American Honda Finance. Purchased from Sport Honda in Silver Spring, MD.
Worked with their Internet Sales Consultant (can't post her name here but she is great and shares a first name with Tina Turner) a rare straight shooter in a crooked trade.
Negotiated the whole deal by email, other dealers told me the deal was impossible and that Sport Honda would only sell me a 2WD at that price or suddenly pull $1000 in incentives. Went into the Sport Honda dealership this evening and the whole deal went down without a hitch.
Unless you want to be the first on the block to have an 09 Pilot (and get hosed for the privilege). I would wait at least two months to pull the trigger. The 08's are where the bargains are at.
The funny part is, the neighbors will not know the difference between the 08 and the 09. Your wallet will take notice though...
That's funny, my wife said the same thing. It looks like a Jeep mid-sized SUV. I bet you could get a loaded Jeep for around 22-23K, and 2.99 gas for three years, and O financing for 60 months.... :lemon:
I would be pissed if my neighbor wanted to come over and look at my new Jeep that was really a 40K Touring model 09 Pilot.
Funny that the comparison arose, I have been thinking about a Pathfinder. I really wanted a Honda but didn't like the shape of the 08 (either from the outside or the impact it has on overall interior space). Now that they've basically mirrored the Pathfinder's profile, I'll be buying an 09 as soon as prices fall.
I just closed the deal on the '09 Pilot 4WD Touring with RES for $38,400 + taxes and fees (doc. and plates)- comes out to ~$41,300. MSRP was $40,630. If "waseem_marie" is correct about the 37,600 invoice price, the dealers (in CT) are willing to seel them for ~ 800 over invoice. I saved > $2200 off MSRP. I couldn't justify spending list on a Honda or any car for that matter. I think the dealers realize if they don't come down from list price quick they will lose customers to Toyota -- the Highlander has all the same bells and whistles (can easily get one for $38,000 loaded). That was my next stop if the price wasn't right for the Pilot!!
An 08 EX-L 4WD w/Nav would have been about $29,400 or less, and EX-L w/RES would have been about $28,800 or less. Probably $500 or so less depending on the dealer.
I am not sure paying $38,400 for the new 09 qualifies as much of a "deal" no matter that it was $800 over invoice. If you gotta have the 09, I would wait a few months (maybe weeks?) until Honda puts some dealer money on them.
The buyers, like "1st to own this all new Pilot", need to pay penalty, that is so and so add-on top of MSRP, leave alone invoice or below invoice w/incentive ...
Some are rich and money isn't a problem, plus the impluse.
I also ended up buying my '08 EX-L 2WD with navi 3 weeks ago from Honda of Pasadena for 27700 with an installed bluetooth. internet sales manager was excellent. no pressure. Very professional dealership.
Why the differing doc fee's. Does that depend on location/competition. I did not pay any. Just taxes and DMV fee. 30200 OTD
Went back to service my accord and was chatting with my salesman. He told me the '09 were not selling yet (only 1 sold in the last week). He said people buy the '08 after they see the cars lined up side to side. Looks like they had about 5 '08's on their lot with a lot of markups.
looking to lease the car this weekend in nyc. i did not tell dealer i want to lease. i was quote msrp of 34080 and price of $26992. what can i expect a monthly lease payment to be? i want to put 0 down. not even taxes. can you please give me an idea of the monthly # and how you got. THANK YOU!
I have called around looking for an 2009 Pilot EX-L with RES and have received quotes at 35,380 before TTL. Will not buy at MSRP so will wait a couple months until prices come off.
On the post that you would upset about your neighbor mistaking your 09 Pilot for a Jeep... I would not too upset ... Jeep = pile of crap no matter what the price... probably cost you $10 grand in maintenance over 5-7 years
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I'm currently in touch with 2 local dealers about an 09 pilot. I want a sterling grey EX-L RES with black interior. One dealership has told me they will have it mid-June and can deal on price..the other dealership is on the other side of town from where I live, but wants my business, so I bluffed a little and told them that I was being offered it for 1500 over invoice, but that I would give them a chance to earn my business if they would give it to me for 1000 over invoice, plus a greater allowance on my trade in (99 toytota 4 runner sr5). I'm currently awaiting their reply, but they claim that they can do a 'dealer locate' and have it on their lot within a week or so.
Assuming from what I've read in here that the invoice pricing is running about 3k less than msrp (but also not subtracting the 3% honda holdback in order to give the dealer some incentive to sell), I'm looking to pay about 34,200 before taxes, fees and trade.
There is very little comparison between the '08 EX-L with Nav OR w/RES and the 2009 Pilot Touring. All the ammenities that the '09 comes with put you in the class with the MDX. Power Seats/Bluetooth/MP3/Power lift gate/Nav/RES/ extra 2" of knee space in the 3rd row, countless others, not to mention better gas mileage - even if it is only a mile or two overall. These cars will take a long time to get at or below invoice. Their aren't too many options for 3 row vehicles that can beat that. maybe the prices will come down soon, maybe it will take a year, either way, I stand by my decision.
There is no question that the new Touring '09 has more features than the highest end '08, that being the Nav. I knew that going in when I purchased my '08. Personally, I don't think all the new features merit the '09 being 10 K more expensive, which is just about the price difference currently.
They also threw in rear mud guards, wheels locks and an oil change.
I did get an offer from another dealer for 26,100. But when I called them, they said that the price was really 26,500. They claim that they bought the car from Texas and it cost them 400 to have it shipped to Chicago. That same dealer offered me 1500 off msrp of an 2009.
Jusr curious, will the price be reduced in summer for 2008. I got a quote for about 27,000 for Ex-L. I noticed the rebate will be expired in two days. Will there be other rebates later?
Talked to our local dealer today (Northeast PA) about the 09 EX-L. Added mudguards and all weather mats at no cost, plus cargo tray and cargo cover. Price they gave which included tax, title and tags (I won't be trading in) was $36,225 (sales tax in PA is 6%)
I got a quote in SF bay area for 24,500 plus tax and title for 2008 EX-L 2WD Pilot. They only have silver available, though.
Sounds like you got a great deal at 26,251 (assuming that's after tax and title), esp with the extras thrown in.
I'm debating hard between a CRV and a 2008 Pilot and I think I'm going with a CRV, but I thought I'd add my data to the mix. We purchased another car from this particular internet salesman recently, so we have reason to believe his quote.
Comments
Sadly, I ended up buying at Planet Scamda, suited up for the 5-6 battle even after internet negotiations and ended up getting an EX 4WD (wanted an EX-L but the ones they had they loaded up with aftermarket equipment) for $24k plus they got me for a few hundred on random fees. They also refused three forms of payment from me in order to push Honda financing that I did not want or need. I've already paid off most of it and will pay off the rest in a week or so - all before receiving my first statement.
Man...thing drives much smoother than I anticipated.
Go out there, get pre-approved by a bank, and enjoy shopping. It is the buyers turn now to push those aggressive salesman around. If you are not pre-approved, you will get whacked by their "creative financing". Bottom line is say NO to any additional offers from the dealer.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/23/news/companies/SUV_tippingpoint/index.htm?postve- rsion=2008052314
They all strongly deny the increase of incentive to $7000 and wouldn't reduce the car pricing becasue of it. Wondering if this higher incentive will become effective after the holiday weekend.
Honda has begun offering $7,000 cash back on 2008 models of its largest SUV, the Pilot. That is the most money it has ever offered buyers on a vehicle, said Michelle Krebs, senior industry editor for Edmunds.com.
Honda has never offered customer cash back, never have and probably never will. They may do dealer incentives but no "rebates" to the customer. So that part is wrong for sure.
I think they are talking about the difference between what you can get a Pilot for and MSRP, not $7,000 under invoice. If you look at the difference between invoice and MSRP on an EX-L w/NAV 4wd is is nearly $3,500 and then add in the $3,500 incentive and you get nearly $7k off of MSRP. Since most dealers will also deal into the hold back a little to move a Pilot, $7k off of MSRP on some models is possible.
They also quote someone from Edmunds, yet Edmunds incentives on the Pilot show $2,500 or $3,500 for all but the VP no matter which ZIP code I use.
Anything is possible, but I would say it is very likely the CNN story is just plain wrong.
Dennis
The start of the story likely was just hearing that deals were being made on Pilots, in general, for $7k under sticker (not just in dealer cash, but in general) around-about. That is very much in general to what people have seen here.
Oh, for the stupid news... :surprise:
We were told we had a deal... drove all the way there only to find out that the car they had was a beat up demo without the original Honda Pilot grille AND with 5400 miles on it!! - only to get the following (and outrageous) response from the sales manager we spoke with: "legally the DMV considers it new."
After repeating our story to three other managers, wasting a whole afternoon - they still had not found an adequate solution. While the General Sales manager tried to make up for his staff's incompetence, it made no sense to buy it there. We left and ended up buying a fully loaded 2008 Honda Pilot FWD w/ NAV plus other options for $28,500 + ttl at Honda Pasadena where the service was impeccable, no lies and a sincere willingness to work with you. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME at Spirit Honda.
I am with you. I almost made the deal in first 3 attempts to the dealers. 2 of that trips were Boch Honda, which took me 2 x 2 hrs round trips. It was the trade-in problem which they insisted can't give me a ballpark price until I drove the car down to let them see. Of course they gave me a 'trash' trade-in price (trying to make money as I took the new car on their newspaper special), $4,000 lower than what I actually traded-in in another Honda dealership. While the trade-in isn't working, of course I walked instead of taking their bait of other sales gimmicks.
Also look out for the gimmick of destination charge... when they advertise the car in How Much Off MSRP (MSRP includes destination charge, the last amount before the MSRP totals). The floor manager added the destination charge on his quote again. If one agreed then one is paying twice the destination. Once in the MSRP, one more time in "How Much Off MSRP". When I protested, he knows what's he's doing, so he took it off easily.
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD
Dark Cherry Pearl with Saddle Interior
No Nav or RES
No Options
Here is the deal I worked:
Vehicle price WITH Destination: $26,417.04 ($25,782.04 Vehicle Price and $635.00 Dest. Fee)
Virginia Tax: $818.93
Tags & License: $59.50
Doc/Processing Fee: $398.00
Total OTD: $27,693.47
I worked on this for about a week before I landed this price. I actually bought the car in Cary, NC for those interested.
Auto Park Honda of Cary, NC was a dream to deal with. Fantastic Salesman, no pressure Finance Manager, it couldn't have been any better. I would HIGHLY recommend them!
For a Honda Pilot EX-L 2WD (No nav nor video system)
Just to earn your business, I will give you OTD$29,835.51
> Breakdown:
> $27,400.00 Car price
> $ 2,127.76 Tax
> $ 252.75 License
> $29,9835.51 TOTAL
>
> Financing on approved credit is 2.9% for 60 months.
>
> When are you available to come see me and print this email and ask
> specifically for me.
> Looking forward in doing business with you.
> Best regards.
>
> SALLY B.
As you can see the deals in California are not even close to those deals back east. I do not think the dealers believe the economy is affecting HONDA but I have my reservations and they will have to deal with better pricing if they want to move the 2008 Pilots.
I am happy to report that I had the best car-buying experience of my life at Hinshaw's Honda in Auburn, Washington, just outside of Seattle. I worked with Jessie Napenias, the internet manager, as well as Rochelle, their business manager, and it all worked out very well.
The deal:
2008 Pilot EX-L, black w/saddle interior
rear mudguards pre-installed
Final OTD price (including destination and doc fees): $26,596.40
I will have to title/register here in Montana but we don't have state sales tax. I paid the $96.40 for the mudguards, which was admittedly high, even for being installed, but I was happy enough with the rest of deal to accept that. They also wanted to sell pre-installed wheel locks for a premium but I requested that they be removed and they happily obliged. We also bought the all-season mats and the rear cargo tray at a discount.
Jessie was absolutely fantastic to work with, as was Rochelle. Very professional, friendly, helpful. I cannot recommend them enough... No gimmicks, pressure, etc. We've talked with probably over 20 dealers/salespeople over the last few months in trying to purchase this car, and these guys stood out head and shoulders over the rest.
On that note... I am still waiting on Castle Honda in Niles, IL to return our deposit that we put down to hold a Pilot until we found our travel plans had changed and we had to cancel the deal... and that's been over two weeks now.
Sorry Rich... had to go for the black. I see what you mean about it getting dirty, but my wife loves it, and that is worth everything.
Dennis
Did you make out a deal with her re who will be the lead singer to sing "car-wash"?
I think, one day car dealerships will be more like a new, used car holding lot + repair & parts shop.
Sooner or later Honda will the one to do all online pricing, financing and the contract is all printed out by the time you arrive the Honda local shops. Then it won't make any difference which dealership you go to visit.
Honda.com now has Current offers basically on all models, nationally and/or regionally.
Car salesmen will be history.
Thanks to all on this forum who assisted on my purchase today...and I agree with Dennis totally on the online purchasing...did my purchase via internet using Honda.com to locate the Nimbus Gray EX-L 4WD at Tameron Honda in Daphne, Alabama and simple e-mails/phone follow-up with internet manager.
Simple purchase, nice dealership, knowledgable internet manager, no surprises. Vehicle price was $28,314...took the Honda 2.9% financing...doc fee was high, $499, but they threw in the prep package (wheel locks, mats, mud guards, pinstrip, treatment, moon roof visor) for $299. Also transferred over tow package from '05 pilot for $600.
All told, OTD was $30,414 (vehicle, tax, title, doc, equipment).
By the way...they already had 12 '09's on the lot with many more coming. Sales staff would prefer many more Civics (only 5 on lot) and CR-V's...
John
Those prices won't and can't hold in today's economy with economic problems and $4 gas.
My purchase of an '08 EX-L Navi AWD last month at just below $30,900 OTD is looking better and better IMHO.
There are no options that my vehicle does not have and I paid $40,900. Touring RES 4 wheel drive
I'm looking for only a 4WD model and I feel the market is such on an SUV that
the incentives will continue to improve, even on the reliable Hondas. So far, in
the few forays via the internet with Dealerships I've come to the conclusion
that an INFORMED BUYER is the last thing that most Dealerships/Salesmen
want to hear from and the more data you've gathered the less likely they are
prepared to CUT A REAL DEAL. I'm being very aggressive & selfish about the
transaction, taking my time, not caring about color but looking for the right Dealership
(inventory level) to pounce. Am I being unrealistic as the best offer I've received
on an '08 VP(4x4) is around $23K and I feel it should be at least $2K lower. Any
comments/advice would be appreciated. Also, how do you feel sales of Pilots have been over the Memorial Holiday (the incentives expire around the 2nd of
June) as I feel they've remained lackluster at most Dealerships throughout the
country and more incentives are needed to deplete remaining '08 stock as the
'09 Pilots are already arriving as we speak!
Can someone confirm that VP target price -- before dealer cheese -- should be $21k? What's the lowest someone has paid for a VP?
I am new to this forum and am impressed by the amount of information here. Great and i believe my Honda buying experience would be great with info here. I am looking to buy a 2009 Honda Pilot touring with RES. Live in Tallahasee, FL. I got an offer of 39640$ + tax and title. Did anyone get a better quote/deal? Is there a chance of any better deals in the next month or 2? i can wait!
Dennis
Silver w/Grey Leather EX-L 4WD for $28,500.01 with 2.9% financing for 60 months from American Honda Finance. Purchased from Sport Honda in Silver Spring, MD.
Worked with their Internet Sales Consultant (can't post her name here but she is great and shares a first name with Tina Turner) a rare straight shooter in a crooked trade.
Negotiated the whole deal by email, other dealers told me the deal was impossible and that Sport Honda would only sell me a 2WD at that price or suddenly pull $1000 in incentives. Went into the Sport Honda dealership this evening and the whole deal went down without a hitch.
A happy man!
The funny part is, the neighbors will not know the difference between the 08 and the 09. Your wallet will take notice though...
RC
I would be pissed if my neighbor wanted to come over and look at my new Jeep that was really a 40K Touring model 09 Pilot.
$40,900 was that otd? What was the actual vehicle price? Is the invoice for your model $37,600? :shades:
I am not sure paying $38,400 for the new 09 qualifies as much of a "deal" no matter that it was $800 over invoice. If you gotta have the 09, I would wait a few months (maybe weeks?) until Honda puts some dealer money on them.
Dennis
Some are rich and money isn't a problem, plus the impluse.
I also ended up buying my '08 EX-L 2WD with navi 3 weeks ago from Honda of Pasadena for 27700 with an installed bluetooth. internet sales manager was excellent. no pressure. Very professional dealership.
Why the differing doc fee's. Does that depend on location/competition. I did not pay any. Just taxes and DMV fee. 30200 OTD
Went back to service my accord and was chatting with my salesman. He told me the '09 were not selling yet (only 1 sold in the last week). He said people buy the '08 after they see the cars lined up side to side. Looks like they had about 5 '08's on their lot with a lot of markups.
On the post that you would upset about your neighbor mistaking your 09 Pilot for a Jeep... I would not too upset ... Jeep = pile of crap no matter what the price... probably cost you $10 grand in maintenance over 5-7 years
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Assuming from what I've read in here that the invoice pricing is running about 3k less than msrp (but also not subtracting the 3% honda holdback in order to give the dealer some incentive to sell), I'm looking to pay about 34,200 before taxes, fees and trade.
Personally, I don't think all the new features merit the '09 being 10 K more expensive, which is just about the price difference currently.
I paid 26,251 plus tax Thats 6,329 under MSRP
They also threw in rear mud guards, wheels locks and an oil change.
I did get an offer from another dealer for 26,100. But when I called them, they said that the price was really 26,500. They claim that they bought the car from Texas and it cost them 400 to have it shipped to Chicago. That same dealer offered me 1500 off msrp of an 2009.
Anyone want to comment?
Sounds like you got a great deal at 26,251 (assuming that's after tax and title), esp with the extras thrown in.
I'm debating hard between a CRV and a 2008 Pilot and I think I'm going with a CRV, but I thought I'd add my data to the mix. We purchased another car from this particular internet salesman recently, so we have reason to believe his quote.