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Honda Element Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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Comments
Shack-Findlay and Desert Honda quotes were equally inflated!!
I obviously will not lease or buy a Honda Element in Las Vegas. My advice to prospective Honda Element leasing customers in the Las Vegas area--BE VERY CAREFUL, DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND BE ON GUARD!!
Abigail
-Paul
Honda West in Las Vegas wrote a quote for me on the '05 Element LX FWD at $124 BELOW INVOICE. The salesmen want to make their bonus now, and the holdback does not affect them. Their price to BUY that car, NOT LEASE IT, was $16,739 + doc.fees,registration, and I wanted the sidesteps-$550 installed.I refused to take their "Protection Package"-they doubled the cost on it from another dealership-to $189.(I called American Honda about these protection packages, and I was told to stay away from them, by Honda.) However, although I specifically said "lease", they only wanted to sell me the car. I can't figure out their reason yet, but I have one source to ask, and I will. I wonder if they don't want Elements back when a lease terminates, because of how people beat them up.
If you're looking to buy an '05 Element EX now, the invoice is about 20,100-tell them you'll pay invoice, nothing more, and add whatever extras you may want. I've never paid more than $100 over invoice-and that's my top number. Good Luck!
Abigail
The out-the-door price I finally paid was $21,528.94 for an '05 EX AWD, that includes a 6.6% tax.
That's $590 under invoice.
Well we ended up buying a EX automatic with side step and an keyless starter for 20k, the kicker is that it had 2,135 miles on it from being the demo. Were we ripped off and can we get another one?
Getting the absolute lowest price is great.... but, it isn't easy to do..
Be glad you bought a nice car.... and enjoy it..
regards,
kyfdx
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That has GOT to be the WORST marketplace in the U.S. for buying cars!
Dirty tricks, screamer ads, customers pitting one dealer against the other in a frenzy. Constant salespeople and management turnover.
I know I couldn't work in that arena! It's a ruined marketplace.
That has GOT to be the WORST marketplace in the U.S. for buying cars!
Dirty tricks, screamer ads, customers pitting one dealer against the other in a frenzy. Constant salespeople and management turnover.
I know I couldn't work in that arena! It's a ruined marketplace
*****
You got that right!! Out here it's best to do your homework and know what you want to buy before walking into a dealer. It's entertaining talking to the salespeople just to hear the near inhuman amount of B.S. they spew forth. They are really unbelievable, most lie like better than an ex convict.....maybe that's it, they are all crooks.
Since this discussion focuses on pricing & the purchasing experience, it'd be better to post your problem in our regular Honda Element discussion where other owners hang out. That's where you're most likely to get feedback.
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Right now I am gathering up e-mail addresses for the internet salespeople at all of the dealers and submitting requests. I think the lowest excluding tax & license is $21,750.
Any help would be much appreciated.
BUYING EXPERIENCES:
Holman Honda: I really wanted a Honda Element especially the new unicolor version. It is such a beautiful vehicle and so multifunctional. I went to a Honda dealer and in my opinion the salesman was kind/gentle but were not assertive. He however didnt seem to think I could afford it. Maybe because the dealer sells Bentleys etc. as well as Hondas. I look rather young. I am 33, BF with 2 graduate degrees and work in local government. It was a weird feeling. I guess salesman get so many people "just looking" ..they don't take you seriously. Also when I explained I had my own financing but I felt my buying power was limited due to the interest rate..he didn't even bother to ask me if I wanted to try to receive financing through Honda. He was like o.k. Price of Element non negotiable.
Test drove HONDA CIVIC at this dealer: Test drive inadequate but car NICE NICE. Price non nogotiable.
I called around. Looked at many models to fit my needs. I don't like sedans but was going to settle. I really liked hatchbacks. My favorite styling: Chevy Aveo and Toyota Yaris (not available yet).
CHEVY AVEO (automatic): Nice feel. Salesman new and didn't anything about them. Stated he just came over from selling Nissans. He made this statement two or three times so I believe he misses selling Nissans. I went around 8 in the evening. Showroom was empty. Nice ride. Good room. Rather quiet. They wanted $13555 (includes tax tag and title). I felt this was too much for a car without power locks etc. Also the only manual was in Clearwater. Finance manager said rather rudely: "Without a deal we are not bringing a car for a test drive". I understood but didn't like his tone.
The Aveo kinda makes me uncomfortable with the cheapy feeling doors too. The styling is gorgeous but the quality of the materials is not sufficient for a $13,000 investment. Too expensive for so little.
COROLLA: The Corolla speaks for itself but it didn't make my heart thump. So many in Florida. Salesman at Toyota of Hollywood very very responsive. At least he called me several times and seemed like he was remotely interested in selling a car. Never met the guy but he was extremely nice!
FORD FOCUS: The air conditioning in this vehicle is loud enough to wake the dead. The initial salesman were dreary and very dull and didn't know the product. Was told he only answers the phones doesn't know the product. Second salesman seasoned. The product manager was very aggressive but the salesman I was assigned to didnt seem like he could care one way or the other. $14500 plus tax. Um no, not for a base model Ford Focus ZX3. Ride quiet. New car smell toxic. Price to expensive for a car with no power locks and a loud air conditioning unit.
MINI BMW: Set up an appointment to buy the MINI but the dealer in Miami was kinda distant because he apparently was dealing with a problem customer in the store while we were talking on our cell phones. Refused to budge on price. MSRP only no negotiation with Base Model Mini. Did more research on Edmunds: car is too fragile for everyday commuting. Dealer in Fort Lauderdale laughed me out of the showroom. I did show up riding my scooter but still. Fort Lauderdale dealer told me they would sell me a 2002 for $17000 plus tax tag and title. Ummm no. The poor car looked abused. Salesman gave me a book and said "call me when you get more money".
CORAL SPRINGS HONDA DEALER: Refused to give out the door price stated "Why would I give you the out the door price and you go somewhere else". I didn't bother to argue.
KIA SPORTAGE on Sunrise(salesman rather cocky and didnt even offer me a test drive). Tried to sell me a Sorrento. I crossed the Sportage off the list. The first time I went to this dealer-the salesman was eating chicken and refused to stop eating to show me a vehicle. Unwisely, I went back and still received the "whatever lady" attitude.
RICK CASE HONDA ....Weston, Florida
SALESMAN: SUPERB!
He recognized I was serious and ready to commit and kept pace!
Please email me if you want the salesman names.
Customer service SUPERB!!!
2005 Burnt Orange (21 miles on the odomoter) LX 2WD 5-speed
18200 (THAT INCLUDES TAX TITLE AND FEES)!
NO HASSLE. I made the offer on the elevator as Bob and I were getting ready to seal the deal on a white 2 door Honda Civic LX. The test drive on the 2 door Honda Civic LX was AWESOME. I said "You know if you had a Honda Element at 18000 out the door, I would love it.". He said "really?". Went in showroom, came back 30 seconds later and said we have one and it is a manual wanna look".
This guy is good!
I also received:
5 year roadside assistance -FREE
10 year warranty-FREE
A cute little emergency bag
Additionally, the salesman noted my financing and offered to see if they could provide better financing. THEY DID!
VERY VERY VERY VERY NICE! Lots of fun, personality. Actually took the time and SHOWED ME THE CAR...EVERYTHING IN THE ELEMENT! TAUGHT ME HOW TO REMOVE THE SEATS. THIS IS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. I cannot gush enough about how excited this guy was about his product. Fast paced too. I love this because I am Type A.
PS: I did arrive at all the dealers driving my scooter so maybe this is why the attitudes were like whatever.
THANKS FOR READING!!! I hope this helps. Everyone's comments helped me make a decision. THANK YOU!
Previous ownerships:
1993 Hyundai Excel hatchback- second best buying experience. Dealership closed. Paid $6000 out the door!
Car awesome 125,000 when traded in. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!
Used 1998 Mazda Protoge: Blah!
Used 1998: Toyota Tacoma: Absolutely no room in this vehicle. What an uncomfortable ride. But functionality superb. Dangerous too!
Used 2000 Acura Integra: Too expensive to maintain.
1989: Toyota Tercel--NEVER PURCHASE VIA PRIVATE SALE!!!
1999 Kia Sephia: What a loud vehicle. It is too noisy! Gas mileage blah! Functional and cheap.
The only dealer added option was mudd guards. Opted for remote entry for $200 instal
Your help is much appreciated!!
NWdriver.
Can you recommend a good Honda dealership around Denver, Colorado? Salesperson? Why?
Also, does anyone have any opinions to which car is better and why? I am very interested in the Element, but I found myself reaching for the steering wheel when I adjusted the seat for my legs. Is it just me? Long legs not long enough arms? I really liked the vehicle and was disappointed about no telescoping steering wheel. Suggestions?
What are the differences/updates/improvements between the 2005 and 2006 Elements? Prices differences? What is the invoice price for an automatic Element EX AWD?
How much should I pay for the document fees? What is Colorado’s tax on these?
Can someone please explain “end-of-year holdback?”
Lastly, do you think that I could qualify for the Honda 2.9% APR financing rate with a FICO score of 670? If not, what rate would be likely?
Thanks.
longlegs
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I went to Dealerrater.com and that website sort of helped but no-one seems to be satisfied with ANY CA Honda dealership! Arrgghhh...as I said...I am NOT looking forward to this.
I'm planning on going in this Saturday to test drive and most likely buy (if I decide to buy), so I need to know any opinions as soon as possible as to whether this is a good deal or not (and/or if I should try to negociate further).
I was told this is an "end of the year" deal that they'll give me -- but, of course, they're going to say that.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated -- thanks so much!
-- bloomcounty
I bought my EX-P at the beginning of December. It is Automatic. I got a ton of quotes via e-mail and Honda Santa Ana in Santa Ana, CA definitely offered the best price.
Can someone please explain “end-of-year holdback?”
We're excited to get our orange one tomorrow.
Longlegs, I hope you found answers to most of your questions by now (most of that info is online either here or elsewhere in the form of buying guides), but as a 6'5" man I feel as comfortable behind the wheel of an Element as in a box truck - which is normally the only thing I can enjoy driving because I'm too big for all these 'normal' cars and even most SUVs! The 43" of headroom is a god-send.
Khanh
Thank you
I've read through the RIV website but there still seams to be some manufacturer-specific loose ends. So I'd like to know if any Canadian has bought a new Honda in the US and imported into Canada (even better if to Ontario)?
Will the warranty be honoured in Canada?
Did you have to pay any type of tax in the US?
How did you arrange for trip permits while transporting back to Canada?
Were the border staff in both countries already familiar with this sort of thing or were there hassles?
Any other hiccups?
I ask because the CDN dollar at the moment is trading at almost 0.87US which means for the Element I was considering buying here in Canada costs about 30,000C$ (excluding taxes) whereas the same model bought at a US dealership would be about 21,500US$ (24,712CS)
Thx,
Ian<a href="
Buying experience was okay. I spent alot of time emailing dealers to get a good deal. The INVOICE of my Element, including destination, is $20,440. I had a quote from Crown Honda in Charlotte, NC (which is over 2 1/2 hour drive from me) for $19,999 (destination included). Locally, Crown Honda in Durham (20 minutes away) quoted $20,140, AutoPark Honda of Cary (8 miles away) quoted $20,240 and Leith Honda (5 miles away) quoted $20,440. ALL of these dealers charge a $399 doc fee, which seems to be a standard thing for ALL dealers (honda, toyota, hyundai, saturn, etc) in the Raleigh/Durham area. I know, outrageous.
I ended up buying the car from Crown Honda in Durham for $20,140 I added a roof rack for $300 (they originally wanted $370). To buy the roof rack on the internet was going to cost me $232 (shipping included in that price) from H&A, so I figured $68 for installation from a trained Honda person was okay - I didnt really want to mess with installing myself. So the price with the roof rack was $20,440, plus tax, title and doc fee. I was also able to get them to knock $100 off the $399 doc fee. $299 is still incredibly high, but that was as far as they would go. I got Kelly Blue book "trade in value" for my trade, so I figured that was fair. They made a little money on the car, and will make more on reselling my 1998 Pathfinder, which had high miles but was in good shape.
It got a bit "rowdy" during the haggling on the trade in, but all the other parts of the deal were agreed upon before I drove over to finalize.
They tried to sell me the extended warranty, but I will be buying that from the Bernardi Honda, thanks for tips I learned from this site, and saving $300.
I was reading your entry and saw you had purchased a tow package. I was interested in an Element but the salesman told me the tow limit is 1500#. What do you tow, or intend to tow? I have a small pop-up camper that weighs in close to the 1500# and just wonder if it can handle it.