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I've noticed several times throughout the forums that people mention the end of the month to be the best time to buy a car. Why is this? Are there other times during the year that are particularly good for car buying?
In my area (Twin Cities), I've found in general that the best deals come in early spring (March-April), which coincides with our annual auto show (with some manufacturers offering bonus coupons of $500-1000), and at the end of the year. But it depends on what kind of car you are looking for. For a Fit, which has always been in high demand since its introduction in the U.S., it doesn't matter as much when you buy. It probably depends more on whether the dealer has any in stock, or maybe a deal will fall through and you'll be lucky enough to capitalize on that.
I added KARR Alarm Systems with my package and it did increase my price a little bit.
I have to say. This car is Peppy, with only 9 miles on it. I really love this car.
Good luck with all your searches.
Those fees don't look bad to me at all, especially since Massachusetts doesn't seem to limit doc fees. Georgia doesn't either, and all the dealerships I've spoken with are asking 500-600 in those kinds of fees. Be glad you have low sales tax too.
I saved a lot of money by buying a car from GA instead of my state of SC. That is about 7% which is over 1k.
I called around after viewing auto trader prices and got the best deal from Honda Carland in Roswell. The price they gave me on the phone was truly the total I paid the next day. No negotiating and no bull.
It was a great deal when I see the mark ups form some dealers.
He did say that with short supply, they could raise prices but I still think they gave me the better deal.
A local dealer told me they don't make much off of these Fits.
What is the average cost of dealer-added accessories that Fit buyers have found?
We test drove both and then got a trade in value for my car. Pricing was similar. They had a $1500 dealer markup on the Fit, but my trade in value covered that(Compared to a trade value I got at another dealership they where +$1500). We told them we wanted black and they had a Fit Sport MT in black out back and a Black Civic LX auto out back. The pressure was on...what can we do for you to buy today.
We negotiated our trade up a little and then asked to test drive the actual black ones. We did so and decided to buy the Fit. Walked in to the salesmans desk and he told us he had bad news. The Fit was sold! :mad: :mad:
I was PO'ed that they sold it while we where negotiating and they where try to sell it to us. They insisted they could get us another in a couple of days but I said no and left.
Then called every Honda dealership in MA and NH looking for a black MT fit sport. None. Everyone told us that was what everyone wanted. Most didn't even have any coming in. Those that did didn't have dates and suggested I put a deposit down if I wanted one.
Bernardi Honda in Natick, MA had a black sport but automatic transmission. As I've always driven an auto and have alot of stop and go driving on my commute I decided to go test drive it. I drove down the next day. The car was brand new 3.7 miles on it and it still had the protective covering everywhere. Filled it up with gas and drove it for about 20 minutes and decided I liked the auto better than the manual. I brought it back to the dealership at closing time so I knew it wasn't going anywhere until the next day. So I had time to think about it.
To make a long story short....to late...I decided to buy the Auto transmision sport at Bernardi in Natick. I called them the next morning and put my deposit on it. I paid MSRP and got the same value for my trade as was given at two other dealerships. They would not budge any higher, not even floor mats. Turns out though they did provide locking lug nuts and free inspections for life.
I think I'm giving up a little in the gas milage but can deal with that to not have to be dealing with a clutch in stop and go traffic all the time.
I really like the look of the black sport!
If you have a lot of stop and go driving, why in the world would you have considered a manual?
You will be SO much happier and when you go to sell it ot trade it in later, it'll be MUCH easier to sell than a stick!
Even my 2003 Accord manual sold in less than 24 hours. The guy traveled 250 miles to buy it as he had been looking for months. You wouldn't have to travel 5 miles or spend more than a few hours to find a ton of used, sitting on the lot, Accord autos. It is a smaller market for manuals, but demand exceeds supply thus resale value is not significantly different than with the autos in small to midsize cars.
I could have bought a Fit Auto with relative ease. The manual was impossible to find so I bought a Toyota. I will be back looking at Hondas if they supply the "in demand" manuals in the future for the Fit.
on the fit I love the paddle shifter,I use it mainly when I down shift. its all about preference (stick or auto).
Having said that I am so happy I got the auto. I can give up a few mpg for the convenience.
I'll agree that there is more demand for sticks in Fits than other Hondas but this demand isn't "far greater" than for automatics. Quite the contrary.
Of course, I'm in Seattle where we have LOTS of traffic and LOTS of hills to contend with.
There are always a few out there who want sticks but as used cars, they are very hard to sell compared to automatics.
I got the car from Capitol Honda of McMinnville, OR. The guys there are pretty straightforward. They gave me options but they won't do hard sell. During the test drive, they told me I could go anywhere I want. Total OTD price as quoted is 17,283 ($500 above MSRP)which included registration, plates, title and document preparation which cost $50--This doc fee is for them doing all the paperwork filing all the papers on my behalf.
Overall, my first car purchase was pretty much wonderful.
Couldn't get myself to put out $17200 plus for a Fit. For the same or a little more or less we are definitely into Scion TC (a 2 door sports hatch), Honda Accord or Civic lx/value models, Chevy Monte Carlo,Impala and god knows what else territory. Sexy, great gas Mileage with the Chevy's and 100k warranty. Consumer reports rate the Chevys good, they handle and ride well, are much bigger and are hardly commuter roller skates.
For $13,200+tax my neighbor bought a new Chevy 4 cyl Malibu sedan Ls. Airbags, pwr everything etc. 36 mpg highway from our trip into Kentucky. 4 cylinder no racecar but much more room and more pep than the Fit, Focus and Accent (both 12000 ish +tax?), Scion TA, Aveo etc. I like this Malibu better than the Accord or Civic Lx - value package models esp at $4000+ less.
You really want to be tooling around in this Malibu for commuting/comfort etc unless you really really need a hatchback (and who needs that? ) For those commuting 400+ miles/week this means you. If you just gotta spend $4000 more you have the other mid/full size for perhaps 10% less (Hwy)mpg. Your body will thank you.
Please look at the options out there before you play the MSRP +500 game. Especially for a (admittedly good quality and cute)commuter roller skate. I've had car fever before, so I understand it applies for whatever one locks onto, but at MSRP+ for this thing some of you are losing perspective.
Played this game in the 80's with a Honda Civic CRX (6000 list and 2000 "bump up") I worked a "deal" only 700 over list. May have made some sense back then but no longer with more nameplates, competition, many more models,a worldwide over capacity of manufacturing and quality available now.
Happy Hunting
--jjf
know it varies by area but I totally disagree with you.
I'll agree that there is more demand for sticks in Fits than other Hondas but this demand isn't "far greater" than for automatics. Quite the contrary.
Of course, I'm in Seattle where we have LOTS of traffic and LOTS of hills to contend with.
There are always a few out there who want sticks but as used cars, they are very hard to sell compared to automatics.
I did not like the pricing at:
Auburn, Roseville, Shingle Springs, and Vacaville
They were all over MSRP or required nearly $1000 in dealer options. (Buy the desired options your self from college honda for 1/2 what the dealer wants to add them.)
I did go through Costco and they recommended Carmichael and they quoted $100 under MSRP, but they were unable to find a car.
I used this price to get Elk Grove to drop $100 under MSRP when my car arrived. I picked it up last night and I love it.
Good luck...
These are much larger and more comfortable than the Fit.
This doesn't even mention the smaller Mazda3 ($16500),Ford Focus (12500?), Nissan Versa, Sentra, etc for 2000-5000 off MSRP.
Fit is a quality piece, just a reality check for those with car fever to check out the alternatives as the supply/demand situation is a bit on the dealers side for now. Why get pimp slapped for this little machine?
Happy Hunting
--jjf
Chevy 4 cyl Malibu sedan Ls...must be a joke post
I test drove a Mazda3, and I liked it, but wasn't too impressed overall. The Versa wasn't available the way I wanted it (plus I don't like its looks), and I'm not a big Ford fan.
I'm one of those people that loves small cars (the Altima, Impala, etc. are much bigger than I want), but I also need one that can haul large cargo from time to time. The Fit is the car that gave me that. The main reason I wanted it, and I think this is true for many people, is the versatility. I needed something with good mileage and reliability, but the Magic Seats were a major selling point for me. I can't even count how many times those seats have helped me, from hauling a dozen bags of mulch to bringing home a new queen size bed frame and mattress from IKEA. It's comfortable, tons of fun to drive, and useful. And just because many of those cars say they can get 35mpg on the highway, many fall short in real world situations. My overall mpg in my Auto Fit is at 34, with most of my recent tanks at 35-38mpg. Most of the other cars on your list can't deliver that.
The thing you're forgetting is that the Fit has a unique mix of features: high mpg, utilitarian, tiny footprint, large cargo space, Honda reliability and resale, six airbags. If you happen to want those particular features the Fit is the best $13-17 car available. But everyone's case is different. I could see buying an aero if I was poorer (not well made but only $9k new), or a versa if I wanted more power and comfort, for example..
Funny you mention that NThomas, because we did exactly the same thing! We bought an Ikea queen foam mattress (rolled up, vacuum) and a flat-packed queen bed frame (malm). I think we fit in four dining room chairs too. I felt really cheesy because the ads for the Fit show someone at Ikea in the same lunar-mist model I own. In fact, some Japanese folks laughed and pointed at my car while I was loading. If I remember correctly, I needed to use the "long mode" to fit the mattress in, how about you?
I think now the only mode I haven't used is Refresh mode, and I'm planning on trying that soon. Need to make a trip to the drive-in theater
Like I said I need the comfort and a sedan will do with more room and the folding seat. Since I commute 400mi/wk the Hwy figures are surprisingly competitive with the smallies and that works. I can't do it in the roller skates. For 13300 the malibu is hard to pass up.
I know what you're talking about though. The Hatchback puts the smallest car with the most capacity in your mitts. I had an escort and tercel hatch and dishwashers and washer/dryers were no problem (still in the box). My metro hatch Hauled a dishwasher and 25 ft ladder. (I still have it, bluebook $800) They are like mini pickups. And good if you do low miles or are young or young at heart.
JJF, you make a good point about all the competitors in the same price range to the Fit. But when I considered all those cars you mentioned when I was buying I ended up with the Fit. The American cars... quality enough said. Versa: too large, awful gas mileage. Scion TC: don't want a sport car. Civic and Accord: Closest competitors, but why pay for a fancier larger car if you don't need one, and with less cargo space?
The thing you're forgetting is that the Fit has a unique mix of features: high mpg, utilitarian, tiny footprint, large cargo space, Honda reliability and resale, six airbags. If you happen to want those particular features the Fit is the best $13-17 car available. But everyone's case is different. I could see buying an aero if I was poorer (not well made but only $9k new), or a versa if I wanted more power and comfort, for example..
BTW...where are you getting $13K from, or is this just the deal you got on your Malibu? If so, did you finance or trade anything?
We got the Malibu actually from an Ad. Deals can be had. One can get the Cobalts,Malibu's,Impalas,Monte Carlo, Accords and Altimas for about $4-5000+ off msrp. Just mentioning there is a lot more car available for the money out there and choices unless you're set on a hatchback.
I've had so many cars from Chevy, Honda, Toyota, Ford. Friends too. They all break down. There's numerous people on the different Honda vehicle forums with mech problems, an Oddessy thats dropped 3 trannys etc. The disussions have numerous Honda buyers who buy extended warranties for "peace of mind" like everyone else.
A large honda dealership will have 10-20 service bays just like a toyota, chevy or ford dealership. About half the dealerships profits will come from them and the economics are about the same. The $200,000+ worth of special equipment you see at them all isn't for just for show at the Honda store.
Happy Drivin
--jjf
The Malibu??? I don't see any advantage to saving a few thousand dollars for a car with less cargo space, poorer MPG, and the "quality" of a Chevy. Let us know in 5 years how much $$ you put in repairs and how many times you had to go to the shop with it.
BTW...where are you getting $13K from, or is this just the deal you got on your Malibu? If so, did you finance or trade anything?
No more about Malibus, please!!
Thanks!
kyfdx
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However, he hasn't heard when they're getting any more in stock. Considering this is my first new car (heck, my first car EVER), I'm a little disappointed/frustrated. Is there anything I can do?
be ready and jump at the one that you want. you might check in arizona or utah. gods speed.
It also included
Bumper protection ($45 value)
Cargo Tray ($70 value)
Wheel Lock ($45 value)
This was a good deal to me. Price was done via email. Went in and they were transferring the car from Cerritos (40 min away) but it took 2 hours due to traffic. The wait was horrendous and I kept questioning whether there actually was a car coming. Norm Reeves is honest and upfront. Good experience but going over paperwork took forever. Paid in full. Can't stand wasting money on financing.
Option Suggestions:
- Get the Fit rugs at www.BernardiParts.com ($70)
- Get tint job (I have 15% rear, 35% front - $140) If you're local here in so-cal go to California Tint in Rosemead (check out Yelp.com)
However, I was unprepared for the financing portion of the negotiation, and they got me good there! :sick: They sold me some kind of service protection plan and played a numbers game with me so that I had no idea what I was paying for at the end. That came out to $2000 extra, but it can be canceled within 60 days, thank goodness. I do plan to take advantage of THAT fine print!
BUT there also ended up being a hidden extra swept into my OTD at the point of financing for "phantom footprints." I don't know if the factory or the dealership stamped these little VIN numbers all over the car or what, but they're permanent and so nonrefundable. I didn't even notice the addition until I got home and looked more carefully at the paperwork. Therefore, my OTD actually came out to ~$17400.
Now I'm an angry customer. I'm not as pissed by the price as I am by being pushed around by Finance Man and then finding ninja-style pricing only after the fact. :mad:
I also went to finance on the last day of the month, so Accessories Woman and Finance Man were really putting on the pressure to get their commission. End of the month might be better for negotiations, but the pressure on you to buy is also much higher.
DON'T let them tire you out during negotiations so that you get careless! Read the fine print! Double check the numbers! Bring all your homework with you! Don't leave it at home ANY time you go to the dealership! Be a smart buyer, and do your homework completely! Good luck to you, and thanks to everyone for their advice and input on this forum!!
Paid $15,713 Fit Sport Automatic
included Pro pack of cargo tray, wheel locks, bumper protection
And got them to add cargo cover and carpet floor mats.
Out the door was $17898
Thank you to everyone posting help and prices. It made this so much less painful than regular face to face negotiating, and it was nice to know the price was as good as I could get for a popular car.
You have the same car I have, the Silver Sport MT. It's such a pretty color. Every time I walk toward it I just smile, still, after almost four months of ownership. I park it outside my apartment where I can see it from my window and I look at it all the time, no kidding. I hope you love your Fit just as much, and try to put the bad experience at the dealer behind you.
I had to go with dealer financing because of a not so good credit situation, but I am going to refinance as soon as I can, and then the dealer will get nothing from me (they get a kickback, you know). Ugh!
Glad you got your Fit.
can you tell us what the breakdown of your OTD price is?
I do love the car though, you're right! I had really wanted a vivid blue, but silver seems to be the most common color. I have no regrets, however. I still can't figure out all the seat configurations, but I guess that'll come with time!
I was told that Honda is now requiring all Fits to come with this anti-theft device because upon first release, there was such a high rate of theft on the car, at a cost to Honda (??). The Footprints were already installed on my car before it was delivered to the dealership. Neither my salesman nor his manager knew about it, but it popped up through the computer when we were going over the financing. The finance guy briefly explained that it was an anti-theft device, but didn't say anything about the added cost.
I don't understand, if Honda is requiring this on Fits, why the price of the device isn't rolled into the total cost of the vehicle. Maybe it's a new thing. Has anyone else heard of this?
Because, I really doubt that it is true. More likely, it is the dealer trying to justify an extra charge.
regards,
kyfdx
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It's frustrating and disappointing to have to deal with these types of tactics. I was prepared entering negotiation from all I'd read here, but I had no idea they would pull these kinds of tricks AFTER we'd settled on a price!
Lesson learned: never let down your guard! :mad:
The price that I got is $15,550 + tax and fees. The OTD price is $16,9xx (sorry I didn't bring my contract with me at work). Nothing else was added except the wheel locks and the bumper protection strip. I have to get my own floor mats and cargo tray somewhere else (which I just placed the order online via Bernardi).
I'm from San Diego and it's 90+ mile drive (each way) for me. It worths it because the Honda dealer that I was going through with in San Diego (Honda Mission Valley) didn't have the car (Manual Transmission) until 'sometime' in mid-July. Also, Penske didn't force me to buy anything else - though they wanted me to get Honda Care and Lo-Jack.
Speaking of Honda Care, I came across the Bernardi Warranty website which sells Honda Care online. The rates are VERY reasonable compared with what Penske quoted. According to my research Bernardi (which also sold me the floor mats) is a reputable company. Any experience?
I was told that Honda is now requiring all Fits to come with this anti-theft device because upon first release, there was such a high rate of theft on the car, at a cost to Honda (??). The Footprints were already installed on my car before it was delivered to the dealership. Neither my salesman nor his manager knew about it, but it popped up through the computer when we were going over the financing. The finance guy briefly explained that it was an anti-theft device, but didn't say anything about the added cost.
This sounds an awful lot like glass etching that the insurance companies like because removing glass on a stolen car is a pain in the Butt!
Honda has nothing to do with your car if it is stolen or smashed up or anything unless it was a defect in their car. So the dealer is lying to you. Check with your insurance company and I'm sure they will tell you all about it and maybe you can get a discount on your theft coverage. Might be worth it! I had something similar to one of my cars and it saved me a bit on my mandatory insurance.