I wanted to review my purchase experience in the SF bay area. Basically I used the internet pricing and went to all the dealers in northern california from stockon, sacramento, san jose to santa rosa. I emailed and talked to all the people but asked everyone to send me a quote via email. I found the best deals at Niello, Santa Rosa and Auto Nation online. The worst ones was stockton with online pricing. I had the worst experience with concord who said they would beat any price, of course they didn't even come close and were really irritating.
Hopkins/Fairfield, Elk Grove were decent and willing to match prices to an extent and didn't play too many games (for a car dealership). In the end I could have bought from Santa Rosa, Auto Nation (they had the acura care, or a version of it, as a comp), Niello or Hopkins.
I really focused on the OTD price as opposed to the selling price as there were some differences in how they calculated other fees, particularly autonation. I asked for quotes and told others what I got. Sometimes, dealers would ask me to send them a copy of a quote if I wanted a quote. I found that the dealers that did this to be shady but it was a learning experience. For example, I now count over 20 emails between myself and concord acura and only a phone quote of 54k which would be $3500 more than what I paid assuming no hidden charges.
Lessons learned. Talk to the person on the phone because otherwise they don't think you are serious. However, get the quote in the email and do most of the correspondence in writing. Don't go to concord acura.
In addition to the sales tax, this dealer is charging me 0.0047% Verhicle Inventory tax. I guess this depends on State/County, right?
Maybe, but take a look at this blurb from cars.com: "As far as we can tell, nothing in Texas law says this tax has to be passed on to the consumer, but there may be nothing to stop dealers from trying." And see this from Consumerist.
Are you in Texas or is this junk fee spreading?
Some dealers will do a dealer swap to get you the color you want, so if you get cold feet, you can always ask for your security deposit back (it also helps to put in writing that deposits are "refundable"). Dealers love deposits because most people quit shopping prices and cars at that point.
Without the wheel locks, invoice (with destination) is $47,906.
MSRP is $51,735
The "average" (True Market Value) price paid for a Dallas zip code is $48,826.
So, you're doing well above average. It reminds me of the CR-V - dealers who have been blowing them out below invoice (sometimes $1,500 below) for months now.
Invoice isn't a "real" number anymore. It's nice to know, but there's a bunch of other bonus and incentive money that the manufacturers are giving to dealers that makes invoice a bit less meaningful a number than in the past.
@pan1234 I just finalized the details on the same vehicle, for just about exactly the same price. I think it's a very good deal. I'm in NC, and purchased from a Northern VA dealer. They are driving the car down to me this weekend.
Congrats @cbarry1 - N. VA is one of the regions where CR-V deals seem to be especially good too. My sister is in Strasburg and several times I've thought about buying something in her area and road-tripping home. Thanks!
Thanks Steve. Yes, I am in Texas. Let me take a look at the info on cars.com and talk to the dealer regarding the VIT.
Almost every dealer in Texas passes along the VIT to the customer.. Is it a tax on the customer? NO. But, it's usually under $100, and really not worth haggling over.
It's easier to adjust your offer lower by the same amount, than to focus on it in negotiations and take your eye off the ball (what you are actually paying, in total).
@cbarry1 ... Congrats on your new purchase. Thanks for your response.
@stever and @kyfdx ... After accounting for 6.25% sales tax, I still notice a difference of around 225 dollars in the tax that was mentioned in the worksheet. Say if a portion of this is VIT (is there a definite percentage they can charge for VIT, found online that it can be around 0.002% of sale price), I am not sure what are the other taxes they are charging. I was in the assumption that once you negotiate the sale price, everything else is standard taxes (in a particular state/county from dealer to dealer). Maybe bad assumption.
Also, in the Title section, the fees that was mentioned was around 335 dollars. This is in addition to the $130 they are charging for document fees. Need to get the breakdown on what these charges are all about.
Or you can just figure out what a good number is and ask the dealer for an Out the Door price. That way you can just ignore the line items and negotiate one number.
@jb1982, you have four hours to edit your posts - just click on the gear icon.
As to your question, both Costco and those credit unions who have "buying programs" can save you a lot of hassle. But the general consensus, at least with Costco, is that you can usually beat their price. But you have to do the usual haggle and that can be a real pain.
Another no-haggle number to check out is our Price Promise. The link is up at the top of the page.
Probably - a lot depends on the dealer. Some dealers don't like to haggle either (believe it or not!).
The target to beat is True Market Value. Since that's an average price, most educated buyers can beat that (you're above average since you're obviously doing your research).
I'm a slow buyer and I usually don't get the urge to buy something right away. If my one car died tomorrow and I had to get a rental, then I'd be rushed and would look hard at a Price Promise certificate. Since I drive them forever, grinding the last $500 on a car deal isn't part of my game plan. But that's part of the fun for many people and more power to them.
Hello, Can anybody tell me what kinda of extra incentives to expect on this coming thanksgiving/blackfriday for a mdx? Anyone got any experience from last year blackfriday to share?? I have already agreed of a price for a base mdx awd Msrp 45460 for 40400 plus tax tag and processing. Thanks you much!!
My sister is over near Winchester and has lived there for, oh, 20 years I guess. She's had mostly FWD but a couple of RWD cars too. Before she retired she got stuck coming home one time and had to stay at a B&B. (She was a flight attendant so had a long commute to Dulles, but she didn't have to go there but 3 or 4 times a month).
The last few years she's had a Forester and can get out of her driveway when it snows. Before she'd have to get a neighbor to plow her out. But now she doesn't have to get out of her driveway, so she'd do fine with another FWD. Especially with good tires.
I've had both in snow country and the AWD can be handy. And the resale with AWD may be a bit better. But if it were me, I'd stick with FWD and enjoy the modest gas savings. But I work at home, so....
Cosctco buying group gave me 43,678 plus taxes tags and fees The fees is what I am trying to get the dealer to tell me I did the Price Promise link listed above and am working that as well No I am wondering about AWD vs FWD based on Stever comments
Cosctco buying group gave me 43,678 plus taxes tags and fees The fees is what I am trying to get the dealer to tell me I did the Price Promise link listed above and am working that as well No I am wondering about AWD vs FWD based on Stever comments
Hi: I'm planning to buy a MDX at the end of December. I've been able to get very good deals if you wait until the end of the year. My configuration is:
2015 MDX SUV SH-AWD Technology and Entertainment Packages
If there is a few of us we can come up with a single offer to one vendor and purchase 2 or 3 units so we can leverage additional discounts. Thoughts?
For those who are debating between AWD and FWD another thing to consider is insurance. My insurance was more expensive with FWD. $ 150 dollars more every month.
@hmartinez1, interesting about the insurance. Wouldn't have guessed that. Our True Cost to Own tool is all over the map on insurance costs for the MDX. Best to check with your own company before buying.
Occasionally someone will try to put together a group buy. Over the years I don't think I've heard of a single attempt that actually simplified a purchase or saved anyone any money.
Today I have purchased 2015 MDX + SH-AWD + Tech Pack from one of dealership in NJ. And I paid $48200 as OTD price. Wheel lock + Splashed guard + all-season mat have received as free gifts from dealer. Thanks to all you guys for the helps. Maybe the price will be decreased more, but this is not a bad price, isn't it?
I think this is a great price in tri-state. I have been negotiating with a few dealers in Long Island, NY but no one comes close to 49k OTD. Can you please give me the dealership name in NJ and the sales person name. Thanks!
Today I have purchased 2015 MDX + SH-AWD + Tech Pack from one of dealership in NJ. And I paid $48200 as OTD price. Wheel lock + Splashed guard + all-season mat have received as free gifts from dealer. Thanks to all you guys for the helps. Maybe the price will be decreased more, but this is not a bad price, isn't it?
I think this is a great price in tri-state. I have been negotiating with a few dealers in Long Island, NY but no one comes close to 49k OTD. Can you please give me the dealership name in NJ and the sales person name. Thanks!
Today I have purchased 2015 MDX + SH-AWD + Tech Pack from one of dealership in NJ. And I paid $48200 as OTD price. Wheel lock + Splashed guard + all-season mat have received as free gifts from dealer. Thanks to all you guys for the helps. Maybe the price will be decreased more, but this is not a bad price, isn't it?
The difference maybe just the sales tax rates of the two states NY vs. NJ.
That's for a 2015 Acura MDX SH-AWD in Boston, MA with destination ($895) rolled in, but no options. There could be an ad fee, but we aren't showing one. So I'd target the $42,230 TMV and try to beat that number. If you're being quoted $42,900 OTD, then that's a different analysis.
Hi All: Just today i saw this forum and found very useful for making sure we get the right deal. I am in Ohio and planning to buy SH-AWD Tech Pack by end of the year. Dealers in my area are not giving me quote since they are afraid i will use their quote to negotiate deal with other dealer. I am left with price on Truecar and Edumunds which is a good start, however, i see you guys have got better deal than Truecar and Edmunds. Could you please advice what should be my OTD target price in Ohio area.
Would really appreciate any suggestion on this.
I am also planning to buy self start and advance running board- Does dealer give any discount on accessories?
Hi, am planning to buy 2015 acura-mdx sh-awd with technology pkg , i live in NC , can any let me know the best OTD price for this model. I can drive to VA if i can get a best deal. thanks in advance
Hi, I', looking to buy 2015 Acura MDX SH-AWD with Technolgy package, please let me know if any one recently bought in the Chicago or Indianapolis area and the price.
Just picked up 2015 MDX SH-AWD Tech + Entertainment in graphite ext. / black int. Also got 3yr maintenance package thrown in (oil changes 2x per year). MSRP 51,960 Sell Price $47,660. Bought from DCH Acura Tustin, CA (southern California)
Did a lease 36mo 10k miles MF .00120 Residual 61% (Honda Financial) Total at signing = $3,000 incl first month and all fees incl. registration ($80 doc fee) 35 months @ $526 + tax
Just picked up 2015 MDX SH-AWD Tech + Entertainment in graphite ext. / black int. Also got 3yr maintenance package thrown in (oil changes 2x per year). MSRP 51,960 Sell Price $47,660. Bought from DCH Acura Tustin, CA (southern California)
Did a lease 36mo 10k miles MF .00120 Residual 61% (Honda Financial) Total at signing = $3,000 incl first month and all fees incl. registration ($80 doc fee) 35 months @ $526 + tax
Hello am looking to buy a 2015 MDX SH-AWD w/ tech package (wishing to add advance running board and remote engine start). Anyone in Phoenix (AZ) willing to share their experience? Truecar apparently does not have certified dealers in the zip am looking and even if they did, it lists MSRP. Also are all windows (and rear windshield) pre-tinted or is that an after-market thing? TIA.
If you go to the Price Promise link up top, you can drill down to an MDX in your zip code and get a "real" dealer quote.
And you can look for the Build and Price link and get invoice, MSRP and our True Market Value number. Usually our Price Promise certificates are equal to or lower than TMV, but it's good to check. Your goal should be to meet or beat TMV since that's the average price paid in your area.
Comments
I wanted to review my purchase experience in the SF bay area.
Basically I used the internet pricing and went to all the dealers in northern california from stockon, sacramento, san jose to santa rosa. I emailed and talked to all the people but asked everyone to send me a quote via email. I found the best deals at Niello, Santa Rosa and Auto Nation online. The worst ones was stockton with online pricing. I had the worst experience with concord who said they would beat any price, of course they didn't even come close and were really irritating.
Hopkins/Fairfield, Elk Grove were decent and willing to match prices to an extent and didn't play too many games (for a car dealership).
In the end I could have bought from Santa Rosa, Auto Nation (they had the acura care, or a version of it, as a comp), Niello or Hopkins.
I really focused on the OTD price as opposed to the selling price as there were some differences in how they calculated other fees, particularly autonation. I asked for quotes and told others what I got. Sometimes, dealers would ask me to send them a copy of a quote if I wanted a quote. I found that the dealers that did this to be shady but it was a learning experience. For example, I now count over 20 emails between myself and concord acura and only a phone quote of 54k which would be $3500 more than what I paid assuming no hidden charges.
Lessons learned. Talk to the person on the phone because otherwise they don't think you are serious. However, get the quote in the email and do most of the correspondence in writing. Don't go to concord acura.
1.Trim and factory options: Acura MDX AWD Tech and Entertainment package
2.Dealer price is $47300. Tint+Wheel Locks: $330. Sale Price (excluding doc fee, TTL): $47630 . No other accessories included.
3.Doc fee is $130.
I guess I could have gotten a better deal at another dealer but they did not have the color combination we needed.
In addition to the sales tax, this dealer is charging me 0.0047% Verhicle Inventory tax. I guess this depends on State/County, right?
If you get a chance, please visit Dealer Reviews and post a review, at least of your best and worst experiences. Thank you!
Are you in Texas or is this junk fee spreading?
Some dealers will do a dealer swap to get you the color you want, so if you get cold feet, you can always ask for your security deposit back (it also helps to put in writing that deposits are "refundable"). Dealers love deposits because most people quit shopping prices and cars at that point.
MSRP is $51,735
The "average" (True Market Value) price paid for a Dallas zip code is $48,826.
So, you're doing well above average. It reminds me of the CR-V - dealers who have been blowing them out below invoice (sometimes $1,500 below) for months now.
Invoice isn't a "real" number anymore. It's nice to know, but there's a bunch of other bonus and incentive money that the manufacturers are giving to dealers that makes invoice a bit less meaningful a number than in the past.
So, great price - room to go lower? Maybe....
It's easier to adjust your offer lower by the same amount, than to focus on it in negotiations and take your eye off the ball (what you are actually paying, in total).
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
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your response is much appreciated
@stever and @kyfdx ... After accounting for 6.25% sales tax, I still notice a difference of around 225 dollars in the tax that was mentioned in the worksheet. Say if a portion of this is VIT (is there a definite percentage they can charge for VIT, found online that it can be around 0.002% of sale price), I am not sure what are the other taxes they are charging. I was in the assumption that once you negotiate the sale price, everything else is standard taxes (in a particular state/county from dealer to dealer). Maybe bad assumption.
Also, in the Title section, the fees that was mentioned was around 335 dollars. This is in addition to the $130 they are charging for document fees. Need to get the breakdown on what these charges are all about.
Is it better to buy through a costco or greeting union on a Acura 2015 MDX ALL TECH
As to your question, both Costco and those credit unions who have "buying programs" can save you a lot of hassle. But the general consensus, at least with Costco, is that you can usually beat their price. But you have to do the usual haggle and that can be a real pain.
Another no-haggle number to check out is our Price Promise. The link is up at the top of the page.
The target to beat is True Market Value. Since that's an average price, most educated buyers can beat that (you're above average since you're obviously doing your research).
I'm a slow buyer and I usually don't get the urge to buy something right away. If my one car died tomorrow and I had to get a rental, then I'd be rushed and would look hard at a Price Promise certificate. Since I drive them forever, grinding the last $500 on a car deal isn't part of my game plan. But that's part of the fun for many people and more power to them.
1) MSRP $49735
Sales Price $46,470
$1171 due at signing for 1st month, registration & doc fees
$580/mo + tax
2) Sales Price $46,499
$1146 due at signing for 1st month, registration & doc fees
$585/mo + tax
3) Sales price $47,700
$4853 due at signing (includes $3,499 down, registration & doc fees)
$479/mo & tax
-----------
Based on others, sounds like AWD w/ Tech should be more like $45,500 sales price?
Can someone confirm?
trying to get the OTD Price from pohanka , radley and dealer in Md
Why get an AWD vs a FWD?
The last few years she's had a Forester and can get out of her driveway when it snows. Before she'd have to get a neighbor to plow her out. But now she doesn't have to get out of her driveway, so she'd do fine with another FWD. Especially with good tires.
I've had both in snow country and the AWD can be handy. And the resale with AWD may be a bit better. But if it were me, I'd stick with FWD and enjoy the modest gas savings. But I work at home, so....
Thanks
The fees is what I am trying to get the dealer to tell me
I did the Price Promise link listed above and am working that as well
No I am wondering about AWD vs FWD based on Stever comments
Do You Need an All-Wheel-Drive or Four-Wheel-Drive Car?
And the True Cost to Own tool has numbers to play with, like depreciation and fuel costs over five years.
2015 MDX SUV SH-AWD Technology and Entertainment Packages
If there is a few of us we can come up with a single offer to one vendor and purchase 2 or 3 units so we can leverage additional discounts. Thoughts?
Occasionally someone will try to put together a group buy. Over the years I don't think I've heard of a single attempt that actually simplified a purchase or saved anyone any money.
Do you guys think its good deal to buy ?
Looks like a good deal to me. Can you please share the city and dealer name?.
Thanks
Our numbers show:
Invoice $41,268
MSRP $44,565
True Market Value $42,230
That's for a 2015 Acura MDX SH-AWD in Boston, MA with destination ($895) rolled in, but no options. There could be an ad fee, but we aren't showing one. So I'd target the $42,230 TMV and try to beat that number. If you're being quoted $42,900 OTD, then that's a different analysis.
Would really appreciate any suggestion on this.
I am also planning to buy self start and advance running board- Does dealer give any discount on accessories?
Thanks for your help
Chhablsa
Thanks in advance!
Did a lease 36mo 10k miles MF .00120 Residual 61% (Honda Financial)
Total at signing = $3,000 incl first month and all fees incl. registration ($80 doc fee)
35 months @ $526 + tax
Congrats on the new MDX!
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Also are all windows (and rear windshield) pre-tinted or is that an after-market thing? TIA.
And you can look for the Build and Price link and get invoice, MSRP and our True Market Value number. Usually our Price Promise certificates are equal to or lower than TMV, but it's good to check. Your goal should be to meet or beat TMV since that's the average price paid in your area.