Don't Pay MSRP

[psyshack]

Please don't pay MSRP or above.

I know many folks wont come to Oklahoma to get there car's. But you would be surprised how many do. :yes:

Here is the asking price for 08 and 07 Accords at my dealer. Dest. is included in the Your Price. I think the doc fee is $69.00. They are not thugs and thief's like many dealers.

http://www.bartlesvillehonda.com/AccordSedan.htm

Use the info as a guide. I hope it helps.

[stevencrosbie]

Thanks psy.

I hope people are not duped into pay MSRP for an Accord either...

[samsonskeg]

damn, but i wanna pay 7k over the MSRP. This list doesnt help me

[Accordlover]

I was at a Honda dealer yesterday trying to get my godmother into a Fit Sport.

They would not budge off of MSRP. For a Fit Sport 5MT with wheel locks and some paint protection (it was already on this car, otherwise we would not have ordered it) they wanted 18,000 OTD without a trade! Crazy. The trade was a 98 odyssey ex with 133k valued at $1500 :lmao: . Those dealers are too funny.

She said the only vehicle not going for MSRP was the 07 Accord. Boo Royal Honda.

[anysia]

the key is don't walk into any dealership without the numbers already in hand. do your homework and get your quotes via email and fax and pit dealer against dealer. even some of the hard core, won't budge one penny dealerships will suddenly match and even beat those numbers if you can show them the price from x,y, or z dealership. (heck you can even get some dealerships to disclose manufacturer to dealer incentives beyond what you've found in your research. i experienced this when one dealership was frustrated that they couldn't find the car i wanted. and low and behold, other dealers easily applied that incentive to the deal.) it's not always about where you do the deal, it's more about HOW you do the deal.

[Accordlover]

the key is don't walk into any dealership without the numbers already in hand. do your homework and get your quotes via email and fax and pit dealer against dealer. even some of the hard core, won't budge one penny dealerships will suddenly match and even beat those numbers if you can show them the price from x,y, or z dealership. (heck you can even get some dealerships to disclose manufacturer to dealer incentives beyond what you've found in your research. i experienced this when one dealership was frustrated that they couldn't find the car i wanted. and low and behold, other dealers easily applied that incentive to the deal.) it's not always about where you do the deal, it's more about HOW you do the deal.

That was basically what I did.

I E-mailed back and fourth with our saleswoman.

The issue with MSRP in my case (or in my godmothers case I should say), is that you don't really get to negotiate when there is one Fit Sport on the lot and only one other coming for the rest of the of the month, AND 5 people are talking to 5 different sales people about the SAME car. It was like a war just to test drive it!:lmao: "you blank give me those keys!" :lmao:

Why doesn't Honda build more and ship them out!? They will sell, it's a proven fact.

[stevel]

Why doesn't Honda build more and ship them out!? They will sell, it's a proven fact.
there are plenty of cars. it's just the brainless people that think it's such a "special" new car that it's worth paying more than msrp. although it's a nice, good car, I'm sure..... it's still an accord. it's not some rare ferrari or anything like that.

as far as sellling for over msrp? if people are dumb enough to pay that to have the car right now, they can pay. I know of one of my customers that payed $10K over msrp for a new E55 at another dealer a few years ago just because he had to have it RIGHT NOW. it's their money, some people don't care what they pay, and they are the ones that will pay a premium.

[stevencrosbie]

it's not always about where you do the deal, it's more about HOW you do the deal.

Very true...except for Toyota...their rebates are regional....I can get 500 more off just by going to El Paso....

*Been Tundra shoppin' :)

[stevel]

Very true...except for Toyota...their rebates are regional....I can get 500 more off just by going to El Paso....

*Been Tundra shoppin' :)

Honda does that on occasion also. putting in the zip code can bring up regional offers in addition to national offers.

[dgs]

there are plenty of cars. it's just the brainless people that think it's such a "special" new car that it's worth paying more than msrp. although it's a nice, good car, I'm sure..... it's still an accord. it's not some rare ferrari or anything like that.

as far as sellling for over msrp? if people are dumb enough to pay that to have the car right now, they can pay. I know of one of my customers that payed $10K over msrp for a new E55 at another dealer a few years ago just because he had to have it RIGHT NOW. it's their money, some people don't care what they pay, and they are the ones that will pay a premium.

Damn I totally agree with your post. The impatient people always get screwed. It's like that especially with technology and cars. Remember when the new Mustang came out in 2005, people were paying up to $5,000 over MSRP to get a GT model. $5,000 over MSRP for a freakin Ford! Now you can get one at invoice no questions asked (maybe even below invoice). Think of all the people who HAD to be the first to have a plasma television and they paid $15,000 for it. Now you can get a nice 50" plasma for $3,000. I remember when the XBox came out it was selling for $400 and it had overheating problems. I waited two years after it came out and not only did I get one that had all the kinks worked out, but I paid $250 (including tax) and that included three games (one of them being Halo). Same thing with the IPhone. I don't own one but I think three months after they came out the price dropped $300 and all the early adopters were whining like little girls about how unfair it was. You want to be first, then you pay the price!

I'm sure there will be plenty of suckers who pay full price for the new Accord. I think it it's a wonderful car, but if I can't haggle on the price I might as well buy a Saturn. What's sad is all the people who buy an 08 Accord for sticker are going to see people walking into the dealerships paying $500 over invoice in a few years. We are a consumeristic society in this country and most people have no patience and have to have things NOW. I love the early adopters though, they are the product guinea pigs for me, and when I buy the same product a few years after it's debut I get a cheaper and better made product as a result of their impulse buy.

[Accordlover]

there are plenty of cars. it's just the brainless people that think it's such a "special" new car that it's worth paying more than msrp. although it's a nice, good car, I'm sure..... it's still an accord. it's not some rare ferrari or anything like that.

I was talking about the Fit.:wave:

[VTECaddict]

Why doesn't Honda build more and ship them out!? They will sell, it's a proven fact.
they're at capacity and cant build anymore. the demand caught honda off guard as they really didnt expect it to be as big of a hit as it is. and the car is pretty hot all over the globe so they just cant push more units to north america. people speculate the next generation fit will at least have some built at the upcoming indiana plant to help with supply.

[stevel]

I was talking about the Fit.:wave:

my basic comment still stands.

it's just the brainless people that think it's such a "special" new car that it's worth paying more than msrp.

:lmao:

[brickman]

Their prices for the '07's are high though.

[bluestars80]

I was at a Honda dealer yesterday trying to get my godmother into a Fit Sport.

They would not budge off of MSRP. For a Fit Sport 5MT with wheel locks and some paint protection (it was already on this car, otherwise we would not have ordered it) they wanted 18,000 OTD without a trade! Crazy. The trade was a 98 odyssey ex with 133k valued at $1500 :lmao: . Those dealers are too funny.

She said the only vehicle not going for MSRP was the 07 Accord. Boo Royal Honda.


$1500 on an Ody with "only" 133,000 miles? I'll buy it right now for $3000...........:D

[waldo]

Why doesn't Honda build more and ship them out!? They will sell, it's a proven fact.
When Honda brought the Fit to the US, it was a test to see if there really was a significant market for a car of that size. It does appear that the test was successful beyond their expectations.

Unfortunately for US customers, there is no additional mfg capacity for the Fit, and Honda (properly, I believe) keeps most of the production for their original mature markets (Japan and Europe). Rumor has it that the new factory in Indiana will produce the next generation Fit for the US/Can markets, and that should give us plenty of them next year.

Honda may have a problem with the Fit in the US in that it will cannibalize Civic sales when the production volume is increased. Look for the next gen Civic to move upstream to be more like the 94 Accord.

Waldo

[chanke4252]

The fit is the ugliest car I've seen in a long, long time. I don't understand how that car can sell for anywhere near msrp in anywhere but Japan and some places in Europe.

If a dealership isn't willing to deal a little bit and insists on you paying msrp, make it clear to them that you are not, under any circumstance, paying msrp. Most of them will happily rip you off w/o thinking twice about it, there's no reason to give them an opening to do so. The bottom line is that they want the sale as long as there is some profit involved.

Here are some general tips for those of you trying to avoid paying msrp on the 08's...
1. Do not give them any more information than what they need.
2. Do not let them know that you are only in the market for an 8th generation Accord.
3. Make sure you casually throw out some names of other cars that you are supposedly cross-shopping so they know that they need to sell you on the car, also have a general idea of the cost of those cars. It never hurts to get bids on those cars either for use at the Honda dealership.
4. If there is something you want to know about the car, specifically related to pricing, know it BEFORE you ever walk into the dealership (msrp and invoice of car as well as any accessories).
5. Do not broadcast what information you know, you WILL have a chance to tell the salesman that you know the product better than they do if he gives you a sales pitch.
6. Be aware if there are any dealer incentives that month (I don't think there are on the 08's).
7. If necessary (I will never do this to someone giving me a fair price up-front), go to multiple dealers and get quotes, and share those quotes w/ the other dealers so they have a chance to give you a lower bid. This is an easy way to get them to lower their prices little by little and to ensure that you can get the lowest price possible. Dealers generally don't like this.

Anyone else have anything to add?

[dgs]

The fit is the ugliest car I've seen in a long, long time.

I agree with the rest of your post, but especially this bit. I rank it right up there with the Pontiac Aztek. I know it's reliable and well made, but if I was in the market for an econo hatchback I would pony up some more money and buy the Mazda 3. I loved that car, the handling was fantastic and it had a lot of pep with the manual transmission. Plus it was very reliable, I never had any problems the five years I owned it. And it looks a thousand times better than the ugly Fit.

[VTECaddict]

i think the fit looks good, especially fixed up. :dunno:

[waldo]

The fit is the ugliest car I've seen in a long, long time. I don't understand how that car can sell for anywhere near msrp in anywhere but Japan and some places in Europe.

Are we to assume you believe Japanese and some Europeans are less enlightened than us more sophisticated Americans and therefore ignorant enough to buy the Fit (Jazz in Europe)?

Let me assure our friends in those countries that not all of us see you in that light. :) (You can laugh at our Aztek if you wish!) My sister has a Fit and loves it.

Waldo

[StickSix]

Here are some general tips for those of you trying to avoid paying msrp on the 08's...
1. Do not give them any more information than what they need.
2. Do not let them know that you are only in the market for an 8th generation Accord.
3. Make sure you casually throw out some names of other cars that you are supposedly cross-shopping so they know that they need to sell you on the car, also have a general idea of the cost of those cars. It never hurts to get bids on those cars either for use at the Honda dealership.
4. If there is something you want to know about the car, specifically related to pricing, know it BEFORE you ever walk into the dealership (msrp and invoice of car as well as any accessories).
5. Do not broadcast what information you know, you WILL have a chance to tell the salesman that you know the product better than they do if he gives you a sales pitch.
6. Be aware if there are any dealer incentives that month (I don't think there are on the 08's).
7. If necessary (I will never do this to someone giving me a fair price up-front), go to multiple dealers and get quotes, and share those quotes w/ the other dealers so they have a chance to give you a lower bid. This is an easy way to get them to lower their prices little by little and to ensure that you can get the lowest price possible. Dealers generally don't like this.

Anyone else have anything to add?

I do not want to be a spoiler but dealers absolutely hate it when you play them against one another. They also hate it when you hide things from them. These two actions will make them less likely to deal with you. I say this because my good friend owns a Honda dealership. From his opinion, whenever anyone with holds information or seems questionable, they will treat that customer like a sale and nothing else. I, personally, look for a relationship when I am purchasing a vehicle. The Accord that I purchased from my buddy was my first purchase from him. I had purchased two or three non-Honda autos even though I knew him. I was still able to get decent deals and financing based upon my relationships.

I am not, however, saying not to do research and have an idea of what you want in trade, how much you want to pay for the car, the type of financing, and monthly payment. Dealers have way more room and ability to deal on interest rates and financing terms (in my opinion). I did refer many individuals, probably 15 or more, to my friend and he took care of them. My mother got invoice on a then-brand new (06?) Civic. They gave her way over book on her trade but she was family to me. Many of my friends received special financing terms, good trade-in values, or wholesale to wholesale deals on used cars. My buddy understands that people want to buy but he is not going to take advantage of them. It is all about relationship in sales. I am more likely to buy another Honda from him because of my relationship. I refer everyone I know to him and I have never heard of horror stories.

I did receive a great deal on my Accord but I was originally looking at a Civic Si. He was even hesitant to sell it to me for invoice because of the demand for the Si's. He did agree to because I referred so many people to him.

I know there are crappy dealers out there but we always have to remember that we have the ultimate decision to walk away at any point in time. If we are going to buy regardless, then maybe we can justify a little less in trade or sticker on that new car. The new Accords probably won't be discounted until next year when the demand lessens for them. I am not saying that I have all of the information but a dealer is more likely to work with you when they know what you want and are offering to them. At least that is my experience.

It pays to know someone or network to find someone in the auto business.

[Succinct]

A "relationship" always means more $$ for the dealer. The dealer wants a relationship. As a buyer, I just want the lowest possible price and the least hassle. Sorry, but I don't want any "relationship" that depends on my spending money, and that policy extends way beyond just car-buying.

PS - I think the Fit is a fine little car; it's sort of like how Honda USED to make 'em! It's so versatile, it's like a little automotive Swiss Army knife, or sort of a 4/5-scale Odyssey! I'd have seriously considered a Fit, but we already have an Odyssey.

[StickSix]

Eric,

I understand what you are saying but I disagree. My background is in finance, management, and sales. A relationship, in that world, means that each party brings something to the table. In exchange for my services, discounted or not, I receive referrals and become available for anything that customer may need and provide my professional advice. I just do not know why people see the dealer as just a sale. If you see them as just a sale, they are going to be less willing to work with you.

My idea applies to the housing, finance, and other industries. It truly pays to know someone in those areas.

[justblink778]

A dealer interested in "relationship building" isn't one to mark up an '08 $3000 above MSRP. Those are the kinds that are akin to predators, out to screw you out of as much money as they can. Relationship building is cute, but in the end it's all about the money.

[flcma99]

I agree with StickSix on the relationship. I bought my four previous Hondas (3 Accords and 1 Odyssey) from the same salesman and got a fair deal on every one of them. This last one was bought at the local dealer that has serviced our Hondas for the past 20 years. I got a solid deal and they even meet me more than halfway between their price and my target price that I set after doing my internet research. :yes: (We were within $500 anyway.)

Was I looking at multiple dealers? :yes:Yes. :yes: But, in the end I picked the dealer that not only had the best price, but treated me like an informed consumer who's business they valued. They freely acknowledged that they were making money; yet, I still got a fair deal, so I was happy. They will get the first shot at earning my repeat business on a 2008 in a few months. I don't feel a need to "beat anyone up" to save a few dollars on a deal. As long as I get a fair deal, I am happy. :)

In fact, it is nice to have a dealer that I am comfortable with recommending for both sales and service. :yes:

[StickSix]

flcma99,

I forgot to mention the added value of the service department. I have a Honda dealer right down the street from me but I drive about 20 miles to get my car serviced at the dealership I purchased it from. They know me and I never have any issues when I go in for anything. They always give me a loaner if it will be more than one hour and I have a direct contact with the service manager there.

[chanke4252]

Sticksix,

I noted that dealerships hate it when you play one against the other. However, when you are dealing with dealerships who really want to get everything and anything they can out of you regardless of anything else, that is often the only thing that works when the goal is a fair price and dealer options are limited. I also noted that I am not inclined to do this when treated fairly.

As far as relationship building, I for one would rather be treated like a sale (though that does not exclude being civil and polite about everything). I am looking for a car, not a best friend. I want them to see the bottom line, not how much they can get out of this sap of a customer. The same thing can be said about the dealers. There are not a ton of dealers who are actually honest about the whole thing, let alone those who want to build relationships. If I am treated fairly and I don't have to play games to get a fair deal, then of course I will go to that dealership first next time I am in the market for a car in hopes of getting a similarly fair deal, but the situation is hardly any different. The difference between most people and you is that YOU have a friend who sells the cars, most people do not. Obviously I would treat my friend differently regardless of what end I'm on, but how likely is it that I, or anyone else, will go golfing with my car dealer (who was not previously my friend) after I buy a car from him (regardless of how well the sale went)?

As far as withholding information about your knowledge the product, this is only really relevant when the dealer is already treating you like a sale and giving you an unnecessary sales pitch. There is never any need, and it is hardly appropriate, to walk into a dealership and immediately start babbling on about everything you know about the car. My suggestion was merely to not say too much about what you know. This is a very simple way to weed out the dishonest salesmen and will often give you a heads up as someone who feeds you misinformation about a car will probably feed you misinformation about the reality of the sale and pricing. It can also provide you with a means to tell the salesman that you are an informed consumer, not a sap.

If they know that you are ONLY in the market for that car, they will treat you VERY different as a customer. They will also treat you very different if you know nothing about the car. There is no reason to make yourself a target (though there are multiple ways how, these being two of them) unless you like opening your wallet to the dealerships.

With that said, I will only wheel and deal to a point, and my goal is not to cut out the dealer's profit entirely. The goal is to get a car at a fair price (fair to everyone) and avoid being taken advantage of. Protect yourself, dishonest dealerships are often in the majority, and there is no reason to make yourself a target. Car sales is vastly different than many other types of sales.

[chanke4252]

Are we to assume you believe Japanese and some Europeans are less enlightened than us more sophisticated Americans and therefore ignorant enough to buy the Fit (Jazz in Europe)?

Let me assure our friends in those countries that not all of us see you in that light. :) (You can laugh at our Aztek if you wish!) My sister has a Fit and loves it.

Waldo

Way to needlessly read way into a post. Did I say anything about enlightenment or sophistication? No. In fact, I said very little at all except that I understand how the fit can sell in Japan and Euroland. How can you then go to assume that I was somehow insulting those who inhabit those areas? There are many reasons why the fit would be more appealing in those areas than many other, larger cars like the Accord, none of which have anything to do with what you assume I was implying. Hell, I'm sure that some people in Rome, London and other cramped cities think that ultra-compact cars like the fit are ass-ugly too, but, out of necessity, they still buy them. Please don't be a moron.

[Audi Junkie]

I think the '08 MSRP at various dealers now is a function of the amount of '07s on the lot. My dealer has about 2x as many '07s than '08s. I can see how the dealer would use the full MSRP+ on '08 as a tool to sell out the '07s. Only a few Coupes left though, mostly sedans.