So I spent 5 hours at a Honda dealership today

Bateluer · 02-09-2013, 08:51 PM

My 2000 Corolla is getting long in the tooth, 160K miles on it. Starting to nickel and dime me in repairs, replacements, etc.

Figured, I'd go take a look at some newer vehicles since I generously received a 1000 dollar inheritance from a deceased grand parent.

I'm mostly looking at econobox cars, in the same vein as the Corolla. Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Fiesta, what not.

And after 5 hours at the Honda dealership, I think they were trying to rip me off. First, I test drove an Insight Hybrid, but with a sticker price of 22K, it was out of my price range. And I didn't want a hybrid for a variety of reasons. Test drove a 2010 Fit next, which I did like. Little noisy at highway speeds, but its a nice vehicle and highly rated in this class of vehicle. But, with a sticker price of 15,995, 8.8% sales tax, 1690 in accessories, with a 7.6% APR, it was 19K out the door with 24K total paid, 342/month. At a 66 month term.

At 342/month, thats workable within my budget without forcing me into a top Ramen diet, but I was cool towards the sticker pricing and they refused to budge. My dad was more blunt, and blatantly said they were ripping me off.

Since it was so close to the price of a new 2013 Fit, I asked them to run the numbers for that. Which ended up being 0.9% APR, with slightly less than 18K out the door, with 306/month at a 60 month term. Clearly, better, but again, they refused to budge on the sticker price.

Each of these had a 1000 dollar down payment, and a 1000 trade in.

I ended up leaving, stating I wished to test drive other models and do some more research before I committed to having a car payment again.

Does AT Garage think I was getting ripped off, or poorly dealt with the 2013 figures?

Ferzerp · 02-09-2013, 08:53 PM

Use www.truecar.com to get an estimate of what people are reporting paying. Do this *before* you visit a dealer.

PhoKingGuy · 02-09-2013, 08:54 PM

MSRP on a Fit? Seriously? I'd have laughed and walked out.

Try internet sales for multiple dealers, stuff like a Fit should be below invoice.

Bateluer · 02-09-2013, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoKingGuy

MSRP on a Fit? Seriously? I'd have laughed and walked out.

Try internet sales for multiple dealers, stuff like a Fit should be below invoice.

I called them out on the nearly 16K price on the 2010 Fit.

On the 2013 Fit, they stated there wasn't much mark up at all on the Fits to begin with, 2-400 tops.

Edit - The Trucar report for the 2013 Fit suggest the numbers they gave me were competitive.

JulesMaximus · 02-09-2013, 09:21 PM

5 hours? Fuck me... I think I'd kill someone if they tried to jerk me around for that long.

fstime · 02-09-2013, 09:26 PM

That 7.6APY sounds like rape, where does your credit stand?

I would never buy a 1-3 year old Honda. They simply do not depreciate as much as other cars such as german luxary brands.

For a couple grand, just get a brand new car with zero miles and a fresh maintenance record.

Why nickle and dime 1-3 grand for a car you have no idea what the previous owner did to or how he drove it unless it's from a private owner and you can get a good read on him.

I have heard many people getting interest rates such as 1.9% (new Honda and Subaru) on new car purchases.

xSkyDrAx · 02-09-2013, 09:28 PM

Do some email work before spending that long at the dealership. The time save will make your experience much better.

Bateluer · 02-09-2013, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstime

That 7.6APY sounds like rape, where does your credit stand?

I would never buy a 1-3 year old Honda. They simply do not depreciate as much as other cars such as german luxary brands.

For a couple grand, just get a brand new car with zero miles and a fresh maintenance record.

Why nickle and dime 1-3 grand for a car you have no idea what the previous owner did to or how he drove it unless it's from a private owner and you can get a good read on him.

I have heard many people getting interest rates such as 1.9% (new Honda and Subaru) on new car purchases.

Read my paragraph on the 2013 model.

Demo24 · 02-09-2013, 09:44 PM

Until Honda fixes the Fit so that it gets mpg's like every other car in its class I don't see the point in it.

Also that dealer was screwing with you, Honda special rate on Fit's at .9% apr, basically inflation:

http://automobiles.honda.com/current...elid=GE8H6DGXW

Bateluer · 02-09-2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demo24

Until Honda fixes the Fit so that it gets mpg's like every other car in its class I don't see the point in it.

Also that dealer was screwing with you, Honda special rate on Fit's at .9% apr, basically inflation:

http://automobiles.honda.com/current...elid=GE8H6DGXW

For 2013 models, which I said thats what they put for the 2013 model. Paragraph 6 of my original post.

Edit - What are the thoughts on the 2013 numbers? Can they do better, or are they good enough for me to pull the trigger?

Ferzerp · 02-09-2013, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bateluer

For 2013 models, which I said thats what they put for the 2013 model. Paragraph 6 of my original post.

Edit - What are the thoughts on the 2013 numbers? Can they do better, or are they good enough for me to pull the trigger?

Did you go to the website I linked and entered your zip code and the exact specs on the car?

All you've told us is "a 2013 fit". I don't know of any car with only 1 trim level and no options.

Bateluer · 02-09-2013, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferzerp

Did you go to the website I linked and entered your zip code and the exact specs on the car?

All you've told us is "a 2013 fit". I don't know of any car with only 1 trim level and no options.

Base model, but I didn't write down the exact options. Pretty basic, most of the extras I didn't want/need.

And yes, I went to the trucar website. The average was about what they were offering.

Ferzerp · 02-09-2013, 10:06 PM

For a base, auto, truecar is suggesting $17k, kbb says $16.5k, edmunds is saying $16.65k.

That's a base, automatic, with no options. Truecar is based on stats that people enter. The other two, I am not sure where the info comes from, but you can use that information as a basis for negotiation, just check your options though. Also, you can get internet quotes from dealers to try to get a better deal.

rommelrommel · 02-09-2013, 10:20 PM

I don't think there's much in a Fit for the dealer. Spent weeks helping my sister buy a Civic a few years ago, getting 1500 off was the best anyone would do. I would expect 1k or so on a Fit.

NutBucket · 02-09-2013, 10:27 PM

Basically unless there's a rebate or factory to dealer incentive in play you're probably not going to get invoice pricing on a Honda unless its a model they can't sell...like a ridgeline or CR-Z :p

Ferzerp · 02-09-2013, 10:29 PM

Have you considered a Fiesta? You can get more car for cheaper with one of those.

Bateluer · 02-09-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferzerp

Have you considered a Fiesta? You can get more car for cheaper with one of those.

The Fiesta was on my list of vehicles to check into, but its reviews generally weren't as high as the Fits. I do want to test drive one though.

Honda dealership wouldn't let me keep the estimate sheet, but sneaky me snapped a photo with my phone.

superccs · 02-09-2013, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bateluer

The Fiesta was on my list of vehicles to check into, but its reviews generally weren't as high as the Fits. I do want to test drive one though.

Honda dealership wouldn't let me keep the estimate sheet, but sneaky me snapped a photo with my phone.

Literally I think auto reviews in the last 5 years have been total BS. I would instead run with what cars sell in volume.

The dip wads over at CR actually think that the Tundra and Chevy Avalanche are better trucks than an F150, any car that Toyota makes is better than a BMW 3 series, Fusion, Focus, and it goes on and on.

Its embarrassing.

hans007 · 02-10-2013, 04:12 AM

if you want a fit, but want to pay less wait for the nissan note to come out. supposed to start at $14k and pretty similar car.

or if you don't care about getting the latest model, get the 2013 versa hatch, once the versa note is out.

i dont think you will get a lot off sticker on a fit. its fuel efficient and a honda, which means in $4 gas times people are paying sticker for it. maybe you could get $500 off but they don't really sell too poorly. plus honda probably doesnt even make money on the fit given its made in japan still.

Raizinman · 02-10-2013, 04:31 AM

I wanted a cetain Honda model and did the same thing you did. They refused to budge. There had to be a way to get them off that MSRP. Costco is the answer. Costco has programs with many of the dealers in our city including Honda. After I checked with Costco, found the Honda dealer that works with Costco, got a new better price and then purchased the vehicle. I got the same low Honda financing and even had enough extra to purchase the extended warranty. No negotiating, no dickering, just one price Costco shopping.

rdiver · 02-10-2013, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bateluer

The Fiesta was on my list of vehicles to check into, but its reviews generally weren't as high as the Fits. I do want to test drive one though.

Honda dealership wouldn't let me keep the estimate sheet, but sneaky me snapped a photo with my phone.

I bought a Fiesta just before Christmas when ford was doing 5 year/ 0% financing.

I've been pleased with it so far. Mileage has been averaging 33mpg with about an even mix city/highway. I'd recommend taking it for a test drive.

Demo24 · 02-10-2013, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bateluer

For 2013 models, which I said thats what they put for the 2013 model. Paragraph 6 of my original post.

Edit - What are the thoughts on the 2013 numbers? Can they do better, or are they good enough for me to pull the trigger?

Lol, damn totally skipped over that part.

Ford is probably more willing to deal, and I'd rather have a fiesta also. Mostly because the honda is buzzy on the highway which is annoying as hell after a couple hours, and they always seem to have a lot of tire noise. Also might consider the Subaru impreza, but probably most worth it if you could take advantage of awd.

nerp · 02-10-2013, 09:00 AM

350/mo for a 2-year-old Fit? WTF? I pay less than that on a car that stickers for 30k. Granted, I got a good price on my old Yaris in trade and I put some cash down, but I still ain't paying $350/mo for my car.

Greenman · 02-10-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bateluer

Honda dealership wouldn't let me keep the estimate sheet, but sneaky me snapped a photo with my phone.

I would never return to that dealer, though I would call and tell them they had lost a customer over their shady business practice.

waggy · 02-10-2013, 10:46 AM

no surpise really. Honda has always been one of the worst company's when dealing with used vehicles. they know people are fucking idiots when it comes to Honda's. Far to many are stuck in the 80's mentality that they are far superior to everything else. So many are willing to pay insane prices for a used vehicle.

I remember looking for a used accord (favorite car to buy! have owned 6 of them) a few years ago and the price of a 2 year old one with 30k miles was more EXPENSIVE then a new one. it's insane.

The ford focus is a nice little car. When i was having issues with my Taurus i had one as a loaner vehicle for like 6 months. it got great gas mileage (averaged 34mpg,) and drove great.

And at a good price!