I plan on going to a Honda dealership in the next two weeks and I just wondering what to expect from the dealers. I hear its an ordeal and a btich to negotiate with these greedy bastards. So any advice on the "to do" and what "not to do". I'm fairly new so any advice would really help. I live in Northern California by the way. Hope to hear from you guys. Thanks.

ps
I hear its nearly impossible to buy this car below sticker price

 

it is not impossible to buy under sticker price. the dealer will tell you whatever tehy want to. it is their job to get teh most money from you, it is your job to keep as much money as you can.

 

I notice you live in Norcal Im planning to go to a honda oakland dealer. What did you pay for your Fit if you dont mind me asking.

 

i paid too much LOL. i got mine from concord honda. find the car online. the online price is usually lower than the price on the car at teh dealer. find the EXACT car online. i used autotrader.com. i printed the ad from the internet, with the price, VIN number, and details about the car. when i got to the dealer, they tried to stick the "dealer fee" and stuff on it. when i showed tehm the printout, they were surprised, and said, "wow, you did your research" LOL

 

watch out for the add-ons they try to sell you after you shake hands
with the sales guy. the finace guy will try to sell you extended
warranty, interior protection, exterior protection, rust protection,
glass vin# etching, etc. etc.

just say NO to all, not interested and keep a straight face. you can
get these things later if you really want it...

 

yeah, get JUST the car. efffff floormats, wheel locks, mudguards. get that stuff online. MUCH cheaper that way!!

 

I like where this going. Feed me more. A dealer just called me he is willing to sell at 15,900 well below the MSRP kbb and edmunds were posting. Its a honda fit sport at I'm looking to buy by the way.

ps
I cant drive stick and im moving to san francisco

 

i got my fit at anderson honda in palo alto. they made it really easy. not too much hassle. and i got mine at msrp.

 

any hidden fees? Im on a tight budget. To give you an idea I'm willing to down two racks and looking to pay 250 to 300 a month and I still havent added up what my insurance will cost for a new driver. Just recently got my license and I'm 21. I know right?!

 

do you have a cosigner? how's your credit?

 

Start with $200 under MSRP then go up with counter offers in $50 increments.

MSRP is fair with no add ons. If you must you can buy at $100 over MSRP and be ready to walk out. And do walk out if they refuse but leave a phone you can be reached at.

Play hard ball and you might succeed. Talk about the 2009 Toyota Matrix starting at $16000 with good mpg. XRS version is $21,000.

I started at MSRP and bought my 2008 Fit Sport 5AT at $300 over but I think they might have took even less if I were a less willing buyer.

A competing dealer wanted $800 over MSRP to be put on a waiting list.

 

something to remember, the dealers don't actually make too much money on the Fits. like, thy only make about 400 dollars per car. what i did was sign up for some free service on a website (sorry, i don't remember which site, but 10 minutes of searching should work), and the website sent my info to every honda dealership in SD county. pretty soon, the dealerships were competing for my business, so i was in the position of power. also, if you're a costco member, they offer a service where they print out the dealer invoices of the dealers you're looking at.

 

That is an issue too but I do have a cosigner who happens to be my sister. Her credit is fair but no where near excellent. My only worry so far is insurance, maintenance and of course gas. I dont pay any rent and I make about a good 900 month working part time at a local restaurant. thank god for good tippers.

ps
I request quotes and dealers are calling left and right. best price so far was 15,900 every one is offering 16,705.

 

Please keep in mind that the price that counts is the out-the-door price. That's the one you pay, and that's the one they should quote you. Ask them all for that price, and you will get a better idea how to act.

Best of luck to you.

 

15,900 is practically dead on the MSRP for an AT sport. Many times you can get the common accessories thrown in for that price as well. Dont fret about the negotiations. Do some more research and bring some papers with you so you can stay up with the specs and others offerings.
If you ever get fed up you can always try the- "hey I am ready to pay MSRP right now for this, you want my money or not"

 

I'm in central Illinois ,and I had to put down $300 (refundable) before they would even make the effort to get an '08 Fit Sport in the dealership for me to drive. When it came in, I was ready to pay MSRP for it but no more even though they wanted more due to the 'ol supply and demand thing. We finally agreed on MSRP with NO dealer add ons. They did want to stick me $150 for the floor mats even though I showed them print outs indicating I could walk back to their own parts department and order them for $98. They were astounded that I walked out over the $50 difference in floor mats, but did call me back the next day and we finalized the deal with absolutely no extra dealer charges. This is the first car I've ever paid MSRP for, but as others have noted, there's not a big profit margin for the dealer, demand is high, and supply is low, at least in this part of the midwest.

 

They are really hard to get down because like above they make very little money on Fit sales. They will try to put you into a Civic - that is a standard because they make more money off them. The above advise is good to follow. Also if the car has not got the dealership logo on the back of the car - ask them not to put it on and tell them not to put on a front license plate holder unless it can be done without drilling holes in the body kit. Hope you don't live in a state that requires a front plate - Good luck on your purchase!

Cat :x

 

you can be like me. and say " i want invoice and im not bullshiting around. i have no problem walking into another dealership to buy this car. i did it to_____(name a dealer ship) and i have no problem doing to to you. and if they say no.


then tell them to go back to who ever they are talking to and ask them "are they trying to keep the car or sell the car"


worked for me.