I have a question for any recent California purchasers, or anyone else who's bought a new S2000. Could you give me an idea of exactly what fees and additional charges I should anticipate during the purchasing process? I'm trying to get a complete picture of the out-the-door sale price, so I won't have any unpleasant surprises later.

Here's what I've calculated so far, assuming a 2003 MY car selling for MSRP, with no dealer applied options. This is for example purposes only. I'll be looking to do better than MSRP.


[CODE]$32,600.00

 

Not very familiar with the west, but look into an adjacent state. Some states offer $0 sales tax for out of state buyers (usually military only) or have a cap like South Carolina (not to exceed $2k)
good luck

 

I would assume that even if I pay no sales tax by buying out of state, I would still have to pay the tax when I bring it into California.

When buying a new car, does the dealer charge tax based on where you live, or where the dealership is? I ask because there are other cities in southern california that have lower sales tax rates.

 

CBeyond - where u located? i have a friend work at Honda. i got mine new 02 under MSRP $300 two weeks ago .. i am telling u one thing .. it's hard to get a S2000 under MSRP in CA .. east or mid would more easy to get like under $1000 .. so if u need, email me for more info wantgoback@hotmail.com ..

good luck
bryant

 

When I bought my mustang in SC they based it on the dealership location, so no tax for me. Registered it in AL and had to pay couple hundred in property tax plus registration on it but still much less than sales tax. My S is registered in NC and no property tax there, just registration (about $75) and inspection ($25).

 

im looking for a s2000 also, i am having a hard time getting msrp too they want 36k but im sure when i come in with a check (i will be paying cash i think for the car) they will take me seriously. btw what is honda charging for financing?? it may make more sense to finance the car if my $$ is better spent in the bank

 

news2kroller - even u have money, they will give u hard time too .. financing problem need to depend on ur credit only .. DO NOT pay over 35K .. they asking 36K is too much .. if u need anything, please let me know ..

thanks
bryant

 

wantgoback, I think your expectations might be a bit low. True, I haven't started shopping in earnest yet, but I'm hoping to get a good deal more than $300 off MSRP for a 2002, and no more than MSRP on a 2003. Anything over that is absurd, and should be rejected immediately. If I can't find what I'm looking for, I will buy out of state. No question about it.

I wonder how you conducted your price search. Did you walk into dealerships and talk to the sales people face to face, or did you email the internet sales / fleet sales managers directly? I've been led to believe that it's much easier to get a reasonable price by conducting all negotiations though email or fax.

 

CBeyond
i walked in face to face talk with the sales .. 35K out of the door just ONE sentence .. if no .. i leave my number .. if they want to sell it then will call me back .. i said i will pay cash & i dont wait to get the car like 1 or 2 days .. i need the car NOW ..

i hope u should understand that dont let the salesperson fooling u around in honda dealership .. u r the customer .. u got the $ .. they are looking for ur $ .. play whatever u need inside there .. dont have to look what they show u on the paper .. just do it MSRP + tax .. that's all u need ..

good luck
bryant

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CBeyond
[B]I haven't started shopping in earnest yet, but I'm hoping to get a good deal more than $300 off MSRP for a 2002, and no more than MSRP on a 2003.