Yeah very true, if you pay more than 30K for this car before taxes and what not your paying way to much.

 

The Lexus IS300 is one of the most expensive sports cars to insure. (No thanks to my boss, he wrecked his '04 pre owned like 4 weeks after getting it).

 

If you really want one shop around, I'm sure that you will find some that will be willing to sell you one for a decent price. And also a note from my short time I spent as a car salesman, buy at the end of the month. Every salesman and sales manager and dealership always needs more units at the end of the month so they will be willing to deal. Also you can work the red interior into your deal as well. It only cost the dealership around $800 to convert a family sedan from cloth to leather, so I'm shure you can play hardball and get your seats and door inserts done in red for a good deal. Remember sticker prices are only sticker prices and they are always going to over quote (especially on accessories) in there first pencil. Make them what you think is a resonable offer and stick with it.

 

Well you see the reason the S2k is in there is because it's my first true love.
The RSX-S is fun to drive, has a bit more practicality (not that I need it) is a bit cheaper (not with that A-spec package) and mainly on my consideration list because it's a honda and I am a fan at heart.

The RX8 is on my list because it displays a lot of S2k like features with a different mindset. I mean think about it pretty similar power band, high revving engine, RWD, 50/50 weight. all in all they're almost like cousins if you ask me.

I used to own a 93 FD which I loved but lost due to a drunk driver. Mainly the IS300 really isn't on my list... my GF wanted me to consider it... so I put it on there but I'd rather not get it. Only appealing aspect to me other than slightly looks (SLIGHTLY) is the 2JZ under the hood

Anyways do you all think I could get them down to at LEAST 29 or 30 on the 05?

I talked to the sales rep. that sold my sister her civic coupe because he was a straight forward guy. He told me just between him and I that they VERY VERY rarely move on and have a hell of a time even getting serious inquiries... they have 3 sitting at the lot and the berlina I have been drooling over has been there since mid october if memory serves me correct. However I do not like some of the options they've equipped with the car and I don't like the fact that they tend to try to toy with me when I inquire about the vehicle. Personally do you all think I should just go with the latter RSX or RX8 or push the price on the S2k?

Worse come to Worse I'm open minded. By the way the dealership in question is Brandon Honda... I live in Tampa Florida so if anyone knows if Lindell has any better deals and maybe if they can get me Black/Red on black lol. Any help would be appreciated in joining the ranks of the proud S2k owners THANKS GUYS!

 

Go wih your heart!

 

very true words lol but as an enthusiast I'm sure I'd be more than content with any of these cars lol hence the dilemma

 

Take your time and look for a better dealer. $42k USD is way too much for an S. Most people get them for $30k - $33k out the door...

Good luck!

 

S2kSeraph,

First off as pretty much everyone has said your Honda dealer is insane asking $42k for an '05 s2k. Even with all of the options installed you are still dealing with a several thousand dollar mark-up. Its no surprise that your salesman told you that they have a hard time getting serious inquiries about the cars. If they quoted me that price I'd laugh my ass off, and than walk away.

I own an '02 RSX-S which I purchased new. The only option I got on mine was the rear spoiler and I paid about $650 above the invoice (which was only after the car had been out for a few months). The A-Spec package is a complete ripoff IMO. It is all cosmetic except for the suspension setup. The '05 models now come standard with 17" wheels so thats not even an upgrade anymore (not counting the Yokohama's which you can buy cheap elsewhere if you want to upgrade your tires).

The RSX is a great car. I owned two Integras prior to this car, and the RSX has topped them all. It is a very practical car and is also fun to drive. I have yet to drive an '05 Type-S but they've tweaked it a bit to make it a little more "comfortable".

I am actually in the process of buying a used '02 S2000 from a friend in Tampa so unfortunately I will be selling my RSX soon. Try getting price quotes for the RSX through the dealer's websites. many time you will receive a lesser starting price. Stay away from the dealer installed options, and you should be able to score one well under sticker.

Good luck with your decision!

Craig

 

I just bought an 05 S, and I think that one of the reasons I have liked buying Hondas is that most of the dealers I have run across are in the mid to low level on dealer BS (putting spoilers on cars before purchase, "undercoating", pin stripes, etc. and then jacking up the price, or playing games on the price). Your dealer seems to be an exception to that experience. When I bought my S recently, I walked in, with a written offer, we negotiated a few hundred $, and then I left with the car. It took a total of less than 2 hours, and most of that was dealing with the finance guy who "has" to offer you various things (e.g., disability insurance in case you can't make car payments).

I think that consumerreports.com has some very helpful information one can use to negotiate the price (a report for a car costs $10-15). Cars.com, kelly bluebook on line, and Edumnds on line, also had some pricing information based on sales in zip code. I think that pre sales tax, title and license fees (but post destination charge) should be on average 31K -$32K if the dealer doesn't have a waiting list and has a few on the lot. You might be able to get it under 31, but under 30 with the destination charge included seems to me to be really too low to expect and still have a choice on color, etc. You might find a few places with 04 models on the lot that they will deal on because its now 05, and there are (as far as I know) no differences.

Honda.com has a link to dealers close to you by zip and many dealers have their inventories on line (check the ones in Florida within a few 100 miles, find one with a black S2000 and then deal directly with them -- call, get the name of a sales associate, make sure the S you saw on line is really there (get the VIN from the on line inventory), and then drive and negotiate, or even negotiate by faxing an offer letter and tell them to send it back accepting or rejecting, making sure the offer is for the car you want using the VIN, and that the offer has a time limit on it -- like close of business). Alternatively, any time I have bought a honda and they did not have the color car I wanted on the lot, they got one for me by swapping with another dealer. You might end up paying a few hundred dollars more than if they had it on the lot, but I would not pay through the nose for a car with dealer add-ons up the ying yang. If you know a dealer you trust, maybe its worth the few extra hundred to have them bring the car to you rather than dealing with a car dealer miles away you don't know. Plus, warranty work will likely be required at the dealer you buy it from if located within 50 miles or so.

As to choosing among the cars you listed -- the only car I would even seriously consider is the S. Having bought one a few months ago, I can assure you "new car buyer's remorse" is not something I am experiencing.

 

From my experience with 2 different Honda dealerships last spring...SHOP AROUND! IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD! The first dealer was very high over list, and the second dealer came in under MSRP....without much discussion or challenging, so please check elsewhere...There are still dealerships out there (for all manufacturers) who seem to feel they can and will charge a higher price for the same product as the dealer up/down the road.

Just my 2 cents though...

-Justin