This weekend I went around the Bay Area (SF/Palo Alto/Marin) to check prices on the stook because dealers here wouldn't quote over the phone. I spoke with the fleet managers who have stooks with 300-2000miles and they told me they're selling at $36K. Finally one dealer told me they can get me a new one for $35K. Is this a good price or do you think I can do better given the market situation, tax month, and overstock of stooks I see at the dealerships. Your comments please... Is it realistic to get one at or below sticker?

[Edited by dubboy on 03-26-2001 at 04:06 PM]

 

Bought mine about two weeks ago at MSRP. It can definitely be done, but you may have to travel to do it. Would you come out of CA to do it? It may be a big hassle getting it re-licensed, but Oregon has NO sales tax!!! I know CA screws you somehow, and it simply can't be as easy as buying in Oregon and getting it re-licensed, but you may be able to buy here, and have the dealer license it in CA. I have no idea.

As far as quotes for the car go, go to ehonda.com, and put in different addresses for yourself in the "get a quote" section. You can then contact the dealers that pop up in your "neighborhood" and tell them what you're prepared to pay. I simply contacted the dealers about an hour south of Portland, told them I'd pay up to MSRP, and finally found one that would sell it to me for that. I did, however, hear from a number of dealers that told me "No thanks."

Good luck. It can be done.

 

Manchester Honda (www.manhonda.com) in Manchester, CT have their prices right up front: http://www.manhonda.com/sales/newauto.cfm $32,740 - 2 Yellows and a Sliver/Black. You could fly there; stay at the best hotel; eat a gourmet dinner; drive your S2K back home; VTEC along the way; and still have change. Don't buy in CA unless it's at MSRP, and they have a car in stock! Dealers here are just sharks.

 

Hi Zeke,

Thanks for the reply. As per your guidance, I've already placed my details on ehonda.com. Keepin fingers crossed. I will definitely try and try and try to get it down to $32K. My girlfriend believes that she can do better so we now have a competition. She's even suggesting that with the money saved, I could get her something nice... heh heh yeah right =)

[Edited by dubboy on 03-27-2001 at 10:38 AM]

 

1Y2K,

Great suggestion but from CT to CA woooooweeee that's a long drive. Nice thought none the less.

 

MSRP or less. Not a penny more.

 

You don't have to go out of (CA) state to get a MSRP deal. There are many dealers outside of the Bay Area who are willing to sell the car for MSRP (or less). Check out some of the dealers in the Los Angeles area, Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, etc. You do have to drive a little to get the car, but you don't have to go out of state to do it.

One of my co-workers is looking for a red S2000 and he has given up on the Bay Area dealers (all wanted $3K - $5K over MSRP). He has a verbal agreement with a dealer in southern CA who will sell him a new one for MSRP (they have a silver and yellow on the lot, but no red). Just call around and let your finger do the walking.

 

I paid 35 for mine and they were asking 39 so I felt like I got a good deal, guess it depends on the part of the country you are in.

 

What I'd say is use the other dealer's advertising at MSRP, to bargain with the dealer in your local area. Right now, I am placing a big importance on buying your car and servicing it all at the same place. Therefore, if anything major comes up (in the very rare case), it will make your life easier. Find a place you trust.

Chris

 

Hm... I'd say MSRP or less.

I walked into Steven's Creek Honda looked over the Silver. I said, "How much is the s2k going for?". They came back with 36k. I told them I'd give them MSRP not a penny more... They laughed, I walked, they came running... I said bite me and bought a nice yellow at MSRP in Sacramento. I never even wanted silver .

I'm betting if you are willing to buy on the spot, they would even come off MSRP a little... maybe $100 or $200. Just gotta play hardball, they offer you anything other than what you said you would pay, walk away, but make sure they have your # .

Anderson Honda is also asking for 36K but I'm pretty sure you can talk them down.

Good luck!

-- Robert