Forgive me if this post isn't in the right place.

I've just spent several hours going through the postings on S2KI looking for information on the current Chicago market. I was originally planning on purchasing an '04 S2000 in the Oct/Nov '03 timeframe but a couple of things have happened that will allow me to purchase an '03 around the end of June. I'm trying to find out what dealers in the Chicago area are most likely to deal, considering I'll be able to do a hefty down payment.

Can anyone provide some recent success stories? I'd also be interested in traveling a reasonable distance, but I somehow think the greater Chicagoland area is going to be my best bet.

I'll be doing the normal legwork, contacting dealers, with my first stop being Joliet Honda.

TIA for the help!!!

Tom *anxious as all getout now!!! and soon to be *

 

Every now and then (mostly winter months) Grand Honda puts out an add for brand new s2k's for like 29,500 or something around there. I think they are unlikely to do this now as the car will be bringing prices at or over sticker. I have heard dealing with these guys can be a pain in the ass though.

With the 350z convert coming out you may have some more bargaining power though. If you are looking for an 03 you might be able to get a price on a slightly used one but I don't know if you are only willing to take brand new. One thing to watch out for is the mielage of the car when you get it, you want to make sure that you are not getting one that has been demo'ed. I believe all of them should have some small # of miles from transporting and such but I don't think its any more than 50. Mine had 28 miles on it and I watched them remove the plastic from the seats.

 

Give Motorwerks Barrington a shout. They have cars that they sell at or under MSRP depending on the market demands for the car at the time.

 

Don't be afraid to walk away from the deal if they don't meet your terms. That is the first thing you need to know.

Negotiate UP from invoice, never down from sticker. If they offer you like $600 under sticker, then just come back with $600 over invoice. To aid in this, check out the build date of the car. It will be on a sticker on the door jamb. The closer you are to the build date, the better off you are. Remember that there is a dealer holdback so if the car has been on the lot for less than a month, they will be more willing to deal. Also the more cars they have on the lot, the better the deal you could make.

I was in Schaumburg Honda the other day looking for an Accord for my mother. They would hardly deal with us on an in-stock car, and would not deal AT ALL on a dealer trade. We went to St. Charles and were able to beat Schaumburgs deal by $1000. (The car was in-stock, and happend to be exactly what she wanted.)

It can also help to go with someone to play "bad cop." For example they will make you an offer, and you can be like: "Mmmm... Ok, I guess." and your friend can say: "No way we want it for invoice!" That way you do not alienate yourself from the dealership. It can help with negotiations down the road.

I am really close to you, let me know if you have any questions or need some help.

 

if ya dont mind the drive let me know what color you want and i will see if thay have it in town and i will get you a price quote
from two milwaukee area dealers (have some friends, worked at one place for years/ good friend is Sales Manger at other dealer)

plus the drive back is a great way to start your break in period pm me if intrested

 

Two links:

Dealer Listing

and

Price Info

You've probably seen them both before, but it's still worthwhile to go back. Use the price information as leverage in your negotiations with other dealers.

I know Valley Honda had a black '03 parked in front of the store when I drove by this past weekend. It's where I bought my car, and I was happy with the way things went...

Good luck.

 

Look up recent listings by LOU. He just yesterday had three priced at 29999, I think 2 sold already though.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ulrich

You've probably seen them both before, but it's still worthwhile to go back.

 

Good luck with the future purchase.....life won't be the same!

Let us know when you're part of the 'cult'!

 

The saga continues...

If things work the way they look like they will, this time next week I'll be the proud owner of a new 03 Silverstone S2000.

This is gonna be a loooooooooooooong week...

Tom, trying to think of an avatar and sig