Standard Dealer Prep

[waynerd]

While getting my papers together for getting my new Pilot tomorrow, I noticed the stealership dinged me $60 for "wax, polish & materials" (I swear the sales dork had his thumb over that line!).

What is "standard dealer prep" anyway, or is there such a thing? I know when we picked up my wife's Scubaru, they basically ran it though the automatic wash, and siliconed the tires. They better do more than that for $60, or I'll be really ticked. ( Stealership has a gravel back lot, and truck was FILTHY).

BTW, I did catch the $45 DMV Processing fee, but I considered it the sales dork's "tip" for waiting at the DMV, so I don't have to.

[Diesel]

i'm pretty sure the "Destination Fee" covers the dealers prep... and if not, there should be no charge for it anyhow...

you just funked in the arse royally...

[drm1111]

Can you say....MARKUP!!! Just t ell they to throw in the first oil change and call it buyers prep!!!

[coopers]

I love seeing those fees, I get a kick out of saying nope, im not paying for that, im not paying for that, or that or that either.

You cant blame them though. If they didnt try that crap they would never make any extra money. They have to maximize every sale because profit is the name of the game.

[john802]

waynerd - You are being gouge by the stealer as simple as that!!! If I'm you, I'll walk out from the deal if they don't remove the unwanted fees.

-john

[waynerd]

The wife and I have our "act" down for the delivery....if I don't think its been waxed or is clean enough, I'll que her to pitch a fit about it, and we'll walk away....maybe they'll dump the charge. I'm not financing it through them, so I have a little more leverage. I don't mind paying for a nice detail and wax (I don't have the time to do it right now anyway), but $60 is too steep for an automatic wash and tire gloss.

BTW, another dealership (highly recommended by others) said this stealership may try this...what I get for going in tired and by myself. I thought it was the estimated DMV fee (previous line item).

[dragoncoach]

Dealer prep is exactly that. Dealer preparation for the physical delivery of the vehicle to the customer. You should not be charged for this service. If the dealer didn't clean the car before he delivered it, customers wouldn't accept delivery or give them a bad CSI report. It's part of the delivery process and you shouldn't have to pay for it. However, some dealers are inclined to try to get as much $ as they can from you.

[Diesel]

it's all bullcrap man...!

[waynerd]

Well, it's over....I FINALLY drove my Pilot home! And they did an awsome job detailing it. I suppose it was worth $60. It's still worth a contact to Honda to find out exactly what standard prep is supposed to be....probably won't get any response, but I'll feel better.

I'll post photos tomorrow in the gallery...too late tonight, by the time I loaded all my stuff into it and installed the car seat.

[jestmaty]

I'm still revelling in the joy of driving my Pilot home for the first time 3 1/2 weeks ago.

Almost as exciting as bringing home my first born son, who BTW was born on Sept. 11, 1996.

Can't wait for the pics.....

[kemosabe]

Congrats on your new Pilot purchase!!! If we don't see pics here by tomorrow night, I'm going to send jay after you with his obligatory smilie...

[john802]

waynerd - Congrats on your new Pilot!!! I'll be looking forward in seeing the photos of your new toy. Please post them in the Gallery Section as soon as you can before jay becomes impatient and post his favorite smilie.

-john

[Paul Mon]

Originally posted by waynerd
Well, it's over....I FINALLY drove my Pilot home! And they did an awsome job detailing it. I suppose it was worth $60. It's still worth a contact to Honda to find out exactly what standard prep is supposed to be....probably won't get any response, but I'll feel better.

I'll post photos tomorrow in the gallery...too late tonight, by the time I loaded all my stuff into it and installed the car seat.

What dealer did you buy from? I bought mine (04 EX) at Ralph's (West Ridge Rd.) and they charged me $30 registration fee, $10 NYS Inspection and $12.50 NYS Waste Tire Management fee. There were no other fees and it was detailed very nicely.

Good Luck with the Pilot. I absolutely love mine and can't find a thing wrong with it!!!

Paul

[waynerd]

Bought it from Holtz in Henrietta. The $60 charge was pre-printed on the form, and that may be what threw me. (Others beware!)

I stopped by Ralph's a couple months ago, and the salesman just rubbed me the wrong way. Plus, my old boss bought his Bonneville there, and didn't like the service department. Dick Ide (getta load of THAT name, will ya?) is closer to home than Holtz or Ralph, but the salesman didn't want to come down much from sticker.