internet buyer

[evarsallona]

I went thru the internet to buy my pilot in my area, sent out e-mails requesting the lowest total out the door price (tax, license) on the pilot (year,model,trim line, color) plus the accessories I wanted. I didn’t tell them any details on how I was going to paid for the pilot or any other information. After some e-mails back and forth with some negotiation, I pick the one dealer with the best response and communication and lowest price quoted. We agreed on the price and I got the vin# and when the pilot was serviced and ready they called me and I went down with my bank check and took delivery the same day. It was the easiest car buying experience I’ve ever had. Got the pilot for the already agreed on fix price with no pressure
Some of the dealers try negotiation a difference price then what was quoted in the e-mails and try to up sell when I went in, so I turned around and left
All dealers’ service and part departments are way over priced, so I use them only for warranty and any other related issues

[TomStromie]

That is the exact method (email) I used when I purchased my motorcycle--easiest buying experience ever.

I used a fleet services company when I bought my Pilot. That was very easy, too--just told them the model, options, and color I wanted. I convinced a co-worker to use the same company and he was quoted a price $2,000 less than the price quoted to him by a dealer for a Honda Element.

I see no reason to ever directly talk to a car salesman again. Salesmen may provide some help, but not $2,000 worth of help.

I am also going to put a plug in for Majestic Honda internet parts sales (http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/). My wife recently cracked the rear spoiler (who knew you should wait for the garage door to be completely up!). The part at my local dealer was $120 plus tax. The same part from Majestic Honda was approximately $90 delivered to my house. My local dealer refused to even consider matching prices since Majestic Honda was not in the state.

Fine, my local dealer now gets only that business that I can cannot get elsewhere. A large profit margin on nothing is still nothing.