Central VA MSRP Experience

[pjl56]

Closed the deal yesterday on a Redrock EX at MSRP, no forced add-ons. In and out of the dealership during my lunch hour (including test drive), easiest car buying experience I've ever had. I worked the deal largely via the Internet, searching the web for all Honda dealers within 90-mile radius of home (8 total), and then sending email inquires to each dealer (some had online forms that went directly to an "Internet Sales Manager"-type, for others I just sent an email to the general email address listed). This was an incredibly easy way to chase the deal - an effort boosted by all of the great feedback I was getting via the various Pilot forums, this one in particular.

My dealership price experience/results:

RICHMOND Honda (closest in proximity to me): MSRP + $1,467 in forced accessories (May 31); salesman said he was priced below what most dealerships were coming out at; they were down to 1 car available when I drove by the lot 6/3
WEST BROAD (Richmond) Honda: MSRP + $1,600 in forced accessories (May 31); salesman claimed they had already sold 2 that day and that I "better jump on it before the price went up" (no thanks)
COLONIAL Honda (Petersburg): MSRP + choice of three >$1,000 forced accessory packages; started on May 31st with the saleslady, she said that she wasn't allowed to even talk pricing until June 3, it was actually June 4 before I got them; she was sympathetic & helpful, but couldn't beat or match other MSRP offers at that point
WILLIAMSBURG Honda: MSRP, my selection not available (June 3), but I could place an order from their next shipment ($500 deposit)
CASEY Honda (Newport News): MSRP, chosen model in stock
POHANKA Honda (Fredericksburg); $3,655 over MSRP (!)
BROWN Honda (Charlottesville); MSRP + forced package (June 3), when I told the saleswoman I had a MSRP deal in hand, she spoke with her sales manager and said they would match it (MSRP), chosen model not available, could reserve it from their next allocation

I went back to each of the 3 MSRP offers on June 4 and tried to get them to distinguish their offers from the other 2 by kicking in something/anything, but no luck. About the time I finished that particular effort, I came across another Honda dealer across town that I'd missed:

MECHANICSVILLE Honda: MSRP, no forced options (June 5) - had the model and color I wanted on the lot; sealed the deal via email exchange in the a.m., signed papers and drove the car off the lot at lunchtime. BOBBY CHOI was my salesman, he was courteous, friendly and professional. Took me at my word that I didn't want any financing, warranty, or other add-on pitch. I told him that I would see him in next year when I replaced my Civic.

My entire family loves the love and feel of the Pilot, by the way. We drove it for about 3 hours yesterday, much happiness abounded and nary a single complaint from all occupants.

[pjl56]

Hey, we all love the love but.....the family actually loved the look and feel of the Pilot.

Originally posted by pjl56

My entire family loves the love and feel of the Pilot, by the way. We drove it for about 3 hours yesterday, much happiness abounded and nary a single complaint from all occupants.

[RedRockPearl]

PJ:
The word LOVE keeps coming up when I describe my new Pilot, too.

[pjl56]

pjl56

- who loves (there's that word again!) RedRockPearl, both the forum poster and the car color

Originally posted by RedRockPearl
PJ:
The word LOVE keeps coming up when I describe my new Pilot, too.