WANTED: NJ-area Dealer Recommendations

[njdad]

I'm in the market for a Pilot. Can anyone recommend good dealers (relatively ethical and MSRP or less)? I live in central NJ and would be willing to travel to PA, NY, CT, and probably DE and MD. I've seen some posts about MD and DE already. Of course, I prefer to stay in NJ out of convenience. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[r_parikh]

Originally posted by njdad
I'm in the market for a Pilot. Can anyone recommend good dealers (relatively ethical and MSRP or less)? I live in central NJ and would be willing to travel to PA, NY, CT, and probably DE and MD. I've seen some posts about MD and DE already. Of course, I prefer to stay in NJ out of convenience. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

I live in Central NJ and have contacted number of dealers. I decided to go with Autosport Honda in Bridgewater, NJ. My sales person is Damian and he is very helpful and they sell at MSRP. However, they have 3 months of waiting time.

There is another dealership in North Plainfield and actually he called me yesterday to say that he has some unsold pilots coming in end of the month. Sales person name is Robert Falk.

Hope this helps.

[hoffmanj]

I just went through talking to all of the Central NJ dealers.

I'm expecting my Silver Pilot EX next week from Kay Honda in Eatontown. The salesman I used was Earl Averell. He seems like a very good guy. The deal is for MSRP. They removed the MVID fee when i said I didn't want it. I liked the salesman so I bought the overpriced "ProPack" and made sure he knew I knew it was overpriced. If I had pressed it I'm sure I could have not purchased it. When we first visited the dealership, they had a red EX and and a red EX-L that were in stock and available. The EX-L is gone but the EX may still be available. I told him I was a serious buyer and wanted to be called when an EX was available in one of a few colors I liked. A few days later he called to tell me of a Silver EX that was coming in, gave me the VIN and I gave a $100 deposit. I signed the papers last night and will report back on the rest of my experience when I pick it up.

They were the only dealer in NJ that I could find willing to sell at MSRP. Coast Honda in Wall has "Adjusted market pricing for now" but keep emailing me about a Black EX coming in next week. See my review of David Michael Honda in the dealer review section - bad experience. Plus the car had 115 miles on it and $3000 of WAY overpriced options. Running boards, roof rach cross bars, some wood trim and wood steering wheel for $3K. Honda of Princeton was MSRP + $1000.

It feels like the supply is starting to catch up to demand. Almost every dealer had Pilots in stock, and the once that are coming in aren't getting snapped up as fast as they used to.

Give Kay a call. If you show you're serious you'll move up to the top of their list. Good luck.

[jfrano]

Try Sussex Honda. I bought from them at MSRP, NO options. Their very reputable, very helpful. Not sure what the wait time is.
973-579-3500

Joe
PS Avoid RT23 Honda; $$$$ is what they care about!

[njdad]

Thanks for all of your input. I live in Westfield, so the Bridgewater dealer sounds like a good potential. I have a car coming off lease in early January, so a 3 month wait would actually be preferable. Did they (Autosport) have a documentation fee or any other fee that you had to negotiate out of?

I bought my '91 Honda Civic from Sussex and they were good and very competitive price-wise. I remember Route 23 Honda being bad back in '91 - some things never change.

hoffmanj - what is the MVID fee that you referred to?

Thanks again for your advice.

PS - We're looking for the Silver EX-L.

[jfrano]

I can't tell you how happy I am with my vehicle! I have the Redrock Pearl EX-L(with towing hitch), which I paid MSRP. I've added a few items subsequently to it. I think the Pilot gives you sooooo much for the money:

Joe

Add ons since purchase:
- Mudgards
- Auto day/night w compas mirror
- Michelin Cross Terrain tires

[hoffmanj]

MVID is the window etching / "database registration" system to put the VIN on the windows and engine. It was $269, pre-preinted on their order form, and they waived it. It might be harder to get them to waive it once the car is in stock and the etching is done.

[r_parikh]

njdad,

About autosport, No extra fees/charges except DMV and registration. Also no forced window etching or any other options. Did not have to negotoate anything. They also have one pilot all the time to test drive. I am still deciding on options but dealer actually installs DVD/MONITOR option for $1599 from audiovox. By the way, I ordered SS LX after reading good reviews and comments from this site.


Also avoid, Madison Honda. We almost ordered from them, but they charge all kind of fees (documentation/computer setup fee etc.)

[r_parikh]

Any one can recommend tire place to swap (trade-in) good year integrity?

Thanks

[r_parikh]

I am looking at other fees...

Here they are...

1] Registration/Title - $113.50
2] Documentry Fee - $108.00
2.1] Preparation Of Title $46
2.2] Reg/Title Documentation $46
2.3] M.V. Messenger $16
3] TR/VIN (I am not sure what this is!) $7.70

Total Fees= $113.50+108+7.70 = $229.20

Hope this helps.

[hoffmanj]

My total for MV / doc fees was $212, so you're in the right ballpark.

[Pilotless]

Bad experience with David Michael. But finally resolved. I wouldn't recommend them.

Coast Honda was ok, but they require you to buy $1000 worth of goodies for $1800. DCH Honda on RT 9 in Old Bridge/Sayerville was over sticker and Open Road Honda was way over sticker.

David Michael did deliver the vehicle at MSRP with an additional $91 doc fee they wouldn't waive. Didn't want the MVID and they didn't give me a hard time about it.

Check this link for the whole story:

http://www.honda-pilot.org/forums/sh...s=&threadid=92

[03pilot]

Has anyone tried Mahwah Honda -- Upper NJ closer to the NY border.

I have bought my Accord from there a few years ago and thought they were okay to deal with. Also called them before I bought our Pilot. Just to check them out. We now live in California but wanted to see what their pricing was on the Pilot and he said MSRP and nothing forced. So maybe worth a call.

[Grace]

D&C Honda, 28 County Road, Tenafly, New Jersey
This dealer in Northern New Jersey, not far from the George Washington Bridge has a very professional and courteous staff. The sales staff (ask for Bobbie K.) and the finance, service and accessories departments were always helpful. I never felt pressured at any time. Get in touch with them if you want an honest sale. 201-569-5515. hem Grace sent you.

[Giralda]

I had a positive experience at Madison Honda, Madison, NJ. Contact info can be found at www.madisonhonda.com. My salesperson was Jacob. I have a red Pilot EX-L on order at MSRP. They did not attempt to charge a premium or force dealer options.

Changing the subject, I am actually considering canceling my order to purchase the Volvo Cross Country station wagon. If I do, maybe you can get lucky and take my place in the queue.