2012 Prices Paid . . .

[ammdad]

No test drive? How would you handle it differently if you had a car to trade in?

I had previously examined and drove the Honda Pilot at a local dealer. It would have been my preferred dealer, but its internet sales rep was remarkably unhelpful and ultimately did not come close to my low price.

I don't how different my approach would be if I had a trade-in. But I've always heard that you should negotiate the new car purchase separately from the old car trade-in.

[rpnort0]

When offered 3500 for the trade I knew that they were not making essentially any money on that so when I negotiated I knew it would not be super crazy low- but still wanted it pretty low.

Looked it up on Truecar and then scrounged around etc. There was a quote within 100 miles of me online for EX-l no options etc for 34,700. Figured they have to be making a decent amount to quote that publically. when I landed at a really good trade and a little less then 500 under any other writted quote I could get over email/in person at other dealers felt like a good deal to me.

Although premium running boards would have been a nice addition...

And invoice is never really invoice. The holdback the dealers get after the sale is anywhere beteen $300-$1000 depending on brand etc- this is PRE any other incentives. Or that is my history/understanding.

Love the pilot by the way. The "ECO" mode and the shifting takes a smidge to get used to if you are pretty observant on small engine variations, but the mileage gains etc should make up for the very slight inconvenience. (My wife cant even feel it so take that for waht its worth)

[Hakone]

Originally Posted by ammdad

Negotiate by email.

Agreed. That was my method.

- went to truecar
- got best price for my area
- sent out request for price quote to dealer(s)
- replied only to email, ignored voicemail
- sent out requests for match to lowest price received
- called to confirm deal with selected dealer
- went to dealer to pick up Pilot

Of course, my purchase was uncomplicated because it did not involve a trade-in or financing. BTW I would not have made a selection based only on price, but would have also considered how I was treated. As it turned out, the sales person I found most friendly and informative also offered the lowest price. So the choice was not difficult.

I tried to be considerate in return by notifying all my contacts that I had made a purchase so that they could move on to their other sales lead.

That's basically what I did. Car dealers know that there are people out there that preffer the non face-to-face dealing and will accomodate to move units out the lot. The internet sales managers knows that more and more people are going this route anyway. After the test drive, the rest was damn near painless once parties are in agreement.

As far as trade-ins, I hear CarMax provides more fair offers than dealerships... any input on that?

[Hakone]

Originally Posted by boxman2012

2012 EX-L 4WD Polished Metal
With premium running boards, wheel locks, door edge guards.
$33,500 (includes destination) + Tax and registration. No other fees.
No trade.

Ya i'd call that a really sweet deal. Specially w/ the running boards throw in there.

[beef5stew]

Here's how I got my touring at about $200 over invoice.
-Test drove it at my local dealer, decided i wanted it, started negotiations. he would not move off of msrp.
-Used Zag report to email about 10 dealers within 100 miles of my home and indicated what I wanted and I'm ready to make a deal with whoever offered me the best OTR price.
-Best deal was at invoice from a dealer 75 miles away.
-Sent that deal to my local guy. Told him I'd prefer to go with him since he's closest to me, but if he can't match this price we'll shake hands and go our seperate ways.
-he came within $200 of the invoice, and threw in an unlimited lifetime powertrain warranty.
-I put down a deposit.

They still did not want to provide me a written contract, so i took the email, had them sign it as "Agreed" and attached a copy of the deposit. I expect to have the car in about 2 weeks.

[Pablo el diablo]

Paid $25,600 before taxes and title for 2012 LX.

[1YESfan]

off topic but I've had dealerships bring a desk outside if they wanted to complete a sales transaction with me; makes it somewhat nuetral turf and a lot less pressure of feeling trapped. I also like the looks on the employees' faces when I ask them how much will they pay me a year for advertising with dealer decal or plate frame on my car. I've never had a problem receiving a clean car. ;-)

Using all available options for best pricing is worth spending the time on, just don't let them get you in the end with add-ons and warranties at the last minute. After doing research in your particular area just let them know from the get go what you are going to pay out the door period and that you really don't need to buy a car/vehicle car at this time. Also, making the potential customer wait to talk to a high-up is always a bad idea, turn the tables and make them wait as well. Your option is always to walk until you sign anything and always bring a smart person or intelligent spouse with you. If the dealership has already added a few dealer-options, let them bite the bullit, you won't spend one dime extra. Remember, you have nothing to lose, they have everything to gain.

Good luck on prices you want to pay.

[kidhauler]

Finally traded in the old girl (2003 EX, 62K) for a 2012. My wife is the primary driver so reliability was a concern and it was starting to nickle and dime me on parts. Anyway, onto the deal.

2012 Pilot EX-L, no nav, no res
$33,500.00
$7,500 trade on the '03 Pilot
dealer covered tax, title and lic.
$1,000 cash on my end.
$26,000 financed.

It's a nice upgrade from our old model.
I love the new grill.
Not a fan of the wider turning radius.
Bluetooth rocks!

-Dennis-

[pilot2012Exl4wd]

Originally Posted by ammdad

Paying $33.2K + tax & tag for a 2012 Pilot EX-L 4WD in VA
Truecar price is $34K for this area. Picking it up this weekend.

Great deal. can you please share the dealer name in VA?

[pilot2012Exl4wd]

Originally Posted by ddn3f

2012 Honda pilot 4WD EX-L
32,210 + 810 + 200( processing) + 770(remote starter) + MD taxes,tags, title.

1795 for 7 year 100,000 third party warranty. I will be canceling this and going online for 8 year 120,000 mile Hondacare warranty.

Purchased Sep 30, 2011

Great deal. can you please share the dealer name in MD? I have also offered 33100 (including dest) + ttl @ the dealer on 28 sept but dealer was unable to close the deal. I don't know what they were waiting for!

[ammdad]

Originally Posted by pilot2012Exl4wd

Great deal. can you please share the dealer name in VA?

I purchased from Pohanka Honda in Fredericksburg, VA. Good luck in your shopping.

[workingdogs]

Hello,

I am new to the forum. I just bought my 2012 4WD Touring Pilot in White Diamond Pearl w/ grey interior. I have an awesome dealer--Paid $38,500 including fees, but not tax. I also had to put down a $500 deposit back in September to hold. I got the running boards installed free and accessories a lot cheaper than invoice.

[zoe monster]

Hi there. New to site.
I just ordered a 2012 Grey Metallic/Grey Interior Touring awd.
It took some negotiating since the tourings don't seem to be on lots as they are currently being made and slowly shipped out to dealers.

I got a good deal, out of the 13 or so dealers i contacted, most weren't willing to touch it. They started offering sales prices of $39,990, $38,900, etc... which after doing research i knew was B.S. and they could go a hell of a lot lower. it was a lot of back and forth.
Also, i happen to live in Chicago where we have the highest sales tax in the nation.... so i'm extremely lucky.

My sales price was $36,591
+ $810 destination
+$186 doc fee
+ $209 license/title/county tax
+$25 electronic file fee
+ $3602.70 CHICAGO TAX 9.25% (shoot me please)
+ $1366 chrome prem running boards + remote engine start installed
OTD price $42,759

[daron88]

Got my 2012 Bali Blue EX-L for $31,588 plus tax, title & lisc. All told it was $32,824. Very happy with the price and financing through Honda was shockingly low to boot!

[eps105]

Originally Posted by daron88

Got my 2012 Bali Blue EX-L for $31,588 plus tax, title & lisc. All told it was $32,824. Very happy with the price and financing through Honda was shockingly low to boot!

I am presuming this is for FWD, right? Even for FWD, this is below invoice.

Also, if you did a trade-in, it is helpful for you to disclose the details in order to put this pricing in context. Often people think they got a steal on the new car only to have the difference made up in a deflated trade-in.

Thanks!