[BCinTX]

Hi arunpilot. I sent you a private message as well, I am interested too. Same color (Sandstone) but in cloth. Thanks if you can help out.

 

[BCinTX]

Thanks, and thanks for the fee info. My only concern then is that they would quote me one price on trade in and nitpick on condition and lower it when I got there and I'd be stuck. That would really be the only case I'd want my deposit back. I'd provide pictures and an honest report on my cars condition. I'm not interested to drive from Austin to Dallas for the I-35 scenery so I'm not motivated to surprise them with the condition.

 

[BCinTX]

If you can post your salesperson's contact info I'll be glad to talk to him or her myself and give credit to you as a reference (hopefully might help you to an even better deal or discount on accessories). I'd refer to you as "the person buying the sandstone EX-L posting on honda-pilot.org" unless you give me a better handle to use with them. I'm working with other dealers in the area but this is a few hundred better than what I've seen so far.

 

[BCinTX]

I just put a deposit down an a Sandstone EX cloth that Huggins got in last night, and will drive up and get it this weekend. $1830 off MSRP. I came reasonable close with local dealers but still not as good plus I get the Pilot NOW!

Thanks Arunpilot!

 

[BCinTX]

Yes, it was Rosana. I did mention you from hondapilot.org. Good luck on yours!

 

[BCinTX]

We had too much going on today to get up to Ft Worth so I'll pick it up Monday. I'll post here and dealer reviews afterwards.

 

[BCinTX]

Took delivery of my 04 Sandstone EX from Huggins in Ft Worth today! All was fine with one exception that I unfortunately didn't notice until I was 1/2way back. There was a hairline crack about fingernail width on the windshield. I thought I had the bad luck to catch a rock in town, but when I stopped in Waco and examined it I could catch it with my nail on the inside, but not the outside. It probably happenned at the factory and perhaps highway driving opened it up. I'll call tomorrow and see what they can do about it. It's the kind of thing those windshield repair guys can fix on the outside, I assume they can do the same on the inside.

The other thing I just remembered is to ask what happens to my non-refundable deposit they put on my card. It was not credited to the sale and I think my card was already charged (haven't seen a statement yet) so that's one more thing to ask about.

Over the phone Rosana had explained that normally they only take deposits on ordered cars (not in stock ones) and the one I wanted actually came in before I did so but she agreed to hold it. The mileage was just 9 miles so they hadn't let others drive it. There were no surpises or hidden charges. And my trade in was in the range they had discussed sight unseen over the phone, and higher than CarMax's. Got the sales pitch for the extended warrantee and LoJack but was not pushed when I firmly said no.

I actually dealt with Brenda, who handles internet sales with Rosana. She was just fine to work with, though there were a couple things she didn't explain about the car correctly. Most notably she described the VTM-4 lock as being the only on/off control for VTM-4. I told her I thought VTM-4 would still enable when needed and she said no, but then kind of hedged when I quizzed her more. I always listen and watch as the salesperson shows me the car as I usually learn something new but never rely on it fully.

So all in all a very good experience assuming the deposit is returned or never was charged, and the windshield crack is repaired.

Thanks again, arunpilot, for pointing me to Huggins and I hope your experience is good as well.

 

[BCinTX]

97 Honda CRV, 94K miles, minor dent in each fenders plus a few on the hood from a fallen tree branch. Excellent condition otherwise. Kelley Blue Book is $5800 in Good condition with that mileage. I'm sure they deduct repair costs but repairing it would put it in excellent condition ($6350). Anyway, CarMax offerred just $3800, Huggins offerred $4800, after quoting 4500-5000 range over the phone after I described the condition with reasonable accuracy. CarMax has a good rep for trade ins by they are 0 for 2 with me. I was relieved Huggins kept with their range.

I imagine CarMax does better with newer cars they resell themselves; they'd have wholesaled mine off.

I hope my Pilot serves me well for a good long time so I don't have to worry about resale for quite a while!

 

[BCinTX]

Huggins says they never charged my credit card even though they gave the impression that they did. I will check my bill next month but I believe them.

Regarding the windshield, they recommended taking it to the local dealer. My timing was perfect as the Round Rock Classic Honda service person asked if I could bring it in right then as the district service manager was going to be there for about another hour. Within 15 minutes they had examined the windshield and said they'd order a new one for me.

 

[BCinTX]

Don't let it ruin your enjoyment of the Pilot. Even at MSRP you still got a lot of car for the money. Besides, the free delivery and accessories certainly consitute a discount off full price. When I mention my price I meant that much off MSRP+delivery, and paid for mud flaps, fog lights, and front row window tinting, about $700 I think.

 

[BCinTX]

Glad things worked out for you. Were you able to get your deposit back from Huggins? What is that EPP you mentioned? I never heard of it.
(Never mind, I found it in another thread, it's paint protection and leather treatment)