Need Assistance on Purchase of Honda Pilot 2004 in California

I'm in the market to purchase a new 2004 Honda Pilot EX-L with NAV in
Northern California. Started the standard process. Costco, Internet,
Car Brokers, and visit to dealer.

So far the best I got in Northern California is $1,500 over invoice
from just putting out e-mails. I read on other fourms that people
have gotten $500 over invoice in Southern California.

My next step is to go back to dealer and tell them I can get $500.00
over invoice from Souther California and see if anyone can counter
with anything that is $800.00 over invoice.

Any additional advice?.

 

NorCal is a big place. Where did you try?
I used different zip codes with Costco, and bought in San Jose.
I found the dealers in the Sacramento area, regardless of how I contacted
them, to not quite be "up" on the internet idea, still stuck in the "come
on down and we'll see what we can do" mode.

The Costco-referred dealer in Petaluma didn't even call back, and the
dealer in Santa Rosa had a better price than what I paid advertised in the
Sunday Press Democrat a month after I bought.

 

I have a similar problem in NC. Dealers won't budge. One actually told
me that "If you don't buy it, the next guy will". I'm going to buy a
pilot but probably not from that guy.

 

There is an online fourm for Pilot owners. It's been a great source
of prices. The link is www.honda-pilot.org. Still shopping. I have
a bunch of dealers calling. The key is to keep in mind the dealers
need you more then you need them.

 

Yes; Show me the money!

 

Thanks. This forum has been useful (and I just posted this AM...)

 

I don't know why you have the problem today with the high gas price. In my
area (Philadelphia, PA), Honda Pilot, CRV and even mini van get good
discount. Did you check Edmund website

Hai

 

My closest dealer said "here's the price, take it or leave it"

 

Glad you found the place. It's an invaluable resource for Pilot
related info and questions. Good luck with your purchase!

 

TomP:
What does that mean?. Are you a dealer?

 

I bought my Pilot EX today...
Here's what I got:
28,195.15 -- Price (Pilot EX)
845.85 -- Tax
61 - License/registration
398 -- Junk

Out the door: $29,500
Oh, plus a Honda hat at his cost (I asked for the hat AFTER the deal was
done... damn!)

3.45% loan (my credit union had 3.75% if I put 30% down).

Plus they have yet to look at my trade-in. I did it "right" Got a
price I could live with THEN talked financing THEN trade-in.

The best price I had was $29,452.14 but that was an hour away. I'll pay
an extra $48 for convenience.

 

Jo:
That's below Invoice. Great Price. You Tax Rate is great too.
Everything in California seems higher. Car prices, taxes, gas, etc.

Did you negoiate with the sales person for that price?

Thanks

 

Invoice is $27,003. I paid just under $1200 above invoice. MSRP is
$29,960. I paid about $1800 under MSRP.
Yes, I negotiated with salesman who went back to "sales manager" many
times. I had a deal at 29,452 but that was an hours drive.