Honda Fit - negotiations with dealer?

[yiujun]

Hey everyone,

So my 1998 Acura 3.0 CL died (the engine conked out and it's going to cost 4300 to fix the engine and the transmission), so my parents are pressuring me to get a subcompact econocar.

I'm considering either the Versa HB, Yaris HB or the Fit Sport.

I prefer the Fit Sport out of the 3 but it is also the most expensive. Also there will be a new model out in 2009 and I feel kind of silly to be buying it now (it's not even on sale yet).

I emailed all the dealers in Vancouver looking for a better deal, and one of the dealers emailed back saying they have the car with the stuff I"m looking for, and he will take $150 off the MSRP for me, as well as give me a 10% discount on any of the options I want.

I replied saying I'm looking for a better deal and he told me that is the best deal I could get.

Just wondering if this was true.. and if that is a good price?
I just bought an Accord but I only managed to get $700 off MSRP.. and I still feel like I was cheated because my friend's sister managed to get an extra $1000 off my price.. my friend bought the coupe with the same package and paid the same price as me! (I bought the sedan).

[Drew_W]

apa.ca

[sandwith]

I was able to get about $350 off MSRP plus a free 10 speed bike (they couldn't get rid of the bikes fast enough, part of an earlier promo) on an 07 Fit about this time last year, so I would guess you could do as well considering the new model coming out later this year. That was at Westgate Honda in London, so YMMV.

[bkim3]

I was able to get 08 Accord LX about $375 over invoice last December, which means $1597 off MSRP. Please don't settle with like a couple hundred off MSRP. I guess it depends on dealer and circumstance.
I'd rather buy a barebone Civic than a loaded Fit for the price. That's just me.

[VivienM]

So my 1998 Acura 3.0 CL died (the engine conked out and it's going to cost 4300 to fix the engine and the transmission), so my parents are pressuring me to get a subcompact econocar.

Take your parents to a Honda dealer. Make THEM drive the Fit for 30 minutes.

Then they'll come to their senses and you can get a civilized car. :)

[yiujun]

Take your parents to a Honda dealer. Make THEM drive the Fit for 30 minutes.

Then they'll come to their senses and you can get a civilized car. :)

What's wrong with the Fit? :confused:

[yiujun]

I was able to get 08 Accord LX about $375 over invoice last December, which means $1597 off MSRP. Please don't settle with like a couple hundred off MSRP. I guess it depends on dealer and circumstance.
I'd rather buy a barebone Civic than a loaded Fit for the price. That's just me.

Wow how much did you negotiate for? I only got 700 off MSRP for my 2008 Accord..

[KorruptioN]

Take your parents to a Honda dealer. Make THEM drive the Fit for 30 minutes.

Then they'll come to their senses and you can get a civilized car. :)

The Fit is a great little thing to zip around the city in. Squeezing into impossible places is quite rewarding... but that's me.

[VivienM]

What's wrong with the Fit? :confused:

Do we really need to waste bytes on RFD's server debating that?????

The OP had an Acura CL with a 3.0L engine. That thing probably had a wheelbase twice as long as the Fit's, 2.5X more horsepower, various luxury features, etc. Downgrading to a Honda Fit is a serious, SERIOUS, SERIOUS step down....

[adwoodw]

Hey everyone,

So my 1998 Acura 3.0 CL died (the engine conked out and it's going to cost 4300 to fix the engine and the transmission), so my parents are pressuring me to get a subcompact econocar.

I'm considering either the Versa HB, Yaris HB or the Fit Sport.

I prefer the Fit Sport out of the 3 but it is also the most expensive. Also there will be a new model out in 2009 and I feel kind of silly to be buying it now (it's not even on sale yet).

I emailed all the dealers in Vancouver looking for a better deal, and one of the dealers emailed back saying they have the car with the stuff I"m looking for, and he will take $150 off the MSRP for me, as well as give me a 10% discount on any of the options I want.

I replied saying I'm looking for a better deal and he told me that is the best deal I could get.

Just wondering if this was true.. and if that is a good price?
I just bought an Accord but I only managed to get $700 off MSRP.. and I still feel like I was cheated because my friend's sister managed to get an extra $1000 off my price.. my friend bought the coupe with the same package and paid the same price as me! (I bought the sedan).

So you bought an Accord and you also need another car? Aren't you the one who backed into a tree branch?

[Billa-786]

Hey everyone,

So my 1998 Acura 3.0 CL died (the engine conked out and it's going to cost 4300 to fix the engine and the transmission), so my parents are pressuring me to get a subcompact econocar.



Out of curiosity,how many km on your Acura before it died on you?

[taro-chan]

Have you even test driven these cars?

[majic]

I'm considering either the Versa HB, Yaris HB or the Fit Sport.

I prefer the Fit Sport out of the 3 but it is also the most expensive. Also there will be a new model out in 2009 and I feel kind of silly to be buying it now (it's not even on sale yet).


as an owner of a mazda3 ;) i can tell you that the fit and finish is superior to the models above.. as is the performance.. i'm not sure if it didn't make the list b/c the hatch is more expensive but the base 3 sedan starts in the 16K range and the hatch i hear is getting the 2.0L engine for 2009 model year and the price should drop from the current 21K..

my best advice is to test drive all the cars you're considering taking note of all the nuances and deficiencies compared across the models.. then compare it to your needs & wants list and the prices/financing/dealer incentives..

carcostcanada.com should give you the dealer markups and invoice prices.. good luck and check out the mazda3 :P

[malecoke]

If you've sat in a Versa i dont even know why ure considering a Yaris or Fit...its jsut FARRRR superior

[ES_Revenge]

Take your parents to a Honda dealer. Make THEM drive the Fit for 30 minutes.

Then they'll come to their senses and you can get a civilized car. :)

ROFL :lol:

[gawa]

The OP had an Acura CL with a 3.0L engine. That thing probably had a wheelbase twice as long as the Fit's, 2.5X more horsepower, various luxury features, etc. Downgrading to a Honda Fit is a serious, SERIOUS, SERIOUS step down....

I went from 2003 VW GTI VR6 with pretty much all the options, to a Fit, and I'm surviving. *shrugs*. It is a big drop, but if you can overlook all the missing luxuries, the Fit isn't bad. Of course it's slow in comparison, but my wallet appreciates the money saved from the gas usage.

But anyways, to the OP, I got the Fit about $700-800 off MSRP. You might want to ask the Vancouver Fit community and see how much they got their Fits for... there's a Vancouver section on fitfreak.net:
http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/greater-vancouver-bc-community/

[tidus888]

i remember checking the dealer cost last time at my friend's place, for a Honda Fit, MSRP - Cost is less than a grand.

but for sure fit is a good car.. in the meantime you can go to honda.co.jp to check out the new fit =)

[Justin]

What's wrong with the Fit? :confused:

Do you want to die when a pickup truck runs your car right over? Some sub-compact cars receive good crash test ratings, but that is a bunch of crap. The car may do fine if it runs into a wall, but trying running that small car into a pickup truck that weights 4x as much going 110km/h. You and your car will become part of the pavement.

[SkylineR34X]

Subcompacts usually have a profit margin (ie. difference between invoice and MSRP) around 1k. Dealer has to make something (make sense right?). They are looking for about 300-500 profit. So expect 500-800 off MSRP. The accessory and all other protection package is where $$$ comes in for them. So watch out for those.

[yiujun]

Do we really need to waste bytes on RFD's server debating that?????

The OP had an Acura CL with a 3.0L engine. That thing probably had a wheelbase twice as long as the Fit's, 2.5X more horsepower, various luxury features, etc. Downgrading to a Honda Fit is a serious, SERIOUS, SERIOUS step down....

I've been inside a Fit before and I find it ok. I'm only 22 so I really don't need a super expensive sporty luxurious car.. and I can't afford one either. :|

[yiujun]

I went from 2003 VW GTI VR6 with pretty much all the options, to a Fit, and I'm surviving. *shrugs*. It is a big drop, but if you can overlook all the missing luxuries, the Fit isn't bad. Of course it's slow in comparison, but my wallet appreciates the money saved from the gas usage.

But anyways, to the OP, I got the Fit about $700-800 off MSRP. You might want to ask the Vancouver Fit community and see how much they got their Fits for... there's a Vancouver section on fitfreak.net:
http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/greater-vancouver-bc-community/

Thanks for the info! Wow 700-800 off? How did you manage to do that? All the dealers have been either quoting me MSRP or 150 off.. do you live on the west coast?

[yiujun]

So you bought an Accord and you also need another car? Aren't you the one who backed into a tree branch?

Yeah, I need another car because our family apparently can't survive with 2 cars only, and the Accord was our 3rd car. Now it's the 2nd car because my old Acura died on us.

So within 3 months we're considering buying another car. -o-"
I'm not happy about it - I didnt want to go car shopping for another 2 years.

And I still haven't fixed that crack and dent yet on my Accord.. it's barely visible though. :|

[Drew_W]

I've been inside a Fit before and I find it ok. I'm only 22 so I really don't need a super expensive sporty luxurious car.. and I can't afford one either. :|

If you're budget conscious, why are you buying a new car? Buy a used current gen Civic (like an 06). More car, less money. More power, still awesome fuel economy. 3 year leases should be ending about now on the first batch of those and you can probably find one still under warranty. If you're nervous about buying used, pay the premium and buy from a Honda dealer.

[Drew_W]

If you're budget conscious, why are you buying a new car? Buy a used current gen Civic (like an 06). More car, less money. More power, still awesome fuel economy. 3 year leases should be ending about now on the first batch of those and you can probably find one still under warranty. If you're nervous about buying used, pay the premium and buy from a Honda dealer.

Oh and you know you can get a new Civic for < $4000 more than the Fit (LX trim, auto)?

[yiujun]

Oh and you know you can get a new Civic for < $4000 more than the Fit (LX trim, auto)?

Yep - I am looking into the Civic LX coupe now too and have emailed dealers to see if they will accept my offer - 3% over invoice.

If I have any luck I will update.

[yiujun]

If you're budget conscious, why are you buying a new car? Buy a used current gen Civic (like an 06). More car, less money. More power, still awesome fuel economy. 3 year leases should be ending about now on the first batch of those and you can probably find one still under warranty. If you're nervous about buying used, pay the premium and buy from a Honda dealer.

That's exactly it - I am nervous about buying a previously-leased civic - who knows what it has been through? since the car was on a lease the owner would most probably be pretty careless about car maintenance.

I would rather pay the premium and buy a new car.

[gawa]

Thanks for the info! Wow 700-800 off? How did you manage to do that? All the dealers have been either quoting me MSRP or 150 off.. do you live on the west coast?

East coast, in Toronto actually. I'm assuming the Fit is more popular in Vancouver than it is in Toronto, judging from the amount of Fit enthusiasts on the forum from Vancouver/BC vs. those from Toronto, perhaps that's why the dealers aren't willing to budge much.

[Drew_W]

That's exactly it - I am nervous about buying a previously-leased civic - who knows what it has been through? since the car was on a lease the owner would most probably be pretty careless about car maintenance.

I would rather pay the premium and buy a new car.

You can get service records for used cars, ya know? Honda's a pretty tough car. Just because it was a lease doesn't mean it was pounded to hell and then the keys dropped off at the end...

[yiujun]

So, going to get a 2008 Civic Coupe LX or EXL in White.
I offered the dealers either $23k for LX or $25.4k for EXL. That means I'm giving dealers 3% above invoice.
This is including Freight & PDI and excluding taxes and accessories.

Two dealers accepted, and both also offered to sell accessories at dealer cost, plus a free oil change and free wheel lock nuts.

I think I'll just get them to throw in a bike rack and/or floor mats and call it a day.

What do you think of this deal? I think it's pretty good for me.

[mhayer10]

So, going to get a 2008 Civic Coupe LX or EXL in White.
I offered the dealers either $23k for LX or $25.4k for EXL. That means I'm giving dealers 3% above invoice.
This is including Freight & PDI and excluding taxes and accessories.

Two dealers accepted, and both also offered to sell accessories at dealer cost, plus a free oil change and free wheel lock nuts.

Since one of the dealers is offering 0% financing for 48 months, I think I'm going with that one.

I think I'll just get them to throw in a bike rack and/or floor mats and call it a day.

What do you think of this deal? I think it's pretty good for me.

im also buying an exl, ive been offered it for $27.1K with taxes, (im paying cash) but i think even this is too much still

[GangStarr]

Do we really need to waste bytes on RFD's server debating that?????

The OP had an Acura CL with a 3.0L engine. That thing probably had a wheelbase twice as long as the Fit's, 2.5X more horsepower, various luxury features, etc. Downgrading to a Honda Fit is a serious, SERIOUS, SERIOUS step down....

In all fairness it sounds like the OP may have gotten the car from his parents, and now his folks are forcing him into an econobox. No shame in that, gas is pricey and TTC is by no means the better way.

Your otherwise right.

[yiujun]

im also buying an exl, ive been offered it for $27.1K with taxes, (im paying cash) but i think even this is too much still

Do you mean 27.1k taxes included or 27.1k PLUS taxes?

[mhayer10]

Do you mean 27.1k taxes included or 27.1k PLUS taxes?

taxes INCLUDED

[yiujun]

taxes INCLUDED

Well, in that I'm going to assume that you live on the East Coast, where dealers are more willing to negotiate?

That's a pretty good deal for the top model IMO - my friend paid over 30k for his EX-L a month or two ago.

[mhayer10]

Well, in that I'm going to assume that you live on the East Coast, where dealers are more willing to negotiate?

That's a pretty good deal for the top model IMO - my friend paid over 30k for his EX-L a month or two ago.

hahahhaha nope i live in vancouver BC, im pretty sure they can still go lower, did your friend pay cash?................my friend recently bought the lx-sr for 21ish, but he's leasing it, after working everything out his total was 30

[VivienM]

In all fairness it sounds like the OP may have gotten the car from his parents, and now his folks are forcing him into an econobox. No shame in that, gas is pricey and TTC is by no means the better way.

OP is in BC. I have no idea what public transportation is like out there...

I guess gas price matters a lot more in BC since they have public auto insurance... (I'm assuming that if the OP's parents are basically picking his car, he's under 25)

[willpoon]

You can definitely go lower for the exl, $26500 cash purchase taxes in would be my bet since I bought mine two weeks ago and I'm in Ontario.

Also, the civics don't have a roof rack as an accessory, i've checked.

You can get an aftermarket roof rack if you really wanted but risk scratching your new paint off.

Other accessories you can buy off www.hondapartsdeals.com

Rust proofing and tinting I paid extra for on top of that price as well.

I'm kinda wondering if I should have bought the Si instead.

But back to the point, don't get the Fit. I test drove the Fit and then the Civic and trust me, the Fit SUCKS.

It's noisy, has no power, lacks cargo space, drives like a go kart.

[yiujun]

OP is in BC. I have no idea what public transportation is like out there...

I guess gas price matters a lot more in BC since they have public auto insurance... (I'm assuming that if the OP's parents are basically picking his car, he's under 25)

I am under 25, but I'm a girl.. I don't understand why people automatically think people are guys here.. and I chose the car. They know nothing about cars and trust me completely.

And I'm paying for it.

[yiujun]

You can definitely go lower for the exl, $26500 cash purchase taxes in would be my bet since I bought mine two weeks ago and I'm in Ontario.

Also, the civics don't have a roof rack as an accessory, i've checked.

You can get an aftermarket roof rack if you really wanted but risk scratching your new paint off.

Other accessories you can buy off www.hondapartsdeals.com

Rust proofing and tinting I paid extra for on top of that price as well.

I'm kinda wondering if I should have bought the Si instead.

But back to the point, don't get the Fit. I test drove the Fit and then the Civic and trust me, the Fit SUCKS.

It's noisy, has no power, lacks cargo space, drives like a go kart.

Really.. wow I didn't realize they can go so low. It's kind of hard to believe since CCC says the invoice price is $24,626.

[yiujun]

hahahhaha nope i live in vancouver BC, im pretty sure they can still go lower, did your friend pay cash?................my friend recently bought the lx-sr for 21ish, but he's leasing it, after working everything out his total was 30

Leasing shouldn't cost 9000... taxes + lease cost shouldn't add up to 9000 either.. that's a big chunk of money. :confused:

[VivienM]

I am under 25, but I'm a girl.. I don't understand why people automatically think people are guys here.. and I chose the car. They know nothing about cars and trust me completely.

And I'm paying for it.

Hey, I get presumed to be a girl all the time... and I'm not :(. Sorry about that...

That being said, gender is immaterial to the question. You live in BC. Unlike in Ontario, where being female cuts your insurance rates by 50%, in BC it doesn't matter.

Are you choosing the car? Or were you pressured into a subcompact, as your first post says, and you're just picking your favourite subcompact out of the three options?

[willpoon]

Honestly, I'm 25 and I first thought of getting the Fit because of the price but for a little more, the civic is a way better alternative.

If you're just driving casually, you are not going to save very much in gas.

The price for gas is the last thing you should be thinking about. You should like the car that you drive because you are most likely going to have it for a while.

[yiujun]

It's ok.. I did kind of think that you were a girl too from your name :cheesygri

Yeah I hear insurance will be steep for the Civic Coupe. I am choosing the car, but I just want a fuel efficient car. I like to feel comfortable in the car but don't want to pay for a more expensive car and premium fuel either.


Hey, I get presumed to be a girl all the time... and I'm not :(. Sorry about that...

That being said, gender is immaterial to the question. You live in BC. Unlike in Ontario, where being female cuts your insurance rates by 50%, in BC it doesn't matter.

Are you choosing the car? Or were you pressured into a subcompact, as your first post says, and you're just picking your favourite subcompact out of the three options?

[willpoon]

It's ok.. I did kind of think that you were a girl too from your name :cheesygri

Yeah I hear insurance will be steep for the Civic Coupe. I am choosing the car, but I just want a fuel efficient car. I like to feel comfortable in the car but don't want to pay for a more expensive car and premium fuel either.

My insurance is $1900 a year right now on a civic ex-l sedan.

You should find quotes with your current insurance company and others to see what kind of price you will get.

Also, if you don't get the Si, then the recommended fuel is only regular unleaded.

hence why i also chose the ex-l.

[yiujun]

hahahhaha nope i live in vancouver BC, im pretty sure they can still go lower, did your friend pay cash?................my friend recently bought the lx-sr for 21ish, but he's leasing it, after working everything out his total was 30

Sent you a PM...

[VivienM]

My insurance is $1900 a year right now on a civic ex-l sedan.

You should find quotes with your current insurance company and others to see what kind of price you will get.

Also, if you don't get the Si, then the recommended fuel is only regular unleaded.

hence why i also chose the ex-l.

She's in BC. Public insurance.

Please excuse us male Ontarians while we mumble very jealously in the westward direction...

[VivienM]

Yeah I hear insurance will be steep for the Civic Coupe. I am choosing the car, but I just want a fuel efficient car. I like to feel comfortable in the car but don't want to pay for a more expensive car and premium fuel either.

Most cars don't require premium fuel unless they're German, or otherwise luxury/high performance in some way, so that's not a huge concern...

[yiujun]

My insurance is $1900 a year right now on a civic ex-l sedan.

You should find quotes with your current insurance company and others to see what kind of price you will get.

Also, if you don't get the Si, then the recommended fuel is only regular unleaded.

hence why i also chose the ex-l.

premium unleaded all the way, lol. hey that's not too bad for insurance :O
you must have a nice record with icbc :)

[mhayer10]

You can definitely go lower for the exl, $26500 cash purchase taxes in would be my bet since I bought mine two weeks ago and I'm in Ontario.

Also, the civics don't have a roof rack as an accessory, i've checked.

You can get an aftermarket roof rack if you really wanted but risk scratching your new paint off.

Other accessories you can buy off www.hondapartsdeals.com

Rust proofing and tinting I paid extra for on top of that price as well.

I'm kinda wondering if I should have bought the Si instead.

But back to the point, don't get the Fit. I test drove the Fit and then the Civic and trust me, the Fit SUCKS.

It's noisy, has no power, lacks cargo space, drives like a go kart.

If you dont mind sharing....what was your price before they put the taxes in, in bc taxes are 12%, what about ontairo?

[The_Professor]

Taxes in Ontario are 13%.