Infidel

After much hemming and hawing, I've managed to get Arrowhead Honda to agree to sign a contract for a 2002 at MSRP + $1500. The latest figure I was talking from my side was MSRP + $500. I think I can get them down to MSRP +$1000, but I REALLY don't want to go more than $500 over MSRP. (This is with no bogus surcharges or accessories)

So anyway, what do you guys think? is MSRP + $1000 a fair price for a fresh 2002 or should I hold out and try somewhere else. Of the 5 dealerships I pinged, Arrowhead was the only one that wasn't giving me the runaround and answered all my questions upfront.

Thanks for any advice.

Quick96

You might want to check with Bell Honda a guy just got a deal of MSRP with the internet manager. EMail them at www.bellhonda.com I am pretty sure they will hook you up.

Gloffer

Personally, if you can wait, then I'd hold out. Wait till a few 2002's have shown up and not sold right away. If you can't wait then MSRP +500 is the most I would go. Earlier this year a number of people were having good luck with priceline.com. The deals they were getting were like MSRP + $50 to priceline. There's also a list of dealers on the site that supposedly will not sell for above MSRP. Of course you'd have to be willing to travel a little or a lot to get your deal, but just think you'd be all broken in by the time you got back to AZ.

Remember everything is negotiable. If they want MSRP + then try and get an extended warranty included or other car options for that price. Also remember that dealer cost at least on the 2001's was between $28,000 and $29,000. So the dealers are already making a lot of money at MSRP.

If you want read my rant about my experience at Earnhardt. Just do a search for Earnhardt.

That being said I hope they do get MSRP +++, it'll make my 2001 worth more
.

SonShine

I got my S2K at Arrowhead for about $500 over MSRP. I should have held out for MSRP, but I calculated the difference to be $1.70 per month for three years (the length of my lease). They were very good with me, unlike other dealers (SHOWCASE) that I tried to deal with. With the 2001's, you can definitely get them at MSRP. I blew it, but I also had more pressing issues to deal with at the time so I figured it was worth $500 for less hassle! Good luck - if you can't get what you want, try the internet guy at Arrowhead (Chad Ciccon) - he was very easy to deal with. If you need more info, let me know.

himtall

I bought mine at Mesa of Honda and was happy with them. $1500 is TOO much IMO.

ceo2b

If I'm reading correctly, you have negotiated $1500 over MSRP on a 2002 and think you can get them down to $1000 over. We've all got our stories about how we got MSRP, MSRP + $500, etc. I believe most of us with those stories are driving an '01.

Ask how many guys driving an '00 got it for sticker, or anywhere close. (OK, I know you guys are out there, so no need for cynical responses...)

We're talking about a new model here, with new colors, new sound system, new trim, new glass window, and if all the published data in Car & Driver and at the Honda dealer is correct, a better tranny / clutch. You're pre-ordering, which means you'll be getting one of the first '02 models.

Given these circumstances & what the mark-ups were on the '00 model, I think $1000 over sticker isn't bad. As much as I think some of these Honda dealers should rot in hell for their horrible service and lack of after-purchase support and assistance, we live in the land of supply and demand. My hunch is that the demand for the '02, initially, will be high. We realistically should expect the price to be higher as well.

My $.02 -- sounds like you did alright.

Dave

GameDev

I'm still trying on a 2001 because I'm fairly certain I can get it for MSRP from Bell. Now would be the time to try since everyone will be attempting to unload their inventory before the 2002's come out in full force. I had a semi-negative experience with Bell when I went in with my roommate (also looking at S2K's), and Bell NEARLY slapped an extra $8,000 on what he would have paid over the course of the loan by scrawling 72 months instead of 60. Thankfully he had his overly-cautious roommate there to save his ass. Of course this is why payment shoppers are the ones who get targeted for scams by the dealerships. I'll be paying cash up front however, so the out-the-door price is all I care about. One of the guys at Bell says he can get me a Grand Prix White right away, which is why I'm still dealing with them (others have said 90 days to get it in).

On an side note, does anyone know of changes to the engine/drivetrain/etc. on the 2002's aside from the cosmetic changes like the dead-pedal, speakers, glass window, etc? I actually think I want a plastic rear window anyway (I'm short, and the glass window is smaller, i.e. less visibility), which is why I'm happy trying to get a 2001.

Nin009

GameDev,
If you wouldn't mind a used MY2000, there is a white with a supercharger at Elway Toyota here in Denver. I drive by it on my way to work. It also has a comptech exhaust. I think they are asking around 26k for it. I could stop by a check it out for you if you have any interest. Send me a PM if you want me to investigate further.

GameDev

Nin009 -

Unfortunately, I had a BAD experience with a used S2000 (white, of course) that had a few *minor* problems. I've decided that I want to raise a new S2k like a baby (get to have the engine break-in experience), and I'm always going to be cautious of used cars now based on my "incident" with Showcase here in Phoenix. That is a pretty damn good deal for 26k though...do you know how many miles it has, just out of curiosity??