First, it's impossible to ascertain whether or not these reviews are written by real customers. So, for what it's worth:
Back-story: I used to sell Toyotas, and know that it's possible to get a fair deal and enjoy the buying experience. In general, read a lot, know what deals are being advertised, and then ask for something similar. A dealership that doesn't make any profit doesn't stay in business.
Months ago, I stopped in at Honda of Conyers and introduced myself to Stu Resnick. I knew we'd be shopping for another vehicle because my wife is pregnant and we won't have enough room when the baby arrives. I gave him my contact info, and expected to have a long-standing relationship with the local dealer (we bought our last Honda on eBay, but wanted to go back to our lease-then-buy routine we've used in the past.
On Monday, I called to confirm Stu was in, and then I went in to see him. We went over the details of what I was trying to do - though I did not give him specifics on the payment goals I had. I reminded him that I used to sell new cars, and that I'd do my best to give him all the information he needed to make my transaction as simple as possible. I failed to tell him - I didn't think it was necessary - that the ad on Honda_dot_com was:
(1) Pilot LX
(2) Tax, Tag, and Title due at signing (~$1100)
(3) Payments of 340 + tax (at 7% tax, that's 364) /month
I had a 9 yr old Odyssey with a little less than 180k miles for trade. They offered:
(1) Pilot LX
(2) Tax, Tag, and Title due at signing ($1142)
(3) Taking my Odyssey as a trade (showing $1000 for it)
(4) Payments of 479 /mo (including tax, which is about 448 without, to be compared with the 340 above)
I asked for a computer, and showed them the ad on Honda_dot_com. They first said, well that price doesn't include tax (the numbers I've worked above to show that the deal, not including the trade was over $100 different per month for 35 months.
The difference in the two deals? $3780 + whatever they were really paying for my trade. KBB_dot_com says that the trade-in value of an '02 Odyssey with 180k miles in fair condition is about $3000 (as I write this, July 2011). Suppose mine was only worth half of this, then the difference in what they were asking for and the _advertised_ price is $5280. If it is indeed in fair condition, then the *extra* profit is more like $6780.
I am a knowledgable buyer, so I just showed them the ad, asked what they were thinking by making an offer like that, and then left. I went to Carey Paul Honda the next day (yesterday) and leased the Pilot LX
(1) Pilot LX
(2) No money out of pocket
(3) Trade of Odyssey
(4) Payments of 280 /month + tax (total 299 /month)
The difference between the deal I did and the deal I was offered at Honda of Conyers? $7442.
Please read that last sentence at least one more time.
I went to talk to Stu today, and he said, among other things, I know you must be angry. Granting I am a little annoyed and maybe even a little insulted, I claim that my greatest concern right now is for my neighbors who have no experience in negotiations. The managers wouldn't talk to me.
I asked Stu clearly: If you treat a knowledgable customer like this, how do you treat the trusting souls? How can send my friends, family, and colleagues to Honda of Conyers?
The answer is: I can't. Buyer, beware.
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