Future Ridgeline owner needs assistance...

[Sharkman]

I am in the process of negotiating a deal for an RTS. I apologize in advance for all the questions, but I'm a bit of a "wheeler-dealer" and am curious to see what kind of deals I may be able to get with my dealer.

I've been a lifelong Chevy owner...this is my first venture into the Honda market. I love the Ridgeline's style (even though several reviews have called them ugly) and functionality. I know several Honda owners and they are all very happy with their selections, but I don't know anyone who owns a Ridgeline (and I love the idea of being the first one on the block...lol)

I have been able to get a quote of $24,571 for a 2006...$27,266 for a 2007 via the internet. What do you guys think of those prices? I've received quotes from 2 different dealers. Do you think I'll be able to get one of them to go much lower, or do you think this is about the best deal I'll get?

Will dealers make any deals on options? If they won't move any more on the price, do you think I could get a couple options thrown in...or at least get them installed for free?

Has anybody had any luck getting any deals on options, labor, etc?

How about things like free oil changes, free loaner cars, etc? Is that something that Honda typically does?

How about service...is Honda typically good about taking care of service/warranty issues?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[LadyRidge]

I am in the process of negotiating a deal for an RTS. I apologize in advance for all the questions, but I'm a bit of a "wheeler-dealer" and am curious to see what kind of deals I may be able to get with my dealer.

I've been a lifelong Chevy owner...this is my first venture into the Honda market. I love the Ridgeline's style (even though several reviews have called them ugly) and functionality. I know several Honda owners and they are all very happy with their selections, but I don't know anyone who owns a Ridgeline (and I love the idea of being the first one on the block...lol)

I have been able to get a quote of $24,571 for a 2006...$27,266 for a 2007 via the internet. What do you guys think of those prices? I've received quotes from 2 different dealers. Do you think I'll be able to get one of them to go much lower, or do you think this is about the best deal I'll get?

Will dealers make any deals on options? If they won't move any more on the price, do you think I could get a couple options thrown in...or at least get them installed for free?

Has anybody had any luck getting any deals on options, labor, etc?

How about things like free oil changes, free loaner cars, etc? Is that something that Honda typically does?

How about service...is Honda typically good about taking care of service/warranty issues?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi welcome to the ROC. :)

I can't help you with price because with 43K on the odo, I would pay anything for one. It has been a great truck and has served me well. I do know that many people who belong to this club can help and will. Stand by for many answers, comments, questions and opinions.

Again, welcome. :)

[bigred1]

Sound like good prices to me. I gave 28999 for my RTL with moon and S/R

[rasr866]

I am in the process of negotiating a deal for an RTS. I apologize in advance for all the questions, but I'm a bit of a "wheeler-dealer" and am curious to see what kind of deals I may be able to get with my dealer.

I've been a lifelong Chevy owner...this is my first venture into the Honda market. I love the Ridgeline's style (even though several reviews have called them ugly) and functionality. I know several Honda owners and they are all very happy with their selections, but I don't know anyone who owns a Ridgeline (and I love the idea of being the first one on the block...lol)

I have been able to get a quote of $24,571 for a 2006...$27,266 for a 2007 via the internet. What do you guys think of those prices? I've received quotes from 2 different dealers. Do you think I'll be able to get one of them to go much lower, or do you think this is about the best deal I'll get?

Will dealers make any deals on options? If they won't move any more on the price, do you think I could get a couple options thrown in...or at least get them installed for free?

Has anybody had any luck getting any deals on options, labor, etc?

How about things like free oil changes, free loaner cars, etc? Is that something that Honda typically does?

How about service...is Honda typically good about taking care of service/warranty issues?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the ROC Sharkman! Checkout www.Edmunds.com They can give you a few tips too. If you decide to buy the Ridgeline, checkout this thread: http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376&highlight=checklist it sure helped me a lot! everything you need to know about the ride is in the ROC. Good luck...

[LATEOTT]

I have been able to get a quote of $24,571 for a 2006...$27,266 for a 2007 via the internet. What do you guys think of those prices? I've received quotes from 2 different dealers. Do you think I'll be able to get one of them to go much lower, or do you think this is about the best deal I'll get? That sounds like a very good price for the 2006 RTS. I put a Hannover zip code into CarsDirect.com and it quoted $25,621, which is $2000 below invoice. If the current factory to dealer incentive is still $2000, they have about another $1000 in holdback to negotiate with. Many people, including me, have been able to get dealers to beat the carsdirect price by $400 to $800 or so, depending on the model and location. You are currently about $3000 below invoice, so that is a very good deal.

I have no idea how much a 2007 is worth, but I would guess around invoice is pretty good at this early date. So either way you seem to have a good price.

One recommendation once the price is right, is make sure the vehicle is right. Making the deal is all fine and fun, but if you are going to be driving the thing for a few years you need to make sure you get everything you want. (All the glory of your deal will die off in about a month when the price drops another $1000 and you wish you had a different color and leather seats.)

My good deal just happened to be on THE vehicle I wanted, red RTL with sunroof, fresh build date (so the leather was still warm and moving...) and less than 10 miles on the odometer. I would have paid hundreds more if the rock bottom price they offered had been for a truck in my fourth favorite color and it had been sitting on the lot for 14 months.

As far as extras, often they will throw these in to make a retail sale, at a higher price, but usually not when they are only making $0 to $50 on the truck. It never hurts to ask, but usually the fleet salespeople (who you will be dealing with for an internet price) will give you a low price with fewer premiums.

I guess if you are getting a rock bottom deal you have to drop the dealmaking obsession at some point. You've already won the game.

[Truck2212]

Sounds like a good deal, I paid, $26,200 for my RTS earlier this year before the 2007 models hit.

Truck2212

[Sharkman]

An update on my search for a Ridgeline...

The dealer wasn't able to move any on the internet quote of $24,571 on the 2006 RTS...the guy who originally quoted it wasn't in when I drove out there today...I'm still holding out hope that he'll work a little better deal for me, but I guess we'll see. They did have an RTS that has a roof rack and running boards, but they weren't listed in the cost of the truck. The salesman said he would try to get those thrown in since they weren't listed, but I would not know if they would throw those in until I decided that it was the one I wanted.

After visiting 2 dealerships, I am considering the RTL...yeah, I know, who wouldn't want the RTL...but, anyway...

I had one dealership get to $26,876 on an RTL with a moonroof...pretty good deal IMO...but is the RTL worth $2,305 more than the RTS? Guess that's something I have to decide on. One of the problems...it has a few accessories installed and I didn't want to pay their prices on the accessories (about $1000 worth of accessories). He said he would meet me half way on the price of the options, so I'm considering this deal very seriously.

At another dealership, I was offered a 2006 RTL that was in the showroom for $27811. It had a roof rack, running boards, mud flaps and a bed extender, but no moonroof. I guess I have to decide on the RTL with or without the moonroof...too many choices!!! And he said he couldn't do the same deal tomorrow because the $2000 Honda dealer incentive ran out tomorrow morning.

2006 RTS $24,571
2006 RTL w/ moonroof $26,876
2006 RTL w/ accessories but no moonroof $27,811

Decisions, decisions...???

[UglyDuck]

Yes, I swapped my RTS for an RTL 2 weeks after purchasing.

Didn't like the material and when it came down to it all the extras made it worth the money.

The quote you are getting on an RTL w/MR is 1,000 less than I paid for my RTL no MR 3 months ago (pree 2,000 dealer incentive).....

If I had those numbers I would go ahead and get the Nav while at it..... two things I regret not getting MR & Nav.

I do not like the fact that the material carried over the the arm rest and its on the head rest.

I plan on keeping the truck for a while and I noticed the cars coming through service that had material in these areas also had heavy dirt & grease marks on them as well.... I wouldn't be able to live with the long term wear and tear in those areas.

It was worth it to swap for RTL, much more comfortable as well. The material in the RTS seemed to be course enough that I didn't like even having my denim jeans rubbing on it......

[Mud_Puppy]

Hello Everyone!...I just bought a 2007 RTS (Nimbus Grey :D ) Friday!!! This is the best truck I've ever owned. As for the cost...I Hope I got a GOOD DEAL :o $27,614.00 with tow package, plus tax,tags. I was like you I shopped all over. I finally contacted a dealer (online) and made the deal via e-mail. No haggle no smoke and mirrors, just straight business (Bottom Line Up Front). Happy Hunting and Good Luck!! :D

[bogie1]

An update on my search for a Ridgeline...

The dealer wasn't able to move any on the internet quote of $24,571 on the 2006 RTS...the guy who originally quoted it wasn't in when I drove out there today...I'm still holding out hope that he'll work a little better deal for me, but I guess we'll see. They did have an RTS that has a roof rack and running boards, but they weren't listed in the cost of the truck. The salesman said he would try to get those thrown in since they weren't listed, but I would not know if they would throw those in until I decided that it was the one I wanted.

After visiting 2 dealerships, I am considering the RTL...yeah, I know, who wouldn't want the RTL...but, anyway...

I had one dealership get to $26,876 on an RTL with a moonroof...pretty good deal IMO...but is the RTL worth $2,305 more than the RTS? Guess that's something I have to decide on. One of the problems...it has a few accessories installed and I didn't want to pay their prices on the accessories (about $1000 worth of accessories). He said he would meet me half way on the price of the options, so I'm considering this deal very seriously.

At another dealership, I was offered a 2006 RTL that was in the showroom for $27811. It had a roof rack, running boards, mud flaps and a bed extender, but no moonroof. I guess I have to decide on the RTL with or without the moonroof...too many choices!!! And he said he couldn't do the same deal tomorrow because the $2000 Honda dealer incentive ran out tomorrow morning.

2006 RTS $24,571
2006 RTL w/ moonroof $26,876
2006 RTL w/ accessories but no moonroof $27,811

Decisions, decisions...???

Is the $26,876 price the OTD price, or are they going to add DOC fees and options on to this? I paid $26, 500 OTD on 8/3/06. That figure does not include sales taxes and registration fees.

[jimf]

Honda RL probably depreciates about 10k-11k from list 1st year, similar to Honda Pilot. $5000 off isn't by any means giving them away. Several individuals received 6500-7500 off 06's by finding (by accident or otherwise ...Mr right) They've been selling below invoice since soon after their intro so you're obviously not looking at a Civic situation. Eating 7K 1st year with a invoice purchase is generally uncomfortable. If it isn't the shoppin forum is superfluous for you.

You need to get more than 1-3 quotes. Avoid quickquote features from edmunds, cars.com etc. (Several dealers pay for exclusive rights for zip codes and offers are usually within $100 dollars of each other and non compeitive) This is not a competitive buying situation. 10-20 is more like it , last 10 days of the month preferably weekdays when nothings going on. Make them aware you are emailing 10 dealers and will (must) buy before EOM. Only about 1/10 dealers may be in a position to really need to book a sale for a particular month so the bigger pan you have (you are panning for gold) the better. Perhaps you will find a Mr.Right. Flexibility on colors, options etc is obviously helpful. Get Price OTD (taxes, title ,doc fees reg) to compare apples to apples.

am in the process of negotiating a deal for an RTS. I apologize in advance for all the questions, but I'm a bit of a "wheeler-dealer" and am curious to see what kind of deals I may be able to get with my dealer.

If you are a true wheeler-dealer there is by definition no such thing as "your dealer" (unless it is owned by your mother and you are on good terms) your dealers are the bids (to your specs) you have received from the 15-20 or so within a 200 mi or more radius. Try other cities nearby. Regardless of whether you plan on driving that far . (Honda dealer locator makes this easy -- email thru individual websites) The best deal is the best deal you can work in your area, and just like in (progressive) Knothole, all the kiddies get to play. This method will usually smoke out the eagerest of the beavers. Any incentives unadvertised will become more apparent. In next few months more selection will be available.

If you need more info send me a message for some useful resources.


Happy Hunting

--jjf

[FL_Ridge]

The only thing that I am disappointed about is the first year depreciation. I had blind faith in Honda and I was expecting a much better resale value than what we see.

What a shame.

[Pizza Man]

I can't help you with price because with 43K on the odo
43k miles and over 6k posts... You must post while driving! :eek:

[Steve3589]

Paid $21,600 back in May for my 06 RT. Sticker was like $28k something. I also gotten quotes on the RTL for $26k even. I bet I could get better pricing since the 07's are on the lot. This is a great ride, wish it had a lil more HP though!

[CUinaRidge]

43k miles and over 6k posts... You must post while driving!

Jsant01 check the post date!! 06-30-2006, 12:40 PM I think JC must be over 50K by now.... all the meets ... cart and ROC.. taxi driving the kids..
I called JC driving through Ohio on the way back from the east coast... What was she doing?? Driving to pick one of the kids!!

:)