Acceptable offer? '06 demo RTL

[aDcAT13]

I have just started seriously considering purchasing a Ridgeline.... and am new to this site (and Honda). I have noticed some threads regarding deals made at or below invoice ... is this still the case for '06 and/or '07 models?

I am looking at a 2006 RTL w/pwr sun roof "demo" with ~ 2800 miles.
The dealer offering it at dealer invoice price 29,916 (MSRP 33,190) with a few small options already on the vehicle such as bug guard etc. at 10% off... making the total cost $30,236

Comments/opinions.... is this an acceptable price??

After seeing some of the past posted threads i feel like i should get the same deal for a new one off the lot (unless that was because of past incentives no longer available, i was told there is now only APR incentaives available).
The dealer indicated that they usually sell vehicles at 1000-1200 over invoice.... this is the first/only dealer i have spoke to.

Though i may sound cheep, i like the idea of saving a few $'s (even 1-2000) by purchasing a demo with very low milage... and this particular one has really cought my eye (model, color, etc).

I will also be requesting that a class III hitch and roof rack be added. Is it reasonable to expect them at cost? or the price indicated by Honda?

Thanks for any comments or opinions you may have.

[typeoctoberrust]

I would say this is a little high. When I was looking here in NY I saw a demo 06 with sunroof and Nav for around 29000. I think it had a little higher miles than the one you state. Personally, I would try to get more off the price. I got invoice price on my 07. If you look around, there may be dealers that still have demo RTL's. If you get some quotes from them, you may have some leaverage.

[csimo]

If you paid $29,916 for a 2006 demo I bet the dealer throws a big party for everyone involved (except you of course). You should be able to buy a NEW, not demo, 2006 RTL / moonroof for $27,926. The 2800 miles on the demo should discount it at least another $1000. So the vehicle you're looking at should sell for not more than $27,000.

I suggest you STOP your vehicle buying efforts until you can go into a dealer with facts and figures to negotiate a decent deal.

Good luck.

[bigred1]

I paid 28999 for my Ridgeline.....for the same one (options----RTL S/R (moonroof and (((XM))) ) your looking at. Mine had 3 miles when i bought it. I'd say the price they are giving you is unacceptable.

[MoonLight]

I'd say no...

I paid $28,100 for new RTL /w moonroof & including wheel locks and mud flaps.

[psango]

Do some serious internet research it will save you thousands of dollars.
TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!!

Read the posts here on shopping and test driving they are invaluable.
(especially those posted by "shootingdownthestars").

Look at edmunds.com for car buying information.

Find out what these terms mean:
holdback
dealer incentive programs
invoice

Know that you can negotiate the cost of accessories and warranties. Look at HandA Accorries or other companies that sell Honda OEM parts,and reasearch the cost of extended warranties here and on the internet.

There is often additional money for the dealer in addition to the profit they make above the invoice amount. They can pass some of this on to you allowing you to buy the vehicle near, at, or below invoice.

Don't be in a hurry. Most people advise getting an internet quote from multiple dealers on the model of vehicle with accessories that you want.
Before ever going to the dealership. Bring them with you.

If you have a trade go to kelly blue book and find out what it's worth.

Don't be afraid to walkout if necessary you can always come back or go to
another dealer.

The interest you pay can save or cost you thousands of dollars. know what your credit score is. Find out what your local bank or credit union whould charge for a loan with your credit score.

If the dealer can't match of beat it go with another loan source.

Honda has an offer which is I think is a 4.9% loan for top tier customers.
If buying Know:
1. what the price of the vehicle is.
2. any destination charges.
3. amount financed.
4. interest rate.
5. total interest charge
6. total of payments (what the vehicle actually costs).


If you lease know what:
1. The price of the vehicle is.
2. Total capitilization cost.
3. Total of monthly lease payments are.
4. What the residual is.
5. Make sure you can buy it anytime anywhere option in the lease.
6. Lease includes gap coverage.
7. What the milage limits and penalties are.
8. Should have a built in allowance of about $1,500 for damage.

The Honda special lease is usually a good deal depending on what the the dealer contributes to the capitilization reduction. Which would include any down payment, trade-in residual, and any discounts the dealer gives you.

Being aware of this stuff can save you a lot of money and buyers remorse.
The dealer needs to make a profit but you want to get a deal that you can be happy with.

Good Luck :)

psango

[hwycycle]

The internet saved me almost $6k off the sticker for my 2006 RTL with a sunroof. Like others have said, send a request for the make and model with the options you're looking for. Then make sure to print out the email with the quoted price. I spent 3 days driving from dealer to dealer looking for the best truck I could find. I was VERY suprised to find many of the trucks had damage. Whether it was gouged bumper skins or stained carpet, cloudy lenses you name it. Once I found my silver RTL w/ a roof and a build date of 5-06, I presented to the sales manager my quotes from OTHER dealers and with little effort they matched the price. Moral of the story;
2006 RTL w/ a roof for $27,500 including destination.
WORK THE INTERNET........you'll save

Also check the dealers inventory before you waste time going to a dealer that doesn't have the color or options you're looking for.

My concern was the build date. As you may have read the early production run may have had some issues. (water leaks, windshield whistles, rear window leaks...) The build date is located on a sticker on the drivers door jam. The sticker you are looking for is all the way down at the bottom. The build date is on the top right corner (eg 05/06). I found vehicles as old as 04/05 on the dealer lots. I didn't want to buy a truck that had sat around for over a year.

As per edmunds this morning, the marketing support has not been extended. (that accounted for $2000 savings in my price)

I would check the build date on that demo, and I wouldn't pay more than $27,500 for that particular (used) truck.

GOOD LUCK

[phood945]

Prior to my purchase of my RL, I was offered a Demo 05 Pilot with about the same mileage.

I took into consideration, I would need to get a loan for a used car which typically runs a higher percentage rate as apposed to a new car loan then I took into consideration the build date on the vehicle and the remainder of the factory warranty which would have left me with about 2 years/34000 miles which ever comes first.

If they were to offer a Honda Certified used car warranty extending your bumper to bumper and drivetrain, and upon that give you a considerable price discount for the depreciation on the vehicle, and the 2000 rebate if it is still around. They should be pushing 06 RL's at a good discounted price, due to the arrivals of 07's.

[dwrazien]

For what it's worth, I too am in the market for an RTL, however I'd prefer not to have the moonroof and XM. I was at a dealer this morning (7/24) looking at an "06 RTL with moon and XM because that was the only RTL they had on their lot.... Bottom line, I was quoted a price of $28,900... $1000 under invoice. While I was almost ready to sign, I though I better come back to this forum to review some comparable paid prices before proceeding... I'm glad I did... while I think this is a reasonable deal, I think they can go even lower.

I'd concur with the above... take your time do your research.

[BlueRidge06]

The price also depends on the location you are buying. I've seen alot of prices in the midwest are alot cheaper (2-3k) then in other areas. I got an RT (no accessories) for 27,500 in MD. That's a pretty good deal in MD. In other places it's probably not good at all.

Research a couple of dealers, get an idea of the prices in your area. And take your time.... good luck! Let us know what you decide. :)

[BillB]

Do not buy a demo unless you absolutely are going to lease and absolutely are going to give it back before the warrenty runs out. The way those first 2800 miles were put onto the truck are going to dictate how it holds out in year 3-4-5. You have no proof whether they were hard or easy miles unless you put them on yourself.

[jimf]

Almost all the dealers around here in cincinnati coughed up all the $2000 incentive when I emailed 9 dealers without too much prodding in round 1. ($23400)This is for a base RT. This is almost $5000 under msrp. Should be more for higher trims as there is more to work with and there seem to be many more of them available.

2800 mi should be another 500-1000. By all means work the hitch into the deal for a total price. (its $780 installed afterwards and probably non negotiable)

Hit them (10 to 12 dealers) now as the last week of the month is the best time for this and the 07's have been on the lot for at least 3 weeks. You may have an advantage as a significant # of RTL's may be kicking around in sept-oct while RTs are selling out. Check dealer websites.

--jjf

[aDcAT13]

Re: RLT 'demo '06 w/ 2800ml. vs. new '07
Thanks for all the comments....
I agree that the price is high for the demo '06 at 29,900(said offered at original invoice) and with Edmunds being at ~ 27,600 I may put in a low offer or....just may decidse to start looking at '07 models.
There doesn't seem to be any incentaves availble here in NY for '07's, but I have a quote from one dealer over the internet (with no negotiation having taken place at this point) for 30,950
Prices from the internet indicate;
NADA = 29,661 invoice 32,940 msrp
Kelly Blue Book = 30,211 invoice 33,490 msrp
Edmunds = 31,299 TMV 33,490 msrp (invoice not availble)