Joined
·
3,228 Posts
My advice for what it's worth:
Don't show any passion for the truck. Act like you're in no particular hurry to buy it. Decide now what Honda accessories you definitely need or want, and do your homework on Edmunds.com so that you know what the dealer pays for them compared to MSRP. If the dealer isn't going to give you a meaningful discount on the truck, you can insist on getting all accessories at dealer cost. Even if they're discounting the truck, ask for dealer cost on the accessories you want. The installation charges may not be negotiable, but some accessories are easy to install by yourself.
Dealerships vary, but I don't think it's common for them to stock aftermarket parts from other companies, such as a tailgate lock from DynoProducts or Pop-N-Lock (there is no OEM tailgate lock for the RL). Therefore, I think it will be hard for you to negotiate price on non-Honda accessories even if the dealer carries them.
If you have decided that you want a spare set of wheels for snow tires, now is the best time to negotiate for those, especially if the dealer has a supply of "take-offs" from 2016 Pilots or 2017 Ridgelines. Ordering OEM alloy wheels from Honda is VERY expensive, but sometimes there are basic steel versions available if you don't mind the plain look. You're more likely to haggle successfully for a discounted price if the dealership has a supply of stock wheels that were swapped off other vehicles they upgraded. However, with winter approaching, dealers may be low on take-off wheels as other customers buy them up for snow tires.
It never hurts to mention that you are also talking to other dealerships or looking at some other bids. The last thing you want is for the dealer to treat you like a captive customer. It goes without saying to avoid financing offers that muddle up the deal and make it difficult to understand how much you are really paying for the truck. Same goes for inflated offers for any trade-in you might have. These guys are professionals who are experts at selling cars for the highest price they can get every day of the year. Most customers are complete amateurs in the art of the deal. Take it slow and best of luck!
Don't show any passion for the truck. Act like you're in no particular hurry to buy it. Decide now what Honda accessories you definitely need or want, and do your homework on Edmunds.com so that you know what the dealer pays for them compared to MSRP. If the dealer isn't going to give you a meaningful discount on the truck, you can insist on getting all accessories at dealer cost. Even if they're discounting the truck, ask for dealer cost on the accessories you want. The installation charges may not be negotiable, but some accessories are easy to install by yourself.
Dealerships vary, but I don't think it's common for them to stock aftermarket parts from other companies, such as a tailgate lock from DynoProducts or Pop-N-Lock (there is no OEM tailgate lock for the RL). Therefore, I think it will be hard for you to negotiate price on non-Honda accessories even if the dealer carries them.
If you have decided that you want a spare set of wheels for snow tires, now is the best time to negotiate for those, especially if the dealer has a supply of "take-offs" from 2016 Pilots or 2017 Ridgelines. Ordering OEM alloy wheels from Honda is VERY expensive, but sometimes there are basic steel versions available if you don't mind the plain look. You're more likely to haggle successfully for a discounted price if the dealership has a supply of stock wheels that were swapped off other vehicles they upgraded. However, with winter approaching, dealers may be low on take-off wheels as other customers buy them up for snow tires.
It never hurts to mention that you are also talking to other dealerships or looking at some other bids. The last thing you want is for the dealer to treat you like a captive customer. It goes without saying to avoid financing offers that muddle up the deal and make it difficult to understand how much you are really paying for the truck. Same goes for inflated offers for any trade-in you might have. These guys are professionals who are experts at selling cars for the highest price they can get every day of the year. Most customers are complete amateurs in the art of the deal. Take it slow and best of luck!
