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Honda Element Prices Paid and Buying Experience

750 messages,  Last post on Mar 02, 2011 at 9:56 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Element, Wagon, SUV

Messages Page 28 of 76

#263 of 750 Re: 2004 Honda Element LX AWD by nurseben

Sep 23, 2004 (11:32 am)

Replying to: lgroses (Sep 10, 2004 10:08 pm)
I just bought a 2004 Element LX AWD Manual for $17,984. What makes this a GREAT price is that the dealer got within $200 of Carmax on my trade. Carmax pays the best on trades if you have a new car. My trade was a 2004 truck.
 
What has worked for me in the past is to get the best price possible upfront, which usually means buying late in the model year, buying a manual transmission, and buying a model that is hard to sell; i.e. an LX AWD 5sp.
 
If you trade, you generally lose a little in that transaction; the dealer rarely wants your trade anyhow. I do think there is a point at which the dealer will not go any lower. Sure, they have some minor kickbacks from the mfd, but that accounts for only a few hundred per car. The low interest rate will save you a few hundred as well.
 
In the end you have to decide whether you really NEED to spend 20k on a car, when you could do better in the long run by buying a used vehicle and maintaining it. If you doubt this, talk to Click and Clack
 
I used Edmunds to determine a bottom line. edmunds listed this vehicle at $18,000 before doc fees and prep. I told the dealer that they would need to eat those costs to sell me the vehicle, as well as the cost of finding that vehicle and brining it in to the dealership. They agreed quickly, which told me that they have some wiggle room left. I ended up pushing for an additional $400 on my trade, which brought me to my current deal.
 
I'm guessing that if I had not had a trade to push, I could have dropped at least another $400-500 off my purchase price, making a potential price of $17,484 for an 2004 LX AWD 5sp. Not too bad for a Honda.
 
BTW: West Side Honda in Knoxville, TN did right by me.
 
Ben

#264 of 750 Bassvoice by bassvoice

Sep 25, 2004 (7:29 pm)

I just wanted to post my recent purchase of a '04 Element EX AWD 5M SRS in Green for 19,235. + tax and registration. Out the Door 20,546.00
this was in the New York Metropolitan area. Hope this is a reference for someone. Happy hunting.

#265 of 750 2003 EX by lottarock

Sep 27, 2004 (9:25 am)

A local dealer has a couple of new 2003 DX models left over. I am interested in a silver AWD, but have no idea what kind of haggle point to use since new 2003 pricing is no longer available on any sites. Should I use used car pricing? I would think the dealer would be anxious to move these dinosaurs off the lot... Input welcome.

#266 of 750 EX with Side Airbag AWD in So Cal by phongvu

Sep 27, 2004 (11:08 am)

Just saw ads last weekend on LA Times for 04 EX for 18,925. But looking for EX with side airbag and AWD. What would be the good offer price for it in So Cali? Thank you

#268 of 750 2004 EX-S, FWD, 5M, w/side steps, splash guard = $18600 by dragoncha

Sep 27, 2004 (2:27 pm)

is this a good deal? i know it's near the end of the year, so i want to make sure i am not getting screwed..
 
Invoice is $17694, 18184(+ Destination Charge), TMV=$18496.
 
seems like a good deal to me..

#269 of 750 Re: 2004 EX-S, FWD, 5M, w/side steps, splash guard = $18600 [dragoncha] by brownbat

Sep 28, 2004 (7:06 am)

Replying to: dragoncha (Sep 27, 2004 2:27 pm)
Well dragoncha, that's a heckofalot better than what I'm being offered for a 2004EX automatic sans accessories. Dealer claims invoice is $19,984 and their best price is 20,200 + tax + license.
 
I think I need a negotiator!

#270 of 750 2003 used vs. 2004 new? HELP! by brownbat

Sep 28, 2004 (7:12 am)

Help me decide! Should I go with the 2003 EX (automatic, running boards, wind deflectors, 6100 miles, 18 mos left on factory warranty) at 5.25% financing or the 2004 EX (automatic, no add-on accessories)at 2.9% financing?
 
Right now the dealer is asking $17,800 (+TTL) for the 2003 and $20,200 (+TTL) for the 2004.
 
I know nothing about negotiating or money so I'm turning to you nice folks for advice.
 
Thanks.
 
ps: I tend to keep my cars 10+ years, until they're unsafe to drive, so potential resale value is not a big concern here.

#271 of 750 Re: 2003 used vs. 2004 new? HELP! [brownbat] by dragoncha

Sep 28, 2004 (7:30 am)

Replying to: brownbat (Sep 28, 2004 7:12 am)
this is a no brainer really, i would go with the brand new car...
if you don't get the AWD or EX model, you should be able to get a price similar to 2003 element...
 
i would suggest you negotiate to get the invoice price.. you should be able to...
 
Good luck

Messages Page 28 of 76

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