New Honda Civic

Hi,

I am planning to buy a new car most probably a Honda Civic.
I don't have too much knowledge about cars, so it would be great if
you guys could give some pointers to what to look out for and anything
useful from your experiences in terms of dealing with the car dealers
etc.
I am located in Bay area, California.

Thanks,
vivekian

 

From your post, I'd suggest letting your mother take you and handle it for
you. After that, speak to her about toilet training and the facts of
life.....

 

Don't go alone, otherwise you will be sold every extended warranty and VIN
number security etching they have to sell.

 

Arm yourself with knowledge by reading http://www.Edmunds.com and
http://www.CarBuyingTips.com.

I'm not in the market for a new car, but if I was, I would try
negotiating prices online versus in-person. I wanted to do that back
in 1998, but there weren't a lot of participating dealers. Autobytel
was limited back then.

 

Know exactly what you want in the car. Also the prices for each item
you want. Get just that and nothing else that the dealer "recommends"
- typically recommendations are LoJack, Warranty extensions, paint
protection, fabric protection etc. None of that is needed, it just
serves to add up the total profits for the dealer.

Try and negotiate an 'out the door' price - unfortunately due to high
demand you are out of luck getting below MSRP, but it does not hurt to
try. Also, arrange financing before you walk in. If you belong to
Costco or some of the other clud they often offer a fixed markup over
invoice and that could work in your favor.

 

And check at http://www.carsdirect.com

And, before you buy, get down on your hands and knees and check the
gasoline tank.
Some still aren't right.

http://online.ceb.com/calcases/CA3/119CA3d757.htm

It's easy and would be very stupid to not do so.

 

I must be ignorant. What is the connection with Pinto's and Civics' fuel
tanks? I'm missing the implication....

 

Yes, i visited a couple of dealers this week.
It seems that they are not willing to negotiate much on the Honda
Civic and won't go below the MSRP.
So I believe what i should be paying for is MSRP + Tax + License
Fees.
It also seem that they have some sort of destination fees. Is that
negotiable ?
Also what is a good finance APR, and what factors influence it ? I do
have a good credit rating.

Thanks a bunch,
vivekian

 

I recommend finding a Honda dealer you trust (is there such a thing?)
near home or work. Because you are going to be visiting them
a couple times a year for periodic maintenance and the rare
cases of repairs. It doesnt have to be the same you buy the car
from.

 

Yes, i visited a couple of dealers this week.
It seems that they are not willing to negotiate much on the Honda
Civic and won't go below the MSRP.
So I believe what i should be paying for is MSRP + Tax + License
Fees.
It also seem that they have some sort of destination fees. Is that
negotiable ?
Also what is a good finance APR, and what factors influence it ? I do
have a good credit rating.

Thanks a bunch,
vivekian

-----------------------------------------

Have you tried getting quotes by going to the dealership website and
emailing them? As for APR - if you belong to a credit union, go there first
and get a pre-approved loan. If you haven't pulled your FICO score
recently, it'll help if you check. Shop for a loan - after getting
pre-approved for a loan that gives you power when negotiating with the
dealership.

-David

 

Use the above links and do all your negotiating via email. I helped my
daughter with a new civic EX in June and she got it for $1000.00 under
MSRP. With the economy the way it is, they will deal. Everything was done
by email including the color. Good Luck, and email numerous dealers.

 

http://www.wfu.edu/~palmitar/Law&Valuation/Papers/1999/Leggett-pinto.html

 

I guess. Check the position and protection of the fuel tank for reasons
made
clear in the case.