My Car Buying Experience So Far

[Pakman3000]

OK fellas, it's time for the 2011 to come out so I'm looking to get a 2010 Acura MDX or a good deal on a 2008 CPO if available. I've been doing a lil research plus I'm registered on a few forums that cater to these vehicles. My situation is that I'm ready to buy if the deal is good. No financing, no 3rd party, just a personal check and gimme the pink slip. Not a baller, but even though I have A1 credit, my mom rather gimme the dough and have me pay her to save the interest and take a 3rd party out of the picture. Her insistance, not mine.

Anyhooo, I've emailed multiple dealers asking for final out the door prices w/ taxes/fees for some vehicles I've seen on local dealer sites. So far only 1 provided an itemized quote. The other sharks want me to come in and talk. So I visited the 1st dealer after getting this quote:

1st offer-08 MDX w/ Tech/Pwr Liftgate, 39K
http://www.thomasacura.com/the-Los-Ange ... V/4039299/
Price:$32532.10
Doc Fee: 55.00
Sales tax: CA 9.75% 3177.24
License fee: 521.00
Smog Wv: 8.00
Total: $36,293.34

Mind you I managed to find a identical vehicle in a color that's not my 1st choice(http://www.centeracura.com/certified/Ac ... 99b6dd.htm) at 28K mi for $500 more. Here's how this 1st visit went. I arrived a few hours early so I dealt with a different salesman. Great guy during the test drive. I didn't get a good vibe from the salesman after the test drive. He should know how serious I was since I was asking buy questions like how much a CPO wrap is. The average guy doesn't walk in and use that terminology. I asked if he could not match but beat the competitor considering the difference in mileage. He felt that a 12K @ $500 price difference was negligible since he claimed he was already beating it and didn't follow what I was asking. I asked him plainly if he felt a 12K mileage difference is equitable to $500. That's like a year of usage for the average driver. He sidestepped and acted perplexed so I moved on to other questions. I felt deceived since I knew what should cost what. He plopped down the 4 square, I felt obligated to let him know I wouldn't be buying that second. It's also funny how demeanors change when you reveal that you aren't buying right then and there. The 4 square disappeared and he never reappeared. The general sales manager finished up with us. He was great and wasn't pushy. He was trying to gauge how serious I was, but he also commented that I seemed knowledgable. It was only the 1st dealer I visited and I just wanted to test the market so I'd be happy with the deal I was getting. Here's what was quoted as far as accessories which were super inflated when compared to OEM parts online. I know businesses have to make money but DAMN!:
http://www.hondacuraplanet.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?
CPO Wrap(extends bumper to bumper warranty side from standard powertrain under CPO): $1800 800 per Acura employee on forum

Sport Running Boards: $1040 430

All weather floor mats: $201 120

Tri-fold cargo mat: $175 105

Side molding: $393 183

I'm still kinda pissed and I'm set to visit another dealership tomorrow.
http://southbayacura.com/Torrance-Carso ... V/4221801/

[Ironhide400]

I hate dealing with car dealerships. I know they have to make money, but damn, why do they have to be such snakes about it! Good Luck and I hope you get what you want!

[Pakman3000]

I was apprehensive, but walked away from my visit today with the vehicle. The salesman was older and like a uncle helping me through the process and all in all the wife and I are happy. I'll be posting pics tomorrow or the day after.

[Ironhide400]

Congrats on making the wife happy!
Seriously though, congrats and I look forward to seeing the pics!

[Pakman3000]

[Ironhide400]

Nice Ride! Congrats! The dash layout reminds me of the Starship Enterprise! 8-)

[David_3033]

Looks like a really sweet luxury ride!

[saviger]

521 licence fee! WTF!

I hope that isnt yearly!