Hi everyone, I'm in Bay Area, looking to buy a 2006/7 Accord LX Special Edition 4dr I4 sedan before the end of the year. By edmunds.com, the 06 invoice is $19,973 including destination charge. And there's a $750 cash to dealer.
I'm kinda scared of the ordeal of dealing with professionals at dealerships. So wondering if anybody could please share her/his successful pricing story or refer some easy-going dealer around Bay Area to me? I appreciate any input & thanks in advance!

 

I used to sell cars, so let me tell you this. Threaten to leave. Go in there with all your homework done, be firm and stand your ground. If they tell you they just cant do it at the price you want, say thank you, and tell them you are going to (insert rival dealership's name here). That will usually motivate them to at least work with you.

 

Hi poser_pilot6,

Thanks for the kind & prompt reply!
Not far ago I bought a Rav4. The dealer finally agreed to $400 over invoice. But when I got home I found their invoice is almost $500 over that shown on edmunds.com. Not too upset for that but I could have saved the time at least.
So this time it could work better if I can get some final prices other folks got around Bay Area? Rumor has it that many people are getting a 07 accord of this particular trim for $20K OTD. May not be true considering higher sales tax here in CA though...

 

This is the first time I bought a vehicle myself, and the first time I bought a Honda. I have little advice to give, but it might be useful. This is how it went for me:

First, I did my homework before going to the dealer. Know what you are looking for, what is the price you are willing to pay and go out the door if you don't get want you expect.

Here is how I think I got a good negotiation process. I went to Honda dealer asking for a Civic. I didn't ask for pricing yet. Dealer told me he would get pricing for me when I decide which Civic I want (BS). Then I went to Mazda dealer and asked for a Mazda 3 hatchback price, loaded. I knew that for the same price, Mazda offers more features on their cars (of course they do not offer Honda quality). So I went back to the dealer to ask for that price, but I knew he was going to ask if I had other cars in mind. I told him the civic was going to be compared against a loaded Mazda, and the truth is that the civic was no match for the features. Dealer came back with a price lower than I expected. Still, I left and told him I would think about it. He called me every other day trying to sell me the vehicle. I believe I could have got a better price yet.

Somehow I ended up buying an Accord from them. But anyways, it was a nice experience negotiating with the dealer. Remember you are the one that has the money. Always go to another dealer selling a similar car with either a lower price or more features, and use that as a leverage.

My 2 cents

 

Sorry, what I told you applies for used cars.... I misread your post and thought you were looking for a used Accord.

 

Actually, MPF, that still applies with new cars. If you say you are comparing the Accord to the Maxima, or the Sonata, or something like that, it could work to your favor. Or just say that you are going to go to the next Honda dealership down the road and get a better price.

 

Thanks, MPF! Your post is not irrelevant at all.
The funny part is, I actually started from new Civic and Mazda3 too! And I agree that Mazda3 out-equips Civic and even drives better but unfortunately not built as well. Eventually I decide to go accord instead due to the supposedly better safety/comfy with a bigger car.

 

Hehe, same thing here! Civic vs Mazda... Accord was the winner

My advice: go with factory certified!! they can certify vehicles up to 79k miles. You can extend the warranty bumper-to-bumper up to 7yrs/100k miles.

BTW, I need to change my nick... I used my initials and it really sucks to be called MPF

Good luck!
Mariano (my real name)

 

It's not impossible that I may go certified if I can find a good deal. There's indeed nothing to worry for a Honda accord with 7yrs/100k bumper-to-bumper warranty.
BTW, MPF sounds perfect to me, Mariano.
Enjoy your cool drive!