Nick Sells Hondas

Best Car Buying Practices

Nick Iliff — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:09:10 +0000

You might have seen articles such as “Ten mistakes to avoid when buying a new car” or “Tips to save money on your next car purchase” in your favorite magazines and websites. At first glance, it could seem that suggesting these tips to you on my website would be counterproductive but that is certainly not the case. The better prepared customers are when they come in to the dealership, the smoother the whole process will go. The most important thing I can emphasize even before I get in to my list is have realistic expectations. If you do your research and know about what the car should cost, about what interest rate to expect, and about what your trade is worth, not only are you going to keep from being taken advantage of by some unscrupulous salesman, but you’re going to make the process go a lot more smoothly in general. The hardest thing to do is convince someone that the price is fair (be it on the new car, the payment, or the trade) when the customer has no evidence or understanding to help determine whether it really is in fact fair.

I have compiled this list from my own personal experience and from a number of “car buying tips” websites and articles. These tips will not only help you have the best experience buying a car and save you time and money, they will make my job easier as well.

Find the car that you want before you worry about the price! Spending too much time comparing price and not enough time on comparing models could put you in the wrong car for the right price. Educate yourself, whether it’s on the internet or with your sales consultant, about all of the different models and trim levels that would be appropriate for you. After all, who cares what price you got on the car if it’s completely the wrong car for what you need?
Test drive the car. This is the biggest mistake you can make buying a new car. If you don’t drive it, how would you know if there is something that might be a deal-breaker for you down the road? You might find that you don’t fit right, or something is uncomfortable to use. Then you’re stuck with a car that you hate. Drive the car before you buy it!
Know your credit score. It astonishes me how many customers come in to the dealership, apply for financing, and then are shocked to find out that their FICO is 100 points lower than they thought. Everyone from the media to your own banks are telling you to check your credit report at least once a year. It’s good advice. Don’t set yourself up for an unpleasant surprise when you get in to the dealership by being unprepared. There are many aspects of the purchase that the dealer has to arrange and has control over, but your credit history is not one of them.
Have realistic expectations for your trade. Your 1996 Buick Regal with 125,000 miles is not worth $5,000. I’m sorry! If you come in to the dealership with a pie-in-the-sky figure for your trade, you’re going to accomplish nothing but looking silly. Kelley Blue Book Trade-In values tend to give you a very good idea of what you can get for a car with nothing mechanically wrong with it, and nothing that needs to be repaired. Don’t expect full book if your car doesn’t have working A/C or has a trunk lid that is a different color from the rest of the car. Would you expect to pay full MSRP for a car from a dealership that had those problems? Of course not, so why should you expect someone buying a car from you to do that?
Have realistic expectations for the price of the new car. For new cars, the Edmunds True Market Value is a great indication of what a fair price is for the car. Like I said above, if you come in to the dealership and try to buy the car for $5,000 under invoice (assuming there isn’t a massive incentive), you are going to frustrate the sales consultant and you’re not going to end up with a car. That’s not to say you can’t negotiate, but be realistic. Freight charges, processing fees (I’m talking about a reasonable fee, maybe $100, or $200 maximum), tax and tags are going to exist in 99.9% of dealerships and you’re not going to be able to get out of them. If a dealership is telling you that you’re not going to have to pay one or more of those fees, it’s because they just hid them in the price of the car, or in what they gave you for your trade. Do you negotiate the tax you pay on your groceries? Of course not, so why would you try to negotiate it on a car? For used cars, again look at Kelley Blue Book, this time at the Retail price. The difference for the price is for two reasons: dealers put money into the car to sell them, and they are liable for the car after your purchase. In Maryland, used cars have to be sold with a 3 month, 3000 mile warranty. You might think that doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a lot more than you’d have to cover if you were selling the car yourself. They also (in Maryland and many other states) have to get the car past state inspection, which depending on how much work is required can be from $100-150 to very expensive.
Respect your salesperson. I know this might sound self-serving, and to an extent it is, but you might be surprised how much difference it can make to respect the work that the sales consultant is doing on your behalf. From personal experience, when a sales consultant has a good working relationship with a customer, the customer is much more likely to get a good deal that he or she is happy with. Sales consultants are trying to make a living, and if you treat them like they are people rather than just an instrument to obtain a new car you are much more likely to end up with a deal that you’ll be happy with in the long run. It’s just common courtesy to treat someone with respect who is providing you with a service.

This is a good list of things to keep in mind. Again, you’re looking at a different kind of advice, since those other list of tips are not written by the dealers. But I think that the things I’ve listed above are still relevant and helpful for your next car purchase.

Why Buying New Is Smarter Than Ever

Nick Iliff — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:00:11 +0000

New car sales are down a staggering amount. Financing a new domestic has begun to border on the impossible. Yet, I’m suggesting that you would be making a good move by buying a new Honda… how can I justify that?

Dealership service departments are reporting increases in business, as are used car dealerships. Why? The used car market is booming.

As people have become worried about the economy and their financial situation, they have gravitated to used cars instead of new. However, many people may be financially better off buying new.

Because they are more in demand relative to new cars, used car prices are less likely to be discounted.
Used cars, even certified used cars, will cost more to maintain than new cars. Take a close look at that certified used car warranty. For many manufacturers, it doesn’t cover as much as the new car warranty, and may even have a deductible.
Finance rates on used cars will always be higher, sometimes by 3 or 4 points or more. Automakers are offering special finance incentives on their new cars now that have often resulted in a new car costing less monthly than a very similar one or two year old certified used car.
Because used cars are in demand, dealers want to increase their inventory. This means a higher price for your trade.

For sure, buying a new car isn’t going to be better for everyone. You’re going to have a hard time buying a new car if your budget is below a certain amount. But for those looking in the $12,000-$20,000 range, the value of buying new instead of used is worth close consideration. Between higher value for your trade, lower interest rates, and other incentives, you may find that you can finance that $16,000 Civic for less than the $12,000 used Corolla. Which sounds like the better deal to you?

Wall Street Journal: The Honda Fit, Best Car On The Road?

Nick Iliff — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:13:30 +0000

From this weekend’s Wall Street Journal:

The Fit truly offers everything you need in a car, and nothing you don’t. Americans are famously skeptical toward small hatchbacks, but if ever there was a car that could lead us to embrace the genre, this is it. These sobering times demand a more pragmatic approach to personal transportation. Call the Fit the automotive change we need.

Continue reading ‘A Candidate for Best Car on Road’

High Performance and High Efficiency - Civic Si HFP

Nick Iliff — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:44:29 +0000

At the SEMA 2008 show, Honda introduced the Civic Si HFP concept car, with modifications by Honda Access America, Honda’s accessory development division. The design of this car is focused on lightness, aerodynamics, and increased performance, to create a car that is both more fuel efficient and more fun to drive than the stock Civic Si. From Honda:

Through aerodynamic improvements to the next generation HFP body kit, super-light alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers, a lighter HFP exhaust system and an upgraded HFP suspension kit, this concept offers the possibility of improving both fuel economy and performance. In fact, a very similar package has proven its worth on the race tracks of Japan on the Civic Type R race car, which campaigned in a spec series called the Super Taikyu Series.

Continue reading Honda Press Release

Honda Announces Special Financing For Most Models

Nick Iliff — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:44:31 +0000

Today, Honda Financial Services announced special rates for 2008 & 2009 Accord, Civic, Element, Odyssey, CR-V, Pilot (09 only), and Ridgeline (08 only).

For qualified applicants, the special financing rate is 1.9% for 24-36 months and 3.9% for 37-60 months.

Contact your Honda dealer for more details.

Senna to test for Honda F1

Nick Iliff — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:13:09 +0000

I’m a big Formula One fan, and some interesting news is coming from the F1 rumormill. The word is that Bruno Senna, nephew of the late three-time Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna, will be testing with Honda F1 this fall.

Reports indicate that Honda is one of the most likely teams for Senna’s Formula One debut. Senna, 24, recently wrapped up second place overall for the 2008 GP2 season for the iSport International team.

More information from autosport.com

Honda Offers 2.9% and 4.9% Financing on Certified Used Models

Nick Iliff — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:01:11 +0000

Starting November 1, qualified applicants will be eligible for 2.9% APR on 24-36 month loans and 4.9% APR on 37-60 month loans on all Honda Certified Used Pilot, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Accord V6 models from model years 2003-2009.

Click here to view our pre-owned inventory: Jim Coleman Honda Pre-Owned Inventory and just send me an email or give me a call for further details. Or, as always, if you’re out of the MD/DC/VA/DE/PA area, call your local dealer.

Redesigned 2009 Honda Element Starts at $20,175

Nick Iliff — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:37:48 +0000

Honda Press Release:

10/29/2008 - TORRANCE, Calif. - The restyled 2009 Honda Element entry-level SUV builds on its spacious and versatile character by adding a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design with an expanded selection of available high-tech and functional features. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP¹) starts at $20,175 for the 2009 Element 2WD LX, plus a destination and handling charge of $670.

For 2009, Honda has enhanced each of the three unique Element styles that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC. Available new features on the Element EX and SC include the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System² with Voice Activation and a rearview camera (automatic transmission-equipped vehicles only); USB digital media connectivity; and improved overhead console storage areas with modular compartments.

Significant exterior styling changes include a new front grille and bumper design, restyled front fenders (now metal, previously composite material), a new hood design, squared wheel arches, and new headlight and taillight configurations.

“The Element’s key strength is a spacious, versatile and rugged interior that adapts quickly and conveniently to people and cargo,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “For 2009, the enhancements strengthen the totally unique original concept with more refinement and functionality.”

New interior changes include new, brighter color schemes with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and revised switchgear designs and meter graphics. A restyled low-profile center console is standard on the Element LX.

The Element EX adds a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box while the Element SC retains its exclusive center console. For additional storage, the Element EX and SC are equipped with a modular three-compartment overhead console based on the Railport™ Vehicle Personalization System, expanding the vehicle’s hidden storage versatility compared to the previous version. The new overhead console includes two large storage bins that can accommodate CD cases and similar items and a rear storage area for sunglasses.

The 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine is available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WD™, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction. The Element LX and EX continue to be available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, while the sport-tuned Element SC continues to be available exclusively in two-wheel-drive. EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings³ range from 20/25 for two-wheel-drive models with an automatic transmission to 18/23 for manual transmission models with either two-wheel-drive or Real Time 4WD.

Versatile and Accommodating Interior with Available High-tech Features
The interior provides seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements). The Element LX and EX have a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that quickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture; the Element SC has a carpeted passenger area. Air conditioning with micron air filtration is standard on all models.

The Element LX has a 4-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player. The Element EX and SC feature a 270-watt high-output audio system, an AM/FM tuner, CD player with MP3/WMA™⁴ capability, auxiliary audio input for MP3 players or other audio devices, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, seven speakers including a dynamic linear phase 6.5-inch subwoofer (located in the bottom center of the instrument panel). XM® Satellite Radio⁵ is standard on the Element EX and SC.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System becomes an available feature for 2009 on the Element EX and SC (automatic transmission models only), and includes a rear backup camera and a USB audio interface⁶. The navigation system features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA® files from CompactFlash® cards. The navigation system contains more than 7 million points of interest and can control the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and entering numbers, street names and cities.

Numerous storage bins and beverage holders provide places for cell phones, CDs and super-size drinks. Available storage areas include: a large three-bin tray above the glove box (ideal for mobile phones and portable music players); a modular 3-compartment overhead storage bin (EX, SC); seat back storage (EX, SC); six hooks for strapping down bikes or other bulky gear; and door storage pockets on all four doors.

Exclusive Element SC interior appointments include passenger-area carpeting, a center console with storage, piano black trim pieces and unique fabrics and patterns. The center console provides an enclosed storage area in the vehicle and integrates the auxiliary audio input jack and two beverage holders. Meter styling color on all Element SC models is copper-hue, replacing the blue backlit illumination on the other models.

Restyled Exterior with Stronger Character Lines
For 2009, exterior styling changes to the front of the vehicle provide a more substantial and bolder look. Changes to the front fascia and side profile involve a new hood line that follows a continuously horizontal plane extending from the A-pillar to the front of the vehicle. The new design replaces the downward slope that began mid-fender on the previous models and results in a more vertical front appearance. Steel front fenders replace the composite body panels on all models (the rear fenders retain composite construction). The new grille design provides a consistent appearance similar to other Honda truck models. The rear skylight, previously exclusive to Elements equipped with RealTime 4WD, has been discontinued.

The Element SC provides an exclusive appearance with street custom-inspired styling with a lowered stance and exclusive premium features. The Element SC’s exterior styling exhibits a performance-oriented attitude with a monochromatic color scheme and exclusive features that include custom front and rear painted bumpers, large alloy wheels, custom grille, and a lowered stance. The lowered stance is achieved by lowering the ride height and by using uniquely shaped painted side sills and slimmer roof moldings.

Refined Chassis Design
The Element’s fully independent suspension uses a front MacPherson strut design and a rear compact double wishbone design for responsive handling and a comfortable ride. A 101.4-inch wheelbase contributes to a compact exterior size and an ultra-tight turning diameter of 34.9-feet (36.9-feet, Element SC) provides maneuverability in tight places.

Chassis safety highlights include Vehicle Stability Assist (also known as Electronic Stability Control) and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Assist helps sense oversteer and understeer, and can adjust brake pressure at each wheel and/or reduce engine power to help restore the driver’s intended course. Electronic Brake Distribution helps to balance braking forces depending on dynamic loading. Brake Assist helps apply full braking force in some emergency braking situations. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts the driver when tire pressure is significantly under-inflated.

Element LX and EX models are equipped with 16-inch wheels (steel on LX, alloy on EX) with all-season P215/70R16 tires. Additional LX and EX standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering and front and rear stabilizer bars (30.0×4.5 mm tubular front / 21.0 mm solid rear). The Element SC adds 18-inch alloy wheels, P225/55R18 tires, exclusive spring and damper tuning (30 percent firmer), a lowered ride height (approximately 0.7 inches) and increased rear stabilizer bar size (25.0 mm, solid). Compared to Element LX and EX, the solid front stabilizer bar is 25 percent stiffer and the rear stabilizer bar is 30 percent stiffer. The steering rack also provides a 6 percent faster ratio (2.94:1 compared to 3.26:1).

Efficient Powertrain
An all-aluminum, 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC engine produces 166-horsepower at 5800 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The Element’s i-VTEC system combines Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) and a cam position-adjusting Variable Timing Control (VTC) system to enhance low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower. The result is a broad torque curve that starts early at low RPM’s while still delivering high-RPM horsepower.

The five-speed manual transmission features a lightweight and rigid aluminum die-cast housing. Multi-cone synchronizers used on first through fourth gears contribute to a smooth, fluid shift feel while reducing throw distances. Inside, the instrument panel- mounted shift lever facilitates quick, direct gear changes. The five-speed automatic transmission (available) delivers exceptional smoothness, economy and intuitive shift points. Grade Logic Control minimizes “gear hunting” on hilly roads.

Available on Element LX and EX, the Real Time 4WD system aids traction in snow, rain and sand. Real Time 4WD sends power to the rear wheels when the front wheels experience traction loss.

The vehicle maintenance schedule is calculated by the Maintenance Minder™⁷ system. Maintenance Minder automatically indicates when to have standard service performed based on actual driving conditions (tracked by the ECU) and minimizes the guesswork in determining standard or severe use conditions for maintenance interval purposes. The display indicates when to change the oil, air filter, transmission fluid, spark plugs or coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires. The Element requires no scheduled tune-ups for 100K+/- Miles.

Honda Safety
The Element is equipped with dual-stage, dual-threshold supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags for the driver and front passenger. The airbags are designed to minimize the potential for airbag injury while providing head and chest protection for the occupants in the event of a frontal collision. The front airbag system features front passenger seat weight sensors and a driver seat position sensor designed to further enhance occupant protection.

Seat-mounted front side airbags help safeguard the driver and front passenger from side-impact injury. An innovative Occupant Position Detection System is used to assure that the passenger’s side airbag has a clear path for deployment. In the event that a child (or a small-statured adult) leans into the deployment path of the side airbag, a seven-segment “antenna” system built within the seat back signals this condition to an electronic control unit (ECU) and the passenger’s side airbag is switched off.

Both rows of occupants are protected by Honda’s Side Curtain Airbag with rollover sensor system. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the headliner in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll rate sensor and multiple G-force sensors determine the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly.

Both front seat belts have automatic tensioners and load limiters that work together to help protect the driver and front passenger in a collision. A LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat mounting system is standard for the two rear seat positions, allowing two outboard child seats to be installed. For pedestrian injury mitigation, design features in the front of the vehicle can help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian to help minimize injury. New for 2009, active front seat head restraints have been designed to help reduce the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact.

2009 Pricing and EPA Data

Model	Transmission	MSRP*	City/Hwy/Combined**
Element 2WD LX	5-Speed Automatic	$20,175	20/25/22
Element 2WD EX	5-Speed Automatic	$22,285	20/25/22
Element 2WD EX with Navi	5-Speed Automatic	$23,985	20/25/22
Element 2WD SC	5-Speed Manual	$23,170	18/23/20
	5-Speed Automatic	$23,970	20/25/22
Element 2WD SC with Navi	5-Speed Automatic	$25,670	20/25/22
Element 4WD LX	5-Speed Automatic	$21,375	19/24/21
Element 4WD EX	5-Speed Manual	$22,685	18/23/20
	5-Speed Automatic	$23,485	19/24/21
Element 4WD EX with Navi	5-Speed Automatic	$25,185	19/24/21
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $670.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
**Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2009 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2009. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

The Element is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $670.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

² The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on Element EX and SC models in the United States, except Alaska. See your Honda dealer for details.

³ Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

⁴ Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

⁵ Required XM® Radio monthly subscription sold separately after 90 day trial period. Installation costs and other fees and taxes may apply after initial trial period, including a one-time activation fee. Subscription fee is consumer only. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. XM service only available in the 48 contiguous United States. The XM name is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

⁶ The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.

⁷ May vary with driving conditions. Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Exact mileage is determined by actual driving conditions. Please see your owner’s manual for more details.

All 2008 Models Must Go!

Nick Iliff — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:38:16 +0000

My sales manager told me this morning that we need to move out the rest of our 2008 models, so we’re doing some pretty extreme discounting. Please send me an email if you’d like pricing on any of these cars since we’re not allowed to post discounted pricing online.

2008 CR-V EX 4WD Automatic - Eligible for 1.9% 36 3.9% 60 Financing!

2008 CR-V EX-L 4WD Automatic - Eligible for 1.9% 36 3.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Accord EX V6 Sedan Automatic - Eligible for 1.9% 36 3.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Accord EX-L Sedan Automatic Navigation - Eligible for 1.9% 36 3.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Accord EX-L Sedan Automatic - Eligible for 1.9% 36 3.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Civic Si Sedan 6-Speed Navigation - Eligible for 1.9% 36 3.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Ridgeline RTS - Eligible for 0.9% 36 2.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Odyssey EX-L with Rear Entertainment System - Eligible for 0.9% 36 2.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Odyssey Touring with PAX Run Flat Tires - Eligible for 0.9% 36 2.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Odyssey EX-L - Eligible for 0.9% 36 2.9% 60 Financing!

2008 Element EX 4WD Automatic - Eligible for 0.9% 36 2.9% 60 Financing!

Popular Mechanics Awards Honda Fit For Excellent Value

Nick Iliff — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:37:11 +0000

The 2009 Honda Fit has been awarded the Automotive Excellence Award for Value by Popular Mechanics.

From Popular Mechanics:

We all want vehicles that provide excellent fuel economy. But rarely does that penurious stance at the pump come with the additional one-two punch of driving excitement and interior flexibility. Well, the Fit hits all three attributes and has enough interior volume to qualify as a family car—at least if it’s a small family.

Continue reading ‘The Popular Mechanics 2009 Automotive Excellence Awards’