| Rob2005 |
My first post of many to come after I buy a 2005 MDX Touring with Nav this weekend (I hope).
My question concerns dealer fees. I've read through many posts here regarding pricing, and I haven't found anything on this subject. I have emailed the two Acura Dealers in Orlando (Courtesy and Fountain), and received prices that include "dealer fees". Courtesy Acura said they are running a special through the end of the month which is $500 over their cost ($39764) + tax,tag,title and dealer fee of $499. To me, this seems like $999 over invoice, which brings my price to $40,763 + tax,tag,title. Fountain Acura offered "all fees included" price of $41,150 +tax & tag.
So, are dealer fees like this normal? I've been reading about the dealer holdbacks and wholesale prices in other posts, which I didn't even know about. This makes me question whether or not this "$500 over invoice" is a good deal. Do I have much room to negotiate, or should I take this deal?
Thanks in advance! |
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| vlam |
| The dealer fee is probably another term they use for "doc fee" That's very high. You should inquire about what the breakdown of the dealer fee. (Ask if they are charing $10 per page of document). This is pure markup. I would check to see if that is the standard fee this particular dealership is charging everyone. |
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| Orgen1 |
I purchase my X 05 two weeks ago in NJ.
I didn’t pay any dealer fees or destination charges, only 100 dollar for plates and registration nothing else. |
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| Rob2005 |
Thanks for the info.
I briefly looked at 4Runners before seeing the light after looking at the MDX. On their conditional sales contract, the toyota dealership had a $699 delivery fee that is pre-printed on the contract form. The description stated that this charge "represents costs and profits to the seller/dealer for items such as inspecting, cleaning and adjusting the vehicle as well as preparing documents." They had also offered up $500 over invoice, and then I saw this "delivery fee" on the sales contract that they didn't even tell me about as part of our price negotiation. No matter what it is called, whether it be dealer fee or delivery fee, it seems to be just another way to get money from the buyer who negotiates a deal at a certain amount related to invoice.
Since I'm being charged the $499 dealer fee by the acura dealer, I think I will bargain with him to give me the car at invoice since I now know about their dealer holdbacks. |
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| dj-mdx2 |
| Sounds like your local "stealer" is taking you for a ride.:D I guess it depends on the region, but a lot of recent threads mention great deals at or below invoice for the 05, especially since the 06 is coming out. Some stealers charge a standard fee, others don't. The destination charge is usually non-negotiable, but even then you look like you're not getting a good deal. But again that depends on your point of view and how the wallet thickness to new car smell preference ratio stands.:D Good luck! |
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| socalJD |
| Dealer fees will vary by state, but it is a lil' misleading if they don't disclose up front. IE in Calif, doc fee is $45, tire fee is $5 and a smog cert fee is $8 (last 2 are required by the state) - so besides TT&L, Calif buyers should only pay $58 over negotiated price of vehicle . . . |
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| JimH |
| Document or dealer fees are nogotiable. They can ask for them, but it is up to you to negotiate if you desire to pay that amount. In my last two car purchases, I was not even told there was a "document fee" until I was ready to sign papers (based on negotiated price beforehand). The fees were ~ $ 150 at each dealer. In both cases, I said I would not pay that fee. Both dealers then adjusted the sales price of the car & MDX down that same $ amount, and then showed the document fee as a cost in their paperwork. The bottom line is that I did not pay the fee. In my opinion, it is another way to make extra profit. Also, some states have laws regulating what are reasonable "document fees" that a dealer can charge. |
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| Rob2005 |
quote:
Originally posted by dj-mdx2
Sounds like your local "stealer" is taking you for a ride.:D I guess it depends on the region, but a lot of recent threads mention great deals at or below invoice for the 05, especially since the 06 is coming out. Some stealers charge a standard fee, others don't. The destination charge is usually non-negotiable, but even then you look like you're not getting a good deal. But again that depends on your point of view and how the wallet thickness to new car smell preference ratio stands.:D Good luck!
My new car smell preference is fairly high! So, I think I'll be getting the MDX this weekend, even if I have to accept his original invoice+500+"dealer fee" quote. But, hopefully, with all the information I found on this board, I can talk him down or get him to throw in some free accessories :2: |
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| JeffK |
Before the Internet, Dealers used to charge a fee for "Dealer's prep" or "Dealer's Preparation."
This is nothing more than additional profit to the dealer. You have to decide if you want to pay it or not.
Document fee: There are legitimate document fees for license plates, registration, etc. My MDX dealer charged an additional $20 for document fee above the actual fees from motor vehicle.
JeffK |
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| csimo |
Any dealer that charges a fee (DOC, prep, etc.) above and beyond the negotiated price is one you should walk out of. Now there are a few exceptions. Kalifornia and a few other states have mandated fees and there's nothing the dealer can do about them, but most states don't have any fees.
Some states require the dealer to collect sales tax and/or license fees, but those are different than the "pack" fees listed above.
99% of all car dealers are crooks. It's up to you to make it clear you won't deal with any dealer that tries to collect any dealer fees above and beyond the negotiated price.
When you see any of these fees on the Buyer's Order scratch them out before you sign the first offer. You've got the right to do it... use your right! |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
Any dealer that charges a fee (DOC, prep, etc.) above and beyond the negotiated price is one you should walk out of. Now there are a few exceptions. Kalifornia and a few other states have mandated fees and there's nothing the dealer can do about them, but most states don't have any fees.
Some states require the dealer to collect sales tax and/or license fees, but those are different than the "pack" fees listed above.
99% of all car dealers are crooks. It's up to you to make it clear you won't deal with any dealer that tries to collect any dealer fees above and beyond the negotiated price.
When you see any of these fees on the Buyer's Order scratch them out before you sign the first offer. You've got the right to do it... use your right!
What he said, stay away from those Stealers and dirtbag dealers!!!! |
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| CSHDMD |
| Picking up my MDX(Touring+DVD) Tues. Dealer is charging 322 for "Dealer Fees." Paying 379 over invoice. No dealer was willing to go down to invoice or below. I think these fees are ridiculous and help to reinforce my low opinion of car salesmen/dealerships. To me getting a new car is exciting and all this bull...t ruins the experience. It would be nice if the manufacturers put some limitations on their dealers ability to take advantage. I realize one can go elsewhere, but I like the convenience of using a dealer in proximity to my home. |
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