| omarv |
After reading some horror stories about placing orders for the '03, I am starting to worry. We preordered at the end of August for Redrock Touring w/RES. The dealer didn't seem to indicate I may not get my color choice. He did say that he has about a 30 car "waiting list", meaning 30 other people have ordered the '03. Should I call the salesman and ask him any specific questions about the allocations for the first group of '03's, etc. The salesman we worked with was very nice and actually laid back. The dealership didn't have any '02's left at all (just the one to test drive), so maybe that's why I didn't get hassled.
I guess I just don't understand what "allocation" means exactly. Does it mean that the dealership will receive 20 new MDX's in various colors and trims, and then the salesman will try to match them up with the customers who have put in a deposit? My estimated delivery date is end of Nov. or early December. Am I in the first or second allocation? I have never "preordered" a car, so this is very new to me. |
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| renov8r |
First, allocation is the term used to describe how many vehicle the factory will dole out to a specific dealer.Each dealership 'earns' a specific number of slots based upon (among other things) their prior sales history. Some dealers may have previously sold many vehicles and be 'allocated' perhaps 12-15 MDXs for a month. If a dealer has not previously done so well they may only get 5-10 for a month. {I say month, but actually I belive the allocation are bi-monthly, with a first half/second half kind of delviery schedule...}Actual numbers are closely guarded between Acura and each dealer, as it would give competitors much insight into pricing and availability.
Secondly, there have been restrictions on NEW COLORS and other limited production options/features. Red rock is not a 'new for 03' color and should NOT be restricted. If the dealer knows how to input the order properly, you SHOULD get exactly what you want! Not yet sure if there are restrictions on RES, but my hunch is no, as it is not restricted on Pilot. Navi IS restricted till November... And you seem to already know that either RES or Navi REQUIRES Touring.
So, should you 'worry'? Well, I don't think so. As long as the dealer actually has an orderly 'list of pre-orders' ( I would take this to mean they are being somewhat honest and NOT calling these ORDERS, as the factory won't allow them to input more ORDERS than they have allocation slots, and this store {like most} is not allocated 30 MDX for the first batch!) you should be OK. The first 'allocation batch' (which I belive is due for delivery in first half of October} is going to be quite exciting around here, but you SHOULD be in the second or third batch, maybe later in October/early November but ALMOST certainly even the SMALLEST volume Acura stores will have gotten 30 MDXs by Decemeber, so I think you have all the info you can expect. That really depends on the EXACT allocation slots that Acura doles out, and that is competively sensitive, so I would not think they will tell your EXACT POSITION... |
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| DaleB |
| They told me mine. They gave me a copy of their list with all vehicles for one month including model (182, 188, etc.) color, scheduled production span, etc. |
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| renov8r |
Or after they entered it and made it 'a real order'. And even then, did they tell you/show you how many allocation slots they had? If so then they must have REALLT trusted you.
It is good to know that some dealers DO try to keep folks informed, but too many don't seem to care/don't know it matters...
quote: Originally posted by DaleB
They told me mine. They gave me a copy of their list with all vehicles for one month including model (182, 188, etc.) color, scheduled production span, etc.
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| gws456 |
| I wanted to preorder a 2003 Touring with Navi at the dealership in Fife but they said they couldn't take an order until after the first of October. When I mentioned ordering for their allocation of November production it was like I was speaking a language they didn't understand. Mebbe it's because I made it clear I didn't intend to pay over MSRP. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote: Originally posted by gws456
I wanted to preorder a 2003 Touring with Navi at the dealership in Fife but they said they couldn't take an order until after the first of October. When I mentioned ordering for their allocation of November production it was like I was speaking a language they didn't understand. Mebbe it's because I made it clear I didn't intend to pay over MSRP.
Funny how some "don't comprehend" when you appear to have more information and/or knowledge than they anticipate you having. :rolleyes: |
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| DaleB |
quote: Originally posted by renov8r
Or after they entered it and made it 'a real order'. And even then, did they tell you/show you how many allocation slots they had? If so then they must have REALLT trusted you.
It is good to know that some dealers DO try to keep folks informed, but too many don't seem to care/don't know it matters...
A pre-order? After I gave them a down payment (not a deposit) they faxed me the list. The standard list they got for that month from Acura. |
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| Lynn |
| Can I ask what kind of price difference there is between the '02 and '03? |
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