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This weekend I was visiting a dealership that had a "base" (no touring or Nav) MDX set up as the "demonstrator". Mostly a nice vehicle, Granite Green. The thing had like $10,000 worth of dealer installed options though...
While I can see how a dealer might want to (legitimately) showcase things like the flairs, mats & wood trim the result is the dreaded "secondary sticker".
I say dreaded BECAUSE in my experience this is a "hallmark" of a "huckster dealer" who will load up every in-stock vehicle with CRAP like "paint protection", "seat guard", "solor bloc", and other "yeah right" type BS -- THEN the "finance manger" will bully every customer into buying an "extended warranty", add on every kind of BS "documentary fee" and squeeze every last dime from any "customer" (that they refer to as 'MARKS' ...) .
Now, to be far I was in a hurry and didn't stick around to actually determine if this dealer was in the first group or second.
I also agree with remery's ideas about "wholesale".
quote:
Originally posted by remery
Here are a couple of other things to think about. All but a few of us are paying MSRP for the MDX. MSRP is full retail price except for those exercising their right to pay more for something. Dealer invoice is the wholesale price. If you turn over vehicles frequently, the wholesale price is important since some discount off of that is what most often you are going to receive on a trade-in. A better equipped MDX will have a higher value in the future than a base model and most likely will be easier to sell as a used car (...)
There is an accepted practice in the used car market to have distinct pricing for distinct models. Take a look at Kelly Blue Book pricing for Accords: DX, EX, LX each have entries -- http://www.kellybluebook.com/kb/ki....387&;t&35&3;13&
Even if I don't intend to trade in a vehicle the "psychology" of knowing that my investment (in a touring pck. vs. 'rolling my own') means that I feel better about getting the "upgraded model". While sometimes the blue book will accurately provide for "dealer installed options" MORE OFTEN, it does not. If you decide to trade-in (or are forced to make an insurance claim) the burden of proving the value is harder when you have dealer (or aftermarket) options...
I would not be surprised if Acura tries to "tidy up" the list of dealer installed options. The motivation for the factory would be first to help curb "abusive" dealer practices and secondly to better monitor pricing targets. Using CRM tools many companies are trying to better understand the pricing triggers that maximize customer satisifaction and profitability. Unless Acura requires dealers to report back to them what combinations of options prove popular it is much easier to do this through packages... (the reality is that even companies with sophisticated CRM systems/processes have a hard time doing 'mass customization' but that is another discussion). |
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| I too view the "secondary sticker" as a stong indicator that the dealer will be performing a "non-biblical act of procreation" upon the customer. I believe I know which dealer you are referring to and have seen similar excessive "accessorization" of MDXs. I got several internet notifications from that dealership of MDXs available for immediate delivery with anywhere from $4k to $10k of accessories including a DVD video system. PLEEEASE!!! As a result I politely gave my business to Nives-Rizza Acura in Orland Park where the price was MSRP and rear mud guards and wheel locks were added on for $150. That coupled with paying $1,900 for stuff installed that Tim at HondaAcuraWorld is selling for $2,064 for the parts only I view as an indicator I found a good dealer. |
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My wife really hates driving down LaGrange Rd, as it probably has more blind driveways than other similar sized street in Chicagoland, but I think I will use your post as evidence that we may be better off than waiting for "second sticker dealer" moving down the street.
BTW They had alot of vehicles on the lot with the "shipping plastics" still on. A black TOUR/NAVI, a black base, a SS TOUR, A GG base and a GG TOUR/NAVI. No dealer options YET, but given that ladden demonstrator... |
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renov8r,
Try taking Route 83 down and around to LaGrange road and you'll avoid all the stuff north of I55 that your wife abhors. Also, waiting a few months may improve the price including at our "secondary sticker" dealer. SUVs are not as popular in the warm weather. In a couple of months you might actually be able to pick one up below MSRP. Outside of California, some of the posts indicate the supply situation is getting better and with virtually all the other manufactures offered incentives it may be only a matter of time before Acura dealers eat a little humble pie. If you just can't wait to order one, talk to Len Donells at Nives-Rizza in Orland. Remember, you can still get it serviced at the dealer soon to locate down the block from you. |
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I have a GG touring order at the dealer which I believe you two are referring to - any words of wisdom?
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jcheigh,
If you a have sales contract that spells out the price exactly , you should be fine. But for grins, check what they charged you for the mats and mud guards compared with Tim's prices at HondaAcuraWorld. I went with Nives-Rizza because they gave me a better price on the accessories but I have no qualms about using McGrath for service since they are the closest ones to where I live. In general, I rarely have bought a vehicle from the same dealer that I go to for service because I buy a car based upon price not the dealer's reputation for service. |
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rmeery-
Thanks for the feedback-
I'm in at MSRP - placed my order in early February for April delivery-
I will admit that I did not scour Chicago for superior options pricing since I obviously was not buying too many - I called around for a speedier delivery and Countryside was a tad bit closer than Orland-
Not sure what I'll do for service once McGrath moves to Westmonth since I live in the city but will figure that out if I ever get my MDX-
Out of interest, any idea when Nives Rizza would be able to deliver if an order were placed today- just wondering
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jcheigh,
I talked to Len Donells 2 weeks ago at the auto show and he said they had a spot or two left for May delivery. So I am guessing now it is up to June but any order cancellations could affect that. Depending on where you live in the city, I believe that Napleton Acura in Elmhurst is physically your closest dealership but they wanted $2,000 over MSRP and I have no info on their service capabilities. Personally I would stay with McGrath when they move to Westmont bacause you would alway have the option of taking the Metra Train to or from Westmont bewteen the city. Just a suggestion. |
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