Reason for Visit: Sales
I recommend this dealer: No
My Review of Honda Cars of Concord:
I was in the market for a 2006 Civic Si. I had extensively researched the car and knew it would be in high demand so I was willing to pay MSRP, which had not been announced at this time. However, all estimates I had seen said it would be around $20,000.
I saw on the internet that this dealership had an EX coupe with a manual transmission. I went there and informed them that I was interested in an Si, but wanted to drive the EX to get a good idea of what the car was like.
I went on a test drive with one of the salesman. He seemed to be fresh out of salesman school because he patronizingly chuckled at everything I said.
During the drive, we were talking about pricing. He said that all their cars came with the $500 First Place Finish. If you do a little research on the internet, you will see that you can wax your paint and Scotchguard your interior for less than $20 and end up with just about the same thing. I said, "Can't you just wax the car?" He explains, "It's part of a two-stage process. The first stage is done at the factory and the second stage is done at the dealership. Your car is not going to have the new car shine and the same protection without it." Whatever.
When we get back, we talk some more and I inform him that I do not want to pick up the car until March so I can save up a significant down payment. His manager gets involved and tells me that the car is in high demand and they already have them sold until mid-February. (In other words, if I order today, they will conveniently be able to deliver the car exactly when I want it. Sounds like they are blowing the proverbial smoke.)
In a couple of weeks, I am really getting antsy to buy the car so I call the salesman back. I go down there and they tell me, "We've been told that the Si is going to be $2000 more than the EX model." They show me a price of $22,900 on their worksheet for my deal. This number is not broken down but when I ask, they very quickly explain to me how they figured it up. The First Place Scam was included in the price. I told them I would pay what MSRP was when it was announced. They said that everyone was agreeing to their price.
The Si has a 6-speed manual transmission. The EX coupe with automatic costs about $1000 more than the 5-speed manual EX. Of course, they use the automatic to figure their price.
I told the salesman what I had read the price was going to be. He walks over to the computer and goes to Edmunds.com and the Si's price is not listed yet. I said, "Let's look up the preview test of the Si and see what it says." It states Honda has said it will have a price "less than $20,000". The befuddled salesman said, "That's not right."
Anyway, I tell him I am not going to pay that price and I will be back in touch. He says with some sarcasm, "That's OK. I'm not mad."
The best thing I can say about them is at least they gave me a price before trying to take my money. (See my review of Tim Marburger Honda.)
Addendum: On November 30, pricing was announced on this car. MSRP (base price + destination) turned out to be $20,540. The base price was indeed under $20,000.
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