mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 12, 2006 9:49:54 PM
Thank you thank you (takes a bow)
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ILVET

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:9,709 Points:1,925,995 Joined:Jan 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 12, 2006 5:54:09 AM
Congradulations
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 11, 2006 10:07:23 PM
Congratulations, mexiken! May you enjoy your HCH for a long time to come!
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 11, 2006 3:01:53 PM
I GOT IT !!!! I flew to Sacramento to pick it up, and I got 47 mpg on the break in run on the trip back, going on the I-5. I paid MSRP, came with a protection thing (Zxilon) that I was going to buy anyway, so I didn't pay A PENNY over MSRP !!!! YAY me !!!!
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 10, 2006 4:21:23 PM
So I waited, and it didn't pop up. BUT, I FOUND ONE IN SACRAMENTO !!!! I'm in L.A., so I'm FLYING out there tonight and driving it back !!!! Its amazing, I'm actually SAVING money by flying and driving than letting some dealer charge me some absurd PRICE over sticker. Man this is GREAT !!!! 5 hours from now, I'll be a 2006 HCH owner, one of the ONLY in the state !!!! Carpool lane, here I come !!!!
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2006 10:16:54 PM
Yeah, still hasn't popped up. I'll give it to the end of the week, and then I'll start making the calls Thursday evening....
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Frankie64

Champion Author
Louisville
Posts:6,895 Points:502,100 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2006 11:29:19 AM
Check with Con_Tiki, he appears to be in bed with um.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 1, 2006 10:43:53 AM
Happy New Year to all.
Mexiken, hopefully the tax credit will prove more valuable to you than the tax deduction, even if the difference isn't monumental. A buck paid less to the tax man is a buck available for productive use elsewhere.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 31, 2005 5:12:42 PM
The VIN hasn't popped up yet, looks like I'll be getting the new tax break. I have no qualms with it, I'll just have to wait until the end of NEXT year, which starts in 8 hours :D
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 23, 2005 2:51:59 AM
The VIN is supposed to pop up on the inbound list around the 26th, so around then I need to be ready to go contract it. After that, I just have to wait for the car to arrive, which will probably be a couple of weeks after that !!!! Oh I have to wait SO LONG, but it will be WELL WORTH it....
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 23, 2005 2:50:13 AM
I remember doing the math for the tax credit of the HCH 2006 model, and the tax break is only about 1,100 dollars. I doubt I'm wrong, because I read the ACTUAL Energy Act Bill of 2005, in its original format, which is what passed and dictates the tax breaks for the coming year. It wasn't that tough, once you get past the sticky language and confusing structure. In any case, for someone like me, the difference is very minimal, so its pretty much the same. I'd rather get it NOW so that I can have the tax break in 2 months as opposed to 12 months.... :D
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 22, 2005 9:54:11 AM
Mexiken, here's an article that appears on CNN Money today. May be helpful to you and others who are considering a hybrid.
2006 hybrid tax credits: the real deal
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 21, 2005 11:41:25 PM
Well Mexiken, as they say, there ain't no free lunch! :-)
When do you expect to get your HCH?
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 21, 2005 6:10:59 PM
Gem, including the EXTRA $5,000 price tag !!!!(assuming I buy Package 6 and I get the NAV option (which I am) on the HCH.
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LesFillin

Veteran Author
Fresno
Posts:438 Points:1,391,285 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 11, 2005 11:08:21 PM
mexiken,
I picked up my HCH this past Friday morning. It sure is more comfortable than my Insight! Using my Insight for a down payment, I was able to walk out without any out of pocket costs (except for transferring my personalized plate to the new HCH). I got my $500 deposit refunded and my monthly payments are less than my Insight payments were (even though I opted to purchase Gap Insurance).
I make my first "long" commute (from Hanford to Bakersfield - around 85 miles) tomorrow. I'll see what my trip/highway MPG will be.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 9, 2005 10:07:18 PM
Mexiken, you CAN get everything, if you get the Prius! <G>
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 9, 2005 4:40:47 PM
Gem,
I meant better compared to the handset, not the whole audio system. I'd prefer that, but hey, you can't get EVERYTHING !!!!
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 8, 2005 4:25:10 PM
I played around with the aftermarket ones, and on top of not owning one, I didn't like them as much as when I played around with the Honda one. Plus, I like that its voice activated, and built right in to the center dash.
Gem- Yes I know the Prius has one, and I'm jealous, because the HCH doesn't. BUT thats ok, because I already have a Bluetooth headset that I use ALL THE TIME when I'm driving. Its SO MUCH more safe, and I think the audio quality is far better with the bigger speaker in my ear.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 8, 2005 8:23:46 AM
Mexiken, fyi ... I got a new Bluetooth cell phone a couple of days ago. My Prius has a B/t interface. Took me all of two minutes to introduce the cell phone to the Prius. Now, I can get/make phone calls using the car audio system. I haven't explored the voice calling features or the phonebook sync features as yet. Shall do so shortly.
Now that I've used it, this is an excellent safety feature, esp. since the phone call answer/terminate buttons are mounted right on the steering wheel. Does the HCH have this option? If so, I'd recommend it w/o any hesitation.
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LesFillin

Veteran Author
Fresno
Posts:438 Points:1,391,285 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 7, 2005 11:14:55 PM
mexiken,
The worksheet that I saw was very close to MSRP. It was just under $23k. I believe that the color is "Magnetic". I didn't want Nav. Its an extra cost that I didn't want to pay, plus I have several handheld GPS' with maps that work just fine. I like having a handheld GPS so that I can use it when I'm outside of my car.
Even aftermarket stick-on-the-window types are much cheaper than the $3k that Honda wants for theirs.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 7, 2005 7:06:13 PM
I just called, he doesn't have any Magnetic's with NAVI's coming.... :(
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 7, 2005 7:03:13 PM
Les,
Are you paying a markup ???? Do you by chance know what color it is ????
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LesFillin

Veteran Author
Fresno
Posts:438 Points:1,391,285 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 6, 2005 10:23:24 PM
mexiken,
I'm picking up my HCH on Friday. An "extra" one came in to Clawson's (on a dealer trade).
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 6, 2005 8:16:44 PM
Yes I have tried carsdirect.com, thanks. I found the sites for invoice pricing. Hopefully it works out for me.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 6, 2005 8:15:05 PM
Mud, are you pulling my leg ????
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 6, 2005 1:08:55 PM
Mexiken, have you tried Carsdirect ?
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Mudsprings

Champion Author
Fresno
Posts:36,977 Points:2,059,375 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: Dec 5, 2005 8:51:48 PM
mexiken
That's the best color around.
Make sure it has a reservoir to replace your blinker fluid. This should be done every time you replace the batteries.
Mud
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 5, 2005 8:40:19 PM
I've decided that I want Magnetic Pearl, not Alasbaster Silver. The reason ???? EVERYONE has a silver one, and the magnetic is specific to ONLY the hybrid. Plus its supposed to be the best looking of the Civic's as far as color.
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charliesr

Champion Author
Atlanta
Posts:1,125 Points:44,975 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 3, 2005 2:09:55 PM
cant help you.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 3, 2005 11:21:16 AM
I didn't put down any deposits. He didn't take any, which to me is a good sign. It happens MANY times here in CA that they take your deposit and tell you they charge MSRP to get you OFF the market, then when it comes time to actually contract, all of a sudden you have to pay a premium. I think thats just dishonest, and I would WALK away from someone at that point, even if they saw me upset and gave the car to me at MSRP. Thats just the principle of the thing. Some ask, some don't. I have yet to, and I don't think I will. Hopefully this dealer is honest and pans out.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 2, 2005 9:43:35 PM
mexiken, just remembered one more thing. Every single Toyota dealer had asked me for a deposit to put me on their "list" for the Prius. I NEVER put down any deposit. I told them it is my policy NEVER to put down a deposit and that I don't do business with any dealer who insists on one. Never heard a word about any deposit after that and had several dealers call me routinely for several weeks every time a Prius was expected.
I've had one nasty experience when it comes to "good faith" deposits. So, be very careful with "good faith" deposits, esp. when a VIN is not guaranteed.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 2, 2005 7:05:05 PM
Yes I know the rear seats can't fold down, no biggie for me. The largest thing I might carry is my snowboard and a suitcase which will EASILY fit in the trunk. The HCH IS hard to come across, but I think I may have found my dealer. They're a family owned business, they don't sell ANY cars over MSRP, hes got a car with my EXACT specifications on the way, but no VIN yet so we can't contract anything. He seems VERY INTERESTED in helping me get this car though, so hopefully everything will go well. Wish me luck. If this falls through, I will try the Fresno one. I don't mind driving to save THOUSANDS....not even to Northern California.
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LesFillin

Veteran Author
Fresno
Posts:438 Points:1,391,285 Joined:Mar 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 2, 2005 4:20:58 PM
I just put down a deposit on a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid at Clawson's Honda in Fresno (today, December 2nd). It is on its way from Japan and should be received in about 3 weeks. I think that I was number 2 or 3 on their expected delivery of 4. Clawson's gave me an estimated price of under $23k.
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mbovinet

All-Star Author
Omaha
Posts:690 Points:78,485 Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 2, 2005 12:29:59 AM
I would love to help you Mexiken. The problem is that I'm in Nebraska, I do sell Honda's here at the loCAl dealer. I do have what you need but as you CAn see I'm not in CA. But if you have questions please let me know
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 1, 2005 10:52:17 PM
mexiken: In a way, rose is right. You may have a hard time locating that hybrid and negotiating a good price. That's because the Toyota & Honda hybrids are in demand.
OTOH, if you were in the market for a GM or Ford vehicle, you can drive a hard bargain because those carmakers (and their dealers) are desperate for business. They've got one sale or the other going on all the time.
BTW, are you aware that you cannot fold the rear seats in the Honda hybrids? That may restrict the type/amount of luggage you can carry.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 1, 2005 4:59:14 PM
mexiken, you are correct. This "rose" doesn't smell too good! :-)
Apparently, rose has some relatives who work for GM and/or Ford. They are facing possible layoffs. So, rose is busy bashing imports and those that buy imports! There's brilliant logic for you. I guess rose thinks if we all went out and bought domestics, his/her relatives might keep their jobs. Talk about hidden welfare!
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 1, 2005 4:31:16 PM
Gem, is this the same rose thats the foreign basher ????
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rose0363

All-Star Author
Twin Cities
Posts:934 Points:45,715 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Dec 1, 2005 9:41:23 AM
mexiken, you are wasting your time and money on trying to find one.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Dec 1, 2005 8:50:23 AM
mexiken, you are most welcome. If you manage to get a better deal because of the m.o. I described, more power to you. This has worked for me for the last three cars we've bought.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 30, 2005 10:28:25 PM
Got it, thanks Gem. I will try your tactic.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 30, 2005 9:48:48 AM
GaryG7: Are you referring to the two sites I posted to find dealer costs? If so, I'm foxed. I've used those two sites for both the vehicles we bought in the last two years. Let me know exactly what the problem seems to be.
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GaryG7

Champion Author
New Jersey
Posts:8,700 Points:1,697,050 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 29, 2005 11:09:28 PM
I looked, but it's not here
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 29, 2005 10:37:56 PM
Edmunds and Carsdirect are the ones I've used. Also, your credit union (if you belong to one), may provide the data. Once you get the dealer cost from multiple sources and all those sources are in agreement, the dealer won't be able to babble about additional costs, fees, etc.
However, I do not recommend using the target price from either of the above two sites. For the last two cars I bought, I calculated the target price using the formula I described earlier and as a result, came out several thousand dollars less than the target price stated by both these sites.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 29, 2005 3:48:34 PM
Where can I find what dealer cost is here in my area Gem ????
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 28, 2005 11:15:11 PM
mexiken, be glad to explain. This was for a 2005 Prius, back in July '05.
I determined I wanted Package #6 (the options). I got the dealer cost. Then, I added about $750 for dealer profit. Then, I calculated 110% (that's because around these parts, taxes, fees, etc. cost about 10% of the sale price)of that amount. That was my target OTD price.
I had contacted all the area dealers (with the exception of Ernie Palmer Toyota, since they tried to cheat me when I was shopping for a Toyota Highlander Limited in Dec. '03). When one called and told me they had two Prii matching the preferences I had given them, I went over, looked at those and told them what I was willing to pay OTD. The salesman gave me the old "the sales manager will never agree. After all, people are paying premium over MSRP for this car" routine. I told him I did not need the car. I was willing to buy it just because I wanted one, but only if I can get it at the right price!
They were not willing to part with the Prius at my price. So, I left. They called me the next morning and said they'd be willing to "discuss" further. By the time I ran some errands and got to the dealership (this was a Sat. morning), one of the Priuses was sold. They once again went into the song-and-dance routine. I told them that I was willing to increase my original offer by $250 and not a penny more. The salesman asked if I realized that someone would buy the car and pay at least MSRP that weekend. I told him that may happen. However, I was there, checkbook in hand. If they agreed to my price, I would be willing to take the car off their hands.
I left with the Prius an hour later, w/ that discount!
The trick here is to determine what you want to pay OTD, else they can screw you with funny fees, charges, etc. When you walk in with your financing all ready, they're thrilled. Why? Because a majority of the deals they work die in the financing stage when the customer doesn't qualify for the low rates and can't afford the payments that come with a higher rate.
Also, Friday evenings are usually very slow. That's a good time to work a deal. If you're close to the end of a quarter (a day or so), then they're trying to make the quarter's numbers to qualify for the best possible holdback amount from the carmaker. Sometimes, even if they gave you the car for free (not that they will), the dealership may stand to make a small fortune in holdback bonuses. So, even if they don't make a big profit (or even incur a small loss) on your deal, they're still stand to make a bundle.
In my area, the Civic Hybrid (2006 model w/ NAV), shows a total dealer cost of $21,885 (incl. the destination charge). If I wanted this car, I'd do this: [$21,900 + $500 (dealer profit)] * 1.1 = $24,640 (target OTD price). I wouldn't say this over the phone. I'd tell the sales guy face-to-face, after ensuring he had exactly what I wanted on the lot and I'd also pull out my checkbook and wave it in his face.
When I bought the Prius, I actually wrote the check for the target amount and asked the salesman if he wanted me to make it payable to his dealership, right there and then. They went for it!
Sorry for the looong reply. I hope this helps you. Be ready to walk away once or twice. Above all, be patient.
The best scenario for you would be to get the car in the last 3-4 days of December. They'll be desperate to make the Q4 & annual numbers.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 28, 2005 5:23:37 PM
Gemini,
Could you explain what you did to actually walk away with a DISCONT ????
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 28, 2005 3:50:59 PM
Gemini,
After about an HOUR of going over it, for the Honda Civic Hybrid, you WILL get that 2000 deduction in 2005. In 2006 when the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit comes into effect, the CREDIT for a HCH is $1,050. This is based on its fuel economy compared on average to others in its weight class, PLUS the credit of its expected lifetime fuel savings based upon its CITY mpg vs. the weight class'. I spoke to a tax consultant, and for the income I make, its not going to mean much if I buy it now as opposed to next year. And by not much I mean NOHTING, unless I somehow earn more than TWICE what I'm going to earn this year next year. So thats the skinny of it. Hope that helps. I went to a lot of work to hammer out that formula, I ACTUALLY read the Energy Act Bill of 2005, and did all the math myself so I would be CERTAIN.
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mexiken

All-Star Author
Los Angeles
Posts:870 Points:163,760 Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 28, 2005 3:44:06 PM
Sorry Mud, I have updated that listing to reflect it being in San Dimas. I just moved here a year ago, I don't really know where San Dimas, Glendora, and La Verne start and end. I assumed over there by Lowe's and Applebee's was all La Verne. I went to Toyota of Glendora, right across from Walmart, and I didn't like the salesman. I'm not looking for a Prius anymore, I'm looking for a Civic Hybrid now.
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geminijax

Champion Author
Jacksonville
Posts:11,313 Points:1,723,695 Joined:Aug 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 28, 2005 3:37:35 PM
mexiken, look at the IRS website. There's a $2000 tax DEDUCTION for 2005. For 2006, there's a formula to calculate the tax CREDIT. That's better than the deduction.
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Mad Laker

Champion Author
Calgary
Posts:9,913 Points:342,550 Joined:Apr 2002
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Message Posted: Nov 28, 2005 3:18:01 PM
Talk to con_tiki, Mr. Honda.
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