Tampa Area Owners [Archive] - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

Tampa610

09-21-2005, 12:12 PM

Got my Magnesium Metalic Element EX from Kuhn back in April for a great price. Lowest price I have seen or heard about on here. I paid just under $20k which inlcuded all the tax, tag, title, and other fees. Up to 11,750 miles and I love it. Everyone who sees my car wants to look inside or take a ride. The 2006 model looks great. Now if they come out with a Hybrid I'd trade my current E in for that.

flbugboy

09-22-2005, 05:41 PM

Got mine from Hondaland 5/1/05 and have 2400 miles :roll:

symbasys

09-22-2005, 07:05 PM

Got mine from Hondaland 5/1/05 and have 2400 miles :roll:I got mine from them too. Also bought my last car there. I think they treat you pretty well. Did you have a good experience?

mikey6331

09-24-2005, 06:51 PM

symbasys

09-25-2005, 07:18 AM

Symbasys,
What a coincidence! We were looking at the green EX at Hondaland. Drove it Sunday, went home to sleep on it, came back Monday to buy it and it was sold. Obviously, you won! :-)
We ended up getting a Magnesium one instead - Manual with 4wd.
Our salesman Dave was fantastic; the finance lady Monica, not so much.
Congratulations on getting the green one!
-MikeHey Mikey!
That explains why there was 9 miles on my E when I test drove it! :-) Small world, huh? I decided to go to Hondaland after checking out the E online. I wanted a green EX and Kuhn Honda didn't have any green ones. Hondaland had only one, and it was an EX. I went the next day, drove it, and bought it on the spot. My salesman was Scott McInnes and I forget the finance guy's name. They were both very professional. Scott didn't have a whole lot of product knowledge since he had only been working for Honda for a few weeks, but he treated me fairly.

Congrats on your new E as well! How do you like the MM? I really like the GGM, especially with the green interior accents. That was really what made my mind up for me.

John

mikey6331

09-25-2005, 10:35 AM

The green accents were what had us as well. Didn't like any of them with the blue - it seemed like the plastics looked cheaper, but the green was sharp, and took away from the vast greyness. I like the MM though - both of our other cars are also dark grey, so there seems to be a pattern there!
When we went back Monday and the green was gone (we saw the salesman drive it up front, bring in the delivery paperwork, etc...and considered tackling him!), we had to start over so to speak. Had to be an EX, partner didn't like orange or red, neither of us likes black, and no blue interior. So we ended up getting 4wd & 5sp instead of 2wd/AT, in order to get a color/EX combination. So, basically we got a rear sunroof for $400 more. :)
Dave, our salesman, was great - seemed to know his stuff, and he was laid back and just let us crawl through the E's on the lot as we wished. Our FI person Monica was another story however. She told us if we leased, Honda gives a $5000 credit for damage at the end (it's $1500), that we should buy her extended warranty because Honda's is crummy and hers would even replace interior panels if we scratched them (yeah, right...). Then, three days later I looked more closely at my signed bank contract and found that she had mistakenly added a $700 maintenance agreement that we did not agree to or sign for. It took 3 weeks for her to recall the bank contract and re-work it, and that was after *I* called Honda Finance to verify that she could do so. She didn't know - wanted us to sign the paperwork for the maintenance contract, let her send it in, cancel it, get the money back, etc. Uh, no.
Oops, sorry...didn't mean to rant there! Anyway, it has been straightened out, I went in and signed the revised contract last Monday, and our plate just arrived last Thursday. All good!
Oh, and we are the third E on our block. Both neighbours (silver and green) have stopped by to congratulate us and ask us about it!

Eshaker

10-01-2005, 10:48 PM

Hi! Seminole GGM element owner here!
Just bought mine today pre owned at Clearwater Toyota. We were there 4 hours (yuck) haggling.....
I was planning on an 05 2wd EX....but couldnt pick a color at Autoway Honda a couple days ago....went home to sleep on it....and after much debate decided on SOP....they gave me the price 20,300 out the door...(before any accessories)...
then i saw this 2003 2wd EX in GGM w/ 19k miles on it and ALOT of accessories(roof rack, side steps,rear air deflector,carpet mats,center arm console,cargo net,mudflaps)...got out the door 16,500.
I know , not a HUGE savings for a 2 yr old (and doesnt have the built in XM i really wanted ) BUT $4000 savings not to mention how much those accessories woulda cost added on...hmm. thinking i saved $6000.
hope i made a good choice, i stress way too much!

Florida Roadie

10-02-2005, 12:40 PM

Welcome aboard Eshaker.. And best wishes with your new E ..:-)

It's good seeing so many new faces here on this coast.

ElemutGrrl

10-13-2005, 10:05 PM

symbasys

10-13-2005, 10:31 PM

Hello All!
Will be moving to the Tampa area next month (Nov.) from New England. Which Honda dealership would you recommend that has the best service/customer service? I have babied my E since July 2003. Every service she is at the dealership getting her maintenance on time - every time. And I plan to do the same in FL.
Oh, does anybody get together for a 'meet' ?? Keep me posted!

:grin:Let me be the first to welcome you to Tampa! :)
There are two Honda dealerships in Tampa -- Tampa Hondaland and Kuhn Honda. There is also Brandon Honda in the Brandon area. The dealers are on opposite sides of town, so you may want to use the one closest to your new home. I have always used Hondaland for vehicle purchases and service and have been mostly happy with them. They really seem to put forth the effort to make the customer happy. I haven't dealt with Kuhn, so I can't say how their service department is. I know some of the other posters here have used them though. Guys/gals?

Tampa610

10-20-2005, 09:50 AM

I have used Kuhn a couple of times and they are always fairly quick. It's not a 10 minute oil change but what dealer is. Usually the oil change time takes about 2 hours. When I had a Dodge it took all day for an oil change and on some services I had to leave the car overnight (three day at the shop on one occasion)...needless to say I will never buy a Dodge anything again as much as I love the design of the cars. I had an electrical problem fixed on my Element at Kuhn and by lunch time (3 hours after I dropped it off) they had it worked out and back on the road.

I say just choose the dealer nearest your home. You don't want to drive all the way to Brandon if you lie in South Tampa, or drive to South Tampa if you live in New Tampa. They will all do a great job I'm sure.

hondaE

10-21-2005, 08:51 AM

I'm from Spring Hill, which is about 45 minutes north of Tampa.

ElemutGrrl

10-26-2005, 06:15 PM

Does anyone want to set up a date to meet up?? :confused: I thought I saw a thread re. November at the Disney Shopping Village. :roll: That or maybe something closer?? I am available the 20th of November. Anyone else up for it?? :-D

ElemutGrrl

11-02-2005, 08:36 AM

:grin: Hi Tampa E Owners! Anyone up for a meet on Nov. 13th (Sunday)?? We have a few so far - Downtown Disney. Look for the post!

symbasys

11-02-2005, 01:22 PM

:grin: Hi Tampa E Owners! Anyone up for a meet on Nov. 13th (Sunday)?? We have a few so far - Downtown Disney. Look for the post!I'm going to try to wrangle a trip to Disney that weekend. A lot will depend on finances... Still I haven't been to Disney in a long time, and this gives me even more of an excuse to go! :)

Tampa610

11-03-2005, 10:06 AM

The meet is at Downtown Disney, not in the park itself. All you need to go to the meet is gas money and perhaps cash for lunch. Downtown Disney is the area with House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, etc. (just off I-4).

I will be in Chicago that weekend :( but will hopefully catch another meet sometime in the near future.

gatorphunk

11-08-2005, 06:24 PM

symbasys

11-09-2005, 09:57 PM

Hey everyone!

New to the site, and am looking to get an E by the end of the year...

I wonder if anybody has any good experiences to share regarding Bay Area Honda dealers in the Tampa/Clearwater area... I've seen some stuff about Hondaland and Kuhn, but does anyone have any good experiences with Autoway, Gateway, etc? Also wondering if making the trip to Orlando or Gainesville would be worth it...

Look forward to hearing from you all. Thanks!Welcome to the site! A friend of mine recently bought an '05 NBP LX 2WD from Gateway, and he reported he had a pretty positive experience with them. Don't know about Autoway...

Ron D

11-09-2005, 10:24 PM

Hey everyone!

New to the site, and am looking to get an E by the end of the year...

I wonder if anybody has any good experiences to share regarding Bay Area Honda dealers in the Tampa/Clearwater area... I've seen some stuff about Hondaland and Kuhn, but does anyone have any good experiences with Autoway, Gateway, etc? Also wondering if making the trip to Orlando or Gainesville would be worth it...

Look forward to hearing from you all. Thanks!

"gatorphunk" the same with me ...
I'm in Orlando area and would like to find a good dealer and
a pretty good deal...

Hope some one will chime in and give us leads...
I want to see the 2006 in the different colors and also in
the painted version before making a decision...

If you hear anythiing let me know and I will do the same...

Ron D

gatorphunk

11-10-2005, 07:30 PM

Welcome to the site! A friend of mine recently bought an '05 NBP LX 2WD from Gateway, and he reported he had a pretty positive experience with them. Don't know about Autoway...

Thanks, symbasys... I'm trying to collect all the info I can... I've been to Autoway, and they have that Costco Member pricing thing going on. Just have to shop around some more. The Gateway Internet guy seems persistent, but not pushy, so I might have to go by there sometime soon.

And Ron D, I will be on the lookout for you, too... do you have a Costco membership? Maybe you can check Autoway out then...

Ron D

11-11-2005, 05:58 PM

:) "gatorphunk"
I don't have a costco card but do have a Sam's card and they also do a car deal...Not sure if Sam's has any deal with the local Honda dealers though..

Some times I see a Car parked at Sam's with a price in the window.
I've never been impressed with the posted price....

But it is a starting point...With all the rebates and stuff going on
with some of the MFG.'s the price I saw at Sam's is way Hi compared
to the MFG.'s rebate off MSRP.
So I never followed up to see what the real deal is....
BJ's warehouse club also does a car deal and the same there the prices
I see arn't anything to write home about...

Maybe some one on the forum has tried out the warehouse club
deals and can give us first hand information...

Heck I would buy a membership if it would save me another 200.00 bucks.
Over what I can negotiate....

I got a message on my Answering machine from Holler Honda hear in Orlando
and the salesman said they just got in a EX-P.
I will call him later and get the scoop on it.. I think he said it is
2wd but I don't know the color.

I favor the AWD what about you?
The wife and I like the sun roof...
Hate to give up the 2 MPG but I've heard on this forum the resale
on the AWD is much better than on the 2wd but I really don't know..
I haven't done any used price research...

Thanks For the heads up on Costco possibility....

Ron D :)

gatorphunk

11-13-2005, 09:59 PM

Hey, Ron-

The resale value on Hondas in general is excellent. I am opting for a 2wd myself since my driving doesn't really require much AWD capability. Also, having the slightly better mileage doesn't hurt, and since I'm on the Gulf Coast, there aren't any terribly harsh winters to deal w/like a lot of the folks north of us...

BTW, the internet manager from Gateway actually contacted me the other day and we had a brief talk about the '05s vs. the '06s. He said that on average, the '06s are running for $1000 more, but he didn't exactly give me a definite amount. I told him I went by Autoway, and they quoted $19,929 for a '05 2wd EX (granted, that was at the beginning of Sept., but oh well), but he didn't say anything like, "Oh, well we have those from..." He just kind of changed the subject to "When are you going to come in?" I might go in next weekend to just check 'em out and see what they say...

Since this is my first car buying experience, I don't know if I'm doing the "right" thing by going in to the dealership, but I do want to check everything out and see what dealers will say and if it contradicts the research I'm doing...

Let me know if you make the trip out to Holler, and how your experience turns out... I'm getting more excited about getting this car every day!

Also, lately, when someone says something about trouble moving, transporting, delivering, etc., I find myself thinking, "I bet I could've fit that in an E..." :D

Ron D

11-14-2005, 01:11 PM

gatorphunk
I went by Holler and took a picture of a EX-P Silver.
It was a 2wd....
Good Looking Vehicle.....

The picture is posted under the 2006 sub forum.

I didn't talk any pricing yet.

I was at BJ's wholesale club yesterday and they had a Toyota sitting out frount.
I think a 4Runner. Anyway the price was discounted around 9.5%
off MFG. MSRP..... around 34k+ MSRP and 31K asking on the paper tag
hanging from the rear view mirror..

You might want to read "joeboxers" thread on his technique
on buying a new Element. I think he just got a 2006 on order
below invoice.

I'm hoping the rest of the colors show up this week so I can narrow
down my search to the one I want...
I'm still leaning toward Rallye Red which only comes with "UNPAINTED"
Panels... Which is ok I kind of like the red that way.....

I will be out searching this week and will keep you posted....

Ron D

blue elephant

11-14-2005, 03:15 PM

Hi tampa owners!

My name is Dawn, and I'm picking up my new "Blue Elephant" tonight :) We were searching for a family car, and after looking at sedans....and then the room inside the Element.....we decided it was a better choice for our growing family.

I look forward to browsing the boards and learning more about this car.

I am currently an owner of a 1993 Acura Integra and a fully refurbished 1989 240sx. I moderate forums for each of these cars (www.g2ic.com & www.sfl240sx.com) and generally do my own car repairs.

So , hello to all!!!

Ron D

11-14-2005, 05:27 PM

Great
put up some pictures of your new E when you can..

I'm still shopping...

Congrat.'s on the E It looks like to me it is a great vehicle.
All the utility in it makes it nice..

Ron D

blue elephant

11-14-2005, 05:45 PM

I will post....as soon as i get the car......

of course it wasn't ready tonight, they are repairing the back window wiper and parts were late coming in.....so they say tomorrow it should be ready :)

SunnyElement

11-14-2005, 08:31 PM

Welcome to the site blue elephant - good to see more Tampa folks on board!

I am fairly new here (Aug 2005) - I have found it to be very helpful and full of good information and members.

Ron D

11-14-2005, 08:40 PM

The local salesman called and left word this evening
that they just got a Blue with gray panels 2006 E in
today..
I will check it out and try to get some pictures....

Anyone see a KIWI or Tangerine yet??

Ron D

blue elephant

11-14-2005, 09:28 PM

sweet!!!

wish i coulda gotten a brand new one:D and the color blue rawks :)

blue elephant

11-16-2005, 09:44 AM

my blue elephant is home :)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y207/b18ladybug/element.jpg

dudleydoo123

12-16-2005, 12:39 PM

Just bought a black MT, 2wd Element from Hondaland last Saturday. We were looking at "similar" vehicles, but there's really nothing else out there. Why would I get a Ford, when I can have such a cool Honda?? It's totally base model, but we already love it. Had to drive the civic today, and I already miss my E. Hondaland was as ok as car salespeople can be, but I did have one complaint. Our guy said he'd go talk to finance and "see what he could do" for us. Comes back 30 min. later with the STICKER price. Give me a break! Do guys have the same experience when buying cars? I'm not paranoid, but I don't think I look that stupid either... But, who cares! I am the proudest new E owner on the block!

PS - The navy blue is gorgeous! Wish I had it!

blue elephant

01-10-2006, 10:31 AM

i can't say that my experience with Hondaland was superb...that's where we got ours....i think we even looked at the black one you got....did it smell of cigarettes?

they let me leave with the SRS light on, and the antenna missing...I had to bring it back the very next day for the SRS light, and about a week later when i realized the antenna was missing. They also promised me a full tank of gas at the time of purchase...which they didn't do, but did fill it when i brought it back for the SRS light....

we also looked at the accords they had on the lot, they were all severly overpriced...the one i did drive was just traded in, and had obvious front end damage.

regardless...i love my E, and happy that we made the choice

ElementalJ

01-17-2006, 10:04 PM

Did'nt realize that there were this many people in Trampa, that had Elements.. And belonged to this site.:rolleyes: :cool:
BTW: I'll stay away from there....

madmumbler

01-28-2006, 09:58 AM

I'm down in Charlotte County (hurricane Charley bullseye!) but I grew up in Odessa and have family up there, I'm up there every week, at least once or twice.

We got our SOP EX in April, LOVE it. Already have 30K miles on it. (Yes, we do a LOT of driving.)

Got mine at Charlotte Honda. Very nice people there. Very easy to work with.

dohcvtec

02-22-2006, 04:30 PM

hi
i bought my E at Nov 2003 and now it has 21k miles on it
love it..
and i am from tampa bay:grin:

mmzplanet

02-26-2006, 01:05 AM

I just got mine at Gateway over in Port Richey... very good experience over there. My previous Honda purchases have been at Brandon Honda. It was an ok sales experience but the service dept is superb. As far as Hondaland goes... I've walked out of there twice not very happy.

ElemutGrrl

02-26-2006, 08:26 PM

To Tampa Area Owners: So.... who all is going to the 2006 meet in July???

ElementalJ

02-27-2006, 08:44 PM

Hey guys! When is the meet up going to happen? Did'nt see anything about it being in Tampa itself.

ElemutGrrl

04-25-2006, 08:14 PM

Anyone driving from Florida let alone Tampa for the July National Meet?????? :confused: Please don't tell me I am the only one (and a girl at that) that will be going?!! :| I have been to the New England Fall Meet (when I lived there) and it was fun! I know this drive will be a bit much to St. L.... but come on people.... you LOVE your Element don't you?? lol

Florida Residents.... let's get this ball rolling! Wait.... Let's get our box on wheels rolling!!! heeheheee!! lol :cool:

chimpboyardee!

07-04-2006, 11:00 PM

How-dee-just got my toaster about a month ago from Palm harbor Honda-man,this is just too sweet!-road cyclist and it swallows up my large framed bike no problem...any other "E"sters in Pinellas around Palm Harbor-looking fwd. to hearing from fellow brethren.

no1dmbfan81

08-22-2006, 09:22 PM

Tampa area E owner here. I just bought my Element LX from Palm Harbor Honda also, greatest dealership I've ever dealt with. I live near citrus park area in tampa like 10 minites from Palm Harbor. So far I have added Window tint, keyless entry, headlight blackouts, and a U-haul class II hitch to pull my sea-doo jet boat. If there are any other boat / jet ski Element owners in the area we should meet up I usually wakeboard and tube on lake tarpon in palm harbor or in the Gulf.

ElementalJ

08-22-2006, 10:12 PM

Javalux

11-19-2006, 09:13 PM

Brand new Element owner here - I live in Wesley Chapel, work in Brandon, and i'm finishing up @ USF - i'm all over the Tampa area. I love it so far.

Any meets coming up?

Purchased my E @ Ferman on 54 (http://www.ferman54.com) and I couldn't be happier!

angelsil

12-19-2006, 02:38 PM

2007 EX 2WD AT

Got it at Hondaland Sunday. It's the husband's car but I plan on driving it some.

TrailCrazy

05-20-2007, 09:44 AM

Just got my SC a week ago.

Hygieneboy

06-24-2007, 08:25 AM

Just got mine 2 days ago.

elementaltom

06-28-2007, 10:36 PM

hey guys! i just bought an 05 BLUE EX w/ 33K miles from autoway dodge in clearwater. I live in new port richey. we should have a meet in the fall! :)

Fauxtographer

07-15-2007, 03:04 AM

Long time admirer of this great little machine and today I finally popped for it and bought myself an Element. I live in Plant City.

Bought a 2007 Element EX 4WD AT in Galaxy Grey w/ Platinum & Black interior from Brandon Ford today. It has 11,000 miles on it and I got it for a steal. Seriously. :D

FYI...there was another Element there also for a great price. Next to mine there was a 2006 Element EX-P 4WD with just less than 9K miles. The price was great I thought. Tell a friend if you know someone who needs an E! I can recommend a fantastic salesperson if they need one. :)