[csduke]

So, I got some quotes here and there. About 2 months ago they were about $500 under MSPR and recently about 300 to 800 over invoice. Then I called Muller (Highland Park) Honda.

I sent them e-mail on Thursday, got a call back in one hour, requested and received an offer of invoice, received e-mail confirmation of out-the-door cost, received another call two hours later saying they found my car at a nearby dealer, got the VIN Friday morning to check it agains the TSBs (21,800 something - OK, showed up Friday night and test drove/checked it out, wrote the check for an ELEMENT with 17 miles on it. Very fast and efficient. A great experience. I worked with Nick Keschler (sp?) who was very upbeat and professional.

Thanks to this forum for the great info

 

[Element]

That's Great

I was wondering if you checked out Jacob's Honda.... they were selling the 2wd EX for 17,995......436 under invoice with 1.9% APR

 

[csduke]

What gives? Why are these prices so low? Heck, I didn't even have to try very hard (as in the past). I guess it can only be one thing - demand in the area must be low.

 

[Element]

You could be right with demand low and inventories high. My thoughts are, their are 4 dealerships in Chicago and about 14 in the Chicagoland area fighting for you business. I personally went with Grand Honda because i was treated right and did not go with the "other" dealerships. We are blessed that Chicago is such a large market which we can wheel and deal with ease. My friend who lives in VT got only $300 OFF because their is only 1 dealership within a 2 hour drive with a take it or leave it attitude :?

 

[Staggie]

On CarsDirect, 2WD models are listed at close to invoice or at invoice for Chicago (using zip 60614). 4WD are much closer to sticker (but are below sticker by a few hundred).

 

[slym]

Thanks for the info. I plan on picking up my Element soon, and that sounds like good news.

 

[perfdata]

I'm picking up my E tomorrow from Muller. All been long-distance, so far has been a 100% positive experience. Not that I'm a great negotiator (I hate when people beat me up on pricing so I don't do it) but I did this:

1. Found the exact model and color I was looking for on one of their eBay auctions. E-mailed them for the best price without messing around with the auction. Price was acceptable to me.
2. Told them financing was in place unless they could beat the rate I got from my credit union, they called back and said they couldn't.
3. Sent me all of the paperwork overnight and all of the pricing was exactly what we agreed upon.
4. Held the car for 2+ weeks until I could get away and fly in for it.
5. Picking me up at the airport.

From the start I told them my expectations were high since I bought my last car at CarMax and that was so easy. So far they have met my expectations, I'll add to this when I get back.

 

[sp3cialpip3s]

I got my E from Jacobs Twin in chicago because they were having their hail damage sale...got my LX with 20 miles on the odo for 17000 out the door. it's got hail damage on the hood and roof but nothing you can notice untill you start looking for it.... I figure I'll wait till annother big hail storm hits somewhere near home and claim it on insurance to have it fixed.

 

[E'nvious]

I was looking for info about Chicago area dealers in another thread and someone else gave Mueller a good recommendation. I guess they'll be going to the top of the list for now. Thanks for sharing the experience.

 

[GLW]

Congratulations! I believe in a few months I will be making the same announcement but in Tampa of course:-D

 

[perfdata]

Update: Dealing with Muller has turned into a disaster, everything has gone south with the real kicker being they sold me a vehicle they did not have a clean title on! The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, my lender, Honda America, and the Illinois Secretary of State police are involved.

I wouldn't recommend these guys to anyone, even a RaiDUHS fan.