[wbhambone]

I've called around to local dealers and they act like the side air bags are no where near coming to fruition. One Internet Sales Manager said that Elements wouldn't start shipping with side air bags until NEXT Spring. So, the truth is...Are there e's on lots with side air bags now or do you have to specifically order one? If there not on lots now, and you don't order one when should you expect to see them on local lots.

thanks.
B

 

[TheLusciousHellcat]

The truth is: your dealer is full of crap. I don't know whether they're inexcusably stupid or simply feeling the need to blow you off. Either way, they're not worth your time, except for, perhaps, a very snarky letter telling them why they're not worth your time.

I'm driving a EXS - side airbag EX Element. Several other EOC members have side airbag models too. They exist. They have been being built for about a month now.

Your dealer - not that dealer, another one who can earn your business by not being stupid and/or lying - can order one, or swap with another dealer's allotment.

Depending on your dealer's pull with their local Honda rep, their diligence in searching for a car for you, and some uncontrollable luck, you should be able to find the vehicle you want, within a matter of days or weeks. Certainly before next spring.

If Tom wouldn't get slapped with lawsuits to Kingdom Come, I wish he could put up a "Honda Dealer Wall of Shame" for Honda dealers who have behaved like appalling [email protected] to Element buyers.

Good luck, Hambone. Tell Dealer to stop snorting his aftershave and figure out the facts.

 

[TheLusciousHellcat]

In San Marcos TX there is a dealer who WILL find you an Element with side airbags. Plus, dealing with him is extremely cool. 8)

Mike Pierce @ Roger Beasley Honda. He's "Supamann" here on EOC. He sold me my Honda and dealing with him was absolutely a good buying experience. Dallas Ft Worth dealers were not even talking about getting me a Side Airbag car, and not talking price, and just not talking with any enthusiasm or respect. Completely different story with Mike.

Scan my posts in this thread for my purchase experience:

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2608

and

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2660

This is how you reach Mike:

Mike Pierce
Sales Manager
Roger Beasley Honda of San Marcos
877-764-6632
512-392-1313
www.rogerbeasleyhonda.com

Tell him Hellcat sent you! :lol:

 

[Jerry Murray]

I've got 20 on order from Honda and out of the 20 I have 7 that are side air bags cars. Look to being build late June/early July.

I'd say that your dealer doesn't know and or doesn't order any with side air bags.

 

[aristoBrat]

I wonder when some dealers are going to clue in to this thing called the "Internet" that helps inform consumers before they make decisions?

I guess they're just used to spouting off BS because it used to be hard to find the truth... :roll:

Gesh

 

[TheLusciousHellcat]

[quote:3d193903a4="aristoBrat"]I wonder when some dealers are going to clue in to this thing called the "Internet" that helps inform consumers before they make decisions?

[/quote:3d193903a4]

When I was shopping, I had established contact with a dealer in Dallas through the 'Net, but had told them I was not a buyer yet - had to finish some personal time-consuming things, and sell my own vehicle.

I dropped by their dealership on a Sunday (they were closed) because I saw an SOP on the lot and wanted to see the color up close and personal.

I noted on the windshield a sticker of "Market Price Adjustment" and "Protection Package, including VIN etching and Paint Sealant". In other words: Profit, Padding and Baloney.

When I finally spoke with a representative from that dealer, I noted the "second sticker items" and he was quick to assure me "Oh we don't charge that to our Internet Customers. They're much more savvy than to pay for that."

Even though that would have accrued in my favor, I thought that attitude was pretty cynical. I'm glad my research and surfing time is considered valuable, but I do feel for the customer who's not a netsurfer who is about to get skinned.

It's a cold world out there for buyers. But then, it's also a cold world out there for dealers, because they've got just one chance to get it right for me. That sounds something like "Yes ma'am, Ms. Stone, I'll have your car here by X day and at X price, which is $ off MSRP. No baloney."

 

[wbhambone]

Thanks for the responses. I was almost certain there were E's out there already with side air bags but I wanted to make sure before I shot the guy out of the water. I may give him a call back tomorrow just to let him know.

babyarm.

B

 

[P3FOYFN]

Are side airbags safe? Or are they likely to cause more injuries like the normal front side airbages? I don't want to get them if they're going to kill me.

 

[TheLusciousHellcat]

I personally have never heard of an injury from a side airbag.

As for front airbags, they saved my life once. The 2nd generation and beyond of driver and passenger airbags were superior to the first, and one hears of fewer injuries.

Please take these statements as only being what I have heard myself. It's not based upon research but rather upon recollection of anecdotes, or rather, a lack of anecdotes. Research will have to wait until the morning.

 

[P3FOYFN]

I wonder if they're available in Canada? Or will be? Sometimes it's nice not to be the first person to buy something. You usually get something that has been refined and added on to for the same price.

 

[Jerry Murray]

[quote:610f05a034="P3,FOYFN"]Are side airbags safe? Or are they likely to cause more injuries like the normal front side airbages? I don't want to get them if they're going to kill me.[/quote:610f05a034]


Side airbags differ somewhat from front air bags in that they are in the seat themselves. Front air bags are stationary in the dash, the side bags move with the seat on Hondas. I say Hondas because some mfgs will have the side bags in the door itself and that could present a differing set of problems.

For the relatively small cost of side airbags, they, to me area "no brainer"