[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:

 

[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."

 

[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.