what does Honda do w/ unsold 08s?

3047 Views 17 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Chasester, Jul 8, 2009

Ere

Discussion Starter · Jun 1, 2009

A combination of factors is leading me to consider selling or trading in my 07 LZ AWD MT with only 10k miles for an 08 2WD AT EX (or possibly an 07 if the miles are low). With a new commute that is longer think I'd like an AT and the combo of 2WD and no moonroof, dont' like the frontend styling on the 09, so....

1. when did the 09s start selling in the showrooms? I gather just this spring...

2. would Honda dealers be able to or be inclined to locate a "new" 08? what happens to their unsold 08 stock, where should I look for that?

3. In order to maximize return on my 07 I'll probably try selling it on craigslist and would plan on listing it several hundred below the going rate the dealers are charging for their EXs with 30k-plus miles... the rationale being that lower miles=value, its in great shape, and I have several upgrades that would be included (3M clearbra, SC carpet, Alpine stereo, EX ally wheels and all four originals, etc.) ... am I dreaming that this would be an attractive buy?

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Elemental Glory

· #2 · Jun 1, 2009

I know it is a hike but would be worth some internet negotiation. With the economy of Michigan in the crapper my local honda dealer has new 08s starting at $16,500....

http://battlecreekhonda.com/ads.php?cad=7

It may be worth a shot. I will be there tomorrow picking up my E from some service I could give you an idea of how many and what types are left...

that is definately a Fabulous price being that my 04 cost 22K in 05

mkh

· #3 · Jun 1, 2009

Yes, '09s did just start selling this spring, and Manual Transmissions are as rare has hen's teeth in some areas. The buyer pool is smaller, but the availability is even less - making them a marketable item.

Most "good" Honda Dealers would be more than willing to search in their area for an '08 and get it brought in. That's how I bought mine - when I wanted a color not locally available.

Craig's list is an option, but be aware that for dealers and buyers "options" add pretty much zero value, price-wise, but may help close the sale.

Another option is CarMax. They will buy good used vehicles - and pay book wholesale for the region, unlike Dealers - who say they pay wholesale, but only offer way under that.

Ere

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 1, 2009 (Edited)

Thanks, EG - I saw the banner on Battle Creek Honda's front page but I can't find the listings for the 08s they are closing out..... I'd be interested if you end up seeing many new 08s there, I'll check down here.

mkh, I know what you mean. I think the low miles would be the biggest selling point for mine, which alone would probably make it stand out from the other listings. When I bought it in 07 I had an 01 Subaru Forester that I had Carmax give an offer for, I think they offered my 8k IIRC but I sold it a week later on CL for 10k.

Truth is, my ideal would be an 07 or 08 either EX or SC in Galaxy Gray

I'd love to swing that and not get too far bent over in the process so any thoughts/suggestions/encouragement would be appreciated.

Moderators: I meant to post this in the 08 forum so feel free to the thread there if wanted...

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SABLEHARDT

· #5 · Jun 1, 2009 (Edited)

I bought my 'new' 08 SC the day before Easter this year. I negotiated from the standpoint that...

1. the 09's are already out
2. the SC has been sitting on your lot for 400+ days
3. obviously you haven't had any serious buyers or it would be gone
4. I approached the dealership telling them I was looking to make a decision at the lot (ie very interested in buying something that day

I left 3 hours later and much to the finance manager's dismay with my 08 SC for 18,600 out the door not including my trade in.

Rusty Wallis Honda in Garland, TX. Ask for Connie.

Elemental Glory

· #6 · Jun 1, 2009

Yeah BC Honda's website is real crappy. I will go in there tomorrow morning when i pick up my E and i will get a current listing of the 2008/2009 E's they have and basic stats, Style, Color, AT/MT, 2WD/4WD, Price and see if i can get it up on here.

Definately the right price but another E is not in my near future.

Definately a good time to buy in Michigan.

ElementaryEd

· #7 · Jun 1, 2009

I felt like I got a really good deal on my 08 at the end of January as the 09's were already on the lot. I knew the E I bought was sitting there for at least 6 months so he was happy to have me willing to buy. If a dealer still has them now you should be able to get one for a song!

Ere

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 1, 2009

Honda.com does not make it easy to search for new 08s but I checked with the dealership I bought my 07 from & they said there were none in MD, VA, or PA...
I may try this all via private sale, or call the MI dealer & see what they'd charge to ship one direct or how much 1 way tkts are now...

Pope*Mobile

· #9 · Jun 2, 2009

If you are able to sell yours, I would just do an internet search within a driving distance you feel is reasonable and fly one-way. While a manual may be considered in demand based upon sheer numbers, you may find there is a dealership that has been having one sit and wants it moved.

It's also a good time for you to get to know your new one on the drive back. ;-)

Good luck- wish I was in a position to purchase your current one!

Ere

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 2, 2009

Yes, I was toying with that idea... love a road trip!
Any tips on searching Honda dealers for 08s new?
the search at the main Honda site is setup more for new (current year) or previously owned....

It didn't help that I saw a shiny Galaxy Gray 08 on the road this weekend.

cmiddl01

· #11 · Jun 7, 2009

Ere said:
Yes, I was toying with that idea... love a road trip!
Any tips on searching Honda dealers for 08s new?
the search at the main Honda site is setup more for new (current year) or previously owned....

It didn't help that I saw a shiny Galaxy Gray 08 on the road this weekend.

If you aren't having any success searching through Honda directly, I would recommend setting up a search in Autotrader.com. That's what I did and it was very easy. They even emailed me every time a new car because available.

I actually bought the last 08 on the lot at my dealership at the end of April. I got an EX AT with $5k off. I would have gotten a better dearl but the Accord I traded in was a lemon and covered in dog hair

cmiddl01

· #12 · Jun 7, 2009

No new 08's in PA? I think someone didn't look hard enough for you...

Hey, guess what I found online?

http://www.antrimhonda.com/ou/greencastle-honda/console.do?page=r_new

I know its not the color you want, but its still a brand new 08 Element.

This is where I bought my last Accord. Ok dealership, not fab for service.

But, its an 08 E! (I think I may have even test driven this one!)

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06TRPAWD

· #13 · Jun 7, 2009

cmiddl01 said:
Hey, guess what I found online?

http://www.antrimhonda.com/ou/greencastle-honda/console.do?page=r_new

I know its not the color you want, but its still a brand new 08 Element.

This is where I bought my last Accord. Ok dealership, not fab for service.

But, its an 08 E! (I think I may have even test driven this one!)

Ambitious pricing

cmiddl01

· #14 · Jun 8, 2009

Oh, that's definitely not the real price. I think I had gotten $4k off the sticker price without even asking. And that was back in March. So, I'm sure now you can do even better.

SQUARE K

· #15 · Jul 8, 2009

Hey! 1st time posting here, but saw this topic and it fell right in my alley, i JUST picked up my brand new 08 element sc for 19,700, the car had about 700 miles on it from test drives, and it was sitting there ever since, I found it on autotrader as well, and there were about 4-5 other 08 scs around here too, i also found a couple on craigslist. I just hated the new 09 styling so I was searching all over for a brand new 08 sc in silver and happily found it! Now im a proud owner of an 08 Element sc, formerly a VW Gti 1.8t owner

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Buckskincolt

· #16 · Jul 8, 2009

SQUARE K said:
Hey! 1st time posting here, but saw this topic and it fell right in my alley, i JUST picked up my brand new 08 element sc for 19,700, the car had about 700 miles on it from test drives, and it was sitting there ever since, I found it on autotrader as well, and there were about 4-5 other 08 scs around here too, i also found a couple on craigslist. I just hated the new 09 styling so I was searching all over for a brand new 08 sc in silver and happily found it! Now im a proud owner of an 08 Element sc, formerly a VW Gti 1.8t owner

Welcome!
Nice looking E you found in the back lot. What kind of price did you pick it up for?

Please fill out your profile so we know where "around here" is.

Thanks!

ediamiam

· #17 · Jul 8, 2009

there are about 5 '08 elements at the local carmichael dealership here in sacramento. California. I believe 4 of them are AWD.

Chasester

· #18 · Jul 8, 2009

Actually any Honda dealer can search for any New Elements anywhere in the United States. They'd just charge you the cost to get it here.

However, some dealers (after awhile) do not want any 08's on the lot and will move them to the used car lot. This serves to remove them from Honda's new inventory list as well.

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