Successfully price/shop/bought Honda Ridgeline in N. Ca

[kahnartist]

Here is what worked for us (my husband and I) in Northern California. This similiar post is also on the ROC (Ridgeline Owners Club site).
Note: NorCal is a VERY technological saavy area, and folks use their computers all the time-including the dealers.

Remember: you want to negotiate from a position of STRENGTH (knowledge), not WEAKNESS (which is what the dealer wants).

We got our Ridgeline RT 10/31/05 for BELOW INVOICE (with no added extra accessories).

Many moons ago I also purchased my 1989 Nissan Maxima December 30, 1988, and the dealer was drooling for the sale. Who buys cars in December? SERIOUS people who have the money and aren't out holiday shopping.

I had terrific success so read on......Hopefully, some of these tips will work for you.

The idea is to get at LEAST 3 different quotes (I got around 8), and pit the dealers against one another on price. You need to print out the quote emails and keep them all in a folder. These are 100% accepted 'negotiating tools' at the dealership!

My husband works construction, I have the desk job, and did all the 'foot work' for him on this truck, Honda Element, etc. They all worked the same.

Start with Edmunds.com...and plug in the info you want for a new Ridgeline. Also do the same at Kelley Blue Book.org It will give you dealers invoice, plus MSRP. Your job: Get the Truck as close (or below invoice) as possible. Honda is giving dealers $1000 on every Ridgeline they sell by 12/31/05, plus a 3% holdback-more money in their pocket.
Your job...save money on the truck and get it off their lot. If they don't have it, move on to the dealer that does. You get the 'better deal' when it is in THEIR INVENTORY.

Now it's time to 'internet' price the truck. Dealers pay these sites to be linked to the 'quote now' area...
If they send you a 'generic' email saying they have your Red RTL...email them back and ASK FOR THE PRICE.
They have signed an agreement to QUOTE you...and that is what you are requesting.
Save/print the email with quote. Also make sure the truck is on the lot (you save more when you buy their inventory and not wait for 'dealer trades'). If you go there and they don't have it-WALK! You aren't into wasting your time and game-playing.

Also, Google 'car buying strategies' on the internet and READ the information. Car buying is a stragegy...and you need to see how the dealer works to avoid getting caught in the trap.

Get pre-approved IN ADVANCE for financing unless you like playing the 'dealer game' and getting screwed with high APR and rates. This can be done on your computer through your credit union, BofA, etc.
Have your finance place fax you a 'pre-approval letter' so you don't get flak from the dealership (especially if you are buying weekend/night) and they are closed. We got two pre-approvals from two credit unions (both had different rates too), and I added the letter to my 'quote' pile.

I also used: Cars.com, Autobytel, Edmunds.com, AAA/CSAA, and Craigslist.org (look under Cars/Trucks and search for Honda Ridgeline). There are different dealers 'attached' to each site; so keep asking for quotes. I also searched the web for dealers. Most are easy to find: Marinhonda.com, Gilroyhonda.com, etc. Have the dealer quote directly to you (each site has a QUOTE area)-so use it! Make sure the quote is from the INTERNET MANAGER-not a salesperson.
Also note: You will only deal with the 'internet manager' when you go into the dealer. A sales person will not be able to give you an 'internet price'...so don't bother.

Also note that some of the Honda Dealers also have 'coupons' in their service areas of the internet site. Hold off on buying accessories (if you aren't the handy type), and buy them later.
I've seen numerous coupons on the sites for 10% and MORE off accessories. On a $1100 Tonneau cover, that is a savings of $100 bucks!

Give a 'real' email address. You won't be able to get quotes if you fake something. We also received from numerous dealers; continued emails on additional savings off the 'lowest internet price' by bringing in their emails they keep sending you.

I had prices from dealers an hour away from San Jose (in Modesto and Tracy). Why? Because for $1000 savings, I'm willing to drive out for the best price. I also priced the trucks down in Los Angeles. We have family down there and it was also worth checking into the prices.

The best price I got was in the low $23,s for an RT. RT's are hard to locate in San Jose, CA. This included Destination. Don't just fall for a 'low ball' figure. You need to add the $550 Destination charge (something that is actually legit), plus tax/license and their 'doc' fees.

However, this particular Dealership did not have the color RT we wanted...so we didn't waste our time there. We specifically wanted Black or White with Green interior.
BUT the price was the KEY here, and I kept the email noting which dealer what which color in stock.

Now that you are 'armed' with your info, head to the dealer in the evening or during the week. Why: Dealers are packed on the weekends and you have minimal time to ask questions, test drive, etc.

Also, try timing your purchase at the END OF THE MONTH. Why? Sales people and dealerships trying to make quotas (and are more willing to deal to get the truck off the lot).

Check into Honda Financing (or ask about it). We were pre-approved for $15,000 at a rate of 4.99% from our credit union. My husband has STELLAR credit with a FICO score of above 800. Note: you must have a FICO score of at least 700 to be 'eligible' for special dealer financing. Get your FICO score from your financial institution (if you apply). It comes up automatically and that is additional info to have if the dealer tells you 'you don't have the score' to get their loan.
My husband ended up with Honda financing at 3.8%, a point less than the credit union, and took their deal.

We ended up with a black RT in the low $24's (including destination), and were 'told' it was $1000 below invoice. It was one of the best prices quoted to us...and it wasn't given to us email: we got it right from our sales person who had the price sheet in his hands. Of course, I had all my printed quotes, and knew it was a super price for the truck. We were very happy with the deal, the price, and choose a truck with the highest VIN# on the lot (hence less early production issues).


Good luck to all on your RIDGELINE truck purchase.

Even if you are not computer saavy or your dealer is not 'internet ready'...you can still use a bunch of the info I've given to get the best price available.