tingli107

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I hate this. I called a dealer in Arizona around April about a car as well. Dude said "we're the only dealership around here that doesn't market adjust type R's, infact we just sold one". I missed a CW by one person but I would be first in line for the next car since I had reached out to them, according to the sales rep.

So here I am thinking I'm about to score a type r at MSRP, just gotta play the waiting game. Nope, September rolls by and the guy calls me telling me that they just got an inbound. Dude talks price and wanted 10k 🙄 adm. I ask him what happened with the MSRP thing, he said they only do that with SI's, yeah ok.

It worked out though, I was so busy with work stuff during the summer that that car would have just stayed parked, I wanna drive this thing on in the daily lol.
I'm sorry you had to endure this. Often people view what happens on the forums as a microcosm of the broader market for the FL5 and that's not the case. The market has softened, generally speaking; however, there are still pockets of resistance. Some have great dealership experiences, others do not. Some are securing MSRP deals, but many are not. YMMV.

Going forward, I suggest not stepping foot in a dealership until you agree to terms on the sale price and secure the vehicle with a deposit. Several folks believe negotiating in person fosters more favorable outcomes. I disagree. Keep visiting dealerships in person and let us know how that works out for you. Besides, there's little reason to see the car in person as you likely will not be afforded a test drive and everything you need to know about the car can be found on the forums, the countless articles, and videos on YouTube. In short, if they're playing games via phone, email, or text, that should be the first and only red flag you need to move to the next dealership. Good luck and happy hunting.

I had pretty low hopes, since this was the same dealer that wanted 25k adm earlier this year. I also went cause this is the only FL5 Type R I've seen in person so I figured I owe it to myself to at least see it in person and sit in it. I did test drive an FK8 and was not blown away, the shifter didn't feel good on that one, possibly worn bushings since it was used, so I wanted to feel the shifter on the FL5 and sit inside. FL5 interior is definitely an upgrade and FL5 shifter is good, but I still like the STI shifter and my GT4 Shifter better, they both feel more mechanical. I think it's a great car and overall package, but even at 45k it's a bit steep and definitely hard for me to justify any sort of markup over 3k. Honestly might just go with a GR Corolla Circuit as the Toyota dealer said they'd be willing to sell me one at msrp. At the end of the day AWD > FR in the snow or any sort of crappy weather conditions
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007

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I don't even entertain the thought of coming in when sleazy dealerships try to lure me with their cheap tactics, saying things like 'You're going to love our offer' if I come in.

Well, if it's truly a great offer, I'll love it just as much via email or text lol
 

1971Camaro

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I don't even entertain the thought of coming in when sleazy dealerships try to lure me with their cheap tactics, saying things like 'You're going to love our offer' if I come in.

Well, if it's truly a great offer, I'll love it just as much via email or text lol

Actually, you may have identified the secret to knowing when to go in person...or not. The dealerships where i got better deals when going in person never suggested or implied that i would get a better deal if i went in...as i said, i decided to try in spite of what was given over the phone. So, it's probably true that if they are pitching hard to come in to find out in-person... that prob means they are hopeful they can rope us in if we take the time and effort to go there. So yah, i'd stay away.
 

RUNN1N

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So, it's probably true that if they are pitching hard to come in to find out in-person... that prob means they are hopeful they can rope us in if we take the time and effort to go there. So yah, i'd stay away.
There's actual psychology to back this up, and Your Auto Advocate has touched on it in a few videos--salespeople know that once you've invested the time, energy, gas, etc. to come in and see a car, it's tough to walk away empty-handed. You effectively have skin in the game at that point. If you leave with nothing, you're leaving with less than you started with (you've lost that time, energy, gas, etc).

There's also the tactic where when you're in the negotiation process, you'll come to some tentative agreement that they'll have to "run by their manager", so they have you sign a list of potential "terms". They're counting on you feeling psychologically bound by that signature when it typically isn't binding in any way.

These dealerships count on a knowledge disparity between the seller and buyer, so it's better to be overly prepared.
 

I used to vtec

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I don't even entertain the thought of coming in when sleazy dealerships try to lure me with their cheap tactics, saying things like 'You're going to love our offer' if I come in.

Well, if it's truly a great offer, I'll love it just as much via email or text lol
Yep. Ed Napleton(?) Honda in St Peters MO is trying to pull this crap on me now. They called me after I had reached out probably a year ago to tell me they had a new CTR at a great price. Wouldn't commit on the phone to a price. Then someone else from the dealership started texting me and eventually admitted there is an ADM of "variable" amount, which just sounds like scumbag dealer speak of "it's high enough that if we tell you, you won't come in". I told them to stop contacting me if they can't give me a price. Instead, they call me 3-5 times/day and never leave a VM.
 


1971Camaro

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There's actual psychology to back this up, and Your Auto Advocate has touched on it in a few videos--salespeople know that once you've invested the time, energy, gas, etc. to come in and see a car, it's tough to walk away empty-handed. You effectively have skin in the game at that point. If you leave with nothing, you're leaving with less than you started with (you've lost that time, energy, gas, etc).

There's also the tactic where when you're in the negotiation process, you'll come to some tentative agreement that they'll have to "run by their manager", so they have you sign a list of potential "terms". They're counting on you feeling psychologically bound by that signature when it typically isn't binding in any way.

These dealerships count on a knowledge disparity between the seller and buyer, so it's better to be overly prepared.

You are right. My background isn't cars... it's consumer/human/animal behavior. That tactic is real, and also applies in a slightly different way when it comes to advertising and subscriptions... If you get something for free, you may or may not ever look at it...you may end up just chucking it. But, if you pay ANYTHING for it -- even if just 50 cents -- then you have that 'skin in the game' and you at least will take some time to look it over or to open any communication from that company. The personal investment "demands" that we acquire some value in the process.

But, how to know if it might be worth our time to engage a car salesperson? Knowing that their goal is to trap us, it's more nuanced. I cannot say that all of those who do NOT use that 'come and find out ' tactic are going to be ok... but, so far in my experience, those who haven't played that game have been far more straightforward.
 
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1971Camaro

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Yep. Ed Napleton(?) Honda in St Peters MO is trying to pull this crap on me now. They called me after I had reached out probably a year ago to tell me they had a new CTR at a great price. Wouldn't commit on the phone to a price. Then someone else from the dealership started texting me and eventually admitted there is an ADM of "variable" amount, which just sounds like scumbag dealer speak of "it's high enough that if we tell you, you won't come in". I told them to stop contacting me if they can't give me a price. Instead, they call me 3-5 times/day and never leave a VM.
That's really rude -- almost sounding hostile. Not good!
 

MrHugo

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You are right. My background isn't cars... it's consumer/human/animal behavior. That tactic is real, and also applies in a slightly different way when it comes to advertising and subscriptions... If you get something for free, you may or may not ever look at it...you may end up just chucking it. But, if you pay ANYTHING for it -- even if just 50 cents -- then you have that 'skin in the game' and you at least will take some time to look it over or to open any communication from that company. The personal investment "demands" that we acquire some value in the process.

But, how to know if it might be worth our time to engage a car salesperson? Knowing that their goal is to trap us it more nuanced. I cannot say that all of those who do NOT use that 'come and find out ' tactic are going to be ok... but, so far in my experience, those who haven't played that game have been far more straightforward.
Interesting and I agree. I love to learn their tactics in psychological terms. I actually enjoy playing that game so I go in knowing that they feel they had me trapped. Sometimes it’s better to play stupid and walk around their traps instead of calling them out on their tactics. Part of the fun is the journey of acquiring the car.

We either trade our time for less/no mark up. Or spend money to waste less time. Nothing is free.
 

Fanatic

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Interesting and I agree. I love to learn their tactics in psychological terms. I actually enjoy playing that game so I go in knowing that they feel they had me trapped. Sometimes it’s better to play stupid and walk around their traps instead of calling them out on their tactics. Part of the fun is the journey of acquiring the car.

We either trade our time for less/no mark up. Or spend money to waste less time. Nothing is free.
Well said. Time is money.
 


tingli107

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Yep. Ed Napleton(?) Honda in St Peters MO is trying to pull this crap on me now. They called me after I had reached out probably a year ago to tell me they had a new CTR at a great price. Wouldn't commit on the phone to a price. Then someone else from the dealership started texting me and eventually admitted there is an ADM of "variable" amount, which just sounds like scumbag dealer speak of "it's high enough that if we tell you, you won't come in". I told them to stop contacting me if they can't give me a price. Instead, they call me 3-5 times/day and never leave a VM.
Log a formal complaint with Honda, that’s what I ended up doing.
 

STEye

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Just got a call from Honda Universe in Lakewood NJ. They have a 2023 CW CTR that they are willing to sell for $5.5k over. Talk to Alex, tell him this is the price that was offered to Chris. I bought mine 3 months ago, so looking to share in case there is interest. 732-370-9700 x4110. Please let me know if you buy the car!
Dealer said this is still available.
 

Dream3r

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If anyone has a black for MSRP and doesn't want it I'm open to it :) still searching. A few dealerships doin 5k over right now. I'd probably pay like 2-3k max over MSRP.
 

EP7

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2023 Sonic Grey Pearl available at Ed Martin Honda in Indiana for MSRP — no bullshit or accessories. Ask for Scott Miller. I decided to keep my RS3 :)
Thank you for this, I was the first one that called and put a deposit down. Just picked it up yesterday at MSRP+Doc Fee.
 

TDC50

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Interesting and I agree. I love to learn their tactics in psychological terms. I actually enjoy playing that game so I go in knowing that they feel they had me trapped. Sometimes it’s better to play stupid and walk around their traps instead of calling them out on their tactics. Part of the fun is the journey of acquiring the car.

We either trade our time for less/no mark up. Or spend money to waste less time. Nothing is free.
My favorite salesperson line is, “You‘re going to let this car get away for $200?” Simply reply, “You‘re going to tank this deal for $200?” 🤣

We don’t need to spend the money but they certainly have to sell cars to make the money. The days of playing dealers are back. It’s nice to save thousands off MSRP again. Direct to consumer model can shove it. Keeps a handful of manufacturers from setting market price.
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