Belzebutt

I went to Camco Acura last night to see if I can make a deal. I was expecting two things: getting a good trade-in deal on my 2000 Accord, and getting a discount. I mentioned that I wanted to pay $32,600 because that's what most people who got a good deal here seem to pay, and the sales guy (Waleed) said "I've never sold a car for that low a price". It seems like he could have went that low, but it was like pulling teeth, and he just wouldn't offer any numbers of his own, just kept saying "how can I make you an Acura owner today?"

The dealbraker was that they wanted to give me only $9500 trade-in on my 2000 Accord coupe EX (MT), 92,000 km. According to the GM Canada web site, the black book value is between $10,500 and $12,000. I was expecting at least 12,000 because Ottawa Honda offered me $13,500 when I went to check out the new Accord V6, and that was without any negotiation. The Acura guy said they can offer more because they give a premium and they have a factory rebate on the Accords. Now, my Accord did have an accident where the damage was $9900, but it was fixed like new, they replaced everything, and it was done by the same Ottawa Honda place that offered me the $13,500. Also it was a year and a half ago, I didn't have any problems since, and the car alignment actually was better after than before.

So last night, the total price out the door they started with was about $9000 more than the best price I would have wanted, so obviously there was no way we could meet in the middle.

Anyway, I know a few people got a TSX here in Ottawa, I was wondering if you could tell me who you dealt with and what price they gave you, this would make my life easier. I could avoid going to some guy who's going to just waste my time. I'm thinking of just doing a private sale on my car.

All things being equal I'd prefer to go to Camco because they give out loaners during services, but that's not a really big deal to me, I'll just take the cheaper price.

Saintor_RENAMED

I don't agree as for 'most people'.. 33300$ is generally an excellent deal. The TSX is not exactly a slow seller. Interest rate can make a big difference. For that kind of money, wait for a 2005... not much more in the end.

Don't be surprised that they don't want your accidented Accord. I wouldn't take it back at a good price either..

OTT-TSX

Myself and my family have bought 5 Acura’s. Three of them were mine. I have dealt with Casino because I can not stand Camco. Now please understand it was years ago that I dealt with their sales staff and I have heard they have turned it around, but service not a chance. I refuse to deal with Camco service as long as Mike is in charge and it is not just me. He screwed me one to many times. Check out some of the local Ottawa car boards and you will see what I am talking about.
Having said all that, before buying my TSX I got a price from a dealer in Toronto, best price I have ever seen and used it as a negotiating tool. If you are still not happy with the price from either Ottawa dealer take a road trip to T.O. and you will see how much more they are willing to deal. You can also use an online quote site like www.cars4u.com they find the best deal in your area and are located in Southern Ontario. Best of all they are free.
But my last piece of advice is to stick to your guns. I walked on Casino because I didn’t like the price and they were pissed. Called me every night for a week with a better price. But not the one I wanted. Tried to use the “you are a loyal customer” BS. Told them to bite me. Eventually I got my price, but not from Camco.

Hope this helps

dowzer

If you're going to shop around with out-of-town dealers, I'd suggest Acura 2000 in Brampton. I spoke to the sales manager and right away he gave me the best price I could find.

If you do manage to get a faxed quote and want to purchase locally, bring the quote to Waleed and he should match it. This is what I did when I bought the TSX (Waleed was my salesman as well). It might also help if you tell Waleed that I sent you to him. Tell him you know Darnell, who bought the SSM TSX in Feb.

Belzebutt

Thanks for the tip. Did you get a faxed quote from Acura 2000 yourself, or did Waleed take your word for it?

dowzer

I had to give him a faxed quote. But my case was a bit different, because I already had a deposit down when I got the quote from Acura 2000.

You can try getting a price from Acura 2000 and then asking Waleed to take your word for it, threatening to walk if they don't match it.

Belzebutt

Wow, I'm surprised he even matched it after he already got your money.

Care to share what deal you got? What discount/free accessories? Any trade-in?

mobilezen

If you bought from Casino Acura, wouldn't you be taking a gamble? *sorry I had to!*

dowzer

They didn't exactly match it of course, but I did manage to get them to throw some extra stuff in. Waleed was obviously reluctant, but worked it out with the sales manager. Apparently the customer satisfaction survey that I would take after receiving the car was very important to them.

I purchased in February, and I got the TSX with the factory body kit (~$2200 MSRP). My first offer was to throw the body kit in for free, and they accepted the offer. Obviously I was then worried whether I bid too high, so I called up a few places. Acura 2000 was willing to give the car to me for $2700 off, plus their admin fee is only $175 vs $299(!) for Camco.

With a difference of around $600, I was obviously not too pleased. I managed to get a faxed quote, which I showed Waleed. After some negotiating, I was able to get a set of 16" steelies thrown in. That was good enough for me, considering the circumstances.

One other thing I want to note is that it seems like buying from them also pays off for service visits. I know a couple of people that bought in Toronto but bring their cars to Camco for service. Not only are they not "eligible" for a loaner, they seem to have a harder time getting warranty work done. I've only brought the car in for warranty work once, but they did what I wanted with no questions asked, and seemed to make the extra effort to make me happy. *knock on wood*