Hello,
I've justed started the process of shopping for a 2002 TL-S with Nav, and had my first price discussion with the "internet manager" at the local dealer. We're a bit apart price-wise (I'm starting at $31.5k with the "protection package" and he's at $32.8k), but my question has more to do with claims he made about production percentages. I'm interested in a white car with NAV. He stated that white cars are the most difficult for him to get, and that only a small percent (I think he said 5%) are made with NAV. I'm working on the assumption that he's made this up as a standard selling method, but it would be interesting to know what the production figure really are. If someone does have the info, I'd appreciate it.

TIA,

Steve

 

Hi,

$31,500 is a fair price to settle.. not start. But you are asking for white and from what I read on this forum, white is the most rare color and with Navi it can be even more rare. But that price is a good price to settle for. It also depends on where your from. I bought mine for that price in the bay area. It's $31.5 K is about 4% over invoice (assuming invoice is $30,300). If all else fails, settle half way between the number he gave you and what you gave him. At the end, you will be happy with your purchase.

 

Btw,

What the hell is a "protection package"? You get a bullet proof vest with the car or something? This is the first time I heard of this package.

 

The "protection package" is the sunroof visor, splash guards and wheel locks.

I'm in Tennessee.

Steve

 

I work for Honda and the TL white is a very difficult colour to paint.

 

Does that mean it will tough to maintain also?

 

Where in Tennessee? Let me know, as I might be able to help you find a GREAT deal on the TL-S.

 

Why is it difficult to paint?? Is it because it's difficult to make evrything match exact? There seems to be issues with body paint not matching bumpers, etc. Is this it the main reason?

 

white is rare

 

they had to ship a white one w/Navi from Tennessee when i got mine here in Atlanta. I got it for slightly over 32k and It only took a couple days to send it. They didn't mention anything about it being difficult to get one.

 

Yes, they do make fewer white ones, but that is because of demand. I remember the poll we did a couple months ago on vehicle color and white came in 4th out of 5 colors in popularity. Black and Silver accounted for like 2/3s of the vehicles owned by members of this site.

So, I think the dealer is telling you a half truth, because while it is true that they are harder to get because less of them are made, it is also true that there is less demand for them, so if they don't sell it to you, they will have a harder time finding a buyer than they would for a black or silver one.

What's really unusual about this is that white is in general the most popular color for cars. I wonder why that is not the case with the TLS? Only thing I can think of is that white is not a very "sporty" color, so people who look at the Type S might not be as interested. Of course, if they really want to appeal to the sporty buyers, why don't they have a red available?

 

There are less white tls being made and the "difficulty" in getting one has more to do with how far the dealer is willing to go to swap cars for one.