kinggeorge

Hey Dan for the Love of God don't respond to anything this silly punk has to say. He's clearly insecure and has been had so he feels like taking it out on you. Hey eneg .....SHUT UP!

stealthjr

Ok Kinggeorge...I promise this will be my last response to "ENEG" too! (Oh come on, he asked me a question about college)

ENEG, yes I went to college. I studied Criminal Law and Administration of Justice at USC. (University of So. Cal.) I realize it's not as glamorous as being the "Underwater Basket Weaving" Champion for your area or even being Captain of the "Men's Anal Tounge Dart" team at NYFU...but I'll leave those accolades to you.

The fact that you can dislike someone soley based on his or her profession like you have stated to Dan amazes me! Don't you realize this Forum is allowing you to be apart of it's community despite being a Gay Porn Star? I say we all "bury the hatchet" and play nice! Or in your case it is "hide the salami", but you know what I'm saying man! It is Christmas for goodness sakes.....

Happy Holidays everyone!

partagas

Dan, I have a reality check question. I currently have vehicles leased from GMC, Toyota, BMW, a private lender and Honda. Only the Honda contract has this $550 loan origination fee. Is this really a required Honda charge to the conract or is it a dealer charge. I can't believe that Honda charges the customer $550 for the privilege of placing their loan with Honda. Every other loan company is bribing us to use their finance company. Having only recently paid attention to this, I'll be damned if I use Honda finance again unless their rate is sufficiently below the competition, which it's not.

04TLmayB

I live in NJ and will be buying a TL in the Spring and would like to know if these cars can actually be ordered from the factory or the dealer takes your order and just tries to match what you want against his incoming allocation or what he can trade for. I will be looking for a 6spd nav which i gather are much harder to find. Do I need to choose from only the colors on the cars available or can I actually put an order in for my color. I have plenty of time so if the "order" takes several months no problem-just don't want to spin my wheels needlessly.

BTW just ignore ENEG as he lacks the ability to judge people as individuals and lumps all car salesman together. It's kinda a given that you are trying to sell cars through the forum but in return you provide some good feedback to items that buyers would have no access to info on and therdfore add a lot to the board.

Now back to my question at hand-what exactly does an "order" represent?

gregory28

What a firestorm I started with an innocent question about document fees. As far as I know every NJ dealer has this fee pre-printed on it's contracts. Anybody else in NJ buy a car recently? Did you pay $157 in document fees? Did anybody in NJ buy an Acura lately and pay this fee?

In New York one can't even lease a car in a traditional fashion anymore. It's a "balloon lease" which has certain conditions including having to pay the ENTIRE tax on the car- full purchase price- no matter what the lease period. Talk about a rip off!

I have a terrific dealer and my transaction went quite well. The service dept. was quite professional with a minor fix I needed-loose bolt in the dashboard. I've yet to hear from anyone who got a "no money down" 42 month lease with 15K miles for an '04 TL 5AT with no nav. for less than I did. I leased it shortly after the car was introduced- October and got the exact exterior/interior color I wanted. So in NJ we have have some minor extra fees that others don't , but we save more when purchasing/leasing. I love the car, BTW.

I'm sure there are some folks out there that leased for less, but no matter to me. Having a relationship with a local dealer that one finds to be professional, ethical and fair is more important to me. One saves money in the long run!

Dan, if I were in SoCal I'd definitely go to your dealer. You're obviously a pro and coming on this thread is helping educate many of us and giving us some good inside information. You knew I would never buy a car from you since I live in NJ, but you realize that by answering my and other non-prospects questions you're building good will. I hope your dealership gets lots of business as a result of this thread.

Some unsolicited advice: Don't reply with an adhominen attack if someone posts an insult. Post something like "I don't appreciate that comment" and move on. You're lowering your level of professionalism by doing so. Who cares what some anonymous person posts? It's actually humorous the "internet muscles" that some people have. It's very easy to insult someone from the safety of a seat behind their computer 3000 miles away. It shows incredible immaturity and frankly Dan, you acted a bit immaturely also by attacking back.

You're dealership is going to laugh all the way to the bank because it's sales manager has had the good sense to start this thread. It's a brilliant marketing move. I'm amazed that other car sales managers haven't done this. They lack vision and courage. Dan, unfortuantely they're probably going to be more insults. You're obviously a good guy and good businessman. It's a combination that more people need to succeed!

From one marketing professional to another, kudos to you. I look forward to more good insights from you.

HONDARC51

I appreciate the post's and yeah I guess I should not have even responded..I just have a little pride and it gets the best of me sometimes. Ok to answer the first question..

Dan, I have a reality check question. I currently have vehicles leased from GMC, Toyota, BMW, a private lender and Honda. Only the Honda contract has this $550 loan origination fee. Is this really a required Honda charge to the conract or is it a dealer charge. I can't believe that Honda charges the customer $550 for the privilege of placing their loan with Honda. Every other loan company is bribing us to use their finance company. Having only recently paid attention to this, I'll be damned if I use Honda finance again unless their rate is sufficiently below the competition, which it's not.

Ok here is the answer the 550 "Acquisition" fee you are talking about which Honda and Acura charges is actually an amount of money that they request to have "GAP" Insurance in all of there leases..is it a little extreme..YES..But Honda would rather not have the risk if the car is totalled or stolen because usually the customer will not pay the difference of what the insurance company says the car is worth..They do not advertise that that is what that fee is for..but it is...secondly the advantage of an Acura or Honda lease is the fact that now...started a year ago..Honda and Acura do not charge a "disposition fee" at the end..and they actually allow up to $1500 in damage at the end..So if you really think about the peice of mind of knowing that you will not be charged crazy fees at the end may be of some condolence to that heavy up front fee. Again it is only my opinion but I have seen and heard of horror stories at lease end from other banks and manufacturers at the end of their leases. All and all I think their strategy is best for the customer. That fee goes directly to Honda so I would not have any alterior motive to have that opinion..and usually Honda is more than competitive with the rate..the key is find the dealer that will give it to you for close to his "buy rate" Dan

HONDARC51

04TLmayB


Posts: 3
Buy / Sell Rating: (0)
Location: Plainfield, NJ
Member Since: Dec 2003
View my Photo Gallery

I live in NJ and will be buying a TL in the Spring and would like to know if these cars can actually be ordered from the factory or the dealer takes your order and just tries to match what you want against his incoming allocation or what he can trade for. I will be looking for a 6spd nav which i gather are much harder to find. Do I need to choose from only the colors on the cars available or can I actually put an order in for my color. I have plenty of time so if the "order" takes several months no problem-just don't want to spin my wheels needlessly.


Ok the answer..in the old days we could order cars and get whatever color combinations we wanted..(Chevy and Ford and some Franchises you still can) But..Acura on the other hand cannot keep up with production so basically the dealers just get a "allocation" and sell what they get..We have not "Dealer Traded" for over 6 years at our store because we sell most of the cars before they hit the lot..(Common in California) The advantage that bigger dealers have is they get more cars..so usually if you give them time they can get you a car. Best bet call the sales manager directly tell him what model you want and give him at leat a few weeks notice,,then you are sure to get the color you really want. The key..keep calling him because sometimes Sales Managers are so busy with their daily responsibilities that sometimes they get lax on the follow up..(Always happens once you become a manager..lol) As I have stated before if you build a relationship with someone he will usually come through..This sounds strange but I have sold many cars to the same person because we made a "relationship" on top of the sale. I have one guy who in the past 5 Years has bought at least 8 cars from me..( He has 2 marriages and alot of kids..lol) Trust me when he calls He has my total attention. Good luck If you end up having a problem call me and I can call your local dealer..I know most of the other managers because of dealer meetings and they are always appreciative to get a call to let them know they have a local customer ready to buy..Lately if I am unable to get a car within a resonable time I may even tell the client where it is locally. (Do not like to lose a deal to another make) In that case it does not cost me any business because I will sell every car I get..But usually he will remember me next time. And I tend to stay at the same dealer for long periods of time so usually I eventually get another crack at the sale down the road..Dan

eneg

No, no, no stealthjr,

I don't dislike someone solely based on their profession.
Let's take you, for example:
I find you to be a vulgar idiot, yet I would never judge all people in "criminal law" (if that's your profession) to be as moronic as you!
You have nothing to say without using vulgarities.
Just as I am sure that Acura is damn proud of Dan, I would have to say the same about your employer.

Hey, BTW - Have you caught "the real killers" yet?

Oh yeah, Happy Holidays to you too!

Eneg

Tripp11

Wow, and to think I barely made it all the way through this thread....with all this "flaming" going on it sort of leaves a sour taste in the mouth a bit after reading it all.

Dan - Thank you for all of your informative responses and thank you for your time spent responding to most, if not all, of the questions on this board.

Seriously, I for one appreciate your truthfulness (or your informed opinion). Thanks and keep up the great work you're doing for your customers.

Lore

Dan:

What are the color code meanings when you view a dealership's inventory?

WZ
GB
GX
BZ
BK


Thanks!

fuque

Here's a little insight into doc fees:

Doc fees are what car dealers call "air" - i.e. you are paying for air, and the fees you pay go straight to the dealer's bottom line as almost pure profit. Sure, there's probably a small incremental cost there, but a) it's vanishingly small, and b) it's a cost of doing business, just like paying the electric bill.

As you have discovered, a very clever trick that almost all dealerships use is to pre-print this fee in boldface type on their forms - this is to reinforce the idea that the fee is non-negotiable.

The most egregious doc fee I have ever seen was the $279 a Toyota dealer tried to charge me when I bought my Tacoma last year. When I objected, noting that the Lexus dealer across town only wanted $54, I was told by the saleswoman that "the fees cannot be waived." Guess what? They not only waived the $279 doc fee, but they also waived another $200+ "air" fee (they called it something like a "security registration fee" but of course could not explain what the fee was for). Had I been a sheep and paid those fees, the dealer would have effortlessly gotten an extra $500 in profit over and above the deal we had already negotiated.

Bottom line, the only extra fees you should ever pay are title/licence/registration fees and sales tax, if applicable in your state. Oh, and maybe the Air Conditioner tax if you live in Canada.

HONDARC51

eneg

Just remember who came into this thread and fired the first shot with personal attacks. (It does make make you feel good when the shoe is on the other foot right?) I will not respond to your comments anymore considering my integrity. But I will answer one thing. Acura knows who I am and they know how I handle my clients. and for 6 years our store has done nothing more than grow.So to answer your statement yes they like what I do and if more sales managers handled things more upfront..they like ME might sell more cars. and final thought if you actually dealt with someone like me you might find that even a car salesman can be a normal guy..I know many who are. Dan

HONDARC51

OK as of 12/18/03 here is the info on inventory.

Have every available color combination available on th TL with non Navi. Most in stock on the ground

Navi Tl's automatic ALL OF THEM

I was off yesterday and they sold the 4 that we were allocated on Wednsday. (They usually do not last a day) Only one I have left is a blue one..and it should be sold tonight.

6 speed high performance tire (non Navi)

Silver/Ebony 2
Black /Ebony 2
Anthracite /Ebony 1

6 speed "NAVI" High performance tire

Black/Parch 1
Black/Ebony 1

6 speed non navi and non high perfromance tire
Black/Ebony 1

6 speed non performance tire..But with Navi

Black/Black

I have more allocation coming so I will keep you all updated but for now that is what I have..

samkws

hey dan
are the performance tire models are more expensive?

and what tires they are using compare with the base?

HONDARC51

It is a real long list..if you send me a fax number I will send you the color codes and the trim information. Dan

Lore

Dan, check your PM

jdimaria

Dan,

Quick question. Do they use the Galves Books for pricing trade-in's in CA. I'm pretty sure in the North East these book's are pretty much the standard.

HONDARC51

Msrp on the performance tire non navi 6 speed is 33395 includes destination

msrp on the 6 speed navi with high performance tire is 35395 includes destination.

they are using Bridgestone Potenza tires 235/45/R17 all the way around. makes a big difference in handling..But they will tend to wear a little faster than the stock tires. But I have driven both and it makes a big difference in grip. Dan

HONDARC51

I did and I faxed it to you. It is long enjoy. Dan

HONDARC51

No we use Kelly blue book in California. ( and use auction sheets) But when I was in New York we used NADA and Galves..

HONDARC51

Just heard from ACURA today that the A-spec kits for the TL are coming very soon. Dan :wow: Once I get some pictures on the one we do here I will post it.

HONDARC51

Thank You. I have gotten a few sales of the forum so I figure it is a trade off..I give some info from the inside and maybe I get a few deals along the way. I appreciate the post. Dan

eneg

You cannot believe anything that they say. Think of their motives!
Think of the esteem of their profession!
Why is that?

The best advice for buying a car is the most obvious: Get the best deal that you can and learn to walk out of the dealership! As long as they are making money on you and the product is available, they will call you back.
The money is better in YOUR pocket!!!!

Eneg

drising

Guys, guys!

I've been watching this now for several days.

May I suggest simply IGNORING those that post offensive personal attacks?

Your responses simply provide the opportunity for another childish rant.

This is akin to being in a room with a smart a** kid who has to have the last word in an effort to build attention for himself.

Ok, he's had his last word.

HONDARC51

From this point I will just answer the questions asked. I figured I would get something like this anyway. So I am able to handle it. Lately it has become almost comical at seeing some of the responses. it is good for comedy relief.. besides the majority rather than minority have been very nice..Dan

kinggeorge

Dan u've been great and very helpful so far. I'm glad people like eneg haven't scared u away from our (very friendly*suppose to be*) forum.

HONDARC51

I have a strong shell..I have been doing this to long to take things personal..But I am known for speaking my mind. its all good.. lol Dan

HONDARC51

stealthjr

I hereby apologize for the car you wanted selling before you got here tonight. I am personally calling Santa and asking him to build one for next week. Sorry man. I will get one ASAP.. Dan

stealthjr

ROTFLMAO!!! Ya know, I come on this forum...slap around some cornhole trying to troll your thread and ya let a dude come in and buy "my" car??? WTF? No worries Dan, you told me from the get go that it is first come, first serve. I'm not sure what pisses me off more though...the fact I busted my a$$ to wash my car before you checked it out or the fact that the TL sold 1 hour before I was in route. :banghead: Like I said on the phone, I'm taking my ride through the mud before I bring it in now! :yack:

Oh one more thing...your going to have to "sweeten the pot" now because of the anguish you have caused me and my wife!
Shall we say...a bottle of Jack Daniels? :facelick:

I'll look for your e-mail in the morning!

HONDARC51

Consider it Done...Jack Daniels is not a problem ( And I thought they only sold that back home in Upstate NY) or shall I say Updastate ..consider the bottle chilling till I get you the car..Thanks for understanding.. :bigun2: I am not worthy..lol e-mail you in the morning. Dan

fuque

Never run for a bus; there will always be another.

stealthjr

fuque,

You are soooo right about that! Last night I got off the phone with Dan and I went in to tell my wife that the blue TL was gone....and she looked at me with those sad puppy eyes and said, "Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be then." Then, before she could even breath again she says, "Let's go get the Anthracite at the other dealership!" lol Apparently she has a fleet of buses picked out all over the state as backup plans! :wow:
Message to Dan:
I think with any luck I can hold her off for a week or two before she starts making me sleep on the couch!

See ya!
Robert

HONDARC51

Hold her off..tell her I will throw in a case of wine coolers for her..(The ladies usually like that stuff.. lol

dsianand

Hi Dan, I have a quick question. I'm considering of trading in my TSX for TL. How much do you think roughly is the trade in value worth for my TSX? I'm a student and currently not working, can I finance the TL? Thx.

Tripp11

Before he answers, I might help a bit. He will need to know specifics on the car you want to trade-in: year, mileage, options, color, etc...also it might be good bit of knowledge if you told him how much you owe on it.

HONDARC51

Tripp is right :wow: I can get you out of the TSX..trade in values on that car are very good. We still are having a hard time getting the new TSX from allocation. call me in my office I will get the specifics on your trade and your buyout and I will try to make it work for you. Dan

HONDARC51

the number is 818-907-4103. Direct line and I will be in the office from 8-4 today (Friday) Sat 12-9 and Sun 9:45-6 Look forward to your call.

stealthjr

Hmmmm, just sitting here by my computer waiting for my salesman to send me the e-mail he PROMISED to send me EVERYDAY he walked into the dealership! La la la la...:devil:
I guess I should ASSume he has forgotten about me! :thefinger

Aren't I a stinker?

See ya!

Robert

HONDARC51

Robert..
I cannot find your cell number. I did not get any cars allocated today. I will call you at the house tomorrow and let you know if I get some in the morning. I am in at noon. I was going to try you at the house later..but I have no news to report/ Dan:bowdown:

HONDARC51

By the way.. The motor looks great and so does the paint..Hmmm wonder what it looks like in the mirror.. Only kidding I am scared of that thing..Dan:chainsaw: