What’s with this “go pound sand” attitude I’m hearing people are getting from dealers
06-02-2018, 09:38 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
What’s with this “go pound sand” attitude I’m hearing people are getting from dealers
I get it that there’s a lot of confidence about the RDX for all the reasons ad nauseum that make it highly sought after and the frenzy is at its peak one day after going on sale...
But, at least in my area (Washington-Baltimore-Annapolis / Northern Virginia), there are like 10 Acura dealerships within reasonable driving distance.
Go ahead and stand your ground on MSRP for as long as you want, but tread carefully with the attitude. Not good to turn someone off and drive them away to another Acura dealer, or worse, to BMW, MB, or Audi, et al, which are also very well-represented in the area.
I’m just saying...
But, at least in my area (Washington-Baltimore-Annapolis / Northern Virginia), there are like 10 Acura dealerships within reasonable driving distance.
Go ahead and stand your ground on MSRP for as long as you want, but tread carefully with the attitude. Not good to turn someone off and drive them away to another Acura dealer, or worse, to BMW, MB, or Audi, et al, which are also very well-represented in the area.
I’m just saying...
Last edited by birdonamission; 06-02-2018 at 09:43 PM.
06-02-2018, 09:46 PM
#2
People that want the new RDX (or any other highly-anticipated new vehicle) are willing to pay MSRP or higher to get it. The RDX has been very well-received and pent-up demand is spilling over now that they are on the lot. I went to check one out at the only Acura dealer within a few hours drive of me and the salesman said they sold three of their six yesterday and they had heard that over 30 were sold in Atlanta area yesterday alone. Clearly they are selling all they can get at MSRP. Why would they need to discount? If you have 10 dealers within "driving distance" then you may fare better than most as competition near you is much greater, so a less-than-MSRP deal could be had sooner than other areas with virtually no competition. My dealer had 17 test drive spots reserver online for this morning, and that's not counting the ones set up by phone. People were clamoring to check out the car so much that they had to limit the amount of time they spent going over it and shortened the test drive route. I had to wait on one to get back and when my test drive was over, there was someone else ready to jump in and drive it. This is going to be the most popular vehicle has produced in years, IMO.
06-02-2018, 09:58 PM
#3
People that want the new RDX (or any other highly-anticipated new vehicle) are willing to pay MSRP or higher to get it. The RDX has been very well-received and pent-up demand is spilling over now that they are on the lot. I went to check one out at the only Acura dealer within a few hours drive of me and the salesman said they sold three of their six yesterday and they had heard that over 30 were sold in Atlanta area yesterday alone. Clearly they are selling all they can get at MSRP. Why would they need to discount? If you have 10 dealers within "driving distance" then you may fare better than most as competition near you is much greater, so a less-than-MSRP deal could be had sooner than other areas with virtually no competition. My dealer had 17 test drive spots reserver online for this morning, and that's not counting the ones set up by phone. People were clamoring to check out the car so much that they had to limit the amount of time they spent going over it and shortened the test drive route. I had to wait on one to get back and when my test drive was over, there was someone else ready to jump in and drive it. This is going to be the most popular vehicle has produced in years, IMO.
06-02-2018, 10:06 PM
#4
Pro
Thread Starter
@ TNTA2
I’m talking about the “go pound sand” attitude, which is rarely a good choice in the selling business, whether there’s 10 competitors or only 1.
I’m not saying anyone should go in super aggressive or be a general jack-donkey, neither (and deserve to be told to go pound sand)...not when there are people willing to pay whatever they are asked to pay ( ! ) — like you said.
The way I plan to do this is to be very, very well-informed and quite willing to be patient for however long it takes (months even) for things to calm down.
I’m talking about the “go pound sand” attitude, which is rarely a good choice in the selling business, whether there’s 10 competitors or only 1.
I’m not saying anyone should go in super aggressive or be a general jack-donkey, neither (and deserve to be told to go pound sand)...not when there are people willing to pay whatever they are asked to pay ( ! ) — like you said.
The way I plan to do this is to be very, very well-informed and quite willing to be patient for however long it takes (months even) for things to calm down.
Last edited by birdonamission; 06-02-2018 at 10:20 PM.
06-02-2018, 10:41 PM
#5
@ TNTA2
I’m talking about the “go pound sand” attitude, which is rarely a good choice in the selling business, whether there’s 10 competitors or only 1.
I’m not saying anyone should go in super aggressive or be a general jack-donkey, neither (and deserve to be told to go pound sand)...not when there are people willing to pay whatever they are asked to pay ( ! ) — like you said.
The way I plan to do this is to be very, very well-informed and quite willing to be patient for however long it takes (months even) for things to calm down.
I’m talking about the “go pound sand” attitude, which is rarely a good choice in the selling business, whether there’s 10 competitors or only 1.
I’m not saying anyone should go in super aggressive or be a general jack-donkey, neither (and deserve to be told to go pound sand)...not when there are people willing to pay whatever they are asked to pay ( ! ) — like you said.
The way I plan to do this is to be very, very well-informed and quite willing to be patient for however long it takes (months even) for things to calm down.
06-02-2018, 10:46 PM
#6
Pro
Thread Starter
06-02-2018, 10:55 PM
#7
Trending Topics
06-02-2018, 10:58 PM
#8
I get it that there’s a lot of confidence about the RDX for all the reasons ad nauseum that make it highly sought after and the frenzy is at its peak one day after going on sale...
But, at least in my area (Washington-Baltimore-Annapolis / Northern Virginia), there are like 10 Acura dealerships within reasonable driving distance.
Go ahead and stand your ground on MSRP for as long as you want, but tread carefully with the attitude. Not good to turn someone off and drive them away to another Acura dealer, or worse, to BMW, MB, or Audi, et al, which are also very well-represented in the area.
I’m just saying...
But, at least in my area (Washington-Baltimore-Annapolis / Northern Virginia), there are like 10 Acura dealerships within reasonable driving distance.
Go ahead and stand your ground on MSRP for as long as you want, but tread carefully with the attitude. Not good to turn someone off and drive them away to another Acura dealer, or worse, to BMW, MB, or Audi, et al, which are also very well-represented in the area.
I’m just saying...
06-02-2018, 10:58 PM
#9
I think people have been saying that they were not offered big discounts. This is not surprising since the RDX just came out, and it is early in the month so there is no pressure yet to meet monthly sales goals. I do not recall people saying that the dealers had a pound sand attitude. It is up to the buyers to tell the dealers to pound sand if they are not offered a sufficient discount.
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birdonamission (06-02-2018)
06-02-2018, 11:03 PM
#10
Pro
Thread Starter
I’m sure it’s not a common occurrence, and when something has gotten so much attention and buzz (and excitement), there will be resistance to wandering far from MSRP.
I hope no one tells me to go pound sand..lol. I’ll “pound the pavement,” instead, to the next dealership. But, i don't plan to be told that because i will be reasonable in negotiations.
I hope no one tells me to go pound sand..lol. I’ll “pound the pavement,” instead, to the next dealership. But, i don't plan to be told that because i will be reasonable in negotiations.
06-02-2018, 11:07 PM
#11
Pro
Thread Starter
06-02-2018, 11:20 PM
#12
I’m sure it’s not a common occurrence, and when something has gotten so much attention and buzz (and excitement), there will be resistance to wandering far from MSRP.
I hope no one tells me to go pound sand..lol. I’ll “pound the pavement,” instead, to the next dealership. But, i don't plan to be told that because i will be reasonable in negotiations.
If you sold widgets for $50 and had people lining up to buy them at your asking price, would you sell one to the guy offering you $35? I don't think so. You probably say something like, "Sorry sir, since everyone is willing to pay us asking price for this widget, we can't offer you a discount."
06-02-2018, 11:23 PM
#13
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People tend to overreact as well and whine online.
"I didn't get what I wanted! I want an RDX at cost! Waaaaa" equals the good ol' 'Go pound sand' in their minds.
"I didn't get what I wanted! I want an RDX at cost! Waaaaa" equals the good ol' 'Go pound sand' in their minds.
06-02-2018, 11:23 PM
#14
Summer is Coming
I don't think dealers are literally saying 'go pound sand' it is a figure of speech, and from one side of the conversation. I would not get bend out of shape by it.
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idgystinks (06-03-2018)
06-02-2018, 11:35 PM
#15
Pro
Thread Starter
Yeah, all of you are right, I’m sure, that it’s probably not literal or as direct. That would be rude!! lol
And, absolutely, customers can be obnoxious as all get out.
And, absolutely, customers can be obnoxious as all get out.
06-03-2018, 08:23 AM
#16
If you go to their website, it shows MSRP (less the $995.00 destination) and then clearly states in the fine print that the listed price does not include destination. So their posted price is sticker price. In order to get a sale price, you have to click a button that says "unlock price" which then requires that you provide them with your email address and cell number in order to actually get a price. And who knows what that sale price actually is. Can you provide some kind of proof/link that shows a real $1000.00 discount? Not the loyalty incentive or something else that's not actually a dealer discount (like having to add the destination charge back in). I'll be the first person to admit I made a mistake if you can do that, but I just see so much misinformation on this forum when it comes to pricing (which I do believe comes from good intentions) that it really gets frustrating.....
06-03-2018, 09:17 AM
#17
Racer
Drove in my dealers lot this morning. They had one white advance and one bronze(Terrible color). That’s it. Supply looks limited. If you don’t need one now, I would hold tight for end of year.
06-03-2018, 10:36 AM
#18
Instructor
YMMV. I stopped by a dealer last night. Their website shows 12 new RDXs and I saw maybe 9 still on the lot and in the showroom.
06-03-2018, 11:21 AM
#19
Team Owner
I don't think Acura dealers are doing anything out of the ordinary. They're in the business of making money, and if someone is willing to pay 1000, 2000, or even 3000 (if not more), then why not? They aren't out there to be our friends and give us good deals. They're out there to make the dealership owner even richer. That's why the dealership owner puts a chain of (well compensated, upper) staff in place...to make sure the owner gets as much as possible, day in, day out.
This is the M.O. for all dealerships, regardless of brand, so far as I'm concerned.
In my expereience, dealerships generally are reactionary to the market. They don't drop prices until sales start dropping. And if sales are hot, they will keep prices jacked. Selling 101?
This is the M.O. for all dealerships, regardless of brand, so far as I'm concerned.
In my expereience, dealerships generally are reactionary to the market. They don't drop prices until sales start dropping. And if sales are hot, they will keep prices jacked. Selling 101?
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06-03-2018, 11:35 AM
#20
Three Wheelin'
When any new hot model comes out, there is a period they demand outstrips supply. This is normal and happens all the time. Back in 2016 I wanted to buy a Civic Touring but Honda dealers would not budge one cent from MSRP. I've never purchased a car for anything higher than invoice price, so after a few minutes of making sure they really didn't want to deal, I left. I ultimately ended up back at Acura and got my '16 ILX Tech ASPEC. Got it for way under invoice.
Since the RDX is so hot now, might have to wait 6+ months for the supply to increase. When you see 20+ RDXs sitting on the dealer lot then you know a deal can be made.
Since the RDX is so hot now, might have to wait 6+ months for the supply to increase. When you see 20+ RDXs sitting on the dealer lot then you know a deal can be made.
06-03-2018, 11:41 AM
#21
Team Owner
I can't think of a brand where I haven't seen this happen... well maybe the exotics world... can't say I've had much/any experience in those dealerships... I get the feeling they jack prices on wanted models too... if a Ferrari dealer had a LaFerrari in its dealership, I get the feeling it might be up for sale for a few dollars more than msrp... if you could even find one in a dealership, that is.
06-03-2018, 11:47 AM
#22
WayTooManyAcuras
My dealer actually offered the $1K off loyalty discount without my asking, which surprised me. And after I asked for a Red A-Spec, which I would imagine some dealers might actually charge "additional dealer mark-up" on since they are apparently hard to get. Overall, my dealer was pretty cool about it, letting me play around with the car multiple times before we sat down for the paperwork part of the deal - which is always so exciting.
For a car with so much pre-release press, and such a radical change from the previous year, I think the fact that they are offering financing and loyalty discounts at all is surprising. I would advise not going in there demanding discounts and letting a deal come together organically if you are indeed serious about getting one this early in the cars availability.
For a car with so much pre-release press, and such a radical change from the previous year, I think the fact that they are offering financing and loyalty discounts at all is surprising. I would advise not going in there demanding discounts and letting a deal come together organically if you are indeed serious about getting one this early in the cars availability.
06-03-2018, 11:58 AM
#23
Instructor
For a car with so much pre-release press, and such a radical change from the previous year, I think the fact that they are offering financing and loyalty discounts at all is surprising. I would advise not going in there demanding discounts and letting a deal come together organically if you are indeed serious about getting one this early in the cars availability.
06-03-2018, 12:17 PM
#24
There are four lights!
There has been a lot of good press on the new RDX but that is typically the case with any new vehicle. We on this forum are more in tune to it, most people don't know there is a new RDX and don't care. New vehicles come out all the time. I'm glad to see the Acura offering promotions, this is a hotly contested segment and Acura needs to compete.
06-03-2018, 06:10 PM
#25
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I don’t expect much before Christmas, and only if, by then, the dealers have a number of them on the lot.
OTOH, it will be hard to sell a 45K RDX when one might get into a less equipped X3 or Q5 for near the same money.
OTOH, it will be hard to sell a 45K RDX when one might get into a less equipped X3 or Q5 for near the same money.
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19RDX (06-03-2018)
06-04-2018, 04:37 PM
#26
Intermediate
The car is hot right now. They can and should charge what they want. They should be careful though. With incentives, the other cars they typically undercut can do that to them instead. My USAA buying service says it could have me in an 2018 X3 with equivalent RDX Advance features (executive, convenience, driver assistance, and premium packages, plus leather and premium sound) for $47k. I've been waiting on the RDX, but if my lease was up now instead of 6 months from now, I'd probably jump on that deal. I wish I could look ahead 6 months and see how everything will be priced. I'm hoping the RDX regains the price advantage by then.
06-04-2018, 07:28 PM
#27
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If one can get an acceptably optioned X3 for roughly the same price as an acceptable RDX, it will be tough on Acura.
I just did, like Warren, above, a build of an X3 with the options that I wanted, and it came in at 48K. It had nav, all the driving assistance stuff, leather ventilated and heated seats, and more. Giving up the HUD, but keeping dynamic dampers, and replacing the panoramic roof with a regular sunroof still makes an excellent car.
For roughly the same price, I would take the Bimmer. Acura has to measurably beat that price. 2 or 3K isn’t enough, IMO.
I just did, like Warren, above, a build of an X3 with the options that I wanted, and it came in at 48K. It had nav, all the driving assistance stuff, leather ventilated and heated seats, and more. Giving up the HUD, but keeping dynamic dampers, and replacing the panoramic roof with a regular sunroof still makes an excellent car.
For roughly the same price, I would take the Bimmer. Acura has to measurably beat that price. 2 or 3K isn’t enough, IMO.
06-04-2018, 10:51 PM
#29
Intermediate
I used the USAA car buying service, which captures market data and sometimes tacks on additional USAA incentives. I built an X3 that has all of the features of the Advance aside from remote start (BMW doesn't offer this, but does allow for remote climate control through its app) and I came in at $57,870 MSRP and $48,031 USAA member pricing. So if I was going to go out and buy a car today, the RDX would have no price advantage, and having driven an X3 (2016) as a loaner before, it'd be hard for me to pass on that. But I haven't driven the new RDX and I'm hearing great things. I also just love the look of the RDX Aspec, more than the X3 for sure, though I'm not sure yet that I can say that about the Advance model.
06-04-2018, 10:59 PM
#30
I used the USAA car buying service, which captures market data and sometimes tacks on additional USAA incentives. I built an X3 that has all of the features of the Advance aside from remote start (BMW doesn't offer this, but does allow for remote climate control through its app) and I came in at $57,870 MSRP and $48,031 USAA member pricing. So if I was going to go out and buy a car today, the RDX would have no price advantage, and having driven an X3 (2016) as a loaner before, it'd be hard for me to pass on that. But I haven't driven the new RDX and I'm hearing great things. I also just love the look of the RDX Aspec, more than the X3 for sure, though I'm not sure yet that I can say that about the Advance model.
06-05-2018, 06:59 AM
#31
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I expect that after the first rush, the market will adjust to an RDX price where it is suitable. How much less than an X3 or a Q5 would a similarly equipped RDX have to be? IMO, at least 5-7 grand.
06-05-2018, 07:54 AM
#32
Intermediate
At least Acura is avoiding that misstep.
06-05-2018, 08:46 AM
#33
I missed that thread so I'll join you here. I test drove the QX50. Beautiful inside, but the engine felt underpowered (compared to the RDX), and the CVT was garbage. And the pricing, indeed, seems silly.
06-05-2018, 09:11 AM
#34
Volvo Defector
I get it that there’s a lot of confidence about the RDX for all the reasons ad nauseum that make it highly sought after and the frenzy is at its peak one day after going on sale...
But, at least in my area (Washington-Baltimore-Annapolis / Northern Virginia), there are like 10 Acura dealerships within reasonable driving distance.
Go ahead and stand your ground on MSRP for as long as you want, but tread carefully with the attitude. Not good to turn someone off and drive them away to another Acura dealer, or worse, to BMW, MB, or Audi, et al, which are also very well-represented in the area.
I’m just saying...
But, at least in my area (Washington-Baltimore-Annapolis / Northern Virginia), there are like 10 Acura dealerships within reasonable driving distance.
Go ahead and stand your ground on MSRP for as long as you want, but tread carefully with the attitude. Not good to turn someone off and drive them away to another Acura dealer, or worse, to BMW, MB, or Audi, et al, which are also very well-represented in the area.
I’m just saying...
I expect the 2019's to continue selling close to MSRP at least until the end of the year. Unless by some wild happenstance fuel prices shoot up exponentially to shift U.S. buying habits more towards cars again instead of SUV's. Unlikely, but anything is possible(especially after seeing the 2006-2008 turmoil).
06-05-2018, 09:13 AM
#35
When gas prices go up to astronomical prices again, this RDX will cool down in a hurry especially with ~20 mpg and premium gas which will push away potential buyers. At this point, if you want performance in a SUV to compete with the Germans and dont care about fuel cost, RDX is looking good with their price point.
I'm going to wait for the hybrid RDX if they ever wise up and build one.
I'm going to wait for the hybrid RDX if they ever wise up and build one.
06-05-2018, 09:18 AM
#36
Volvo Defector
I still think it will sell well however as most soccer moms don't care about sporty driving dynamics (New RDX, X3, GLC, Stelvio, etc.)
06-05-2018, 09:22 AM
#37
Volvo Defector
When gas prices go up to astronomical prices again, this RDX will cool down in a hurry especially with ~20 mpg and premium gas which will push away potential buyers. At this point, if you want performance in a SUV to compete with the Germans and dont care about fuel cost, RDX is looking good with their price point.
I'm going to wait for the hybrid RDX if they ever wise up and build one.
I'm going to wait for the hybrid RDX if they ever wise up and build one.
06-05-2018, 01:53 PM
#39
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The Sport hybrid MDX has been lauded as "the" trim MDX to get according to all the car mags since its faster to 60, handles better, and gets better fuel economy than the regular 3.5L. This setup in the RDX would be interesting but I'm not sure what engine they would use. The 3.0L in the hybrid maybe a bit too heavy/big for the RDX. Unless they run a higher compression version of the Honda 1.5T with a DCT and hybrid motors powering the real wheels for extra combined power.
I'm also holding out hope for a hybrid MDX (one dealer thought it might be 2-3 years out).
06-05-2018, 02:26 PM
#40
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I simply cannot fathom anyone preferring the CVT with a totally new concept in engines for the price of the QX50. At least not someone who cares about the driving. But a heck of a lot of people don’t really care how so thing drives; just look at all the Nissans out there already.
I do wonder whether the touchpad will turn off some of the tech averse people out there. I know of at least four people who would be in the market for this level of car who might be turned off by having to learn something so unusual. I learn tech stuff easy, and this touchpad seems to have much to offer, but I will have to wait to see how my wife takes to it. She was thoroughly intimidated by the iDrive and the electronic gearshift lever in my 5er. But she drove an MT for 30 years and uses her cell phone, iPad, and Kindle proficiently.
There is a lot of tech, and a steep learning curve to deal with.
I do wonder whether the touchpad will turn off some of the tech averse people out there. I know of at least four people who would be in the market for this level of car who might be turned off by having to learn something so unusual. I learn tech stuff easy, and this touchpad seems to have much to offer, but I will have to wait to see how my wife takes to it. She was thoroughly intimidated by the iDrive and the electronic gearshift lever in my 5er. But she drove an MT for 30 years and uses her cell phone, iPad, and Kindle proficiently.
There is a lot of tech, and a steep learning curve to deal with.