The FL5 Dealer ADM Markup Thread

[zumbooruk]

I would just call around to see what you're comfortable paying for. For me, $2k over MSRP was the maximum that I was willing to pay for the car. My logic is that if I can get it for MSRP out of state, I would still need to pay $1.5k-$2k to ship it back and deal with all the hassle of getting it registered. If I pay somebody $1k to negotiate MSRP, then I'm still paying $1k over MSRP when the dust settles. If that MSRP deal that he/she made is out of state, then it's another $1.5k-$2k on top of the $1k "service charge" - you get my point?

Be patient, it's a timing game and you just have to be at the right place at the right time. Just pick up the phone and start calling. I lost count of how many dealers (throughout the entire California and the neighboring states) that I had called during my hunt.

identical logic and outcome for me

I started shopping in 2023, contacted dozens of local dealers (within about 200 miles from San Diego to Santa Maria and inland to Riverside and Palm Springs), I kept in touch with all every few months, and always responded and respectfully declined any the outrageous "offers" they gave me. I was as chatty and verbose as I could and kept each conversation or discussion chain going for as long as I could in an attempt to be memorable, and not just another car shopper. I made it clear that I was serious about purchasing and even willing to put a sizable deposit, but I also made it clear that I was not willing to pay over MSRP (and without any dealer installed options).

I was about to give up on SoCal in February 2025 and was 15 minutes away from sending a non-refundable $500 "wait list" payment for out-of-state dealer at MSRP (i.e. when and if they get allocation when I reach the top of the list, I can opt to arrange for transport or decline and forfeit) when I got a text from one of these local SoCal dealer at $2k over.

I purchased my FL5 the next day. it was stickered at $73K with options and ADM. they did not remove any of the dealer installed options (I no longer recall the options, but definitely did not cost them more than $200-300)

I have since was approached by some of the other SoCal area dealers but none have been under $5k over.

I always say that patience is a virtue, but it ain't one of mine.

but this time patience (well really stubbornness) paid off (and I was extremely lucky that the sales person remembered me and contacted me at perfect timing)

Good luck.

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[MoeCahToa]

Norm Reeves Honda in West Covina has a CBP Type R for MSRP. Ask for Alby

 

[FiveSeven108]

Norm Reeves Honda in West Covina has a CBP Type R for MSRP. Ask for Alby

Why are they selling at MSRP? is it only for that color? I'm mainly looking for white but I guess i wouldn't mind black.

 

[Xmetal]

Why are they selling at MSRP? is it only for that color? I'm mainly looking for white but I guess i wouldn't mind black.

Why don't you call the salesperson and find out? I'm guessing that it's because they have 2 CBP on the lot? I don't see a white in their inventory. Personally, I would take any colors but white. I've only seen white FL5s in OC and may be one other blue.

 

[FiveSeven108]

Why are they selling at MSRP? is it only for that color? I'm mainly looking for white but I guess i wouldn't mind black.

Just called the dealer.. no sales person by the name of this..

 

[rondre3000]

If you are in San Diego or within driving distance NOW couldn't be a better time to buy. Several dealerships have multiple FL5's on the lot! My nearest had 3 in CW as of yesterday and 1 SGP.

 

[Xmetal]

If you are in San Diego or within driving distance NOW couldn't be a better time to buy. Several dealerships have multiple FL5's on the lot! My nearest had 3 in CW as of yesterday and 1 SGP.

But are they willing to deal? I've seen many dealers have multiple cars on the lot and still wanting $10k+ over MSRP!

 

[Sacto916]

Thats so crazy $10,000 mark up, No wonder used FL5 are still selling well. The used FL5 price is very competitive too (CALI).

 

[rondre3000]

I walked into my neighborhood dealer that had 4 sitting there. Stickers all said $74,xxx. Salesman asks, "You ready to buy?". I laughed and said I already tried there several months earlier and told him I went elsewhere while pointing to my car outside.

Not gonna lie, it was petty AF but felt so good.

 

[swcc50]

I luckily got mine at MSRP from Honda Grapevine. they did force me to finance with them, but the second it hit my honda account i refinanced with penfed at 4.44 for 60m

 

[OldPirate]

I got mine at MSRP after spending almost 6hrs saying no to them from 57k with junk add on's to that magic MSRP and sign my check over to them. BTW no add on's also.

 

[WindJunkie]

I got mine at MSRP after spending almost 6hrs saying no to them from 57k with junk add on's to that magic MSRP and sign my check over to them. BTW no add on's also.

I'm from Palm Harbor. Did you buy from Palm Harbor Honda? I bought my 2015 Si from them 10 years ago. Tried to buy several times from them over the years but they never negotiated off the markup.

 

[SKINNIE]

I got mine at MSRP after spending almost 6hrs saying no to them from 57k with junk add on's to that magic MSRP and sign my check over to them. BTW no add on's also.

Damn 6hrs? You got patience . I would've walked out in the first 30mins.

 

[OldPirate]

I'm from Palm Harbor. Did you buy from Palm Harbor Honda? I bought my 2015 Si from them 10 years ago. Tried to buy several times from them over the years but they never negotiated off the markup.

Not them...they have too much add on's and mark ups., Got it at Ocean in New Port Richey. Are you still in Palm harbor?

 

[OldPirate]

Damn 6hrs? You got patience . I would've walked out in the first 30mins.

It was storming there and no customers came in to buy. Had a big breakfest before going there and with my cell charger and camp out. Just had to try to get a Type R and it worked!

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