Honda Civic Hybrid and Costco

[Resist]

I checked out Costco's auto buying program and am not impressed. The savings turned out to only be $100 off at my local participating Honda dealership.

Since they are charging a $2,000 markup over MSRP, I'm still feeling gouged.

[minako]

That's a pretty shabby deal, if you can even call it that!

[cattygurl]

Have you tried AAA? They also have a buying service.

So, you're saying costco prices = 1900 over msrp, rather than 2000 over msrp?

[jbrasure]

Yeah, Cosco only helps for cars that are not in high demand. I believe there is a disclaimer on their web site which says high demand cars may not be eligible for discounts.

James

[VinceDee]

I thought that the Costco program would be a rip, then I checked it out...and discovered that it is a rip.

Basically, you get no discount on cars that are considered desirable. I checked out the price on a Prius and the dealer that called through the Costco program basically told me that it would only be like $100 off the price because the Prius sells so well. He also told me that the program was really just for people who don't want to haggle, so the deals aren't very good and never as good as if you just went to the dealership and haggled yourself.

One of the few times I've truly felt let down by Costco.

[cattygurl]

I've worked for a dealership, and most of the time, you get good deals through Costco- but it can't be a high demand car (it can be a popular car, but not high demand- i.e. Civics would be eligible, but not Civic Hybrids).

I can say that it can be hard to haggle to the point of Costco prices in some cases... but the dealer will try to make up for it by forcing options and crap during the sale or financing. For ppl not good at haggling, Costco *can* be a decent deal, as long as you can say no to the options that dealers to get you to buy.

[Resist]

I don't really blame Costco and don't consider their $100 to be a rip off, just not a great deal. I blame the "Stealerships" for gouging consumers at a time of high fuel prices. You would think they would want us to buy hybrids, instead they just want to take advantage of the situation.

[Insightful Trekker]

Resist,

If you _really_ want a new HCH then simply start by calling your local area dealerships and _tell_ them you want an HCH at MSRP and will come down and make a deposit for a delivery not more than 90 days in the future.

When you go down to place the deposit get the deal in _WRITING_ and countersigned by the sales manager (excluding all the "possible" add-on's their _gonna_ try and sell and you don't want).

But you _can_ get one at that price, if your firm_AND_ patient. Laws vary from state to state but in some such a markup _may_ be "illegal" (with too many loopholes to explain). Should you not be able to get one then you could also call Honda customer relations and with your _VERY_ best attitude see what Honda's reply to your situation is.

Want a below MSRP deal IMO you'll have to wait for $2.00 / gal gasoline again.


HTH!

[Resist]

Originally Posted by Insightful Trekker

If you _really_ want a new HCH then simply start by calling your local area dealerships and _tell_ them you want an HCH at MSRP and will come down and make a deposit for a delivery not more than 90 days in the future.

I already tried that, my local dealerships will not deal on these cars. They want $2,000 over MSRP. This is something I am not willing to pay.

Today I test drove the Toyota Prius, again. They will even knock $400 off MSRP. And considering the Prius has a $3,150 tax credit, I am seriously considering getting one over the Honda. I really like Honda but since they don't seem to want to deal, I'm leaning towards the Toyota. Oh and during the test drive, consisting of Freeway and City routes, it easily got 57mpg.

[Insightful Trekker]

Toyota's not a bad second choice.

Sorry to read about your purchase problems and best of luck in whatever new hybrid you choose

At 57 MPG its hardly "wrong" choice.

Sincerely,