Hello,

I am looking into purchasing a 2009 Fit LX (automatic transmission). It will be my first ever car so I'm hoping someone will be able to help me out. I have gone to the dealer twice now - first time, I was just casually looking, second time, to test drive the car. I asked for a price quote and got the following (all in Canadian dollars, and taxes for Ontario):

$18,580 (MRSP) - $500 (price reduction) + $399 (optional etching/nitrogen something or another) + $1395 (freight) + taxes.

I counteroffered for MRSP - $750 + freight + taxes, since I found a few sources that indicated the dealer invoice price was about $1100 below MSRP, and I thought the etching/nitrogen thing was unnecessary. But they argued that:
1) they said they couldn't remove the "optional" etching because all cars came with it. I'm curious why they would label it as an option if you have to pay for it.
2) The said that the mark up is only $900, so they offered a $600 discount.

I wasn't happy so I left. I can deal with a $600 discount but I'm really curious about the $399 option. Is this a standard cost or a scam?

Thank you in advance!

 

It's not a standard cost and is completely negotiable. Don't even put that into your calculations when you are figuring your OTD price. Some dealers load it up with all kinds of crap you don't need and mark it up, but just ignore any "options" they have installed, you didn't want it and it's not your problem that they added it.

Don't work from MSRP down, find out the invoice price for your car and work from that number UP. Then calculate invoice + freight + taxes = OTD. Dealers still make profit even selling at invoice due to holdback, etc.

 

GL just keep looking get what u want for the price

 

I have a website that may help you. It's www.honda-cars-insider-advice.com and it has Honda dealer net prices listed for free. I also know that many stores in Ontario will sell the Fit for $400-$500.00 over dealer net. This really is depending on where you are located and the competition from other dealerships in the area. Also the "mandatory option" of etching or whatever is not true. Most dealers don't pay ^&%* all for the product until it is registered, and it has to be registered in the customers name. I would scrap that or any other extra fees. All you pay is whatever your negotiated price is plus freight and pdi, air and gas tax, possibly an OMVIC (in Ontario) charge ($5) and then whatever local taxes are (13% GST and PST in Ontario), thats it thats all. I hope this helps.