Trim Level: Elite
Price Paid (Before taxes): $43,500
Price Paid (Out the door): $46,736
Exterior Color: Black
Interior Color: Gray
Location: Akron, OH
Tip: It's all about numbers and patience. This was my first time buying a new vehicle--I'm a Dave Ramsey follower, for my whole life, I've bought used and drive them till the wheels fall off. My current car is a 2009 Honda CRV with 202,000 miles on it. I'm only getting rid of it because I'm getting my wife's SUV. Since I knew I was going to get rid of this car, I chose to take it to a trusted used car lot that I've dealt with for years BEFORE seeing what the dealer would offer for trade-in value. They believe they can get me minimum $4,000 cash in my pocket or more where the dealership would only give me $2,000 for it.
I spent several weeks researching the trim levels and reading the forums for feedback from 2018 owners. I ended up deciding on Elite for me and had a price in mind that I wanted to be at. I talked to 4 different dealers in my area through email and thankfully the closest one to me was able to get close to my number of $43,500. Even after agreeing on price, I found that you should know and research the warranty you want. At signing, the dealership offered me the warranty I wanted for $2,215. I politely told him that I knew I could get the same exact full coverage Honda Care Warranty for $1,115.00 from Saccucci Honda on the internet. He proceeded to tell me that Saccucci was selling these warranties illegally and that there's several pending lawsuits against them and "the status of those warranties could be up in the air." I told him that I'd still take my chances and he said, "How about $1,350.00? I said, "Naw, I'll still take the risk." Then he offered to meet the price of $1,115.00, but "needed to check with the owner." They of course ended up matching the price to $1,115.00 but it just blows my mind how many people would have blindly paid the $2,215 without question.