[Oak23]

A local dealer has an incoming Odyssey with the color/trim level we want. They're not matching other offers I have for the car (if I order it), arguing that with Honda you can't order a specific car but just have to wait until Honda tells the dealer what their allocation is. Is this true? I think they're using it as a negotiation tactic.

 

[psu ody fan]

Dealerships can order specific trim / color combinations (assuming production hasn't stopped). However, considering the limited number of trim levels and color combos available, chances are the specific combo you want is out there somewhere. It is usually easier (and quicker) for a dealer to just work out a trade, rather than wait for an ordered car to be delivered.

 

[Oak23]

The specific color/trim combo we want isn't available in the tri-state area - at least according to a couple of different dealers I've talked to.

 

[jasonorrishonda]

It is true that Honda tells us what we can order but sometimes Honda has restrictions on allocations. Some builds you can't order a specific color and/or a trim level. What exact Odyssey are you looking for?

 

[Oak23]

thanks Jason - I just sent you a PM.

 

[oddy03]

A local dealer has an incoming Odyssey with the color/trim level we want. They're not matching other offers I have for the car (if I order it), arguing that with Honda you can't order a specific car but just have to wait until Honda tells the dealer what their allocation is. Is this true? I think they're using it as a negotiation tactic.

They can order it, as long it follows normal build options, etc. They usually give you a hard time, because they only want to sell you what they have in stock, usually you will get a better deal on what they have in stock. I've run into this at various dealers/makes, not just Honda.

 

[Oak23]

Oddy03 - That's what strikes me as odd here - an incoming van (i.e. will be in stock) is commanding a higher price than an ordered van from other dealers who are willing to sell for a lower price (but we have to wait a bit longer).

 

[mocha2012]

It s all about negotiation. They know they have something coming in sooner and are trying to get you to pay for that (pay for getting it sooner). They are selling value that they perceive you place on getting it sooner. In other words, if you value getting it sooner then they can charge you for it. If you tell them waiting really doesn't matter to you, their price will likely drop.

 

[fgmenot]

agreed. Use your price to match at another dealer with the color and trim you like. The other dealer trade that car for you.

It s all about negotiation. They know they have something coming in sooner and are trying to get you to pay for that (pay for getting it sooner). They are selling value that they perceive you place on getting it sooner. In other words, if you value getting it sooner then they can charge you for it. If you tell them waiting really doesn't matter to you, their price will likely drop.

 

[Oak23]

thanks Mocha/fgmenot - I understand that - I just found myself in a situation where the order price was lower than the (impending) in-stock price. It's definitely due to dealers finding they can game the low-inventory situation due to Tsunami/Thailand/high demand.

It's all moot now. I have ordered a van at the lower price.

 

[mocha2012]

Good luck Oak. It is worth the wait.