[Turbo_Charger]

Got the following deal for Honda City V AT Exclusive :
Ex-Showroom : 9,90,000
Insurance (Comprehensive + 0% Depreciation) : 32,000
Registration : 78,000
Total : 11,00,000
Discount : 80,000
Grand Total : 10,20,000

Also buying accessories (without any discount). Dealer giving usual freebies like Car Cover, Mats, Pillows etc.

[Bomi]

Does anyone know the discount on a Passat Highline DSG in Mumbai?

[RPRI]

Thanks Mdsaab.

I did go in for the PRI today to the dealer's out-of-town showroom. The lovely Red City VMT had an odometer reading of less than 30 km - but I felt that it might have been a 'showroom' vehicle since the beige fabric was somewhat soiled though the body and paintwork was gleaming.
I asked for a more recent model and the dealer has offered me the choice of 2 City VMTs that are coming in from the factory tomorrow morning for inspection. Am back there again tomorrow - a heroic effort in bangalore's traffic but hey, at least it is a July 2011 vehicle and hopefully fresh.

On pricing though, have not been able to move below INR 9.85 but have got the side-step garnish and a few other minor add-ons.

I must say I found the dealer very polite and accomodating of us going over the vehicle in detail - went through the checklist but could not take it out on the open road at 60 kph as suggested - apparently the lack of insurance was the reason. Isn't there some trade insurance that could have allowed me to try that out too?

All in all, it was a positive experience - and the dealer even tried to accomodate my request for a driver-side vanity mirror and driver door hand grip - but I gave up when he said the hand grip would need welding that was not provided for and the mirror could not be done without the fabric being damaged.

I am to see the vehicles tomorrow and make the payment and get delivery too by evening! Looks like being a long day!

QUESTION to This Forum: The dealer is offering a leather seat option that they custom-fit - am surprised the city does not have factory-fitted leather seat cover options. Has anybody done this before? The leather is not Stanley leather upholstery but a brand called 'Augusta' and while the grain looks fairly standard, the thickness is 0.85 mm - any experience with this brand and opinions on whether this will wear well?

Originally Posted by mdsaab

That was for a SMT.
So i think you can definately squeeze it out of him.
warn him that you are ready to take your business elsewhere.
Tell him a friend / relative/ colleague is buying a City too at the rival dealer. and is offering a better deal to him. He even promises to make it sweeter if both of you book it there together.
Since you are already in talks with current dealer, tell him i do not mind going ahead with the deal with you, but provided you match the deal offered to your friend.
This should help do the trick.
If he still not able to offer you more by the way of cash.
he may have already given you all he can by cash.
But it doesn't end here.
Now you can press for accessories.
There is no real limit for accessories as he can even give you a few more, and reduce it or adjust it in someone Else's deal.
So make sure the cash and accessories total goes up to atleast 85K if not beyond.
Also in the accessories you opt, go for the more expensive ones.
The cheaper ones can be fitted later without too much of a pinch in the pocket.
Wish you Good Luck!

I learned that the dealer margin on accessories is about 15% (but I heard that from the dealer so will take that with a pinch of salt!). Of course, with the City VMT I am buying, he says he will offer the accessories at 15% off list price. I should think dealer margins would have been int he 40%-50% range at least on accessories!
I found the ducktail spoiler on the Vtec a little unimpressive, to be frank. the ones on the GXi i used to admire still look better to me. Isn't a spoiler supposed to add stability at high speeds by breaking the 'lift' effect caused by the aerodyanmic shape of modern cars? Dont know how the puny 'pasted on' ducktail spoiler can do that - to my untutored eyes this looks like a case of neither form nor function! most accessories at this dealer seemed to come from Thailand, btw and yes, price incl painting and fitting,

Originally Posted by mdsaab

Thanks for the heads up Sahakar.
I was just speaking to our sales rep asking him for the accessories pricelist. He said he cannot send it to me as it is a dealer specific pricelist.
He said each of the dealers have their own pricelist for the accessories.
Moving ahead.
Asked him for the latest best price for the ducktail spoiler.
He said 9700 including bill.
This rate includes painting and fitting too.

[spadix]

Originally Posted by RPRI

Teflon coating (I know, I know, rip off etc, bit its free, right?), honda key chains (isn't that de riguer?)

You'll even get swirl marks for free with their so-called Teflon coating. Keep an eye out. I tried all sorts of tactics with Pride Honda to get them not to do this to my car. I told them to even keep the full INR 8k handling charges but just give me an untouched car. They just wouldn't listen! Anyway.

The Honda key chain is standard. It's complimentary. It shouldn't even be called out as one of the freebies. It's a bit like saying we're giving you your invoice for free.

And please ensure that you get a Honda OEM body cover. Pride pulled a fast one on me on this thing as well (and of course wouldn't accept it when I pointed it out to them, and wouldn't show me an OEM cover from the parts shop stating that the "package can't be opened unless paid for").

Originally Posted by RPRI

a puncture kit (shouldnt that come with the car? Is it the red triangle etc to be put up as I fix the tyre)

Mdsaab, not sure if this is now at the 85 K full cash discount yet - they keep changing the corporate discount amount so it is not transparent - at least to me!

I think by a puncture kit they meant a puncture "repair" kit. The emergency kit with the reflective triangle etc. is standard and I think is mandated by the government now (along with the first aid kit).

The corporate discount rates change every month or so. So I'm not surprised that you're seeing different rates now that we've moved from July into August.

Originally Posted by kap04

and he even agreed to some rubber mats , he says its worth 1k which i doubt

I would suggest to not go for parking sensors, as if required you can always get them fitted outside for about 3k. Side protectors are good , its worth about 5750/- , i opted for it instead of the reverse sensor.

The rubber mats prices are pretty reasonable. You won't get them for far cheaper outside. And they're very useful in this season if the car comes with carpet mats (instead of rubber/plastic ones) by default.

One issue with getting parking sensors done from outside is that if it requires some wires to be cut etc. then you can pretty much kiss your car's warranty goodbye. Honda is absolutely *notorious* for this.

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Logistic Charges - 4,500/- (still not sure what this is?! Transportation?)

Yes, and stocking charges as well. Some dealers also call this "handling" charges. It's a money-making venture mostly. Some dealers bump this number up higher and offer all sorts of "free treatment" (such as Teflon).

All the best with the negotiations!

Originally Posted by RPRI

The car is an April 2011 - any opinions on whether I should ask for a fresher one, given that the City should have a shorter time in the stockyard going by its popularity?
The dealer says this consignment came in last week - dont know if I should believe him. Anyway, he is getting another consignment on Thursday so if you folks think 4 months is too long for the City to be sitting around or if the PRI shows up some neglect, maybe I will ask for 'fresh stock'.

The dealer's pulling a real fast one on you if he says this consignment containing April cars came in only last week. Let him be honest and admit the car was lying around in his yard.

It's not terribly important to wait for a piece that's going to be only 3 months newer as long as this April piece is in factory condition. Just give it a thorough once-over (under the hood) and in nooks and crannies etc. before accepting it. Who knows, you could even this as a tool to extract further discounts.

Originally Posted by kap04

My dealer said he would be allotting the car only after i pay the full amount. So i am getting my VIN only after that.

And worse, he is not allowing me to do a PDI before registration , he's saying he will give me the best car and he will assure there will be no dents/scratches ..Hope he sticks to his words. But i am not letting it go, its my hard earned money

Another dealer who's pulling a fast one.

As soon as you register your order with the dealer (you need not even pay the booking amount) and it's for a fresh car and not one already lying in the stockyard, they place an order with the factory. The car that comes out is tagged with your name. That doesn't mean you will get it. If you back off, that car will go to the stockyard until the next customer for the same variant + colour comes along. But the point is that you will get to know your car's VIN even before you pay a single paisa if it's a fresh factory order!

Originally Posted by mdsaab

Since you are already in talks with current dealer, tell him i do not mind going ahead with the deal with you, but provided you match the deal offered to your friend.
This should help do the trick.

What if the dealer calls your bluff and says he'll offer further discounts if you can wean away your friend/cousin from the other dealer?

By the way, there is a limit to the discounts the dealer can offer under certain heads. For instance, Sundaram offered me x corp. discount and Pride offered x - 5k. I went with Pride and booked the car. Sundaram called and I told them the story. They said they're going to launch a complaint to Honda about "unethical practices" by Pride and requested me to confirm my numbers. I said no (who should I believe?). A day later, Pride calls up and says they made a mistake with the corp. discount and didn't apply the latest ones as directed by Honda. I lost the 5k advantage. Out of courtesy I let Sundaram know (and of course they immediately asked if I could cancel my request with Pride now and re-book with them ).

Originally Posted by mdsaab

He said each of the dealers have their own pricelist for the accessories.

I see no reason why two dealers in the same city (same octroi/taxes) must charge different prices! Unless the dealerships are in different districts/admin. zones or something, there should be no difference in prices.

Regards,
spadix

[RPRI]

[quote=spadix;2456774]

The Honda key chain is standard. It's complimentary. It shouldn't even be called out as one of the freebies. It's a bit like saying we're giving you your invoice for free.

I think by a puncture kit they meant a puncture "repair" kit.

Yes, I rather figured that out... even as I posted it :-)

The corporate discount rates change every month or so. So I'm not surprised that you're seeing different rates now that we've moved from July into August.

I didn't know that - perhaps that explains it and my suspicions were needless...

Yes, and stocking charges as well. Some dealers also call this "handling" charges. It's a money-making venture mostly.

I agree - it is coming to about INR 8,000 or so in my case!

The dealer's pulling a real fast one on you if he says this consignment containing April cars came in only last week. Let him be honest and admit the car was lying around in his yard.

Or showroom in this case, as I concluded on my pre-reg'n ispection today. When I voiced my concerns, however, the dealer immediately offered me the new consignment arriving tomorrow so perhaps I judged it right.

They said they're going to launch a complaint to Honda about "unethical practices" by Pride and requested me to confirm my numbers. I said no (who should I believe?). A day later, Pride calls up and says they made a mistake with the corp. discount and didn't apply the latest ones as directed by Honda. I lost the 5k advantage. Out of courtesy I let Sundaram know (and of course they immediately asked if I could cancel my request with Pride now and re-book with them ).

Agree - at some point the dealer starts figuring it out too.

It will then depend on what his sales target is and how close he is to achieving it - some have to work harder than others to keep their margins safe for the next round of negotiations with the carmaker. If the dealership network is expanding - as is probably the case with honda - then several 'regional' dealerships coud be coming under up for bidding where the dealers' bids would be evaluated against their performance. Dealers looking to expand into newer regions would likely be striving to meet their targets even if it means lower margins for them in the short run.

Originally Posted by libranof1987

Conduct a PDI and you should be good to go!

Yes - in fact the odo was fine (less than 30) but the fabrics in the cabin were faintly soiled and the edges of the doors had scratches on the paint etc - leading me to believe that this was probably a showroom vehicle.

Originally Posted by sahakar

Just talked to a guy from Corporate at Apex Honda.

He said that they are having a zonal meeting of all dealers in a couple of days and asked me to wait till August 8 when he will come back with more info on August deals.

Thought of sharing this will you all...

Cheers

Thanks for that Sahakar - but it now makes me wonder if I am moving too fast trying to close my deal over this weekend! How much longer will the City discounts last do you think? Given that the new Jazz is likely to be launched at the discounted price it was last sold at, the new City (whenever it comes) will likely have the discounted pricing now prevailing. Is the price of the Honda City likely to fall further in August? What's the opinion of this forum?

BTW, I heard that apart from the cosmetic changes to the front grille, and head- and tail-lights etc, the new Honda City is likely to have a sunroof option - so those of you who love the sun on your face should resist the temptation of the discounts being offered and wait for the new one instead. Of course you might have to wait a bit - Honda Siel probably is focused on getting the brio and Jazz out first.

[mdsaab]

In bold.

Originally Posted by RPRI

Thanks Mdsaab.
My Pleasure.
I did go in for the PRI today to the dealer's out-of-town showroom. The lovely Red City VMT had an odometer reading of less than 30 km - but I felt that it might have been a 'showroom' vehicle since the beige fabric was somewhat soiled though the body and paintwork was gleaming.
I asked for a more recent model and the dealer has offered me the choice of 2 City VMTs that are coming in from the factory tomorrow morning for inspection. Am back there again tomorrow - a heroic effort in bangalore's traffic but hey, at least it is a July 2011 vehicle and hopefully fresh.
It is common for some part of the fabric to be soiled. Especially on the driver's side. and the driver's armrest. They should do a thorough cleanup which should get rid of the soiling.
On pricing though, have not been able to move below INR 9.85 but have got the side-step garnish and a few other minor add-ons.

I must say I found the dealer very polite and accomodating of us going over the vehicle in detail - went through the checklist but could not take it out on the open road at 60 kph as suggested - apparently the lack of insurance was the reason. Isn't there some trade insurance that could have allowed me to try that out too?
Not sure about that, but i have never taken our chosen vehicle out of the stockyard.
All in all, it was a positive experience - and the dealer even tried to accomodate my request for a driver-side vanity mirror and driver door hand grip - but I gave up when he said the hand grip would need welding that was not provided for and the mirror could not be done without the fabric being damaged.
Glad that you are having a positive experience so far. and good that you decided to let go of these modifications.
I am to see the vehicles tomorrow and make the payment and get delivery too by evening! Looks like being a long day!
Wow! today is going to be some day eh!?!
QUESTION to This Forum: The dealer is offering a leather seat option that they custom-fit - am surprised the city does not have factory-fitted leather seat cover options. Has anybody done this before? The leather is not Stanley leather upholstery but a brand called 'Augusta' and while the grain looks fairly standard, the thickness is 0.85 mm - any experience with this brand and opinions on whether this will wear well?
You could have opted for the V variant with Leather package.
It does come with Leather Interiors factory fitted.
Regarding the custom fit option. Take a look at the material at the dealer's and a few places outside too. You can always make this decision in a few days and get it fitted at your chosen place.


I learned that the dealer margin on accessories is about 15% (but I heard that from the dealer so will take that with a pinch of salt!). Of course, with the City VMT I am buying, he says he will offer the accessories at 15% off list price. I should think dealer margins would have been int he 40%-50% range at least on accessories!
I found the ducktail spoiler on the Vtec a little unimpressive, to be frank. the ones on the GXi i used to admire still look better to me. Isn't a spoiler supposed to add stability at high speeds by breaking the 'lift' effect caused by the aerodyanmic shape of modern cars? Dont know how the puny 'pasted on' ducktail spoiler can do that - to my untutored eyes this looks like a case of neither form nor function! most accessories at this dealer seemed to come from Thailand, btw and yes, price incl painting and fitting,

I guess that's why dealers have made their own pricelist of sorts.
I have seen people on the forum quoting different prices for the same accessories. but that could also be due to the them being from different cities. Anyways bottom line my sales rep did not want me to have the accessories price list.

Yes spoilers are used to break the lift effect.
They are called spoiler's because their function is to spoil the unfavorable air across the vehicle.
The ducktail spoiler was developed by Porsche if i am not mistaken. for the 911 way back in 1973.
Whether it really has any function on the ANHC is as good as anyone's guess.
But did i install it on the golden beauty for the function.
NO.
I liked the looks, and it makes your ride stand out a little from the rest of the crowd. and hence we opted for it.
Most if not all Honda OE accessories come from Thailand.
and the ducktail spoiler is made of ABS.

Spadix ~ True the dealer may call your bluff. But he does not want to loose your business either. If your cousin enters the deal or not, he knows you are a serious customer and does not want to loose you at any costs.
Plus there are so many choices and options these days, it's really tough for the sales folks. Their mouth will water at the prospect of 2 bookings. but will be happy to seal it with only one as well.
The main point i am making is, there is always scope for just that little but further in discounts. and especially so in the case of the ANHC, where Honda is going all out to clear stocks.

[swaroop_babu]

Hi guys,

Any update on the Hyundai i10. I saw an ad saying there is a discount upto 37,500 Rs. Is it exchange bonus or something or is it insurance wave off and other particulars?

[spadix]

Originally Posted by RPRI

I must say I found the dealer very polite and accomodating of us going over the vehicle in detail - went through the checklist but could not take it out on the open road at 60 kph as suggested - apparently the lack of insurance was the reason. Isn't there some trade insurance that could have allowed me to try that out too?

That's been my experience with Pride too. Despite their many goof-ups and some cover-ups, they were never lacking in politeness/courtesy/adhering to almost every request.

And I sincerely believe that "testing on an open road at 60 kmph" test should be struck off the PDI list. Very few dealers agree to conduct this test. I think what happens is the following (in sequence) -

1. You book the car. It's ordered from the factory, shipped out and reaches the stockyard.
2. You do your PDI (most people don't obviously).
3. Dealer gets the Form 20/21/22 etc. done, pays road tax, gets temporary registration etc.
4. NOW, the dealer insures the car, and only then can even he drive the car on the road from stockyard to showroom for final delivery.

Someone could correct me if I'm wrong.

I think their trade insurance is for stuff like in-transit damage and for any events that might happen when the car is lying in the stockyard before T/R and insurance. There have been instances of container trucks overturning on highways and damaging the cars inside. The manufacturer then claims insurance.

Originally Posted by RPRI

I am to see the vehicles tomorrow and make the payment and get delivery too by evening! Looks like being a long day!

I wish you all the best for the big day!

Originally Posted by RPRI

BTW, I heard that apart from the cosmetic changes to the front grille, and head- and tail-lights etc, the new Honda City is likely to have a sunroof option - so those of you who love the sun on your face should resist the temptation of the discounts being offered and wait for the new one instead.

Perhaps you should wait. You Bengalurians can at least enjoy the sunroof every once in a while . For most of the rest of us it's as useless as it can get. IAC it's not worth the price. The Civic with sunroof costs about 50-60k more than the one without. I assume the price differential would be roughly the same in the case of the City as well.

Regards,
spadix

[ajay_satpute]

Originally Posted by swaroop_babu

Hi guys,

Any update on the Hyundai i10. I saw an ad saying there is a discount upto 37,500 Rs. Is it exchange bonus or something or is it insurance wave off and other particulars?

One manager in my company got his new i10 Magna just yesterday. Here's the deal he got:

OTR Price: 4, 58,000/-
Cash Discount: 25,000/-
Free accessories:

• Autocop remote locking
• All mats and mud flaps
• 3M underbody coating
• Art leather seats
• No extra cost for the Grey colour (If you are not aware, then Hyundai charges 3k extra for any colour except Solid White and Solid Red)

I feel thats a very good deal he got. Also, he bought his i10 from Nasik instead of Pune, which saved another 20-25k. Sorry, no details on insurance and exchange bonus.

[mdsaab]

Originally Posted by ajay_satpute

One manager in my company got his new i10 Magna just yesterday. Here's the deal he got:

OTR Price: 4, 58,000/-
Cash Discount: 25,000/-
Free accessories:

• Autocop remote locking
• All mats and mud flaps
• 3M underbody coating
• Art leather seats
• No extra cost for the Grey colour (If you are not aware, then Hyundai charges 3k extra for any colour except Solid White and Solid Red)

I feel thats a very good deal he got. Also, he bought his i10 from Nasik instead of Pune, which saved another 20-25k. Sorry, no details on insurance and exchange bonus.

That seems like a great deal. Last when i had visited the Hyundai showroom for the i10 they had offered me free insurance.
But i think the amount of cash discount your manager got is about the same as the free insurance would have been.
Question is, is free insurance still available + cash discount?
i was supposed to visit the hyundai showroom for you, will do so soon.
Sorry for the delay.

Spadix you are spot on with your observations.
Only one Q. Don't you think the vehicle will be insured for the drive from the stockyard to the Dealer showroom.
I have a feeling it might. though i am not certain.
If so, then one can take a short test drive outside the stockyard too.
But you are right, most dealers will not agree to this.

[ajay_satpute]

Originally Posted by mdsaab

That seems like a great deal. Last when i had visited the Hyundai showroom for the i10 they had offered me free insurance.
But i think the amount of cash discount your manager got is about the same as the free insurance would have been.
Question is, is free insurance still available + cash discount?
i was supposed to visit the hyundai showroom for you, will do so soon.
Sorry for the delay.

Dear mdsaab

Please don't say Sorry and all. As i had mentioned earlier, we are anyway waiting for the launch of new Swift as the rumor is that MSIL is launching an automatic variant of petrol swift. If it really comes, I would get that one without even blinking once, if not then i10 Asta comes to the garage. So no hurry. We have time atleast till new Swift is launched.

[sraye]

Originally Posted by ajay_satpute

we are anyway waiting for the launch of new Swift as the rumor is that MSIL is launching an automatic variant of petrol swift.

Hormaz Sorabjee' s tweet last night: OK can confirm that India - spec new swift coming in ZDi trims. ABS and 185/R65 R15 tyres but no push button.
power of pertol increased to 87ps. He does not mention AT.

[kap04]

Originally Posted by mdsaab

No way! You can get a VIN of even a car you are not buying and that too over the phone where the dealer has not even seen my face.
You will insist on a VIN number and he will have to provide the same.
Others on the forum have also got their VIN numbers before paying the full amount. Including me.
Secondly you are totally allowed to go to the stockyard, see the car, even take a short test drive before you OK it.
Once the car gets registered in your name there is not much you can do if something is wrong.
Be firm, make sure you are fully satisfied before agreeing to any particular car.
Note the VIN and chassis number of the vehicle you OK.
I have had bad experience with Bangalore folks when i bought my pool table. They promise a lot, and then try and take you for a ride in the end. The worst thing one can do is pay the full amount in advance.
Beware, dont get fooled & good luck.


RPRI April 2011 seems good enough.
Do a through PDI. If all seems well then OK it.
Good luck

After a series of phone calls , the SA & his manager agreed for a PDI before i paid the full amount. He has also sent my VIN # today. Its a May 2011 Model. I'm going to do the PDI tomorrow.

[spadix]

Originally Posted by mdsaab

Spadix you are spot on with your observations.
Only one Q. Don't you think the vehicle will be insured for the drive from the stockyard to the Dealer showroom.
I have a feeling it might. though i am not certain.

It has to be. And that's because T/R would have been done and so insurance can bs bought. I doubt if a vehicle can go out of the stockyard without a yellow/temporary number. So the delivery-day drive must happen only after road tax, T/R and insurance.

That's what I could make out of the whole thing. I'll re-confirm after looking at some dates from my purchase last year.

Regards,
spadix

[mdsaab]

Originally Posted by kap04

After a series of phone calls , the SA & his manager agreed for a PDI before i paid the full amount. He has also sent my VIN # today. Its a May 2011 Model. I'm going to do the PDI tomorrow.

Fantastic glad you showed them who's boss.
Wish you the very best with the PDI.
Also may 2011 is good enough.

Originally Posted by spadix

It has to be. And that's because T/R would have been done and so insurance can bs bought. I doubt if a vehicle can go out of the stockyard without a yellow/temporary number. So the delivery-day drive must happen only after road tax, T/R and insurance.

That's what I could make out of the whole thing. I'll re-confirm after looking at some dates from my purchase last year.

Regards,
spadix

One more Q. The car goes from the stockyard to the RTO for registration. What about that time.
Is it insured. If so then a test during stockyard PDI should not be an issue