Topic: 06 honda element-want to buy one--now--, but..

[jose]

Hi--this is a very interesting forum site, so many knowledgeable people out there-so thought I could get some help.
I want to buy an 06 honda element, so went to my local dealer, all prepared to make a deal. They had 3 in stock-none of which were the exact type I wanted--base model, standard, 2wd. The salesperson said they would be getting one in, in march, that would match my requests--not even considering colour. She also said that if they could find one at another dealer, it would take at least 3 weeks to deliver. Is this normal? I am in BC, and there are about 20 dealers here, (thinking back to the honda canada website listings), and are there that few 06 elements out there, right now, that this is to be expected? Geez. I just want an element, and am pretty well willing to pay the asking price (almost).
I am supposing that my next step is to go to other dealers, and see what's what. Is there a shortage of these out there, and would I be able to get any sort of deal, considering this?
Any comments/ info would be greatly appreciated. I've never bought a new car before, and figured dealers would be more eager to get money from me, than this particular one seems to be.
Jose

[articsteve]

Just start calling dealers yourself until you find the one you want.  BC is a strange car market from what I read here.  Bargain hard because Elements are not selling.

[Trainman]

Try another dealer.

When I bought our 1996 Mystique (new), it had to come from a dealer on Vancouver Island to Richmond, took less than a week.  Of course this was for a domestic in low demand!    

Any good salesperson would do an inventory search for you and let you know if there is one (or more) that would meet your requirements and where it (they) are.  I do not think the Element is in great demand, so not sure of the issue.

Just start calling dealers yourself until you find the one you want. BC is a strange car market from what I read here. Bargain hard because Elements are not selling.

BC strange?  No Way!  It is everyone else who is strange   

I am sure Hondasaleguy will be help out too.

[AVToller]

The Element MAY be in low demand, but usually the absolute base model is very hard to find as there is relatively little markup on them. You may very well have a long wait for one of these "rare birds".

[boytoys]

There are also other resources on the net.. like hondaelement.org elementownersclub.com hondatrucks.com....

[The Mighty Duck]

It wasn't Honda City in Victoria was it?  I'm not a big fan...  if you're on the Island, Discovery Honda in Duncan is much better (in my very limited experiance).

[Zoo]

From my experience dealing with Honda dealers they typically don't like to have "strippers" in their showroom (no not what you might be thinking). As AVToller said there is very little markup on a no option vehicle. You may find 2WD and a stick; but you will end up with a higher trim level. Hey, not the most popular vehicle so start bargaining with some dealers and see what you can get for a deal. I think these things are kind of neat in a dark grey or black.

[hondasalesguy]

The Base Element is togh to sell, partly because of the fugly wheels, and also because it doesn't have ABS brakes. Go for a Y PKG 5 speed, you should be able to weasel $1000 off list price, and they will be in higher supply so you could likely get immediate delivery...