Date: Wed, 25 May 88 11:30:31 EDT
From: Marko Chew <mpc@grus.ece.cmu.edu>
Message-Id: <8805251530.AA02910@grus.ece.cmu.edu>
To: bovik@cs.cmu.edu
Subject: New Car Dealers: Honda

Harry,

	I bought a new 1988 Honda Civic sedan in March 1988. I spent about
two whole days visiting and haggling with about 6 Honda dealers in the area.
I eventually bought the car from Washington Honda in Washington, PA. The
car salesman's name is Doug Rabe.

	Needless to say, the whole experience was traumatic. All the salesmen
wanted to play games and waste time. After the 3nd game at the third dealer,
I stumbled upon a counter-script to the saleman's spiel. My script goes as
follows:

	- I am interested in a xxxx with only the following options xxxx.
	  I have test driven the car. Right now the only thing I am
	  concerned with it price. I'd like to buy the car right now, but
	  I have to leave in 30 minutes.


	This strategy worked with Rainbow Honda (out in the sticks) and
Washington Honda. The lowest price respectively(with tradein) was $7800 and
$7500. Compare this with Valley Honda's $8800(1.0 hr of games) and
Greensburg Honda's $8200. (BTW. Stay away from Fred Creper from Valley Honda.
This guy is the stereotypical sleazeball. Very smooth and oily. I called
him back to see if he would match or beat my best offer. I let slip the name
of dealership with my best price. Fred calls the dealer and almost wrecks the
deal. )

	My experiences might be colored by the fact that Jan and Feb'88
were very bad car sales months. I think that American Honda sales were
down about 30-40% during those months. Sales(Mar-April) have increased 
phenomenally since then to ~%140-150(?) of last year's figures.
	  

	-Marko