Seeing you are in Ohio, that may be why you were able to get them lower being the plant is in Marysville Ohio. Being in the south, I have worked at Honda as a tech, and know a whole lot of people who have bought Hondas and the only discount are factory rebates, college graduate, or first responder which is only $500.00 of of MSRP. If you try and deal, they tell you the deal is already in the MSRP, if you don’t buy it, someone will come in here and buy it. I bought several Hondas and paid what that MSRP was. As a Honda employee the max is 20% off MSRP.
There are places that will give a buyer that song and dance; however, the shrewd buyer knows that there are dealers that would rather do a skinny deal than none at all.
I bought new Accords in 1985 and 89. There were dealerships that stated that price was MSRP or above. One that I visited was 2K over sticker. When he saw me walking to the door, he dropped the 2K over.
I didn't stop walking. I found a dealership (and salesperson) who was willing to deal. Even though I can't remember the exact figures, I was over 2K under sticker on both.
The worst deal that I ever made on a Honda was on a 2000 Odyssey. That was when the then new body style came out, and waiting lists and pricing at or above sticker was commonplace. I ended up at $400. off MSRP. Since my wife's Mercury van was just repurchased under the Lemon Law, she needed a car and I didn't have many options. I was able to get it in 6 weeks, vs. the 6 month minimum wait at other dealers.
Traded that off on a 2006 Odyssey. That was $4500. off of sticker before we even discussed a trade.
Next Honda that I purchased was the '12 Accord in my signature. It was a leftover when the 13's were out. There was some "Additional Equipment" involved as they had tarted it up on spec. I purchased that one 5K off of the Mulroney sticker. Dealership claimed they lost $1600. on the deal. I told them that it was 1) a year old car, and 2) they were the ones that accepted the deal.
I actually live about 25 miles from the Honda plant in Marysville. When I was shopping the Pilot, I got a quote from the dealer just down the highway from the plant on Rt. 33. That was the second highest quote that I received. The one that I purchased was over $4200. cheaper than the quote that I received from that dealer. I purchased from a dealer in West Virginia.
Cars.com, Auto Trader, as well as forums dedicated to the make/Model of vehicle in question, coupled with an internet connection, an e mail address, a business like mentality/attitude, and some geographical flexibility will get you the best deal on virtually any mainstream vehicle.
