Is $22,500 acceptable for a 2017 Honda Civic VTI?

Lmissjal on 30/12/2017 - 19:45
Last edited 01/01/2018 - 23:21

Update: Thank you to everyone that has responded to this post so far!
After leaving the dealership, I had a brief "what have i done!" moment as its my first time buying a new car. It started with reviewing all my research again.. then lead to this question!
The responses I've received have been so incredibly helpful, especially those who have shared their first hand experiences with everyone.

Overall I've learned that this is a good enough price and everyone may have a different opinion. It might not be the cheapest deal out there - but it was a great deal that I could afford and at the end of the day I can only be fortunate.

To maybe help others, I'll try to outline the steps I went through

  1. Use Carsales to compare used, ex demo and new car prices.
  2. Compare price of last years model to current and ask the car dealer for an estimate of next model prices.
  3. Check the market value of the car.
  4. Read this whirlpool thread from a car salesman (http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2255054)
  5. Call all the dealers in your state to establish the lowest price.
  6. Ignore the advertised price and promotions, there could always be a better deal if you ask.
  7. Write a "wishlist" of extra inclusions you would like, then throw in 2 more for added leeway. This way when you negotiate, you can offer to get rid of the unessential extras.
  8. Ask lots and lots and lots of questions. Find a car salesman you feel comfortable with.
  9. Each dealer can offer slightly different finance deals
    10.Test drive the car (i suppose this is a given!)
  10. Search through the ozbargain automotive forums as there is a tonne of information here. Type in keywords such as "new car", "brand of car", "how much?" etc. Same search applies for google, whirlpool etc.
  11. Call various companies such as Private fleet and they can help you with alternative prices to bring to the dealer. If you do decide to take on their prices, then they do charge a finders fee.

So my experience of the above:
1. Carsales had ex-demo Honda civics listed around $22,990 - $23,000. Compare this with the new car price and consider the added extras, warranty, roadside, low km.
2. Last years 2016 model (used) sat around $19,000 and new 2018 would most likely be advertised similar to current 2017 prices ($24,000)
3. Current market value for the Honda Civic 2017 hatch was $22,390
4. The whirlpool forum provided a lot of insight, such as to be upfront with the car salesman in what you want and thats what I did. I went to the dealership and asked for $22,000 + extras and negotiated the price I got today.
5. Before heading into the dealer, I called all Honda dealers around and established that $20,000 was a laughable price whilst $22,000 + extras was more acceptable.
6. At the time, Honda was offering a bonus $500 worth of accessories, 7 years warranty and roadside assistance at the drive away price of $24,500+ for the standard VTI
7. I asked for floor mats, tank of fuel, boot tray and tinting. I accepted tinting out of the deal.
8. If I could go back in time, I would have asked more questions. I also went to 2 dealerships when I felt ready to buy. I had a horrible experience at the first dealership from both the car salesman, manager and financer. Even though they accepted a lower offer than the one I paid, I discovered that they lied about a few things to get the sale, so I walked out. The second car salesman was much more friendly, patiently answered all my questions and found to be honest and upfront - so i gave him the sale.
9. Something I found out after accepting the offer. Honda's own finance is through Macquarie leasing and offer finance from Bank of Melbourne. The dealership that I went to could only offer Bank of Melbourne finance but was able to beat the current promotional interest rate of around 4.48% - which means I will pay less than the estimated cost per week.
10. I was lucky enough to drive this car as a Budget rental and liked it instantly! It was a 20+ hour "test drive" from Melbourne to Sydney and back that gave me plenty of time to like this car and its features.
11. I spent hours reading through the forums and searched for things like "honda civic 2017 VTI prices" and "how to buy a new car", "what to ask when buying a new car", which was relevant for my situation.
12. I called private fleet but didn't use their services and they actually didnt get back to me with prices. But in saying this, its in theory a good resource.

Anyway this is all i can think of at the moment, I'll add to it if i think of anything. I hope this proves useful to someone.

Happy New Year Ozbargainers, may the year bring you more discounts to come :)

Original post:
Today I purchased a 2017 Honda Civic VTI (hatch) during Honda's promotional 4 day sale for around $22,500 which was negotiated from their drive away price of around $24,500.
The price included standard rego, CTP, tank of fuel along with the promotional 7 year warranty and roadside. Extras I asked for were a boot tray, mats and a honda umbrella thrown in last minute (a little win).

My initial offer was $22,000 including the extras mentioned plus tinting but it was negotiated out - so I may have slight 'buyers remorse' as now I'm kicking myself I didnt try harder for it haha.

Anyway from a bargainers point of view do you think this was a good deal?

I think next time if i had to do the whole process again, I'd probably try a little harder in my negotiations and stick to my guns!

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2017 - 19:46
    +1

    Yes

  • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2017 - 19:51
    +9

    No

    • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:04

      What would you have done differently out of curiosity?

      • [Deactivated] on 30/12/2017 - 20:06
        +33

        Waited 2 days and purchased a 2018 model

        • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:09
          -3

          True, but i guess the 4 day promo was too enticing to wait till 2018

        • smuggler on 30/12/2017 - 20:14
          +1

          Barely any difference between the two

        • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:21
          +5

          @smuggler: I'd be interested to see if there was any big differences, but I'm happy not knowing for the meantime! The 2017 model is a HUGE upgrade after driving a 2002 honda civic for the last couple of years!

        • smuggler on 30/12/2017 - 20:50
          +3

          @missjal:

          I paid $19.5k for a used 2016 corolla (including on-road costs). I wish I had just coughed up some more money and bought your car brand new.

        • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:58

          @smuggler: That's pretty good!! The corolla was another car I was considering due to the price, features and look. But I have to say the Honda civic won me over after getting it as a rental and driving it from melb to syd - and back! We clocked up 2000+km and it was brand new hehe. It's a great little car. Funnily enough i don't see many on the roads..

        • smuggler on 30/12/2017 - 21:00
          +3

          @missjal:

          Funnily enough i don't see many on the roads..

          You'll see more Mazdas and Corollas. Cheaper to maintain.

        • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 21:02
          +2

          @smuggler: True! and also hyundai 130's :)

        • DangerNoodle on 01/01/2018 - 08:24

          Or waited 2 days and bought a 2017 model during the January 2017 runouts

        • Gaz1 on 01/01/2018 - 15:48
          +1

          @smuggler:
          Except perhaps a slightly higher resale value when it comes to selling a 2018 car over a 2017 car.

        • tradiesunited on 01/01/2018 - 18:05
          +1

          @smuggler:

          I thought honda was part of japanese cars? also cheap to maintain?

        • R-Man on 01/01/2018 - 18:43

          @smuggler: I'm a 2016 civic owner, is there any difference at all? I reckon there's none

        • smuggler on 01/01/2018 - 20:16
          +1

          @tradiesunited:

          They are. But the 2017 Civic is a new generation Civic with lots of bells and whistles.

        • jason andrade on 01/01/2018 - 21:07

          @missjal:

          not surprising - i think the i30 has been one of the most (if not the most?) popular small cars in the last 2-3 years.

          consistently good build quality and hyundai extended warranty..

        • lostn on 02/01/2018 - 17:38
          +2

          Waited 2 days and purchased a 2018 model

          You won't get a 2018 model this early. It would have to be manufactured, then complianced, then delivered. This takes a few months.

          It will be the same car as MY18 models built in 2017.

          Any car you buy in 1/1/18 is still going to be a 2017 manufactured car and won't have any increased market value or future resale value.

          Except perhaps a slightly higher resale value when it comes to selling a 2018 car over a 2017 car.

          If it's manufactured in 2017, it won't matter that you purchased it in Jan 2018. It will have the same resale value as the car you bought in December 2017.

          A car built on Jan 1 doesn't magically come off the assembly line, get complianced, and arrive by ship to Aust in one day.

        • buckster on 07/01/2018 - 13:02

          @tradiesunited: Honda tends to charge a premium for some parts vs. toyota and for warranty purposes requires you to do 6 month services

  • twobit on 30/12/2017 - 19:53
    +3

    Maybe

  • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 19:55
    +1

    this

  • Gareth on 30/12/2017 - 20:06
    +3

    Would you prefer to be sitting at home with $22k in your pocket and having walked?

    Me? I'd prefer a near-new 'ex-demo' or second hand unit - but $22.5k doesn't sound seem bad for new with the extras you got.

    • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:12

      Good point, I did look into ex-demo cars and they ended up being slightly more expensive than the new.. so i suppose there was a bargain there, thank you :)

      • lostn on 02/01/2018 - 17:42

        Depends how much cheaper the demo is.

        It's going to be test driven by people who don't give a F what they do to the car when putting through its paces.

    • theHMASfriendship on 30/12/2017 - 20:38
      +2

      I would have made it rain if I had $22k in my pocket

      • kahn on 30/12/2017 - 21:18
        +1

        The exotic dancers would flock around you.

  • jsb on 30/12/2017 - 20:07
    +49

    Since you have already purchased the vehicle, I suggest stop asking this question to yourself and to others. Only then you will be able to enjoy it. Congratulations.

    • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:14

      haha its a "curisosity killed the cat" situation isnt it? Thank you :)

      • Slippery Fish on 31/12/2017 - 09:43
        +4

        You got a deal you were happy with, that's a good deal imo.

        As for tinting just pay someone to do it, likely get a better job that way.

  • tanksinatra on 30/12/2017 - 20:13
    +3

    Seems to a be a pretty decent price? You got about 10% off what they were asking with lots of extras.

    Personally I'd have negotiated in the new year as those vehicles will be 'old stock' but I think your price was still reasonable.

    • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:17

      I agree with you there in regards to waiting. I guess after researching "best times to purchase cars" and seeing the sale I thought I would jump on it. Lessons learned for next time!

  • nubzy on 30/12/2017 - 20:18
    +9

    Personally I would never buy a brand new car, but if you have the means and can afford it (and don't mind losing money on depreciation) then you should be happy with it. Seems like a reasonable enough deal to me.

    • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:32
      +1

      Thank you for your insight! I've only ever driven pre-owned so it will be interesting to see how much this car depreciates… hopefully it wont be too scary. I tried to take depreciation between the current value of 2016 - 2017 and future 2018 models into account when finding the 'ideal' price. That being said I'll just have to be smart with my money from now on :)

    • ninetyNineCents on 01/01/2018 - 16:28
      +5

      buy a xiaomi scooter for $500…

    • jason andrade on 01/01/2018 - 21:10
      +2

      Depending on just how good the deal was (e.g. runout ? exdemo etc?) then he has paid $22.5k for a car worth $18.7k as he drove it out of the dealership..

      But that's a lot better than buying a $45k car that's now only worth $37k out the door..

  • Peter Enis on 30/12/2017 - 20:46
    +5

    You should have been asking this question BEFORE you bought it. It's irrelevant now and time to move on, you own it.
    Anyway, personally I think the current Civic is one of the ugliest cars available today. And this is coming from a current model Sportage owner which is also considered ugly by many!

    • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 20:51

      Absolutely agree - I suppose it was just curiosity eating away at me which lead to this question after purchase. haha i actually like the design so no remorse there! thank you :)

    • moonwalk on 30/12/2017 - 22:27

      haha ic. so what car is good looking to you?

      • Peter Enis on 30/12/2017 - 22:37
        +2

        Any current Alfa Romeo I would say is a good looking car, plus numerous others.

        But for a basic hatch I much prefer the look of the new i30 over the Civic.

    • chengjianer on 31/12/2017 - 00:00

      Well, i think the front looks pretty good. But for the back, it's not that attractive…

    • fastnbulbous on 01/01/2018 - 11:11

      Gotta love the tiger nose

  • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 21:05

    Thank you to all that have responded! You have put my overthinking mind at ease and I'm honestly very rapt with my purchase :)
    Much appreciated

    • boccos on 31/12/2017 - 09:11
      +1

      You have done really well on that deal.

  • iinfm on 30/12/2017 - 21:09
    +2

    It is a great deal. Not the cheapest, but not far off. Enjoy your new car.

  • moonwalk on 30/12/2017 - 22:27
    +1

    Why didnt you go with the turbo engine one? =)

    • missjal on 30/12/2017 - 22:45

      ooh i know right! But there was a finance offer only applicable to the VTI model. Next car for sure :P

  • Bargainaholic on 30/12/2017 - 23:02
    +2

    I personally think it was a sharp price.
    I would have also purchased a 2017 now with the 7 year warranty, as the extended warranty offer is up until 31 Dec.

  • Chik5555 on 30/12/2017 - 23:37
    +1

    Enjoy your new car. I test drove it (after owning a now older Civic too) and loved all the space in the centre console for stuff.

  • chengjianer on 31/12/2017 - 00:06

    Since the OP asked this question, which made me go to carsales and I was checking some of the Honda models, i find some, eg Civic, Jazz, City are from Thailand now?! Not Japan??

    Or are the parts like engines, transmission are from Japan but assemble in Thailand??

    • freakthe on 31/12/2017 - 00:23

      Civic has been assembled in Thailand.
      Engines and transmission (CVT?) should be made in Japan I guess

    • axlfan on 01/01/2018 - 12:10
      +1

      Really not sure how country of origin matters overall. Obviously they cannot sell it at this pricepoint if it was made in japan and nobody would pay if it was costlier.
      I think that moving car manufacturing overseas is a win-win especially for the economy commuter car segment.

      Just to give you an idea, I owned a 2003 Honda Accord in the USA from 2009 to 2016. It was made in Japan. I had the v4 model. The v6 model was also made in Japan and prone to constant breakdowns. My car drove like a champ. No major issues at all but it did have a few recall issues.

  • freakthe on 31/12/2017 - 00:24
    +1

    I quite like the new look esp the back - but it seems like everyone's opinion is different.

    By the way everyone, what do you think of Honda's reliability these days?

    • Scab on 31/12/2017 - 09:35

      I think they're ugly, the vents are too big and the lines too angular.

      Honda used to make the best looking Japanese cars by far, they look like crap now.

      Mazda look much better in my opinion.

      • freakthe on 31/12/2017 - 23:00
        +1

        Yes I agree. Esp the Civic

        • fusion17 on 01/01/2018 - 10:30

          agreed - they look like matchbox cars i played with as a kid.
          The new type r, looks wise is awful.

    • Lancerx on 01/01/2018 - 15:32
      +1

      Each to its own. I personally thought Lancer looked best. Maza too "lady-like", so would still prefer Honda to Mazda any day in term of look

  • theguru1 on 31/12/2017 - 07:27
    +2

    Honda were right up there but they lost the plot.

    You bought well. Now just go and enjoy your purchase.

  • sunnyboys2 on 31/12/2017 - 10:33

    Was this for a manual ? If not, this is a great price

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 15:36

      It was auto. I'm not sure if they make a manual version!

  • f38r1 on 31/12/2017 - 11:22

    Why ask after you buy? Never ask after you buy. Will only make u feel bad

  • Frugal99 on 01/01/2018 - 03:33
    +3

    Congratulations. I think you've done very well. I purchased in march a 2017 civic sedan with boot tray mats weathersheild for the windows and tint and paid $23500 and i thought that was a good deal . Also Honda was advertising the demos on their for the same price 22.5 only 2 months ago so for new I would say thats very good plus the 7 year warranty . I don't know of any many new cars that you can get with an auto for 22.5 . I would be happy with the purchase.

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 15:35

      This is a really insightful reply thank you! You scored a great price with all the extras, Happy new year!

  • rickxs on 01/01/2018 - 09:47

    did it come with front & /or rear parking sensors? .CVT ho hum

    .,,

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 21:58

      It came with rear parking sensors as a standard feature, but I've heard its quite basic

  • devilbabies on 01/01/2018 - 11:08
    +6

    put a spoon engine in it. with a T66 turbo and NOS. and a motec exhaust. you need to put 15 grand into it or more.
    overnight parts from japan if you have to.

    • Tech and cars on 01/01/2018 - 11:41
      +1

      LOL!

    • reon on 03/01/2018 - 10:31

      ^ vtec baby,
      you realised civic is designed by accountant right not an engineer

  • axlfan on 01/01/2018 - 12:06
    +1

    I paid $11,290 for a 2012 Hyundai Elantra which has 94k on it at the time. I bought it in Hobart in March 2016 and it was still in warranty. It has 104k kms on it now and runs well. I felt this was a decent deal for the money.
    You have paid almost double the price and got a nice new Civic with great safety features, dependable Honda engine and full warranty.

    It seems like you got a great deal. Dont beat yourself up and ENJOY your purchase. How much could you have saved? Not worth the trouble. :)

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 22:04
      +1

      For pre owned that is quite good, especially for a Hyundai with warranty, good job. Weighing up what you have mentioned about reliability, warranty etc, you are absolutely right - probably wouldn't have saved too much more! Happy new year!

      • axlfan on 05/01/2018 - 18:57

        Happy new year to you as well. enjoy ur puchase!

  • ipiok on 01/01/2018 - 12:08

    be honest OP… you just want an ego boost..

  • JimB on 01/01/2018 - 12:22
    +2

    I think it's a good price. Someone will always pay a little less but doesn't matter it's cheap.

    Consider this-

    In 1990, my dad offered $25,000 for a Honda Civic and was rejected.

    Back then, a house in Melbourne was about 5x Civics.

    Today, in $ terms the house has increased x7 and the Civic is cheaper.

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 22:31

      I really, really appreciate this sort of reply as it provides a different perspective. Thank you :)

  • serpserpserp on 01/01/2018 - 13:32
    +1

    TLDR: I'm gloating about my purchase please validate me.

  • CalmLemons on 01/01/2018 - 13:35

    it's a good price.

    can't imagine the number of ozbargainers that are now going to go out and tell honda they got it for $20500 with lifetime free servicing lol.

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 22:34

      I hope so!! Less people paying RRP the better :)

  • jelko on 01/01/2018 - 15:33
    +2

    Mate, who cares if you could have saved a few hundred extra dollars or got a extra special bonus thrown in for free? You just bought a brand new car! Go out and enjoy it!

  • username999 on 01/01/2018 - 16:07

    Can you come and negotiate a new Hyundai i30 for me? You've gotten a pretty good deal lol

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 17:51

      I would love to help :) I really like the Hyundai 130's so really hope you can get one at an ozBargainers price haha

  • kylarstern on 01/01/2018 - 16:20
    +1

    It's a Honda Civic. Comon! Unless you're talking about buying anything more than $50k then I'd say you've made a good choice and should stop asking silly questions such as this. Enjoy it. Me personally I would've waited and got an ex-demo with the same bells and whistles for a few thousand less. And I would've chosen a Mazda 3 or VW Golf over this in all honesty. But hey each to their own.

    • happypuppy on 02/01/2018 - 16:42

      Just bought a Civic after having owned a 2012 Golf for 5 years. Scheduled servicing is at least 60% cheaper with Honda and not having to constantly worry about issues with DSG or faulty water pumps. The Golf is a better drive though!

  • Duram on 01/01/2018 - 16:39
    -1

    Did you buy this car for your girlfriend?

  • maddykartik on 01/01/2018 - 17:31
    +1

    i was offered 22000$ drive away for Honda Civic VTi Sedan 2017 Blue colour 3 days ago from Parramatta Trivett Honda.
    Includes 7yrs roadside assistance, 7yrs warranty, CTP, rego. (no full tank fuel though - anyway 70$ or so only)
    Leaning more towards an used Mazda 6 now (2015+ model) for around the same price point.

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 17:56

      Wow they must have really wanted the sale! I had a similar situation too in which they accepted $22k, but for a blue, red or white model. I figured if i was getting a new car, may as well wait to get "modern steel". Which is getting shipped down from NSW as VIC didnt have any stock, I think this is why its $500 more :)

      • El Grande on 01/01/2018 - 22:04

        Did you buy in VIC? That's a good price. RRP is $24,990 here so you saved $2,490 + Accessories. Stamp duty and Rego is cheaper in NSW so the car should work out about $600 cheaper in NSW. You did good!

        • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 22:17

          Yep bought in VIC. That's really interesting, I didn't know Stamp duty + Rego was cheaper or different prices in other states, good to know!

  • [Deactivated] on 01/01/2018 - 17:32

    Great price OP, well done. When I was looking for a small car (civic, focus etc) I was lucky to squeeze even $500 off the advertised promo price. A lot of car for the price.

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 22:26

      I was reading a thread on ozbargain in which someone received a good $4k off the price of their car. They listed their steps in getting that price which helped out a lot! I guess the discount is quite subjective depending on what type of car, the time you buy and maybe even where its purchased from

  • BMAKJ on 01/01/2018 - 20:13

    Great work OP! Just for boot-tray would of been $15X saved as well! Just out of curiosity, which dealerships did you go initially and to buy the car?

    • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 22:28
      +1

      I would love to say but I don't think it would be fair to name and shame them publicly. I can PM you if you like

      • username999 on 01/01/2018 - 22:37

        Hi, can you pm me the Melb dealerships you went to if you don't mind? I was initially settled on a new i30 but your post have now got me in interested in the Civic hatch after a bit of researching and youtubing :)

        It looks like Honda is extending their annual special promotion (on their website). It'll be my first brand new car purchasing so hopefully get a similar great deal as you haha

        • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 22:42
          +1

          Oh thats so exciting! Aim for around $22k or even less now that it's 2018, hope you get a great bargain! I'll pm you :)

        • username999 on 02/01/2018 - 00:10

          @missjal: Thanks :)

      • BMAKJ on 02/01/2018 - 12:38

        Sure :)

  • dlakers3peat on 01/01/2018 - 21:53
    -3

    You sound like a nightmare customer.

    • THICKnSLOW on 01/01/2018 - 23:08
      +3

      This site is ozbargain. He could have asked how to get a civic for free.

      • missjal on 01/01/2018 - 23:14
        +2

        *She ;)
        haha can you imagine the shock horror of the dealer?

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