[wpf]

Two weeks ago I placed a deposit for on a SS premium Nav from a local dealer her in metro Boston. I had checked all the local dealers and this one had the shortest wait time and no gouging. I was told I would get delivery in May. I found acuramdx.org a few days later and since have learned a lot from everyone-THANKS.

Here's my question/dilema

After reading tons of threads I learned that some have been able to get an X sooner by locating one out of the area (like out of state-many miles away) Like everyone who is waiting I want my X yesterday.

I have located an SS touring Nav down south I could have the end of this month. It coincides with a planned vacation so I have the time to get it. It does have touring which I could go for.

I called my local sales guy and asked him if I added touring would I get my X sooner. He said yes- probably a month sooner, maybe more, but no guarentees.

SO MY QUESTIONS ARE

1. If I buy out of state will I be treated the same by the service people back home? (I've had Audi's and the local dealer had a box on the service slip to check if the car was bought from them or elsewhere- My first one wasn't and I felt like I was treated second class because I didn't buy from them, the later cars bought from them they were O.K.)

2. Should I trust my local sales guy to get it sooner and just be patient and wait an not deal with the out of state shuffle?

Any input would be appreciated

Thanks!

 

[jskibi]

Maybe I'm paranoid but...

I'm a newbie too, but my dealer insisted that regardless of where the purchase was made, that any dealership will maintain the vehicle. They do make money servicing too. Although, he might have just been saying that close the deal. Definitely understand your concern, but how do they know you haven't just moved into town?

My other concern from reading threads is that after waiting 3-6 months for the arrival of your vehicle, how do you ensure that when you present for delivery that they ordered the appropriate vehicle. One of the threads described a purchaser that ordered one color, walked by another color vehicle, and the dealer said take it or leave it. I don't typically have bad luck, but didn't want to drive or fly one way to be extremely disappointed.

Just my $0.02

Joe

 

[GatorGreg]

If I buy out of state will I be treated the same by the service people back home? (I've had Audi's and the local dealer had a box on the service slip to check if the car was bought from them or elsewhere- My first one wasn't and I felt like I was treated second class because I didn't buy from them, the later cars bought from them they were O.K.)

I'm guessing you'll be treated just as nice back home. I don't recall ever having to check a box like that at an Acura dealer and I received good service from Acura dealers up north on my old '89 Fla bought Integra. I suppose if you had a local dealership that received a lot of repeat business from you over the years, the general manager might tell the service department to keep you extra happy or something so you'll want to buy your next car from them. Other than that, I don't think the service guys will care where your car came from.

 

[octavian]

Well, my dealer called me with the VIN number and said my Beige X would be arriving in 10 days. I told him, "But I ordered BLACK" and showed him my emails to remind him. Ooops, he made a mistake when he put my name next to a "B" on the order list.

Fortunately it all worked out, but cost me about 4 weeks delay.

Anyway, to your point about dealer servicing your X...yes, any dealer is SUPPOSED to treat you the same, whether or not you bought from them.

But, let me tell you, I have been asked by both my Honda and Acura dealers when I brought my car in for the first time, "Did you buy it here?" They put a note in their service system. And I leverage that to the hilt whenever I need a loaner or need them to get me in earlier for oil changes, etc.

Bottom line....all Acura customer are treated equal. But some are treated more equally than others.

Something to consider when deciding who to buy from.

 

[wpf]

Octavian

Having only driven Audi's since 1984 my service experience was with them only. When you went in for service their database knew if you bought it from them and would be indicated on every service printed write up. The last two cars I bought from them the first three years I was treated well (loaner cars- quick appt. times)while they were under warranty. After that definetly not the same. Seemed funny as they got paid either way.

Well I hear what your saying about equal treatment and having leverage, Thanks

 

[sars]

Just do what I did...phone the service manager at your local dealer and ask him. You can gauge by his or her response if you'll have any issue

I live in Boston and bought in RI...............

 

[wpf]

Thanks SARS, that's a good idea.

Have you had to bring your X in for any service yet? If so how was your experience. What was the wait from RI.

 

[acbrown]

I've owned an 87 Integra, as well as a 94 Integra that were both serviced from dealers that I didn't buy from. I've never had any trouble with warranty work, including the replacement of transmission in the 94 Integra. I did purchase my MDX from the local dealer, but service was never a concern. At my local dealer, each department seems to be run separately, so they don't seem to care where your car came from. It's my understanding that they like warranty work, because Honda pays them pretty well.

-Aaron

 

[wmquan]

It depends on the individual dealership. I know that in the past, my dealership has been better about giving loaners out to people who have purchased the vehicle from them. Acura doesn't have a corporate-wide policy on loaners, it's up to the individual dealerships (most makes are like this, actually).

E.g. when my in-laws started getting service from our dealership, they weren't given loaners, except in one case when I think one happened to be available (so maybe purchasers simply get first crack at the loaners, or it may have simply been the fact that it was an expensive job).

I agree with the comments here, though. The dealership should still treat you well regardless. However, there may be certain extras that may be harder to get. But if they treat you shoddily, then the heck with them and they don't deserve your business in the first place.

I'd ask: "if I purchase an MDX from you, what benefits will your service department extend to me when my vehicle requires servicing?" Then ask, casually, "if someone doesn't purchase the vehicle from you but just brings it in, do they receive the same benefits?" Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[tjwid]

I'd ask: "if I purchase an MDX from you, what benefits will your service department extend to me when my vehicle requires servicing?" Then ask, casually, "if someone doesn't purchase the vehicle from you but just brings it in, do they receive the same benefits?" Doesn't hurt to ask.

That is a good suggestion to test your dealer. You may be able to get some free servervices from the local dealership. On the other hand. free service is useless from dealer out of town. But, you can ask for free stuff.

 

[lester123]

SO MY QUESTIONS ARE

1. If I buy out of state will I be treated the same by the service people back home? (I've had Audi's and the local dealer had a box on the service slip to check if the car was bought from them or elsewhere- My first one wasn't and I felt like I was treated second class because I didn't buy from them, the later cars bought from them they were O.K.)

Thanks! [/B]

I bought my MDX locally because I was able to get my best deal there, but also checked other alternatives. Now I am spending the winter in southern Florida and went to the local Acura dealer for the first service - oil change. They treated me great, and I couldn't have expected anything better. One thing though - saw a sign indicating that if you bring a car in there for service (other than just an oil change) and bought the car there, you can have a car loaner for the day at no charge.

 

[TONYSFINS]

As a Acura sales rep it can be upsetting when someone buys a car else where .You sold the car to but didn't get paid for it. You might say that you'll get better treatment if you buy it here . It is some what true , But remember that acura send surveys out and just the mention that you are not getting equal treatment and you will let Acura know that should takecare of any problems. Good Luck

 

[octavian]

Yeah, baby.....it SHOULDN'T make any difference where you bought from, but in many cases it DOES.

Like I said in a previous post, I leverage the snot of of the fact that I bought from the very same dealer I am taking my MDX or Ody in for servicing. Customer loyalty at work.

Of course, if these dealers were idiots, I'd go to other local dealers, tell them that I was unhappy and offer to give THEM all my service business. And then I would deliver on my promise.

Don't try to bamboozle the service dept by saying "Oh, I used to live in Kentucky where I bought my MDX, but now I moved to Chicago. Treat me well." First of all, you will bre acting like the sleazy car salepeople we all abhor, and second, the Acura dealer can track, if they so desire, your home address at the time of purchase.

 

[wpf]

Decided to stay local, Allotment Question?

Thanks Everyone for your input.

I've decided to stay with the local dealer and wait a little longer.

Supposed to get my SS,Touring Nav in April.

The dealer said that since they are doing major renovations to their showroom Acura may send them a few more X's per allotment, so possible to get my X earlier.

Does anybody know if that's true?

Can't wait to call Tim

Planning on mud flaps, wheel locks, cargo tray and cover, wood dash, bsm and black Maniks.

 

[MDXLooker]

I also have my "X" on order at the same dealership whose showroom is under renovation. They gave me the same line
about additional allocation based on the expected larger showroom.
I have also put a deposit down at another area Acura dealer, and they have also called with much improved delivery date. So, I haven't seen any benefit from their renovation.
Oh, and by the way, when they called to tell me the expected
delivery date, I mentioned the other dealer had given me virtually the same delivery date, and since I'm paying MSRP already, I told them the first one to deliver gets the business.
All of a sudden I'm told they can throw in Wheel Locks, Cargo Tray, and Mud Flaps if I go with them.

Wow, maybe I do have some leverage to negioate a better deal as the delivery date gets closer!!!!

Great to have a site like this to share info, huh???

 

[TONYSFINS]

We just finished renovation at our dealership. Acura is suppose to give the dealer an extra 60 days supply of cars. Whether they take it at once or get a few each month. A lot of times they just call up and say we have touring silver or whatever . So we don't know til the middle of the month what extra cars we are getting.
good luck

 

[wpf]

Thanks MDXLooker,

I have a deposit at Peabody.

Where have you placed your deposits?

Thanks

 

[MDXLooker]

I sent you a PM with this info...

 

[nikonf]

Hi WPf,
I think it was you that called me last week. You were looking to purchase at Proctor? Sounds like you changed your mind. Good luck and I hope it arrives in April as they are stating. Seems like the wait times are decreasing. TONYSFINS, are you from Proctor? I purchased a MDX back in the middle of December. My Sales Rep. was Kriss which I heard has since left. I had a great experience buying my MDX there and would recommend Proctor to anyone looking to purchase a MDX and willing to travel.

 

[Markedoc]

Might think about Acura of Auburn, MA - I've bought there in the past and have sent friends there - and I'm taking delivery of a 2002 GG in the next few days. Good people at that dealership and seemingly less BS.

Let me know if you want contact info.