Honda CRV EXL or Subaru Forester Touring
 

My wife and I are looking at purchasing a new Honda CRV EXL or Subaru Forester Touring. I was wondering what recent experience anyone has had with purchasing from Honda or Subaru dealers within 100 miles of The Villages. I'd also be interested in what people thing of 2023 Honda CRV EXL or Subaru Forester Touring trims if they have either of the vehicles.

According to KBB.com, the fair value for both of those vehicles is about $500 less than the MSRP. If I were buying one, I would get a copy of the window sticker for an acceptable vehicle on the lot, subtract $500 from the MSRP, and then add the sales tax (6 percent plus $50) and the title and tag transfer fees ($125). It wouldn't matter what dealer I went to, they could accept that amount or not. Why bother engaging in the dealer games, deceptions, worthless options, and bogus dealer fees?

I've owned both, go with the Honda. Subarus have great marketing but very, very, very, bad maintenance issues. I have had two head gaskets go out, $4,200 each and one transmission module $2,200. My Honda's....lets see, gas and tires, that's about it. Hondas last forever, and they ride really well.

As a former VP of sales I have zero patience with dealerships. When I buy a car, and I have bought dozens, I call or go online to the dealership, tell them I am willing to pay MSRP (or what the current market price is not to exceed msrp) and all appropriate taxes, and NONE of the bull****, If they want to sell the car under those terms contact me. It will be a cash deal. Works every time. Last purchase of a 2023 Honda CRV took less than 15 minutes in the dealership.

I've had three Subarus (2 foresters 1 impreza) loved all three. No problems I kept all for 10-12 years. Got rid off them because I wanted a newer cars. Honda is also a very nice car. But what ever you do shop outside the villages area. The Subaru dealer in Leesburg has the worst sales dept. I pay cash and keep my car for 10-12 years. The salesman was arguing with me that a lease would be better. When I finally got a price it was over sticker. I call Subaru in Ocala, gave him the vin# almost $2500.00 less.

The dealers really don't like cash buyers as they get a kick-back from the financial institutions that they use for the loans. A friend of mine that sells Cadillacs told me not to mention I'm paying cash until the final price is signed, a few times over the years they asked me in advance so I simply told them 20% down and I'll finance and then after the deal was done I just wrote out a check for the entire amount which they didn't want to accept but they did.

I hate buying cars also so I do some research and have a final figure in mind, I make them an offer for $200 less than I'm willing to pay out the door and tell them you have 15 minutes or I'm walking, they always come back for more so that's when I give them the other $200. I only had to walk out one time over the years.

I’d recommend CarMax if you don’t mind a slightly used one. Save some $$$

Check Costco car buying service. Will give you a starting point for pricing. Do Not use anyone in Leesburg unless you enjoy a painful experience

Clermont Honda was decent to deal with a few years ago
[url=https://www.headquarterhonda.com/]

If you live here in Florida or winter here you perhaps don't need the 4 wheel drive of the Subaru and are able to purchase the Honda in a front wheel model. The price of a 4wd might make the difference. The model of Subaru I looked at only came in a 4wd but perhaps the model you are looking at is available in 2wd.

I don't agree with that strategy. I am always upfront, honest, and polite with the dealer. I believe that trying to deceive the dealer will not get you a better price. Why stoop to their level? I always tell them in advance that I am paying cash and there will be no trade in. That is the honest and best way to buy a vehicle.

Everyone has a different strategy dealing with dealerships, my procedure is to , tell the salesman what car, model ,color and options, I stay with my trade-in so they can't hold it hostage, get the out the door price, then go to 2-3 other dealerships, telling all what I intend and will be back if they have the best price, if that changes I walk, no argument

Had many Subarus over the years, my last one was a 2008 Forester. Sold it in 2015 to my mechanic with over 160,000 miles for a very good price. At the same time my wife bought a 2008 Honda CRV, which has 170,000 miles. We are giving one of our kids the CRV. We were looking at the Forester Premium, and pretty much decided on that. But, we stopped at Jenkins Honda, and to make a long story short, we bought a 2024 CRV EXL.
Yes, we did have problems with the Subys as they got older, but very little with the CRV.

I bought a 2019 Certified Honda CRV Touring All wheel drive with 6000 miles. Buying certified gives you an additional 1 year warranty. I love my Honda with all the bells and whistles. Don't buy close to TV, they all try to scalp the old folks. I got mine in Ocala, don't think I'd buy from them again, they s crewd me on the trade in. Just sayin.

Which one Subaru or Honda is simply a personal decision. From personal experience and research, I can say both are excellent SUV’s. Drive each and make a decision. The dealerships are equal too. Good luck.

I have a Honda and have had no problems. I agree with the other posts, do not buy from a dealership close to the Villages. They try to get you to pay much more than you should. Go outside of the bubble as far as comfortable for you. The dealers in Ocala and Leesburg are well aware folks from the Villages use them to try to save money. They too will try to trap you into paying higher prices. Wherever you choose do not tell the salesperson you live in the Villages.
They see $$$$ with that information. If they need an address give one of your relatives. Just my experience of living in the Villages for 20+ years. People seem to think we are all millionaires.