Happy with Honda of Ocala
 

[QUOTE=tv2016;2297253]Hi, I’m considering buying a new Honda. I have dealt with Leesburg Honda and would like a different option.

Have you had good experiences with other Honda dealers? (Willing to drive 100 or so miles if necessary)

Thank you.[/QUOTE

WE bought a 2021 CR-V XL from Honda of Ocala and after first negotiating, I told guy we were going to lunch and would be back. He said what do has to be done to get deal. First, they had the exact car we wanted on lot - but we (don't think we did) didn't show how much we liked it. They gave us offer for our trade in and I didn't think it was close to what we wanted. After a little haggling they came up $5,000!!!. I then wanted no tax, no add ons, no dealer prep, etc and just out the door with set price. They agreed, we were very happy and got the car in little over an hour!! Even service so far has been fine - make appointment, get service, they take us to mall drop us off and pick us up. Happy with them.

Been in FL for a few decades, I've bought everything in Tampa. Although I will add to that, the Tampa market is beginning to sour like the others.

Honda HA in Clermont was our final stop. We spent much time with many dealerships. Between supply challenges, various issues with sales representatives, lack of customer service (to our liking) and knowing the deals were blatantly bad we finally connected with a good fit (for us) at Honda GQ and an acceptable deal. Very frustrating ordeal. Good luck!

Check out the website of Ray and Zach Shefska. It’s called Caredge. On the site, you can search all inventory by specific model within a designated area ( I.e., 100 miles) and it will show all vehicles including days on market which is a very useful tool when negotiating. You can also see forums where people show the purchase orders and deals offered for similar models. The site is not a lead generator for the dealers. It’s exactly the opposite and dealers hate them. Ray is a retired dealer GM who is tired of dealers ripping off consumers. Search for Caredge or Ray Shafska. You’ll save $$$

Honda Dealer
 

Just experienced buying a new CRV Hybrid. Test drove at Honda of Leesburg 1st, tried to negotiate a deal. The Honda of Ocala. Ended up purchasing at Gary Yeomans in Daytona. Probably not your same situation as I was trading in a vehicle. Yes you can get more by a private sale but with the tax savings we were fine with it. The offered the most for trade in, lowest price on the car out the door, and offered free oil changes and lifetime warranty which local dealers do not. Worked the deal with "internet sales person" over the phone. Easy to work with. The funny part was the color we wanted was the exact car we test drove in Leesburg, so they had it delivered to the dealership in Daytona, tinted the windows and added accessories, then had it delivered to the house here in TV. So far so good!

Go to Clermont. Much better deals

Honda purchase
 

I drove to Ocean Honda in Port Richy who were fair and good. However, last year’s $500 oil change in Ocala showed me pettiness. That was more than I’d spent the five years I’d had my last two Hondas. I’ve owned Hondas since 1980
Be careful!

"Dealers hate them"? I wonder why they put so much effort into signing Dealers onto their program? []Page not found - CarEdge

CarEdge is just another semi-scam, "buying service". A "lead generator" is EXACTLY what CarEdge is, they're just adding another middle-man that needs to get paid a piece of the action.

A few years ago, I searched all around the area trying to find a fair price : Leesburg, Ocala, Clermont. This was before Covid. What I found was that all the dealers nearby added on over $2,000 of needless options. Some would not sell without their special package. There may have been only a couple things in the package, but I was told they would not sell the car without the whole package.
Anyway, I went back up to Ohio to check and ended up getting exactly what I wanted for $1,850 less.

I have never included needless options in an offer to buy a vehicle. The dealer must accept my offer without charging anything for them or I will not buy the car. Only uninformed buyers will even discuss dealer add-ons. The dealer only adds them as a gimmick to fool uninformed buyers who think they are getting a good deal when the dealer reduces the price for worthless options.

Thank you very much for the great inputs. I appreciate you sharing your experiences.

Good news! I got the new car last night from Honda of Ocala and I am happy! Salesperson Joshua Peacock was great.

Thanks again.

Love honda in Homasassa. Vic is the manager there…tell him I referred you…will put you with a good salesperson and give you the best deal he can.

Honda Purchase
 

I had a great buying experience through Sams Club buying club. If you belong to Costco they have one as well. Narrow down year, model, trim wishlist etc. They contact dealers and get you close to your wishes. Narrow it down by the offers you receive and contact the dealer for the “out the door price”. If your going to trade in put your info into carvana and get a quote on what they will pay you and use this info at the dealer. Remember you would have to pay tax on your full purchase price if you take the check from Carvana and don’t reduce your purchase price with trade in. I bought a Mazda from Classic in Orlando and saved a considerable amount from the local offers. Hope that helps!

Jenkins Honda
 

I have been dealing with Jenkins Honda for 10 years. Never had a complaint until a recent visit. I had an appointment for a repair, but for some reason it was not even started while I waited. I complained to the service manager. I was given a loaner and my car was delivered to my home the next day. The $175 cost of the repair was 'forgiven,' due to the miscommunication on their part, gas tank filled, and the car was completely detailed. Mistakens happen with any business, but the way Jenkins made restitution made me realize that this is a company that honors good customer service. (PS I always work with salesman, Bill Gleason, who has worked with my budget to put me in new Hondas.)

I did not have a good experience with Honda in Leesburg, nor Honda in Ocala.