[jrref]

Originally Posted by tv2016

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.

We went to Honda of Ocala trying to get away from the scam dealerships near the Villages. The problem is, any car that's in demand and short supply puts the dealership in control of the deal. You can get up and walk away but there will be someone right behind you ready to buy the car. That said, after 4 hours we got to a point where I slightly over paid for my 2023 Honda CRV Hybrid but I can say after that their support and maintenance is excellent. They are very attentive to your needs and the work is done well. Never have to worry if it was done properly or done at all. We probably got one of the first few 2023 CRV Hybrids delivered because we didn't see many on the road for at least 4 months after we purchased ours. I don't know if I'll go back to them next time but just wanted to share my experience. Bottom line, in-demand car in short supply = little or no deal no matter where you go based on my experience.

[CarlR33]

As some others have said why buy new and watch it depreciate significantly in the first few years of ownership (you would not accept that from your investments?). Buy used, save and if you get it from a dealer (who normally provides the carfax for free) you probably still get the free oil changes (which to me is a foot in their door headache too).

[Joe C.]

Yeah, you can save money by buying used, but you are taking chances. How did the previous owner treat the vehicle? Hard on the brakes and acceleration? Timely oil and filter changes?
I'd rather buy new and treat the vehicle for longevity.

[ron32162]

And that would be called a third degree Felony and up to 5 years in jail in Florida.

[Nadinefall]

We went to the Honda dealer in Ocala, are thrilled with the vehicle (Ridgeline) and the service department we’ve encountered so far, just for oil changes, car washes etc has been great. Wouldn’t go to the Leesburg group.

[CarlR33]

Originally Posted by Joe C.

Yeah, you can save money by buying used, but you are taking chances. How did the previous owner treat the vehicle? Hard on the brakes and acceleration? Timely oil and filter changes?
I'd rather buy new and treat the vehicle for longevity.

I forgot to mention on my original post (edited now) but a carfax will tell you the maintenance history including oil changes. I contacted the dealer listed on the carfax for the last car I bought and they had all the further detailed records for it (and they were out of state). You can also get an independent mechanic to look at the vehicle before purchase. If you look at the hood and windshield and it’s chipped that is a good indication of following to close and most likely hard on the brakes, etc. My daughter bought a 200k mile Toyota van from a local Toyota dealer and we checked all the service history that was done with that dealer and it had all the major service history done there and for what she needed it for it’s still going (by no means an imaculant van, LOL) Just my opinion.

[suzm16]

We recently had the best car buying experience we ever had using Jenkins Honda in Leesburg, specifically Bill Gleason. We offered a price we were willing to pay and drove off 90 minutes later after trading in our old car and getting oriented to the features of our new car. Can't recommend him enough! Feel free to tell him you are a Villagers friend of ours!

[wayneman]

Ditto, also The homework guy, husband and wife team on youtube.

Originally Posted by HawkinsGuy

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 $$$

[carlsondg]

Originally Posted by tv2016

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.

I was just at Honda in Ocala yesterday dealing with a recall. While walking around the showroom, EVERY new car was loaded with junk including an additional $2,000 for "excess dealer profit."

[easeonby]

Originally Posted by tv2016

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.

Do not deal with any dealer with that Jenkins owns, they are the worst.

[MidWestIA]

I wrecked a crv was going to Jenkins and they said we don't deal I said ok went next door to Toyota oh yeah we deal so I got a rav4. The rav4 is better anyway

[olgeezer]

Local Honda dealer is the biggest rip off artist in Florida. If Jenkins was selling a new Honda for ten dollars and the same Honda in Chicago was $35,000 I would drive to Chicago to purchase the car. Terrible, terrible experience with Jenkins dealerships. This outfit is the epitome of sleazy. You must hate money to deal with Jenkins

[Bob45]

Originally Posted by tv2016

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.

Bought our 17 CRV at Autonation in Sanford. Much better price than Leesburg and Ocala. And a better price on our trade. Then had oil changes and the service at Leesburg.

[maistocars]

We had a great experience with Honda-Leesburg just before this past Thanksgiving. In and out in 45 minutes and paid a nice amount on my trade-in. You must see only one person there. DM if you need additional information on who to see.

[vettman01]

Give them your out the door price which includes dealer fee, sales tax and any other add on they have. It also includes your trade in. Then you write 1 check for that amount and drive the car home. I have done this and saved thousands of dollars over the years.
If they try add anything after that get up and walk away.
Be careful if you deal with Jenkins they love to try and add things in, just say no and walk away.