8/6/2010
I was interested in the Honda Civic lease deal listed on their website for $0 down at signing, first month payment waived and 35 payments @ $210/month. Wary of any advertised deals, I went to a Honda dealership closest to home. First of all, the car (DX-VP) advertised doesn't really exist in this part of the country per the salesperson I talked to. Then I was informed that although the terms were correct, that if I read the "fine print" it says that any additional dealer fees could affect the terms. This means in "dealers speak" accessories/options. So in addition to tax/title/license which runs about $1,600 on this car (which I expected to pay), I was expected to pay any accessories/options on top of the $1,600.
Since they didn't have a DX-VP, I test drive the LX which has a few more standard features. This car had the same lease terms except for $230/month. Liked the car. But when we started talking, the salesperson didn't make it clear if the "deals" he could give me was for the DX-VP or the LX. Also the "deals" included an "accessories/options" package of nearly $1,900 that had to be paid on top of the $1,600. Most of these accessories I didn't care about at all, and the ones I did were way over-priced in my opinion. Oh I could roll in the TTL & options and pay $300/month, or I could get the lease @ $200/month and pay $3,900 up front. They didn't even attempt at any negotiation. But this didn't really surprise me because I expected that an advertised price is just to get you in.
So learning from this experience, I realized that I would have to pay upfront for accessories/options. Looking at other lease deals for other car brands, they ask for down payments plus TTL which would probably be more than the Honda terms. Plus, as far as I know, they might ask upfront for accessories too.
I went to Katy Honda. Javier Balderas was my salesperson. I told him about my disappointing experience at the other dealership. He patiently listened to everything I said. I told him I was realistic about the accessories, but I wanted to know what he/Katy Honda can do. Javier was very helpful and right away assured me he could do better. He confirmed that I really couldn't get the DX-VP, but he would let me have the DX at the same monthly terms as the DX-VP and lower the amount of accessories/options to boot! I would definitely recommend this salesperson if you visit this dealership.
After the deal was struck, everything else was a breeze. Buying any kind of a car in the past was a hassle. It took forever to get approval. Then it took forever to get through financing. Then it took forever for the car prep. It was always at least a four to five hour ordeal from stepping into the door to driving out with the car. This time, the whole process took less than 2.5 hours.
So to sum it up, I think I got a good deal, but like any advertised "deal", be wary of the "fine print".
I was interested in the Honda Civic lease deal listed on their website for $0 down at signing, first month payment waived and 35 payments @ $210/month. Wary of any advertised deals, I went to a Honda dealership closest to home. First of all, the car (DX-VP) advertised doesn't really exist in this part of the country per the salesperson I talked to. Then I was informed that although the terms were correct, that if I read the "fine print" it says that any additional dealer fees could affect the terms. This means in "dealers speak" accessories/options. So in addition to tax/title/license which runs about $1,600 on this car (which I expected to pay), I was expected to pay any accessories/options on top of the $1,600.
Since they didn't have a DX-VP, I test drive the LX which has a few more standard features. This car had the same lease terms except for $230/month. Liked the car. But when we started talking, the salesperson didn't make it clear if the "deals" he could give me was for the DX-VP or the LX. Also the "deals" included an "accessories/options" package of nearly $1,900 that had to be paid on top of the $1,600. Most of these accessories I didn't care about at all, and the ones I did were way over-priced in my opinion. Oh I could roll in the TTL & options and pay $300/month, or I could get the lease @ $200/month and pay $3,900 up front. They didn't even attempt at any negotiation. But this didn't really surprise me because I expected that an advertised price is just to get you in.
So learning from this experience, I realized that I would have to pay upfront for accessories/options. Looking at other lease deals for other car brands, they ask for down payments plus TTL which would probably be more than the Honda terms. Plus, as far as I know, they might ask upfront for accessories too.
I went to Katy Honda. Javier Balderas was my salesperson. I told him about my disappointing experience at the other dealership. He patiently listened to everything I said. I told him I was realistic about the accessories, but I wanted to know what he/Katy Honda can do. Javier was very helpful and right away assured me he could do better. He confirmed that I really couldn't get the DX-VP, but he would let me have the DX at the same monthly terms as the DX-VP and lower the amount of accessories/options to boot! I would definitely recommend this salesperson if you visit this dealership.
After the deal was struck, everything else was a breeze. Buying any kind of a car in the past was a hassle. It took forever to get approval. Then it took forever to get through financing. Then it took forever for the car prep. It was always at least a four to five hour ordeal from stepping into the door to driving out with the car. This time, the whole process took less than 2.5 hours.
So to sum it up, I think I got a good deal, but like any advertised "deal", be wary of the "fine print".
ratdogowner
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
5/31/2010
We had a fabulous experience from start to finish. Every part of this process was handled professionally and with respect to our needs. Our salesman, Javier, was congenial and a true joy. He showed us several cars that would fit within our budget to test drive. We made our decision and then waited for the finacial side which I hate; however, Alex made it quick and painless. He, too, was exceptionally personable and respectful. As we were leaving, Sean, the used-car manager, touched base with us and gave me his number in the event I ever have any questions. WOW! I was very surprised about reading all the negative reviews. Perhaps, they have taken heed and changed their business practices. We were very pleased.
We had a fabulous experience from start to finish. Every part of this process was handled professionally and with respect to our needs. Our salesman, Javier, was congenial and a true joy. He showed us several cars that would fit within our budget to test drive. We made our decision and then waited for the finacial side which I hate; however, Alex made it quick and painless. He, too, was exceptionally personable and respectful. As we were leaving, Sean, the used-car manager, touched base with us and gave me his number in the event I ever have any questions. WOW! I was very surprised about reading all the negative reviews. Perhaps, they have taken heed and changed their business practices. We were very pleased.
gnlnew
Katy, TX
Katy, TX
5/18/2010
Javier was extremely helpful and was not pushy. He found us exactly what we wanted in our price range. He worked with us to ensure we got the best service that we could. My only complaint relates to the dealership as a whole and not Javier. The dealership should have better quality control in place. We had an agreement in writing about what was to be done to the used vehicle that we purchased before we would drive it off the lot. However, when they called to let us know the vehicle was ready there were several things that still weren't done, and on top of that Javier noticed that the alignment was not correct but we had to drive the van and tell them that, the service department wouldn't listen to Javier. As a customer that is extremely frustrating but Javier was honest and made sure the problem got resolved.
Javier was extremely helpful and was not pushy. He found us exactly what we wanted in our price range. He worked with us to ensure we got the best service that we could. My only complaint relates to the dealership as a whole and not Javier. The dealership should have better quality control in place. We had an agreement in writing about what was to be done to the used vehicle that we purchased before we would drive it off the lot. However, when they called to let us know the vehicle was ready there were several things that still weren't done, and on top of that Javier noticed that the alignment was not correct but we had to drive the van and tell them that, the service department wouldn't listen to Javier. As a customer that is extremely frustrating but Javier was honest and made sure the problem got resolved.
llp_88
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
4/2/2010
Javier did a great job of keeping the process running smoothly so that we were not there too long. He was very professional and supportive. He also looked out for our best interest by making recomendations when new cars arrived. I would recommend Honda Cars of Katy and Javier to all my friends.
Javier did a great job of keeping the process running smoothly so that we were not there too long. He was very professional and supportive. He also looked out for our best interest by making recomendations when new cars arrived. I would recommend Honda Cars of Katy and Javier to all my friends.
jhemenway
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
3/13/2010
Customer service was excellent Javier Balderas took care of me. Answered every question i had about the vehicle that i purchased. Javier was very friendly with us showed respect to us that was the best part of my experience. Great quality of work, excellent selection of used vehicles. Very nice facility. Great prices on their vehicles. Im highly satisfied customer now for life, at honda cars of katy. THANKS JAVIER BALDERAS GREAT SERVICE.
Customer service was excellent Javier Balderas took care of me. Answered every question i had about the vehicle that i purchased. Javier was very friendly with us showed respect to us that was the best part of my experience. Great quality of work, excellent selection of used vehicles. Very nice facility. Great prices on their vehicles. Im highly satisfied customer now for life, at honda cars of katy. THANKS JAVIER BALDERAS GREAT SERVICE.
MIGUEL B
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
12/29/2009
2:30 appointment. Arrived at 2:40 and met Bernard within 5 minutes of arrival. Quickly test-drove both a civic and a fit. Sat down to negotiate. Those poor salesmen, had to put up with my pocket pricky father. Bernard was patient and tried his darn hardest to get us the best deal. He talked to his manager, who later had to come to us and tried to sort things out. Oh boy, but my father had the domino effect going. Bernard's manager had to call up his higher up, who i suppose is Alton. He knew how to sell damn well and made an offer few can refuse and talked some sense into my persistent father who kept on trying to haggle. The finance guy was kind, forgot his name though. Altogether, they do magnificent business, good enough for me to register just to make a single comment.
2:30 appointment. Arrived at 2:40 and met Bernard within 5 minutes of arrival. Quickly test-drove both a civic and a fit. Sat down to negotiate. Those poor salesmen, had to put up with my pocket pricky father. Bernard was patient and tried his darn hardest to get us the best deal. He talked to his manager, who later had to come to us and tried to sort things out. Oh boy, but my father had the domino effect going. Bernard's manager had to call up his higher up, who i suppose is Alton. He knew how to sell damn well and made an offer few can refuse and talked some sense into my persistent father who kept on trying to haggle. The finance guy was kind, forgot his name though. Altogether, they do magnificent business, good enough for me to register just to make a single comment.
heiseternity
Katy, TX
Katy, TX
12/17/2009
I had a very good experience purchasing a 2010 Insight from Honda Cars of Katy on 12-05-09. Javier was very knowledgeable and friendly, and took extra care to make sure my young daughters were comfortable. Alex Biddle finished the paperwork in record time.
I had a very good experience purchasing a 2010 Insight from Honda Cars of Katy on 12-05-09. Javier was very knowledgeable and friendly, and took extra care to make sure my young daughters were comfortable. Alex Biddle finished the paperwork in record time.
proctorwj1
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
12/16/2009
Me, my sister and my neighbor came in on Good Friday to only look at cars and all had such a great experice that we all three bought vehicles. Alton, Jay and Jeff were extremely friendly and were helpful with answering all questions. Alton helped me when I had issues after trying to get my XM radio up and running. He got me a free three month trial, which they were only offering me two weeks by phone. That really made my experience that much more enjoyable. I have been telling all my friends about Honda Cars of Katy. Great work guys! I LOVE my CRV! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Julie Dempsey
Me, my sister and my neighbor came in on Good Friday to only look at cars and all had such a great experice that we all three bought vehicles. Alton, Jay and Jeff were extremely friendly and were helpful with answering all questions. Alton helped me when I had issues after trying to get my XM radio up and running. He got me a free three month trial, which they were only offering me two weeks by phone. That really made my experience that much more enjoyable. I have been telling all my friends about Honda Cars of Katy. Great work guys! I LOVE my CRV! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Julie Dempsey
ladyj101
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA
12/13/2009
Me and my wife had been looking for a vehicle for about three months. We first went to John Eagle Honda because of a price that they quoted us over the phone but when we got there they tried to add an additional $2,000 to the price. They also had some crazy add ons that the dealer put on the car and the sales manager stated to me that the add ons were standard at every dealership which we knew was a bunch of BS. So to make a long story short I contacted Honda Cars of Katy internet sales and they told me that they would match any price I was given. Me and my wife went to the location met with salesman Warren Hodge and the service that we received exceeded our expectations. Mr. Hodge worked with us for over three hours until we got a fair price for our trade in and we got the vehicle that we wanted at a great price. Also the vehicle had the same add ons as the previous dealership (John Eagle Honda - John Eagle Liars) and we were not charged. I would recommend Honda Cars of Katy to anybody in the market for a new vehicle.
Me and my wife had been looking for a vehicle for about three months. We first went to John Eagle Honda because of a price that they quoted us over the phone but when we got there they tried to add an additional $2,000 to the price. They also had some crazy add ons that the dealer put on the car and the sales manager stated to me that the add ons were standard at every dealership which we knew was a bunch of BS. So to make a long story short I contacted Honda Cars of Katy internet sales and they told me that they would match any price I was given. Me and my wife went to the location met with salesman Warren Hodge and the service that we received exceeded our expectations. Mr. Hodge worked with us for over three hours until we got a fair price for our trade in and we got the vehicle that we wanted at a great price. Also the vehicle had the same add ons as the previous dealership (John Eagle Honda - John Eagle Liars) and we were not charged. I would recommend Honda Cars of Katy to anybody in the market for a new vehicle.
KingSolomon2nd
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
11/17/2009
The customer service I received was exceptional. I trust the dealership and the people that work there. My sales rep was very knowledgable and helped me navigate the whole experience of buying my new Civic. Thank you John Eagle Honda of Katy. It was great buying a car there and I know I will enjoy the "free" oil changes.
The customer service I received was exceptional. I trust the dealership and the people that work there. My sales rep was very knowledgable and helped me navigate the whole experience of buying my new Civic. Thank you John Eagle Honda of Katy. It was great buying a car there and I know I will enjoy the "free" oil changes.
montey64
Houston, TX
Houston, TX