Folsom Lake Honda - Sales — Local services in Folsom

I will start by saying I am not a "rookie" at buying a new vehicle, e.g., last half dozen new vehicles I purchased were at invoice or less . . . That being said, the last new vehicle I purchased was 2007 (when I retired early, i.e., I felt there wasn't a need for a new car during retirement, as I did not feel I had to be anywhere on time any more). My MO was to forewarn the salesperson that he had one trip to the manager's office for a "point of contention" . . . and, if there was a 2nd disagreement, I would walk out the door. Essentially, I already knew the absolute, final price I was going to pay before I even drove to visit a dealership. Fast forward to approximately 3 weeks ago, after months of research (various makes and models), I had a very good offer from Serramonte Honda, albeit, it was a hundred miles plus away. Nevertheless, I asked local dealerships - Auburn, Shingle Springs, Capitol, Elk Grove - if they would match Serramonte's price? No one did, albeit, they tried to confuse or "muddy" their offers with add-ons, trade-in proposals, etc. In short, no deal. I was adamant I would get the price I wanted or I would wait until December time frame when the 2024s came out . . . and hopefully, the local dealerships would provide better prices for their 2023 RTLs. I understand unequivocally that dealerships make money from three primary areas of their operation; Sales (direct and cash back - monthly and annually), Service, and the Finance and Insurance (F&I) departments. Of course, they have to make money. That being said, no one wants to be a victim.

This last Saturday, I contacted Folsom Lake Honda via email and outlined my proposal. Jeff Monioz, called me immediately and said, "Serramonte's price is $40,570.00 plus fees which is their protection package and the Phantom Footprints. We do not even do Phantom anymore as it has proven to be ineffective for theft of vehicles. My pricing will be a minimum of $750.00 less than their price on the vehicle that I have incoming. I will keep you updated as soon as the vehicles start to arrive. I will also give you the exact price when the vehicle actually hits the ground at the dealer, but rest assured that I am beating what you already have." Three days later the vehicle arrived and I purchased it yesterday. I was probably in his office and finance - a total of 1.5 hours. The vehicle already had almost $3000.00 worth of upgrades (2 sets of mats - winter and carpet; front/rear splash guards; chrome wheel locks, etc) that did NOT cost me a dime. Total dealer cost was $47,145.00 WITHOUT tax, license, DMV fees, etc. My "out the door" price with tax, license, DMV fees, etc., was $43,819.76 . . . WOW! I would be remiss if I did not mention Evan Watson in Finance. He was outstanding as well. If I was in his office for more than 20-25 minutes, I am exaggerating. The entire process with both Jeff and Evan was seamless. Last, but not least, I need to mention Daran whom also was beneficial and gave me some insight about the Honda Ridgeline RTL, along with other information I received the night before I visited the dealership. As long as I live in Pollock Pines, CA., Folsom Lake Honda will have my service and sales business. I apologize for the length of this review, but this organization impressed me! Again, thank you Folsom Lake Honda, Jeff,...

We live in Davis, and we drove half an hour on a rental car to get to Folsom Lake Honda to get a new car because they are the BEST in town.

1. Their internet sales rep was keen to reach out to me several times to make sure I have the best offer in town, $$$$ less than any other dealers within 100mi radius. Plus no deceptive prices or haggling. If you don't like the pre-installed piece (guards, tray), simply remove them, they'll do it with no charge.

P.S. Some dealers will tell you other lower competing offers have pre-installed stuff or coupons already applied to get sales price so attractive.....you just roll your eyes and walk away when dealing with these people.

2. Their staff were very professional. Some typical sales rep can be very conversational in order to distract you while driving. However, my guy Henry at Folsom Lake Honda told me only a few key things such as brake hold trick and media settings (primarily because I've driven one before). Then I could completely merge into driving mode with and fully experience the car, which was the best. He was totally a great guy, giving me all the information I needed during test drive.

3. The bargaining only happened on the pre-installed stuff, which they gave me a discount. The sales price and additional fees (only 10-11%) was the lowest in town. No wonder they sell car fast.

4. The last thing I want to mention is a few names who were great help during this fun shopping experience. Lee Schwartz who made sure I had the best offer and reached out a couple times. Zack who guaranteed that there was no hidden fees and surprise over the phone, he even offered be a free uber ride to see the car (I didn't go because it was too late to travel from Davis to Sac.). Tom, the manager who stopped by a couple of times to make sure a few things taken care of, efficient and to the point. He is like a movie star. Henry, the best of all, who was patient, friendly, professional, kind, and funny. I made a huge mistake by forgetting to bring my check book for the downpayment, but Henry was nice enough to wait from morning till after end of the day for the completion of my purchase. He also took care of the cleaning and my picky request on detailing. Thank you all.

This is our first Honda and we're appreciative to the service Folsom Lake Honda gave us. Will return for more customer service and workshop sessions (and free drinks and sandwiches :) ).

Almost a year later....add-on review

Henry offered me an Anniversary benefit - complimentary car wash and multi-point inspection. It was super awesome and the whole thing didn't take more than an hour. Car was nice and shiny again :))))) Staff and receptionist were all very nice and professional, Lynn was keen and knowledgeable, waiting area was comfy and coffee/tea-stocked. Couldn't be happier with this bonus right before labor day road trip. Thanks, Folsom...

I brought my son out Memorial Weekend to shop for his first new car and his first time financing a car. We did a lot of shopping via the internet first and contacted my different dealerships. I was really impressed when Lee Schwartz (Internet Sale Consultant) contacted us back by phone immediately. He was friendly, respectful, answered all our questions honestly, was extremely knowledgeable about the cars we were interested in and he did not pressure us like most pushy salesmen. He also sent us a thank you email and the information about the cars we discussed. He even left us his cell number to call him anytime day or night if we had more questions, which of course my son did many times being an extremely anxious first time potential new car buyer. Lee always answered his phone and answered my son's many questions.

When we came down to the dealership, Lee met us in front and he already had the cars we wanted to see ready to go. We decided to test drive a 2017 EX with Honda Sensing. Lee took the time to explain to my son how to use all the digital equipment, the lane watch, sensing, program settings to link with your smart phone, etc. He patiently answered all the many questions my son asked. When we asked for a quote of all the costs, Lee gladly provided them in writing. When I told him I wanted my son to look at a few more different dealerships to test drive other cars to compare them to the Honda, he said he totally understood and would still be available if we needed anything or had questions. After experiencing other dealerships and tests drives, we came back to Folsom Lake Honda and Lee was there asking how he could help. My son loved the EX with sensing but wanted a different color interior than what they had in their inventory. Lee called all the other Honda dealerships looking for the exact car and color he wanted. (Lunar Silver exterior/black interior). Lee even drove all the way down to Stockton to pick up my son's "perfect car" and bring it back to the dealership for him. The minute my son saw the car he knew it was "The One". Even after the sale was over, Lee spent time with my son helping him program his phone to the car, set my son's personal settings, review the sensing, lane watch, etc. to make sure my son was comfortable and safe for the drive home. He even set the clock for us. Lee was the kindest, most knowledgeable and most importantly the most patient salesmen I have ever met. I would definitely recommend Lee Schwartz and Folsom Lake Honda.

Thank you Lee, we really appreciate everything you did for...