Ordering Integra Type S

[BackPack]

A little background. I’m a huge fan of Honda manual transmission cars. I recently sold my 2004 Accord EX with 225,000 miles. I still have my 2004 RSX Type S with 180,000 miles. In early 2020, I tried to buy the Accord Sport 2.0 only to learn that Honda had cancelled the manual transmission with no announcement. By the time I found out, they were all gone. Even dealers I contacted weren’t aware. Since I only buy new cars with manual transmissions, I thought my years of driving Hondas were coming to an end.

Then last year the new Integra was announced and I’ve been watching from afar expecting a Type S to be announced. That day has finally come.

Yesterday I went to my local Acura dealer for the first time. I was surprised how many Integras were on the lot (almost 10). It was great to see many of them in the 6 speed manual. I asked the salesman about putting my name on the list for a Type S. He didn’t know what I was talking about. Had no idea it had been announced. He asked me if I wanted to test drive one of their Integras and I said sure.

I was actually blown away by how nice the car was inside and outside. My most recent Honda experience is with 2004 models. It’s so great to see Honda/Acura still making amazing cars with amazing ergonomics. And great manual transmissions.

After the test drive, I again asked to be put on the list for a Type S. The salesman went to talk to his manager. A few minutes later the manager came over. He told me they could put me on a list, but he doesn’t know if they will get one. He said Acura will only make 300 and he expects the mark up to be $15k - $20k. I told him they will be making more than 300, I won’t pay for a mark up, and I’d still like to be on the list. They took my name and number and said I’m the first person who has asked about it.

I’m always surprised at how uneducated some dealers are. Actually, I’m sure he was playing dumb trying to get me to buy the car I just drove. I know the initial launch may be only 300 cars and there may be a mark up. But soon after there will be dealers selling at MSRP.

Anyway, has anyone else tried putting their name on the list at their local dealer?

I will reach out to other dealers as well.

 

[BKK Jack]

I'd run away from that dealer.

 

[The Gingerbread Man]

I'd run away from that dealer.

I completely agree. I have called four dealers so far. Two of them (thankfully reasonably close to me) have given me measured responses along the lines of "we are aware of the recent press release regarding the prototype, but we do not have any more information than that from Acura; I can take your information and let you know if we hear anything about the ordering process." They both were fairly certain that ordering would be similar to the non-S Integra, using an online form that would send your order to your dealer of choice where you would eventually take delivery. Neither of them took deposits yet. One of the two is a "family-owned dealership" and does not do markups, mandatory packages, or any garbage like that, only taxes and a $699 doc fee. The other dealer did not commit to pricing.

The other two that I called were not the most confidence-inspiring. One of them did not even read my email and tried to sell me a Civic Type-R for $10k over MSRP (Asheville, NC). The other one (Greenville, SC) said to call back in a year because the Type-S is not being released until summer 2024 (FOUR)...

If you call around now, I do not think it will be difficult to snag one next summer at a reasonable price. Just be willing to drive a few hours further or fly out for the pleasure of working with a dealer that isn't trashy.

To the OP, salespeople that lie to your face do not deserve any of your time. Do not negotiate with terrorists.

 

[BackPack]

I always try buying local which is why I tried this dealer first. It’s always disappointing to talk with dealerships that act this way, and that know way less about a car than I do.

I’ve already reached out to other dealerships. At the end of the day, I don’t need this car or any other car. As such, I can be patient.

 

[The Gingerbread Man]

I always try buying local which is why I tried this dealer first. It’s always disappointing to talk with dealerships that act this way, and that know way less about a car than I do.

I’ve already reached out to other dealerships. At the end of the day, I don’t need this car or any other car. As such, I can be patient.

I don't have a "local" dealer per se. My closest ones are 1, 2, and 3 hours away, respectively. Is your personal conviction about buying local rooted in recycling your money in the local economy (valid) or "creating a relationship with a dealer" that you may get service with (also valid)?

 

[Sabot]

I completely agree. I have called four dealers so far. Two of them (thankfully reasonably close to me) have given me measured responses along the lines of "we are aware of the recent press release regarding the prototype, but we do not have any more information than that from Acura; I can take your information and let you know if we hear anything about the ordering process." They both were fairly certain that ordering would be similar to the non-S Integra, using an online form that would send your order to your dealer of choice where you would eventually take delivery. Neither of them took deposits yet. One of the two is a "family-owned dealership" and does not do markups, mandatory packages, or any garbage like that, only taxes and a $699 doc fee. The other dealer did not commit to pricing.

The other two that I called were not the most confidence-inspiring. One of them did not even read my email and tried to sell me a Civic Type-R for $10k over MSRP (Asheville, NC). The other one (Greenville, SC) said to call back in a year because the Type-S is not being released until summer 2024 (FOUR)...

If you call around now, I do not think it will be difficult to snag one next summer at a reasonable price. Just be willing to drive a few hours further or fly out for the pleasure of working with a dealer that isn't trashy.

To the OP, salespeople that lie to your face do not deserve any of your time. Do not negotiate with terrorists.

When did you call the one in greenville? I called them the day that the spy shots came out and they told me that they would expect more info soon for the type s. They also told me that I would have to order like you said and they don't do markups or deposits. The only mandatory thing that they do is a $750 package that includes wheel locks, all weather floor mats and one other accessory that I can't remember. The guy I talked to made it seem like they wouldn't have to wait until 2024.

 

[The Gingerbread Man]

When did you call the one in greenville? I called them the day that the spy shots came out and they told me that they would expect more info soon for the type s. They also told me that I would have to order like you said and they don't do markups or deposits. The only mandatory thing that they do is a $750 package that includes wheel locks, all weather floor mats and one other accessory that I can't remember. The guy I talked to made it seem like they wouldn't have to wait until 2024.

I called two days ago. You must have spoken to someone different, thankfully. Salespeople gonna salespeople.

 

[Sabot]

I called two days ago. You must have spoken to someone different, thankfully. Salespeople gonna salespeople.

Possibly, that's why I found it weird but I'm sure whenever we get closer to the summer, we will get more of a clear picture.

 

[Tony503]

It's very unlikely at this point the dealer will know anything that is not public info. If they did know something, then they should be under NDA, and if they revealed something that is NDA, then that's being disreputable. The day after the announcement, I asked the sales guy I got my A-Spec from to put me on the list for the ITS and he said he would and asked me what color I'd like. I don't think they know for sure what color options will be available, just asking for my preference.

For anyone else watching this thread, DO NOT work with a dealer who takes a deposit without a VIN. When I ordered my A-Spec (after the Acura preorders closed), my dealer put me on their list and said they can't take a deposit without an allocation for me, which I feel is very professional and the right thing to do.

 

[BackPack]

I wasn’t expecting the dealer to have any additional information. I just wanted my name added to a list. I didn’t like that they said only 300 would be made and there would be a $15k - $20k mark-up. Blatantly wrong information.

 

[Tony503]

Sorry, didn’t mean to put it that way. My point in general to anyone wanting to order now is pretty much stay away from dealers who say something that isn’t known already (or maybe even worse, they don’t know something you know).

 

[submitaweasel]

Sorry, didn’t mean to put it that way. My point in general to anyone wanting to order now is pretty much stay away from dealers who say something that isn’t known already (or maybe even worse, they don’t know something you know).

Avoid the hype train. A smart thing to do. Very tough for many a human.

Good advice. Listen to this human.

 

[Integra23]

I messaged my dealer where I got the Aspec and made sure I had priority. He said I'm #1 in line, no deposit needed. Can't wait till 6/23.. unless something else drops before then. I'm still kind of open to other vehicles but everything they compare the CTR are 2 door coupes.

Oh and I need the TypeS to be a 5 passenger vehicle, wishes a reviewer counted the seatbelt.

 

[BackPack]

So I reached out to several other dealers within 100 miles of my location. None of them gave me the BS of my local dealer. In some cases, the GM of the dealership responded directly to me. In all cases, they added me to their list and promised to keep me informed as they get more information.

Reflecting back on my experience at my local dealer and their dealership; I’m surprised how underwhelming the entire dealership experience was. As a premium brand, I’d expect a better looking dealership inside and outside. Perhaps I’m biased since the dealers I’ve been at recently are Porsche, BMW, and MINI. But even Honda dealers I last visited a couple of years ago had a better set-up and experience. I’m guessing it’s just the local dealer and other Acura dealers offer a more premium experience. If Honda wants to really compete as a premium brand, then they need to give their customers that experience. That’s what they did decades ago when they first created Acura.

 

[4 cyli]

A little background. I’m a huge fan of Honda manual transmission cars. I recently sold my 2004 Accord EX with 225,000 miles. I still have my 2004 RSX Type S with 180,000 miles. In early 2020, I tried to buy the Accord Sport 2.0 only to learn that Honda had cancelled the manual transmission with no announcement. By the time I found out, they were all gone. Even dealers I contacted weren’t aware. Since I only buy new cars with manual transmissions, I thought my years of driving Hondas were coming to an end.

Then last year the new Integra was announced and I’ve been watching from afar expecting a Type S to be announced. That day has finally come.

Yesterday I went to my local Acura dealer for the first time. I was surprised how many Integras were on the lot (almost 10). It was great to see many of them in the 6 speed manual. I asked the salesman about putting my name on the list for a Type S. He didn’t know what I was talking about. Had no idea it had been announced. He asked me if I wanted to test drive one of their Integras and I said sure.

I was actually blown away by how nice the car was inside and outside. My most recent Honda experience is with 2004 models. It’s so great to see Honda/Acura still making amazing cars with amazing ergonomics. And great manual transmissions.

After the test drive, I again asked to be put on the list for a Type S. The salesman went to talk to his manager. A few minutes later the manager came over. He told me they could put me on a list, but he doesn’t know if they will get one. He said Acura will only make 300 and he expects the mark up to be $15k - $20k. I told him they will be making more than 300, I won’t pay for a mark up, and I’d still like to be on the list. They took my name and number and said I’m the first person who has asked about it.

I’m always surprised at how uneducated some dealers are. Actually, I’m sure he was playing dumb trying to get me to buy the car I just drove. I know the initial launch may be only 300 cars and there may be a mark up. But soon after there will be dealers selling at MSRP.

Anyway, has anyone else tried putting their name on the list at their local dealer?

I will reach out to other dealers as well.

04 rsx type s owner here too. Both my vehicles are manual Honda’s and I look to add the integra type s. If I can secure one I think it’ll be a forever car to sit along with the others.