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2004 Honda S2000 — huge doc fee: argue about fee or total price?

BrakeCollector333Community StarterOct 29, 20252004 Honda S2000Long Island
2004 Honda S2000, about 223,000 miles. One dealer documentation fee is much higher than others nearby. Is it better to stop arguing about the label and just negotiate the overall out-the-door number? I am in Long Island. If I figure it out I will update the thread.
apr
6.75
location
Long Island
term months
60
asking price
70500
dealer addons
895
dealer doc fee
85
permalink

11 replies

RustBeltGeek345Community StarterCommunity StarterOct 29, 2025permalink
If I were shopping this, if they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2004 Honda S2000 price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2004 Honda S2000 in Long Island with 223,000 miles. Stop there until you know. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
RoadTripHaulerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterOct 29, 2025permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2004 Honda S2000 so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. Do that before you talk monthly again. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
OldSchoolCommuter155Community StarterCommunity StarterOct 29, 2025permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2004 Honda S2000 numbers without them. Do that before you talk monthly again. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
HighwayRoadieCommunity StarterCommunity StarterOct 29, 2025permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2004 Honda S2000 and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. That's the part that actually changes the decision. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Make the next action something you can finish this week. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
RustBeltGeek345Community StarterCommunity StarterOct 29, 2025permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2004 Honda S2000 and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. This is from a 2004 Honda S2000 in Long Island with 223,000 miles. That's the whole play. Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
RoadShopperCommunity StarterCommunity StarterOct 29, 2025permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2004 Honda S2000 price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Make the next action something you can finish this week. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
RoadBuilder189Community StarterCommunity StarterOct 30, 2025permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Call your insurer in Long Island before you fall in love with the 2004 Honda S2000. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “huge doc fee: argue about fee or,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the whole play. That's my plan before I call anyone.
CommuterDriver262Community StarterCommunity StarterOct 30, 2025permalink
If I were shopping this, two 2004 Honda S2000 quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Stop there until you know. Going to compare one more dealer before I decide.
RoadTripHaulerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterOct 30, 2025permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Call your insurer in Long Island before you fall in love with the 2004 Honda S2000. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. This is from a 2004 Honda S2000 in Long Island with 223,000 miles. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. PPI guy I use is booked until next week, so I'm waiting.
RoadBuilder189Community StarterCommunity StarterOct 31, 2025permalink
I'd push back a little: I would not wire money until I've seen the 2004 Honda S2000 and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. That's the whole play. Make the next action something you can finish this week. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
WeekendDriver470Community StarterCommunity StarterOct 30, 2025permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2004 Honda S2000 so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “huge doc fee: argue about fee or,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
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