[Rhc3po]

I had a puzzling experience today, maybe someone here can shed some light on it. I joined this forum to research my next new car, and it has been very helpful. I decided to order a 2019 AWD CR-V Touring. I wanted most of the nicer options, like the 19" wheels. I'm a AAA member, they offer a no-hassle pricing deal and sent me to one of our local dealers, Norm Reeves Honda. With checkbook in hand, I went to the dealer and was told Honda doesn't do orders, but they could find me what I want. Then, after a lot of "Let me check this with my boss", I was told they can't help me, AWD is only in northern areas, they couldn't get anything with AWD. There's nothing on the website about that, so I don't know what to think now. It's like they suddenly decided they didn't want to sell me a car. Can I only buy FWD in the LA area? Or does buying through AAA make me unprofitable? This was not a Helpful Honda day...

 

[Rhc3po]

After being turned away by the dealer, I decided to email Corporate. I asked if what I'd been told was true, and added that it certainly wasn't "Helpful". The next day, everything changed! I was connected to their head AAA guy, who found me an '18 AWD Touring in Black, new. It was in Cerritos, he'd have it for me Sunday. Sunday came and they sold it out from under me. An hour later and he found another one in Ontario. This one I bought. I got a little extra off for it being an '18 instead of a '19, but at least they finally came through for me, and couldn't have been more helpful. I think it helped to ask questions farther up the food chain!

 

[Rhc3po]

Yes, it's black. I liked the dark blue, but can't have that with a dark interior, so it's black and black. Wanted to order a bunch of options, but when I found out they weren't factory installed I lost interest. I'll add anything it needs later. I guess the dealer installed the anti-theft system, it tracks the car so you can always see where it is, if stolen. But it's not Lo-Jack. We go back on Wednesday to activate it. We'll see how that turns out. For now, I'm just trying to get used to all the features and control layout. This forum has been GREAT with all the help and information!