Honda becomes 1st Japanese automaker to sell cars online domestically

In 2021. While other more technologically advanced countries have already been doing it for years ...

In 2000, I bought a Honda (Acura) from a dealer about 50 miles away using email for all negotiations. They drove the vehicle to my home, I took it for a test drive, and signed the paperwork on my kitchen table. The negotiations were to the penny and had no surprises. I still have that vehicle. Runs great. Has a few cosmetic issues, as any 20 yr old car would.

The local dealers wouldn't talk unless I wasted 3 hrs in their showroom. No thanks.

Thanks to Tesla, the dealership dynasties may finally die worldwide!

there is an option to buy out a subscribed car before the contract expires.

The headline is probably incorrect. If there is a "subscription" and an "option to buy", this is a leasing service, so Honda is not "selling" cars online.

Leasing a car will work for some people, but it is smoke and mirrors to suggest it is cheaper than buying one.

Leasing a car will work for some people, but it is smoke and mirrors to suggest it is cheaper than buying one.

If you decide and can afford a new vehicle every 2-3 years, leasing makes sense. Also, companies will often provide a lease vehicle as part of an employment incentive. I've had 2 employers offer lease vehicles, where they covered the monthly payment to a point - one of them covered insurance AND encouraged me to loan the car out to others.

But for most people who want a car without a payment (eventually), a lease is a terrible idea. It just depends on your situation. If insurance is covered and you have teens driving, using the lease from your employer is like $5K/yr in extra salary.

Not Sell. Lease. They already screwed English with stupid words like "tarento" which means "no talent". But don't say they "sell" cars when they actually lease them.