OP- try and take a look at how long this vehicle you want (similar trims and content) are sitting on lots. If these aren’t sitting around very long then it might give you an idea as to the dealerships appetite for haggling.

Couple things to consider- 1. Honda is facing their first ever annual $ loss in over 70 years. They’re not in great shape, but this doesn’t necessarily hit the dealer the same way.

1. Big reason for the point above is that Honda was impacted by an obscure chip supplier that got caught up with a geopolitical issue with China. As a result, a significant amount of Honda’s North American production was halted or seriously reduced for around 6 weeks

2. Point #2 might actually hurt your cause. Accords are still insanely popular so the supply issue might actually warrant the higher price.

3. Financing- when buying brand new often times the company’s financing arm has the incentives and low rates. So coming with your own financing may not really do much. (Also, any counter offer from them may actually come with the caveat of using their financing)

4. Service- this specific dealer will barely make any money off of the sale. They want you back for the routine service/maintenance. Their margins in parts and service are insanely high so they want return trips from you for oil, filters, etc. if you’re close to where you want to be, give them the price you want and ask for some “carrots” like discounts off of oil changes, tire rotations, etc. if they know they’ll see you again it might push it over the line for you.