2013 and earlier-Acura TL Prices Paid and Buying Experience

acuraprice

We test drove the Lexus IS, GL (very fast), and the E350. First time I've been in a Lexus since 91 when the LS400 was it. The quality has left the car! It's now a production car. Interior seemed like a cheap facade on all three models. Very thin flimsy center console supported by cheap plastic. Toyota is the #1 production car as of last year (passed GM), and it shows through - they are definitely stamping those Lexus's out. Went back and slid into an Acura TL SHAWD, no comparison. The quality is in the Acura, solid bolstered interior - doors shut quiter and are more solid. I thought handling and performance was better than the GL, although the GL did have a tad bit more available HP (as it should at $53,000). Going to look at the G37 today.

abeacura

acuraprice-
Could not agree with you more.i test drove the lexus es 350 a few times, and was impressed with its quietness, yet there was no denying that compared to the TL, it felt flimsy and hollow on the inside....resemblance to the camry was difficult not to notice.
On the price however, the ES was literally leagues AHEAD, i.e. more expensive!
talk about getting less for more..

acuraprice

Absolutely! That's what I told my wife. "this thing is nothing but a schmoozed up camry". I'll report back later today after testing the Infinity G.

graphicguy

Well.....a couple of things, since I'm shopping these models, too. The longer the car sits in inventory, the less the dealer makes on hold back. In short, they make more holdback on one that's been in inventory for less than 30 days (which probably isn't many since they quit producing them about a month or so ago). 60 days, even less holdback to be made. 90+ days? Holdback has been all used up.

If you've got a firm offer of $37.5K on a SH-AWD, jump on it.

But wait, there's more.

What's their doc fee?
Are they including the delivery fee in that price?
Are there dealer installed accessories that you also have to pay for?
Do you have a trade? If so, what is it and what are they giving you for it?

Long and short of all this, I've yet to see a legit offer eating into dealer holdback. They can play with the numbers a little bit. Add a little here for doc fees, a little there for accessories, under allow for a trade, not include delivery charges, play with finance rates a bit,....all of this makes for the total deal.

Dealers I've talked to in OH both say the same things. August is when the '10s hit the lot. My guess is all Acura dealerships will get the '10 models at roughly the same time.

disteach1

I am currently looking at two quotes for a TL with Tech. These are dealer demos with about 3800 miles on them, so technically being sold as new. The quotes I am getting are 33, 888 but wondering if they will go lower??

Chasboy

Take the deal!!
btw, the 19" tires are 'supposed to' ride even harder than the 'hard riding" 18's which we have. I'm still waiting for the hard ride to start...

cebteb

So the weather and traffic features on Acuralink are just as big a rip-off as is GM's OnStar service (which I currently have, at least for another 10 months)!

graphicguy

disteach....so, by the look of things, the dealers are offering you about 20 cents per mile discount for the demo miles, given that a non-demo new one should run right around $34.5K Not a bad deal. I actually like those "demo car" deals like that. 3-5K miles are nothing on Hondas or Acuras.

acuraprice

Looks like exactly $3,000 difference when you add SH-AWD to the TECH.

$34,500 TL w TECH
$37,500 TL w TECH & SH-AWD

acuraprice

I wouldn't give them a penny over $33,000. They wouldn't pay you that much for it either. 3800 miles is nothing for the engine, but it's a lot of in's and out's (getting in and out of the car). New smell is long gone, seats and carpet are starting to show break in. There have been a few folks that are getting them down to $34,000 brand new. Just MHO.

graphicguy

I don't know that there's any extra factory money on a demo model. There may be, but I just don't know. 3K-4K worth of wear is nothing on a TL (if it's even noticeable, once a good detail is done). If you're really stuck, or stretching for a TL w/Tech, a demo model may well be the way to go. Just guessing, but I doubt $33K will get it done on that demo. You can try. All they can say is "no"! At $33K, they may let the OP walk.

We don't know if a $37.5K deal on a SH-AWD w/tech is a doable number, since we don't know the details of a trade-in, fees, etc. I haven't seen anyone give any of those details, yet.

My feeling? $33,888 is a pretty strong price, even on a demo.

Chasboy

Dunno about factory influence on a demo, but bottom line is that it's a used car! and you have no knowledge of who or how it was driven. Its a 'cry the blues' tactic, but one of the few levers buyers have. :confuse:

disteach1

Well, now another dealership is offering $34.5 on a new TL with tech, and the interest rate is far better on a new car, than a used. My payment would actually be lower for a new!!

So, is 34.5 pretty good for a 2009 TL with tech?? Seems like, from what I've read here.

graphicguy

Chas....I hear 'ya. Still, there's not a whole lot that will break a TL. I usually don't worry too much about some demo miles. If it was something else, like a Mustang GT, or 'vette, or something of that ilk, I'd probably be a bit more cautious with a demo, however.

disteach....I think that's a good price on the TL w/Tech. Maybe, might, on a good day, with stars lined up correctly, perhaps might shave a $100 or so from that price, but it's still a good one.

disteach1

We are still looking at TL techs. Our best price now is 34.6 for TL tech, brand new. Is there an advantage to AWD or FWD? We live in California, so no snow, no big hills, etc.

acuraprice

The SH-AWD simply transfers torque between the front and rear axle in proportions of 70%-30% or 30%-70% depending on the driving conditions. The genius is found in the fact that it can transfer all (100%) of the 70% to the rear left or rear right wheel at one time. Reason #1 for this technology was to address complaints of "Torque Steer" (when an all front wheel drive car goes left or right on rapid acceleration), and reason #2 was to improve cornering (check slalom times).

As far as rainy weather, non-slip, muddy, and overall traction safety, I'm not sure how well it would do when compared to a conventional 4 wheel or all wheel drive car. I'm not really sure how well this technology does on this issue. Anyone?

acuraprice

Anybody like it? Seen it? We are thinking about getting it, we like the contrast and it seems to add to the sporty feel of the interior. Our concern is it seems a little reddish in color. My wife said it looks kinda dog-doo reddish. Looks like the red clay at Roland Garros (French Open, Tennis). Thoughts?

jmcmannis

I went to my Acura dealer today for another look at the TL. This is definitely the car I want. Nothing else I've test drove has given me the feeling the TL has. The lowest price they gave me was $38,611 for the SH-AWD with Tech. Much better than the $40K they were originally quoting me. The lowest quote from anyone I got was $38K but that was a dealer in Cincinnati. I don't see it being worth a 5.5 hr drive for the savings. I think Monday morning I'll be calling them to tell them I'll take the TL.

I also test drove the MB C300 Sport 4Matic today. It was nice and the payment was lower. But it definitely isn't a TL. It doesn't have nearly the power or acceleration. What really kills it for me is that it despite the iPod connector, it doesn't play well with my iPhone. It doesn't charge it and he said if I'm using the iPod part of it to play music I can't use the phone part for calls.

jmcmannis

Personally I don't care for the umber interior. Of course any color choice is a personal preference. I agree with your wife. That was my initial thought. It does give it a unique look since it's not the common black or gray or beige color. Some feel it does make it more sporty and upscale looking. Others have questioned resale value.

acuraprice

Yeah, we were in the BMW lot tonight and they have the same reddish brown interior called "chestnut brown" dakota leather, and boy is it red!! The TL brochure color pallet for umber looks like a normal saddle brown color with no red hue at all, much different than what's in the car. I suppose dye lots on quality natural materials vary in shade, color, and tint from car to car.

kingpcgeek

I have read if you are going to lease a MB C class you want to go for the C350. There is $2000 dealer cash and very good lease rates.

My iPod connector does not charge my iPhone in my G35 either. Don't blame the car, blame Apple. They are the ones that change connector types so you have to buy more accessories.

acuraprice

We can't decide between:

NEW 09 BMW 335i turbo, sport pkg, nav, black or alpine white exterior, saddle brown dakota leather with black carpet. $45,500

NEW 09 TL TECH w SH-AWD stock 18" alloy wheels, grigio or white diamond pearl exterior, black or umber interior. Leaning towards grigio/umber $37,500

Beemer is smaller, but much faster with the twin turbo, has free maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles, but costs $8,000 more.

TL also fast, has roomier interior yet still feels compact, probably better traction with AWD, unique early model sex appeal vs BMW about to change body style. Far less expensive sales price, cheaper after year 4 to operate than BMW according to Acura (probably debatable). BMW oil change avarages $150.00 TL cost $35

acuraprice

Is the $38,611 is for a SHAWD-TECH with the HPT (19" wheels with high performance tires)? The internet sales manager at McDavid in Plano offered me a TL TECH SHAWD HPT 19" wheels for $38,500 including all fees, add ons, destination etc. drive out before tt&l. Most all dealers down here in texas are going $37,800 to $37,500 and $38,500 w HPT. Just go in and tell them you will only pay $37,500 all fees and charges incl except TTL and be ready to walk. If they say no, just walk the lot immediately. I promise you they will be calling you before the next day is out.

graphicguy

JM...which Cincy dealer did you go to? That $38,611 was the same quote I got on a SH AWD w/Tech. I'm in Cincy. Looking at that, and the TL FWD w/Tech.

jmcmannis

Only problem is the C350 doesn't come with 4Matic and I want AWD for the winters here.

I understand Apple changed the way the iPhone charges, so it's technically their fault. I also read that there's a new iPod cable from MB that is black instead of white and it does charge the iPhone.

jmcmannis

The $38,611 is for SH-AWD with Tech but not HPT. I've walked several times. The lowest price I've gotten from anyone I've contacted was $38K from the Cincy dealer. I did contact a couple dealers in TX and their price was just under $38K. Invoice should be like $39,600, so with the $2000 dealer incentive lowest I could see is $37,600.

jmcmannis

I didn't go to any dealer in Cincy, just requested an online quote. The quote I got for $38K was from Superior Acura in Fairfield.

acuraprice

Yep, sounds like your spot on. It's a shame these northern guys are holding you on price. Internet sales guy at John Eagle in Houston said they are quoting $37,800 on all SH-AWD as internet price. Again, from there you have to keep them from sneaking stuff in on you. Here is what to watch out for at close:

Dealer Installed Accessories (Add On's) $ ???
Destination/Delivery Fee $815.00
Car Price $37,500.00
Texas Sales Tax 6.25% $2,343.75
Vehicle Inventory Tax .21% $78.75
Title $33.00
License $77.30
Inspection $23.75
Documentation Fee $50.00
Deputy fee $5.00

zorro16

hi guys,

i'm in the market for shawd with tech ,i've been following this forum from the beginning of this year.i'm just waiting for the year end model deal.

my opinion for the shawd with tech ,any price between $37 - $38 k is a good deal

i've been in contact with oakland acura in california with sales person by name is Raquel Agbayani Lopez.

this is what she emailed me on march 12 th
.

Oakland Acura is committed to making this the best automobile purchase you have ever had. Here is the information you requested.

2009 Acura TL Technology SH-AWD
MSRP $42995
Discount Price $37867

here is what she emailed me today afternoon

Oakland Acura is committed to making this the best automobile purchase you have ever had. Here is the information you requested and based on current dealer cash incentive and special financing currently available and the good news is that both incentives can be combined this month.

2009 Acura TL Technology SH-AWD
MSRP $42995
Discount Price $37900
Special Financing at 2.9% up to 36mos and 3.9% up to 60mos

i was surprised that she replied to my email on sunday.

anyway people , i guess we all have to draw a line at $38 k

acuraprice

Sounds like most are starting to take $37,500 (TL/TECH/SHAWD) and give some dealer adds. I've had two offers at this price, one car had the pro-pack and the other had window tint with side mouldings and wheel locks. I declined as they don't have the color I'm looking for. Deals could possibly get better in July. Dealer in my area has 64 2009 TL's on the lot as of today. I like going by to look when their closed.

graphicguy

jmc.....Superior Acura is a very good, straight shooting dealership. I've dealt with them before. Honest, nice, great to work with. But, although I've never bought from them, I like the other Cincinnati dealer, too....Columbia.

Those prices are coming down just about right where I expected them. I was expecting them to come down within a few hundred of where they quoted you. I'm betting $37,800 gets a deal done on a SH-AWD w/Tech.

If you're serious, let me know and I can give you two really good sales people at either dealership. Both dealerships have very good stock on all models.

I guess if you want to roll the dice and go to TX and see if they'll do better, you could. But, I doubt it will be by much less than what you've already been quoted.

jmcmannis

Thanks gg. I think I did contact Columbia but they didn't have any in stock. I think I'll end up just getting it from my local dealer. It may be a little cheaper going to Ohio but I'd have to add travel expenses which would counteract the savings. Plus I feel more comfortable buying from my local dealer in case there were any problems with the vehicle.

jmcmannis

zorro,

It's interesting how the deals can be so similar now compared to months ago. The price I'm getting now is cheaper b/c of the $2000 dealer incentive but my payment is about the same as when I first looked in December. I'm guessing the residual and money factor have changed which is why my payment is about the same. It's a gamble waiting for the year end model game. Acura stopped producing the 09 TL's a couple months ago. So pretty much what a dealer has is what they'll have until the 2010 comes in. You'll run the risk of not getting the color you want if inventory gets low. It all depends on inventory in your area.

graphicguy

jmc.....nothing wrong with going local. You're getting a good deal. They're essentially selling you the car at invoice, and splitting the factory cash with you.....putting you below invoice. Good deal in my book.

If/when I pull the trigger, it will be most likely be with Superior. You got the same quote from them I got.

I went to Columbia last week. They said they'd match. But, although they did have 2-3 SH AWD-Techs, they didn't have the color I wanted (red basque pearl), and would have to do a dealer trade (probably with Superior).

Both dealerships said they were buying up other dealer's stock. I noticed they had some on the lot from dealerships in Louisville, Lexington, and Columbus, OH. The originating dealers must feel like they can't move them, but Superior and Columbia feel they can.

Good luck and let us know how things go on your deal.

jmcmannis

In my driveway is my new 2009 TL SH-AWD with Tech!! I called this morning and told my salesman I was going to go for it. So when I got there after work they had the car and paperwork ready to go. When I sat down with the financial guy to do the paperwork I noticed the price was lower!! The selling price ended up being $38,230!! I love the car!! It will take me a while to get familiar with all the bells and whistles. Good thing I'm a techie, otherwise I could see it being overwhelming. Can't wait to spend some time with her!!

redj

What is the best price (quote) you have seen for a 2009 TL base (no SH-AWD, nor Tech)?

Thanks

billyperks2

Congrats-
What color did you get- exterior/interior?

nkbuy

If anyone is in the SF Bay Area and looking to buy the Acura TL, consider reaching out to Stevens Creek Acura or Autowest Acura of Stevens Creek. The email quotes i got from them were in the lower 33K for the FWD+tech and mid 37k for the AWD+tech.

hokie28

No love in the DC area

jmcmannis

I went with the Crystal Black Pearl exterior and Ebony interior. If they had the Grigio with Ebony interior I probably would have went with that. CBP was my first pick but the Grigio they had in the show room grew on me.

cebteb

I saw it at the auto show and the wife and I agreed it looked garish. Looking at my Acura TL booklet, I couldn't find an exterior color with which Umber actually looked good. I wouldn't be surprised if Umber interior goes the way of the Blue exterior in 2010, thus hurting resale value of your TL. Just my 2 cents.

cebteb

Was that $38,230 less TTL and including Destination, docs, etc. and no trade-in in the mix? If so, that sounds like a decent deal.

I've also been intrigued by the Grigio versus the Black Pearl, but the wife says when we jump, it will be Black. Technically it will be her car as the deal is I keep an SUV and she keeps a sedan even though we each drive the other vehicle about an equal amount of time.

cebteb

Anyone on this forum gotten a quote on a TL in Colorado?

neilman

I finally pulled the trigger a a few weeks ago, but was too busy to post.

Price paid was decent, specially since there was no officially known dealer incentive going on. Paid $38.5k for black on black SHAWD Tech. However, the dealer would not budge on the $699 dealer fee so my total was really $39.2k plus TTL with trunk liner, mudguards, and wheel locks. Seems high given all the posts here...but I made the call based on my assumption of their invoice cost of $39.9k minus the $2k incentive (which I suspected was still on but not annnounced) putting the dealer cost at around $37.9+ cost of trunk liner, wheel locks, mud guards. I wasn't looking to squeeze the dealer out of all profit anyway...I was helped by a really nice sales guy (total of about 10 test drives over a month or so!). Taking into account the financing deal as well which saved me a another couple grand...all in all I am pleased to have taken the opportunity to have purchased during these tough economic times. Also inventory levels in this area are pretty low...and this was the only dealer who had the color combo I wanted.

At any rate....what a beauty this thing is. I love it - it is firm ride but not harsh (18 in wheels). The ride is solid, build quality tight, and this will be the first car my wife and I have purchased in the last 20 years (Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, a few GMs) that will not require a return to the dealer for any mechanical work! Previous vehicles had to be taken back for balancing, alignment, noisy brakes etc....yes, even the Lexus. I guess Lexus can keep on relentlessly pursuing perfection because Acura has already done it!

The style is absolutely fantastic for my taste. Love the sound system, way superior to the Bose in the G. Ride quality is great and feels solid with no rattles whatsoever. Really enjoying the sport tuned suspension, steering, and transmission. I used to drive with a pretty heavy foot, but now I realize all I needed was a sport tuned transmission to do the work for me!

Honestly this thing drives better than my wife's Lexus Rx (jerky transmission and way too loose steering). The black color is a fantastic high gloss pearl finish. Totally looks like bling! Road and Track 7/09 has a great article on the SH-AWD and accurately describes it as - eye catching in a techno-bling sort of way!

Got it tinted...next up is the clear bra, which although will unfortunately change the high gloss finish where applied, is needed to protect my most exciting vehicle purchase ever. I wish I could just keep this thing in a showroom immaculately polished and sit there and drool at it. Unfortunately... I have to drive it everyday through the South Florida rain! I do miss having given up the rain sensing wipers which I had on on my previous car.

Take care you all...hope the post helps others out there shopping and trying to decide! One bit of caution - it does use up quite a bit of gas. I am getting 17.5mpg in mostly city driving - which is about 10% less mpg that my previous vehicle.

jmcmannis

The $38,230 was plus TTL and fees. No trade-in. The grigio is definitely a unique color. Sometimes it definitely has a brownish tinge to it. Others it's more dark gray. I'm very happy with my CBP, it looks sharp.

jmcmannis

Congrats on the purchase!! I think a good deal is one you're happy with. Like you, I wasn't looking to rob the dealer of all profit. They need to make some money, as does the salesman. Hope you keep enjoying the ride!!

joe767

I'm picking up a TL on Thursday can anyone here tell me what the stating price I should start with the dealer? I'm looking for SH-AWD w/ Tech in Allentown PA. Vinart Acura. Thanks
Joe

acuraprice

Invoice on SH-AWD w Tech is $39,871 less $2,000 dealer cash gets you in the $37,871 range. Go hard for $37,000 and you will probably wind up at $37,500.

$37,500 is the lowest their going for SH-AWD W TECH
Good deal is anything between $37,500 and $38,000

If it has the 19" wheels with HPT (high performance tires) your looking at $38,500 - avoid this package, tires wear out too quickly 10-12K miles at $300 per tire. Acura designed this car to work best with 18" wheels and Mich sport tires. HPT is show off crap for the five-percenters. Most of the dealers will tell you the same thing.

joe767

Thank you very much, now I know where to start. I was thinking 37K and hope to pay about 38K. I'm glad you told me about the tires, the dealer told me it was $3600.00 additional.

talas

Thanks to all the info in this forum - I was able to negotiate a deal for 34k +TTL (36.2K OTD). This was for a Black/Taupe TL w/Tech at Rosenthal Acura in Gaithersburg, MD. Will be picking it up on Thursday.