2013 and earlier-Acura TL Prices Paid and Buying Experience

qwalls

Congrats! You got a great deal.

kyfdx

Ditto... nice job..

igiban

Congrats. Decent deal indeed. Did it include any acc. like wheel locks, trunk tray, or mug guards?

Is it a TL that's already ordered and on the way to the dealer, due to arrive on 11/18, before your purchase? Do you pay full price now, or just a deposit?

BTW, do you think they'd have offerred a better price if you buy one already on their lot?

pilotguy1

Igiban, I know you were wondering about what color to get and Redondo red was high on your list. Well I just went back to the dealership today with my wife to compare the White Diamond next to the Redondo red. We absolutely with out a doubt prefer the red over the white. If you look at the red in bright sunlight, the metallic pearl really comes out over the white. They had a clean Redondo on the showroom floor and it just looked phenomenal in the light.

  They also had the clear 3m road block protector on the front end and mirrors. They want $795 for it. You could barely see it was there. I think I will have it put on my car, but I won't go thru the dealership and have them tack on another $300 for themselves. I think it looks like a good product. You should check it out.

igiban

"If you look at the red in bright sunlight, the metallic pearl really comes out over the white"

Ditto pilotguy1. That's also why I said TL red is the best red from Acura. No other model (save perhaps RL), has that much metallic pearl. I've looked at all TL colors, and two colors show the metallic pearl the most: red and blue. Ironically, they are also the worst selling colors of TL. Maybe being too colorful is not such a good thing on a car nowadays. That said, does that erase your memory of the dirty red TL you saw the other day?

Is that clear 3M road block protector what people refer to as clear bra (not the Victoria Secret one)? Where can you get/install it not via dealers? Wonder if many TL owners actually put that thing on their TL.

khastak

I am getting my car on the 28th (not on the 18th, sorry for typo). They had to order it. They had few TLs on the lot, some 05 and about 4-5 models of 04.
They would have given the same price for a car on the lot, i dont think they would have reduced the price any further on 05, but they were willing to negotiate on 04.
I paid $500 deposit, and will pay the complete amount only after i get the car. I got splash guards with the car. Plus if i service my car from them, i will get tires free for life.

The dealer was very good, no pressure tactics or trying to sell me unwanted accessories. overall i had a good experience with them.

pilotguy1

Yes we will put up with the dirt. I think that is a small price to pay (keeping your car clean) to have such a beautiful and unique color. Best of all you won't see your car coming and going like the black or silver.

  The road block is the clear bra that 3m makes. You can find a dealer in your area by going to the web sight XPEL.com. By the way, I wouldn't mind seeing what the Victoria Secret one looks like on a late model.

igiban

That's a very short lead time (two weeks) if they had not ordered one before your purchase. I suspect they have one pre-ordered blue TL coming already. That'd be the perfect selling scenario for a dealer. Did you want a blue one to begin with?

keyser

This is more of a general question than TL specific...

There's a 70% chance that I'll be buying a TL. I need to buy before years end due to tax reasons. Will purchase time effect price at all? Should I wait till after christmas for best price? Should I just buy it now or at the end of Nov?

Also there's no rush to get the car today since I already have one thats in good working condition.

igiban

"Plus if i service my car from them, i will get tires free for life."

You mean if your tire gets nailed/flat, they would put a new one for you free, for life? That'd win my TL's services easy!

habitat1

I came pretty close to getting a Redondo Red that was sitting in the dealership showroom last April - exactly what I wanted: 6-speed, Nav, HPT tire package and the ebony interior.

However, after owning a 1995 Nissan Maxima in Ruby Pearl for 9+ years and 153k miles, I needed a change and ordered an anthracite/ebony. Since then, I've noticed a few Redando Reds on the road and they look very nice - with one exception. The rear end looks a little funky to me with the slightly different hues of red in the paint and taillights. But that's just me.

Overall, the TL looks pretty darn good in just about any color, IMO. (Unlike the new 5 series, whcih looks really bad to me in white or light silver, much better in darker colors)

kyfdx

In general, the week after Xmas and before New Years is a great time to buy a car.. Of course, you don't want to let them know that you "have" to have the car by year end.. And, if inventory is tight, you'll have to live with what you can find... But, that would definitely be the best time...

keyser

kyfdx,

Thanks for the input. Thats what I thought too based on what I'd read. My biggest concern with that week is if they don't have the car I want in stock, it could push purchase date into 2005. Luckily though, I don't have my heart set on a specific color combination, so hopefully they'd have one of the few I like in stock.

kyfdx

You might start looking around early in the month.. just to get a feel for what is in stock.. Maybe on Sunday, if you don't want to be bothered by salespeople.. A couple of weeks in a row, and you should be able to tell what their normal inventory might be...

pilotguy1

I deffinatly understand the idea of needing a change. A few years ago I got rid of my 86 Honda CRX-SI with 204k on it. I had it for over 15 years and just loved it. It was black, and after about 4 years into the weekly upkeep I said I would never own another black car. I figure if I could put up with keeping a black car clean for 15 years, the Redondo red shouldn't be that hard.

khastak

I was not sure if i wanted green or blue (i was sure i did not want any other color). But once i saw both of them i went for the blue, the metallic pearl really looks good on blue.

As for the tires that a good question, i did not think about the incidence with nails (maybe i will ask them once i go there to take delivery), but they would changes the tires routinely as the serive demands (maybe every 35 - 40K) for free as long as you own the car and serivce it from them.

keyser

Followup question:

Does the internet sales manager typically work on a commission or sales bonus? In other words, would they be influenced by pressure to sell on the last day of month/quarter/year or would dealing with the typical walk-in salesman be better in that situation?

tcl

You need to look at the bigger picture. Dealers want to the number one of something. There is end of the month, end of the quarter and end of the year. All three elements are there at the end of the year. Prices are variable even at the same dealer. I have a better quote from sale person than the internet manager. I think just depends on timing. However as a consumer, you have the best position for bargain at the end of the year. I do not know if you order a incoming one with a purchase order consider as a sale or not. If it do not add to their sale number may not give you as good a deal.

igiban

Good thing Acura did not drop blue from 05 as once rumored. Was the blue you saw sold already and that you had to order another?

TL tires may have to be replaced sooner than 35-40K, so even better deal it sounds. How did you get that service incentive? Was that part of the deal or it's their standard promotion for services?

roninwarrior

I am about to go purchase a TL 05 this week in South Florida - any experiences on pricing in South Florida out there?

keyser

tcl,

Thanks for the reply. Interesting thing you wrote about having a better offer from a salesman then the internet manager.

A follow-up question is: Is there anything wrong with asking quotes from different salesman at the same dealer (or a salesman & internet manager). I'd always guessed that as soon as one salesman talked to you the others would consider you off-limits?

aaargh

It's their standard incentive. I got it also when I bought in May.

I don't recall how they work the 'damged tire' issue though. It's in my paperwork in the car.

$31,300? That's less than what I paid for an '04 in May ($31,750). Thieves!

tcl

To clarify, the salesperson is from a different dealer. I have the same quote from the internet manager and the salesperson from the same dealer. However I asked the manager if the price are firm, he will said how much room to work with. The salesperson said the price is firm, when I said there was a lower quote from the manager she aid will work with me on the number. I have another quote from another internet manger and said the price is firm. The price may be more soft now than two months ago. Some smaller dealer only have one or two internet persons, some have a whole group of persons. Usually the internet manager take the information and call you or contact you first and the assistant will follow thru. They work as a group, if you tell them you get another quote from their co-worker they do not mind. They only thing you do not want to mixed up is the floor sales person and the internet sales. The only exception may be Keyes in California, I think they only use the internet as sale lead and passed the information to every one in the show room. I have four person call me in one internet inquiry. I end up got the car from them because they have the lowest price at that time. If I buy it now maybe even better price. The Anthracite/camel is rare months ago and non exist., there are more than few now in the same month. I driving the car for more than two weeks, dealers still calling me because the car still in the lot. Compare two months ago some dealer not even answer my email request.

khastak

they had one or two blue 05 TLs that were alreay sold, so I have to wait for mine to come. As mentioned by aaargh the tires deal is an on going std promotion, however i dont know how long the promotion will last, but i presume that it will last for a long time (as it is going on before May 2004)

ronaries10

IMHO later is almost always a better time to buy ... looking at the same model year, of course. In the 3 weeks since I bought my 05 TL auto, prices at Ohio/Illinois internet dealers have dropped from $1k over invoice (incl. destination fee) to less than $500 over, and some recent deals included extras eg wheel locks, winter floor mats, moldings, etc (as reported on this board).

Also, if you are in contact with internet car dealer(s), tell them you want them to obtain a specific color(s) from another dealer as part of your purchase there - that is not unusual (at least here in Ohio) as dealers commonly trade cars to obtain consumer color preferences. Then, you should be in position in Dec or Jan to purchase the car you want - with the dealer finding and trading for it at the agreed upon price.

BTW, my purchase was thru Lindsay Acura (Columbus OH) internet mgr and I was very pleased with their performance - altho initially it took some negotiating to get the right numbers. They traded for a white WDP TL out of PA - when it arrived w/ 240mi. with one scratched wheel they swapped out the wheel before I could request them to do so. Car was immaculate & runs great (only 1200 miles on it now).
Good hunting and good luck!

yuriy

Hi,

I have been looking into this car for a while. I love it. I was reading also this forum and found very good information and would like to thank all of you! I contacted Acura of Cleveland and they quoted me at $33,723 + TTL. The invoice price is $32,373. So, do you think I can go bellow $1350 off the invoice? Please, reply ASAP. I am negotiating today!

habitat1

I got a 2004 TL w/Nav in May for $1,000 over invoice at Contemporary Motors in Erie, PA. I would think you could do the same on a 2005 in Ohio or Pennsylvania. Mine was a 6-speed w/HPT package and had to go through an allocation swap to get my exact color combination. The supply side on Nav models has improved and the demand has cooled off a bit since I bought.

yuriy

I have to say that the one I want is very rear color combination. I ordered Green Pearl with parchment and finally I agree to pay $33,600 for it. It will be ready by 21 of December.

habitat1

Congratulations.

vsw

Hi guys. I have finally decided on the 05 TL. I'm looking for what is apparently (according to the dealer) a very hot color combo - Dark Gray exterior and Black Lthr interior. I guess that'll make it more difficult to negotiate a rock bottom price? Which dealership is very competitve in Southern Cali (i'm in South OC)?

Also, what should I expect to pay in this area? Is a few hundred over invoice a bit unrealistic?

Also, for those of you who have leased, how is the lease working out for 15000 miles a year for both 36 mo and 48 mo (no money down)?

you advice will be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance for the replies!

vsw

sorry - forgot to mention its a 05 TL w/ Navi

igiban

Dealers typically order lots of cars with popular colors w/o actual orders from customers. Gray/black combo TL should be easy to spot in just about any Acura dealer. Good luck.

1violinist

A friend of mine is planning to buy a TL within a couple of months. He's been told that Christmas would be the best time to get a deal since it's the end of month, quarter, and year! My question is, does he actually have to receive the car before Dec. 31 to benefit from this timing? If he only put a deposit and received the car in January would that count for the dealer towards their 2004 sales?

habitat1

I bought a 2004 anthracite/ebony 6-speed Nav w/HPT in May. The dealer had to play with their incoming allocations in order to get that exact car, but didn't charge me a penny more than the $1,000 over invoice that they offered me on a Redondo Red / ebony that had been sitting on their showroom floor for several weeks.

Some dealers will tell you anything they can to try to eek more money out of you. As long as you find a good dealer and are patient (i.e. can wait for them to use their allocations to get the car, rather than trade another dealer for it), you should be able to get the same deal on any color combination, "hot" or not. I waited an extra few weeks, but it wasn't a big deal, since I also wanted a car with next to 0 miles on the odometer.

pilotguy1

Don't forget that when the dealer says "it's a very hot color combo and is hard to get", that is the oldest trick is the sales book. They want you to think what you want is in high demand and thus there is little reason for them to discount it. They will say that to just about any color combination if they think it will work in negotiations.

  I have a 95 RX-7 with low miles on it. About a year ago I saw a dealer was selling a 94 silver and a 95 white RX-7 for the same price. The 94 had 13500 miles on it and the 95 had 2500 miles. Since I had the same car I was curious what the market was on it, so I called the dealer. I asked him why a car a year older with 11000 miles more on it would cost the same as the newer car with lower miles. His response to me was the silver was a harder color to come by and that is the reason for the same prices. I laughed at his comment but I didn't feel there was any reason to educate him on the fact that of the three years the third generation was imported starting in 93, all three years had the silver in the lineup and only in 95 mazda offered the white making that color truly a hard color to come by. He was just giving me a bunch of sales B.S. So unless a color is a limited edition or it is a more complex paint process to do, I would never pay more for a certain color just because a salesman said it is a "hot color"

kyfdx

The "hot" color... will be whatever color you want.. or whatever color they have in stock..

However, sometimes you will run across a color that is "cold".

For instance, you can get some great deals on grey-green or brown BMWs, if they have been sitting around for awhile... Of course, you have to act like you really don't want that color...

tcl

That is a easy color combination to get. Every dealer have one or more. 05 nav. is easy to get also. If you can get it $1000 over invoice is very good. Try the internet manager at Tustin. Good luck.

xbi

I'm also thinking about getting a TL after Christmas but before the end of the year though. One question, I really want to get the paint and leather sealant from the dealer, has anyone been able to negotiate on that price? Thanks in advance.

salbaby1972

Many dealers have Anthracite/Ebony Ato/Navi in stock.

Thomas quoted me $346XX with des
Downey quoted me $33995 with dest
Santa Monica quoted me $33995 with dest
Sierra quoted me $34100

Thomes, Downey, Irvine, Canyon all have them in stock. Don't let them fool you, Thomas had 4 last weekend. I think Irvine has them in.

miata007

Hello,
I am currently also in the process of buying a new TL auto w/o Nav. Got a quote from a internet sales manager for $31,552(destination included). That's exactly $1000 above invoice if I am correct. I am trying to get other dealers to beat this price. Do you guys think I should be more patient or it's time to throw in the towel? The dealer I am talking to is in the Bay area(CA) and they do have selections for me to choose at that price. This guy seems very customer oriented and professional so far.

Other cars I am considering is the '04 FX35 or '05 G35. The Infinitis are more performance oriented but my fiancee don't have much interest in the look.

ThankS!

kyfdx

Is the TL the car you really want? If it is, you are probably within $500 of the best deal you can hope to get anytime in the next six months..

So, if you like the car, like the dealer, can get the color you want.... It might be time to actually buy the car.. The price seems fair, and I believe your calculations are correct..

regards,
kyfdx

igiban

In Bay Area you can't go much better than that. Can you tell me from which dealer did you get that quote? Did it include any accessory?

tcl

I do not know the Bay Area price. I have the same quote from three dealers four weeks ago in Southern Cal. I end up paid $31,400 three weeks ago for the none nav. auto incoming car. It included dest. wheel locks and mud guards. Price should be lower now because dealer have more cars. I pick up the car a week after the contract was signed. I think you should get better than the $1000 over invoice between Thanksgiving and the new year. However, dealer have more nav. than w/o nav. on the lot on the 05. Good luck.

miata007

The quote I got is from Autowest Acura off Steven Creek in San Jose. I got this quote using Edmunds.com The price seems to be the best I've received so far. I live in Sacramento and the Acura dealer here seems to have a monopoly so they are not willing to go below $32,500.

For options, it's got no additional option. It's just standard auto, w/o nav, white.

It's true, near Christmas or New Year will be a very good time and I seriously think dealers will drop by another $500.

Thanks everyone!
007

nakedwake

If he puts a deposit down, it wouldn't count
towards their year end sales goals. He/she
would at the very least have to sign a purchase
order and go through all the hoops as if driving
off with the car that day

1violinist

Thanks! That was my feeling but I wanted confirmation. I guess he should start e-mailing internet managers around mid December to give himself some time for back-and-forth communications and comparisons for best deal.

igiban

To capture year end whatever bargain, you have to to go into a dealer around that time and pick any car they have in stock. White or black TL stands a good chance to be in stock at any time. Silver and gray definitely are gonna be there. Blue, red, gold, and green, on the other hand, are harder to come by. When a dealer has to order it for you, it's to arrive at year end for you to get a bargain, but you might need to agree on a price weeks b4 year end 'promotion' starts. It pays to be not picky!

I doubt it's gonna be much lower than what SC Acura quoted you already, even at year end. They'd not to sell a red 04 TL for less than $31.2K in Oct! Theirs was the only red one left in Bay Area tho.

keyser

Holdback is something dealers always get from manufacturer on the car. About 3% of the invoice. And typically that % is reduced the longer the car is on the lot. So if the dealer had to order the car for you, they'd be getting the full holdback on it.

bpreston

11/15 I purchased an '05 TL w/o nav, deep green/parchment at Rosenthal Acura, Gaithersburg, MD. It was mentioned that I got such a great deal because it was the last day to show how many units they could sell inorder to get the best allocation for their RLs. I paid $32,810 on the road/out the door. This was a processing fee of $95, spoiler @ cost ($463), mud guards and wheel locks @ cost. My tags transfer was only $30 because I kept my plates. The internet salesman was absolutely wonderful. I got $1500 for my Nissan Maxima, 202K miles. Carmax would give me $1300 for it. Rosenthal gave me $1500 for it along w/my $31,310 cash. Criswell in Annapolis wanted $1500 over invoice and would only give me $1K for the Maxima. I just wanted everyone in the area to know where to go. Good Luck, the car is incredible. Let me know how you did. I worked with an Internet Sales and Leasing Manager.

hi5kid

Hello,
Seems like a good price for the Bay Area even with no dealer addons. I just started looking last month for a TL w/o Nav but in anthracite/qtz. Have you tried either Los Gatos Acura or Sunnyvale Acura? Did you ever get a quote from either? The best I was able to get was $500 off MSRP at Los Gatos. Never was able to get an internet quote from Sunnyvale. Will be giving those dealers a call before year end. I will also try SC Acura following your good fortunes.
Thanks