2013 and earlier-Acura TL Prices Paid and Buying Experience

snowskier

I have been looking at the TL every since the new model was introduced. I am more interested in slightly used and have been reviewing acura.com certified cars in my zip almost every day. Looks like most with around 10K - 30K miles list around $29,995 which isn't far of the 2005 price. You can also find 2003 TL models with low mileage (35K) around $21,900 - $23,900. Does anybody have an idea when we may see prices fall on the 2004 TLs to that $23k - $25 range? There's a 2004 TL w/nav for $28,995 listed now with 37k miles. That sounds pretty good, but still a little high for me. Call me cheap! I hate paying depreciation on a new model.

cabowabodude

I'm looking for a 2005 TL With/Navigation. I have been quoted by a dealer 900.00 under MSRP. Is there anybody in the area who will do a deal for around 1K over invoice?

igiban

In that case, I wonder why there aren't more dealers willing to order cars or giving better deals for ordered cars. Maybe their priority is still selling what they have in stock or have ordered to avoid losing holdback.

dlafer

I am looking to lease an 05 TL with Navi.in the New Jersey area. There are very few posts that quote leasing terms. Anyone recently leased?

keyser

It does seem like used 04 cars are priced way too high. In my opinion theres a big difference between the 03 and 04 model. You should definitely go for the 04/05 (assuming its in your price range).

It also seems like they really haven't discounted the 04 models this fall that much (and I doubt theres any new 04 ones left now).

Also I kind of wonder about 1 year old cars. Why did the person sell it? It could've been for financial reasons, but I get the feeling that more often than not its because there was something wrong with the car (and if this is the case it makes the savings over a new car not worth it).

rsr152

No. I had a couple of color choices in mind that I told him (black/black, blue/quartz, black/quartz). He told me when each of them would be arriving at his dealership and I picked my combo. We settled the price for any of my color combos first, then discussed when the cars would be arriving. Everything was set up when I arrived in Eugene, OR (he also picked me up at the airport) and everything was finalized without any problem. Once again, very professional! A very pleasant experience.

volvo747

Hi everyone. First post for me here and I thought I would share what was a very positive buying experience yesterday and seeking comments and thoughts. I truly appreciate this board and the integrity of the messages.

After some due diligence - I bought a 04 Acura TL with NAVI (Carbon Grey/ Anthracite with Black leather interior. I paid the no-haggle 28,998 from CARMAX. It was the only one of its kind in the system. I went in thinking I was going to buy a VOLVO S60.

Car has 22,700 miles on it, and a clean carfax (actually ran AUTOCHECK report)...not a scratch on it and the interior is immaculate.

It is also a 6 speed manual which is what I wanted even though I drive here in VA/DC....I loved the car and literally thought this was a good deal. I also opted in for financing at 4.95% which I thought was fair and extended CARMAX warranty for $1495 which warranties the car until 2009 or 88,000 miles...the car still has 4 years and 50,000 factory warranty on it. But I thought with NAVI and Blue tooth and air and sound system...the extra protection was worth the price.

CarMax experience was calm, no pressure, and quite frankly I hope both in the short and long term a very nice experience unlike most car buying experiences....no pressure, soft upsell on financing and warranty and the finance and dealer manager were very friendly...Car was explained well and turned over washed and clean with full tank of gas. They even programmed by home address in the NAVI! (nice touch)

I believe that bringing up bad experiences is helpful to others and bringing up good ones help as well. I probably would have found more knowledge at an Acura dealer however might have paid more too. Buying privately a used car is a crap- shoot in my book.

Anyway, wondered if one - I should take the car in for service soon where the car was originally bought - (one owner) and also to check on service record history. The original booklet was in the car.....but nothing was filled out re service dates etc... sometimes people servoce the car where they bought it - sometimes not. I didn't ask CARMAX if they did oil change and servoced it...I know they have an extensive inspection checklist and likely fix things that need work.

Alos, Car had about 1200 miles on it more than when CARMAX bought it (on the autocheck report).....I was told by manager that one of the CARMAX managers had been driving it for the last 1200 miles.....I guessed that would be true...as I don't think a car like this comes along often or lasts long on the lot. I did a search on CARMAX and you just can't find a 04 TL in inventory anywhere...so I can't imagine these were all "test drive" miles.

Thanks for your time and thoughts...the car is a gem and I truly hope it stays that way!

lmacmil

Aren't most of these 1 yr old used cars "program cars" i.e., either Honda company cars or other executive lease cars? I don't think many people are buying or leasing cars for only 1 year.

manthony

miata007: I have also been negotiating with the internet sales manager at Stevens Creek Acura and he quoted me $2K over invoice ($34,373) for a TL w/ Nav. So, either you caught the same internet sales guy on a slow day or the market for non-Nav cars is still softer than the Nav units even though they are being produced in like numbers. I have noticed inventories are starting to stack up at many dealers in the Bay Area so perhaps prices will start to come down to where they are in the rest of the country. There is, however, still a good measure of arrogance out there on the part of some sales people.

miata007

Manthony,
Seems like we are dealing with the same salesperson at Stevens Creek. The price for TL w/o nav is $31,552 and for TL w/nav is $34,373. I just don't see myself putting in almost extra 3 grands for a navigation system. I can buy a very nice large screen TV with that kind of money.

Sunnyval Acura: Yes, I've got a quote from them too for a TL w/o nav for $31,800.

At this point, I can probably get a couple hundred dollars less than $31,552 if I were to email this quote to other places and ask them to beat it. But I am not sure if that's worth it(if less than $200).

Hope this help!

007

dmitry71

I just ordered 05 TL with navy for $33248+TTL from paragon acura in Queens NY

igiban

Wow! Any idea how much they sell for a non-Nav one? $33248 for a navy one in Cal is very out of 'state'.

cabowabodude

Has anyone added the 18 inch rims to their TL's? I'm still in the market for a 2005 TL With/Navigation. I have contacted several dealers, that are not willing to move very much (900) below MSRP. I'll wait and see, I'm in no hurry and when it comes down to buying time I'm sure I can get a car for 1K over invoice.

pilotguy1

If you are flexible on how far you are willing to drive you should be able to get the car for $800 over invoice in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. I had just left town and my salesman called me to tell me my 05 TL with navi came in which I am paying only $800 over invoice on.

rshocka

I live in Birmingham, AL and have worked a price to $34,725.57 out the door. That includes state tax, 269.50 Dealer documentation and Admin., 150.00 Vehicle theft reg. fee, and a 16.50 title fee. What do you guys think of this deal?

fdcapt2

This past Saturday, I took a drive to Valley Stream Acura here on Long Island. I am looking to buy for cash the '05 w/o navi, in red with ebony interior. I mentioned to the salesman that I was a firefighter and wanted to know if there was any type of program for that. Without missing a beat he quoted me a price of $31,502, give or take a few dollars. I had an appointment to get to so I really didn't have time to try and get a better price, but I will go back there very soon. A few quick questions to anyone of you that already has the '05. Did you try to get the chrome wheels, and if so how much? Also, the lip spoiler and mud guards. I saw on a dealers site they wanted over $700 for the reverse sensors in the bumper. I thought that was very high. If any of you can offer some help I'd really appreciate it....thanks

cabowabodude

Pilotguy,

I have been looking in Palatine, off Dundee rd. I am very Flexible! What is the dealership your talking about....Schaumburg.

pilotguy1

I am getting it at continental Acura in Naperville. When I was first negotiating for an 04 in September they first said when the 05 comes in they could only do 500 under MSRP, and when I was walking out the door that went to 1000 under MSRP. When I called the sales manager back to say I didn't want the 04 that they could get from out of state for 800 over invoice, he said he could do the 05 for 1200 over invoice. We finally settled on 800 over because I was firm and would have left the deal for anything higher. Although I did get a better offer from Mcgrath on the north side for 500 over invoice on a 04 back in September, but they did not have the color combo I wanted. I tried to get them to deal with me since then on an 05 and they have never returned my e-mails, it's their loss.

  If you are interested with my sales experience over the past two months you could review the other posts I have made on the TL since September, it might answer some of your questions.

igiban

Did the dealer have a red/ebony already in stock or incoming?

BTW, is the quote anything to do with you as a firefighter (in NY area)?

Anyway, sounds like a decent price. Mug guards would cost about $100 incl. installation.

rshocka

Can someone please respond to my question on the pricing of a 05 TL auto/navi in Birmingham, AL. All these prices that are listed in this forum, do they exclude taxes????

pkl123

Yes!Most posts are just what you pay to the dealer, "out the door" prices are usually not helpful because of the different tax rates of each state. Now, What did you pay, not including the state tax ?

manthony

I am trying to do some price shopping at various dealers in the S.F. Bay Area but I am being hampered by the fact that only one dealer out of 11 has the color combination I want (green/parchment), and even at that, the vehicle is only on order, not currently on the lot. Unbelievable! I've been told that the factory tends to build vehicles of certain colors in bunches and December happens to be the month for green (makes sense, I guess, with Xmas and such). Has anybody else heard about this color production scheme? This month (November) if you want Silver, the dealer lots are loaded with 'em and I would guess the negotiating on those should be easier.

kyfdx

I don't know if that is true.. I tend to doubt it.. They do try to do all the same color at one time.. But, we are talking a matter of days for each color, not a month..

My best guess? Popularity.. green and blue are at the bottom of the color heap right now... I doubt you will ever see more than one or two green ones in stock..

Of course, once the dealer finds out that is what you like... then they become "rare" and more expensive.....lol.

igiban

Even in Dec. they won't make 500 green TLs. It's batched but with a much smaller lot size. If that green one on order is not taken yet you might actually have a good chance for a decent deal. Dealers'd love to sell what they already ordered b4 they even arrive. Just don't get too greedy if your desired color combo don't come as often.

sworks

This maybe outdated, but I paid $31,700 (with dest) for an 05 TL Auto/Navi Anthracite/Ebony at Keyes. Purchased the TL in transite. Took delivery last weekend.

1violinist

You mean WITHOUT Navi?!

cabowabodude

Pilotguy,

I have been looking over some of your posts and I thought you made several comments about your salesman not doing a very good job? How is your overall experience? When I get ready to purchase I will send out a couple of emails telling dealers that I plan to purchase a car in several days. I think this will get me some real good numbers.

rshocka

The price of $34,776 is with taxes, "out the door." The price without taxes would be $33,500. The car was driven by one of the owner's wife for a couple months and has about 1,700 miles. Is this still a pretty good deal?

P.S. I'm also having a spoiler thrown in, and some other stats are protection package, 05 TL Auto/Navi, Black/Black

akela

I am trying to decide between the foll:
1. A new TL 05 retailing for 35K
2. An 04 with 8K miles selling for 30K
3. An 03 Type S with 18K miles selling for 22K.

Apart from the looks, how much better is 04 than 03. Also is the price
fair for the used 04? It seems high for one year of depreciation
compared to the 03.

habitat1

Depending upon your geography, prices of $800-$1,200 over invoice are available for a brand new TL w/o any miles. You appear to have been quoted about $1,200 over invoice for a demo.

I would never buy a demo myself, since I'm picky about proper break-in. But I still think a fair price for a demo is no more than invoice. If it's been titled and is really a used car, then an even greater discount of 10%+ off the new car price is what I would shoot for.

pilotguy1

My overall experience with the dealer that I am dealing with is not what I would expect from a Acura dealership, but more like a used car lot (very used). My salesman has maybe 30 to 35 minutes invested in me and that includes the five minute test drive my wife had with him. I knew exactly what I wanted and I didn't take hours of his time showing me the car and having him convince me that this is the car I should buy. I don't think asking three questions on three separate occasions is asking too much. To have him not get back to me really bothered me. If I could have gotten a better deal from a different dealer, which I tried on several occasions, I would have loved to let them keep their car.

I just got back into town and I will pick the car up tomorrow. If I feel the salesman tries to down play any of my questions or disrespect me in any way, they will be keeping the car, I don't need it that bad.

In regards to you sending out emails to dealers saying you are ready to buy now, I don't think that would make much difference. I did that after my current deal was made when I was not getting good service and I told them I would buy the next day if they would beat 800 over invoice. Mcgrath Acura of Westmont never returned any of my email, and the same with the other Mcgrath up north.

When I see my salesman tomorrow, I will ask him if he is interested in selling another car for 800 over invoice. Let me know what you are looking for in regards to color.

kfhmail

If this is a demo I would say it is not a good price.

Also, $269.50 for doc and admin is way too high.

I have not ever heard of the Fee for Vehicle theft registration...but it sounds high.

kennyg5

"I have not ever heard of the Fee for Vehicle theft registration...but it sounds high."

Near me -- New York City -- the police department occasionally run VIN etching programs (FOR FREE) that edges your car'ss VIN onto your windows, and perhaps key engine parts.

I don't know what vehicle theft registration is, but suppose that is NOT the same as Lo-jack theft registration.

jeffg20001

Hey, gang. Thanks for all the great posts. I've learned a lot.

Just bought a blue/camel '05 TL from Radley Acura (Falls Church, VA) for $35,000 (includes destination). Options included in that price are:

- backup sensors
- wheel locks
- protection package

I'll pick up this car on 11/27. The lease on my '02 BMW 530 just ended.

Cheers!

rshocka

Ok latest news on my dealing in Birmingham, AL. Please leave your comments. The dealer promised me the car was driven well. It now has 2k miles on it. The car is a black/black '05 TL with Navi. I paid $33,000 for the car. Out the door it was slightly over $34k. Tell me what you think.

Package includes:
-Rear Wing spoiler
-Protection Package

cabowabodude

Please keep the board/me informed of you overall experience. I would not have a problem traveling to Westmont if your deal goes well. I really would like to deal with a younger salesman at Arlington Acura. The young salesman went over the entire car with me and showed me EVERYTHING! I don't know how this dealership will compare with prices. When I talked with the salesman he seemed to indicate dealing from the MSRP. I'm not sure if that was because he understood I was not going to buy that day?
     I am not set on a particular color for the Exterior. I would prefer (in no order) Satin Silver Metallic, Anthracite Metallic, White Diamond Pearl if these are not available I might settle for Nighthawk Black Pearl or Abyss Blue Pearl. I know your getting a Redondo Red Pearl, I have just never been into Red cars that much.
     Now for the Interior I think I would prefer Ebony Leather, I have not come across a Quartz Leather interior, but those would be my 2 favorite colors.

cabowabodude

I am looking for a 2005 With Navigation.

pilotguy1

I told my salesman yesterday when I picked up the car that I knew of someone that might be interested in a TL, and I was wondering if he was interested in another sale for 800 over invoice. His face lit up and he had one of his business cards whipped out faster than the depreciation of my car in the next ten minutes. He said "I would be greatful for the business, but this time I would like to make a little money on the deal". So I don't know if he would do the same deal but if you went in there and were a serious buyer, I don't know how he could let you walk away and loose the deal because you wanted the same deal that he already accepted before. By the way the dealer is in Naperville and not Westmont. Mcgrath in Westmont wouldn't even return my e-mails, so they lost out on my business.

wlodek

Hi, can you tell me name of your salesman, I am seriously interested to buy in next few days in chicago area.

lee_w

We do NOT allow names of saleemen posted on this board. Please read the red lettering on this page! Thanks,

pilotguy1

Sorry, got to follow the rules of our host.

igiban

A Bay Area dealer tells me that the least popular colors for TL here are actually red and gold (bottom), and gray, silver, black and white the most popular. Blue and green are in between. If you go check inventory on any dealer's lot in this area you'd be able to see some blues and greens here and there, in addition to plenty with those popular colors. You'd be hard pressed to see any red and gold.

The best scenario would be that a dealer ordered an unpopular color either by chance or client changing mind (bummer), and is stuck with it for weeks not able to sell. Then you come in to 'rescue' them with a 'decent' price. But with more than a year's selling most dealers won't order a red or gold TL unless someone put down a deposit first. Of course if they somehow get stuck with one, they can always say they have the only one in town, blah blah...

garyg

I'm looking for advice on purchasing an 05 TL in the Northern VA area. I know exactly what I want(Nav, Blue, Quartz, auto). I'm new to the forum, so I have a basic question first. In reviewing the messages, several people have discussed purchase prices of $800-$1200 over invoice, which seems reasonable to me. However, the Edmunds TMV is exactly MSRP! How do I go into a dealer and ask for $800 over invoice when they can throw the TMV back at me? Second, can you recommend/not recommend any of the area dealers? I have had bad experiences with Pohanka in the past. I have visited Rosenthal and Karen Radley and had a good feeling, Radley - bad feeling, and Chevy Chase - didn't stop because I couldn't find parking. Unfortunately, I live very near Pohanka. Thanks.

toad2

Just curious- What is it that you don't like about Pohanka? Frankly, I have not found any of the local dealers to be that great. I am also ready to buy an 05 TL auto, anth/ebony. Since it is the end of the month we should be able to find a good deal. BTW I think I saw at least (2) blue/navi's at Gaithersburg Rosenthal.

habitat1

I live within 2 miles of Chevy Chase and was unsucessful last May in finding any local dealers that wanted to match the pricing available outside the DC area.

So, I purchased from my hometown dealer in Pa at $1,000 over invoice (6-speed, Nav, HPT = had to be ordered). Since then I have taken the car for two services to Chevy Chase. They have treated me well.

If you can't find anyone willing to give you a decent price locally, go to PA or Ohio. We are considering buying an MDX from the same dealer as we got the TL.

eddiemac

I second what habitat1 told you. I live in SE DC, and my wife and I purchased our MDX brand new from Lindsay Acura in Columbus Ohio last year because the DC area dealers were not interested in beating the price. You can get a TL there for $850 over invoice, maybe a little less, depending on your negotiating skills. Since you live near Pohanka, you can go there for service. The dealers do not care where you purchased your car when it comes to service. I bought an Integra in 1990 from Pohanka because they had the best deal. In 11 years of ownership, I NEVER had any service done there. Why? 1. Too far away from SE, and 2. They had the most expensive rates.

There are a few of us in the DC area who have purchased our cars elsewhere. I am sure that we can help you out if you want to go the out-of town route.

One last thing- no matter where you buy your TL, call around to the different Acura dealers to check their service prices. You will find that prices vary from dealer to dealer for the same service. For example, Chevy Chase wanted around $200 for a 15k service for my 2002 tl type-s. I paid $145 at Tischer in Laurel.

sworks

I just read my last post. I must have been high off the new car smell. I paid $33,700 for Auto/Navi Anthacite/Ebony at Keyes Acura in Van Nuys. I have had it for 2 weeks now. I had only 4 miles on it when I picked it up.

garyg

Can you guys give me more info on buying from PA or Ohio? How does it work? Do you have to travel there in person to purchase the car, and then to pick it up? if so, would that outweigh whatever savings you would get? What did you find the approximate savings to be, about $1k?

garyg

The sales people at Pohanka have been generally arrogant and unwilling to enter into reasonable negotiations, plus they have a standard 2 mile test drive where the salesman goes with you to make sure that you don't go 2.1 miles. I have tried to buy from them before, and ended up going to Euromotor in Bethesda to buy my 95 Integra. Their service department plays games also. They will do the VA state safety inspection for free, but they took almost two hours to do it, wanted to charge me $15 labor to change a $1 light bulb, and then gave me a list of things they wanted to fix, none of which were related to the safety inspection and most of which didn't need to be done according to my private mechanic. My brother in law had similar experiences with Pohanka Lexus next door.

igiban

Anyone got close to $31K from Keyes for an AT/non-Nav?