2013 and earlier-Acura TL Prices Paid and Buying Experience

deusexmaxima

SM Acura came back to me a week after I emailed them and said that because I had expressed interest in the Costco deal, they were willing to go to $30,995 (about $600 lower than they were offering other people, they said). They said they had 42 TLs (including 8 silver/ebony base models) and that they were willing to discount more than usual through the end of the month. I did nothing else to initiate this offer (which included mud flaps and wheel locks).

 

So, to all of you base model-seeking SoCal residents, go to costcoauto.com if you are a member, spec out a TL, and send it to Santa Monica Acura. They told me this offer was good through the end of December, so you might still be able to get a very headache-free deal.

max95

Just picked up an Anthracite/Ebony in Boston area last week. Paid $32,600 + ~$160 Doc Fees + Tax & Reg. Took it to CT for the weekend and drove back in the blizzard - felt very confident if the snow, but was probably a little more cautious because it doesn't even have 400 miles on it yet.

 

Any other feedback about this car in the snow? How do the 235's handle the white stuff? I am used to the 205's on my Maxima

igiban

42 TLs? Wow, what happened? Demand slows down there?

 

Anyway, in Bay Area, Costco price does not seem to be any better than normal internet quotes, and you generally have to be there to see the Costco price sheet, as opposed to getting it on the phone. Maybe SM Acura gets aggressive with all those supplies. Congrates to your no sweat good deal.

laurasdada

Hello, Max:

 

Which Boston area dealer did you buy from? I assume that it is a Nav/6MT? Did you negotiate with salesman/manager or internet/fleet mgr?

sacdriver

Got one today for $31637 at Niello Acura. No haggle price.

falcon74

sacdriver.....does that price of $31,637 include the $570 destination charge?

c6corvette

Today we went to buy a 2005 TL w/AT. We drove both the TSX and the TL. She liked them both, and so did I. But the 2005 TL w/5spd AT is a real treat! But, I AM SO tight, I SQUEEK.....

 

Having just had my Red 2002 Firehawk totaled, by a Camry no less, I voted 2005 TL w/270 hp.

 

We agreed on a price, while she was looking at all the different colors and driving several cars. She wanted white/parchment. But they did not want to honor the price on that color. I guess there is a limit on the number of white cars, which is the most favorite color in the Kansas City area.

 

So, I walked away from the deal at $31,500 including doc fee, lug nut locks, and the rear spoiler. THIS would have been a great deal!

 

EVEN THOUGH WE NAILED DOWN THE PRICE BEFORE selecting the color, the manager was balking. So, I started to leave and said we would check with his competition. While getting ready to leave, my wife said, "Go back in, I want the Silver/Ebony 2005 TL w/AT". (she changed her mind for the 6th time!) Since this is really about me letting her pick a car she wants, I said OK.

 

I went it to talk to the manager. He explained the salesman made a mistake and quoted me $334 for the rear spoiler, when it really was the “cost” on a front spoiler. He said, “This is a great deal for you”. But, I don’t like taking advantage of an honest mistake. I would expect the same, if I made a math mistake!

 

I replied, "I don't want to get anyone in trouble, since we are getting a good price! Take the spoiler off: $31,500 - $335 = $31,165 (which includes locks at $50.50 and shipping at $570).

 

So, $31,165 less invoice ($29,982.29 + $570 shipping + $50.50 for locks = $30,602.79 Add the $169 doc fee which = $30,771.79). I HATE doc fees!!! I have never paid them before, but my dear wanted the car and I said, "OK!"

 

So I hate to admit it! I did not get into holdback, and I paid $562.21 OVER INVOICE! (w/$169 doc fee). They tell me this is a great deal for the KC area. I think she will love the car.

 

NOW, if I can convince the manager to give her the white diamond with parchment interior....

 

I sure am going to miss my very fast 2002 Red Formula Firehawk, 6 spd! But, she has had to putt up with me for 26 years of marriage, I think she deserves a new TL!

 

Guys, if you really love your wife, give up your muscle cars/BMWs/Corvettes/Harleys and Fast boats, and let them pick out a car they like.

 

JC

sacdriver

Yes, it included destination charge.

danabfly

Is $33,500 (plus TTL) a good deal for a 2005 White TL with Navigation? There are no other fees/charges besides TTL. I am in Houston. Do you think they would throw in mud guards and wheel locks at that price? This is my frist time to buy a car so any help is appreciated :-)

1violinist

This is $1,700 above invoice; at that price they should throw in at least the protection package (mud guards, wheel locks, trunk tray) and maybe some other accessories that you want.

kyfdx

Isn't that just $700 over invoice??

1violinist

Invoice for TL w/Navi is $31,803... you do the math! Even if the price includes destination charge ($570), still it would be around $1,130 above invoice.

kyfdx

Okay.. $1130..

 

All prices should be with destination included... IMHO..

 

regards,

kyfdx

dcwong1

I was at a dealer in the northern suburbs of Chicago looking at a TL w/ auto (no Nav). The salesperson said that they pretty much don't discount these cars since they are hot sellers. They won't sell at invoice but probably at MSRP. What is the market like in Chicago to get a good deal? Is it possible to buy a TL at invoice?

rroyce10

... **But, I AM SO tight, I SQUEEK.....** ...

 

           Are you saying: you have your first Communion money.? ..............

 

                           Terry.

keyser

I just purchased an 05 non-nav TL in the boston area. Price (including destination/all dealer fees) was 30000. Massachusetts TTL added under 1600 to the price -- for a total price of under $31600. I didn't get any accessories nor free services/oil changes with it. Picked up the Acura 2.9% financing deal also.

laurasdada

Wow, Keyser. Great price! I'm currently negotiating and am a few hundred $ higher than 30K. Which dealer did you buy from? Did you have a trade and get a fair price? What interior/exterior colors?

 

Three days to go...!

keyser

Hey laura. I bought from acura of boston. Black/parchmant no trade in. Send me an email (addy is on my profile) and I'll fill you in with the details (ie salesman etc). My guess is most dealers will be unwilling to discount so much once january 1 hits, so that only really leaves 2 days to make the deal (and 1 day for them to get the car prepped).

igiban

Is it snowing like hell there in Boston that no one shows up in dealers now? I think it's the first time we heard below invoice for TL!

 

It's cold and wet here in Cali, well at least in Cal's standard, but I've not heard any quote even close to that. Still at least a few $100's over invoice on a pure base model off lot. At least I don't have to deal with snow so I guess I can't complain.

keyser

It did snow on sunday night (about 5 inches I think). Went in monday afternoon (not snowing but snow on ground). That may have been a factor, but I can't be sure -- the dealership did have a few customers.

Either way you gotta figure they had to have some incentive beyond holdback to sell the car.

igiban

BTW, did you get your quote from internet and it was or pretty close to $30K already? As to incentive, I don't think there's any extra Acura rebate going on nationwide, so it seems to be local supply/demand driven, and what a buyer's market if that is the case. If they have to lower the price that much now, my guess is that it won't go much higher even after year end.

keyser

Theres no acura rebate, but acura (nationwide) is offering 2.9 percent year end financing incentive (see the incentive section of edmunds or do a web search on it). I got a ballpark quote from the internet in the 30500 range (including doc fee), and was able to lower number at the dealer. The final deal pretty much blew away every other internet quote I got.

laurasdada

I've lived in New England all my life. Dealing with snow is absolutely no problem. It's called skiing!!! By Monday morn, had a good 8-9" of gorgeous, light fluffy powder south of Boston (Home of the World Champion Red Sox and Patriots, for those that were unaware). Wish I was skiing!

 

Thanks, keyser. I've been emailing the internet mgr. at Acura/Boston and will probably head there on my lunch hour tomorrow. I'll keep your purchase at hand, the key is trade-in.

igiban

Wondering did you only get that kind of quote (below invoice already even at $30.5) past Xmas, or it's been relatively low even b4 Xmas (say $31K). I'd assumed you already looked around b4 Xmas and researched the pricing.

 

laurasdada, we Cal'ians go skiing too, and I've lived in some snow belt areas. At least to me, skiing is NOT the same as having to deal with snow on daily basis. Of course, growing up there, you are all tuned for that. At least you'd get the envy of me for the TL price you can get in that area.

keyser

The price the dealer gave 3 weeks ago was about $30500. I'm not sure if the dealer would've accepted the 30k deal 3 weeks ago. My gut says a combination snow/post christmas played a role (atleast it didn't hurt). I had also told the dealer that I would choose from a car on the lot.

laurasdada

Hi, igiban:

 

I guess I should have said that skiing is one way to deal with the snow by taking advantage of it! As I age, shovelling and driving in it become less enjoyable (was shovelling ever enjoyable???), but the sheer beauty of New England under a fresh blanket of snow (almost?) makes it worth it... and the skiing!

 

Still in TL limbo due to my current ride's (trade-in) value. The purchase price of a new TL (at least in Boston) seem very fair, however, as keyser has posted and I've negotiated.

 

Two days to go...

xbi

Would you please let us know which dealership in Boston you purchased from? Thanks in advance.

tlresearcher

For a non-navi TL 31,100 was as low as I got across 3 states MD, VA and PA. Realistically, the best "TRUE" quote was 31,300 including destination and pro-package. 30,000 is just a SUPER DEAL if that is true for all non-navi cars that dealership sells. Was that a demo car or a car that was on the lot for a long time? Or in general is Boston that competitive? Congrats on the car and the exceptional deal.

cabowabodude

What dealer were you at in the Northern Burbs? I have had several dealers calling me trying to sell me a car. Do you think the cars are really that hot if dealers are making phone calls to my house 2 months after I stop into the dealer?

atl_san

What should I expect to pay for TL with Navi (Auto) in the Atlanta area for end of year deals?

indydriver

I am probably a TSX buyer but you can't help but be interested in the "upscale" TL. After working on this purchase for the last month, I have become convinced that Acura dealers are using "bait and switch" tactics on TSX buyers. In my market, TSX's are very rare, especially 6MTs. These are made and shipped from Japan so the lead times are about 90 days if you order from the factory. TL's are made in Ohio and the dealer lots are swamped. I test drove a TL auto today (6MTs are also rare in this market for the TL), and while it is a fine automobile, it doesn't compare to the TSX in terms of high revving, tossable handling fun. I guess my point in all of this is, my dealer is willing to deviate from MSRP on the TSX, a relatively rare car. I haven't talked seriously on price on the TL because, ultimately, I don't think I want one compared to the TSX. But, given the plethora of TL's choking the lots, I would think the dealers would be willing to discount significantly off of MSRP.

 

Interested in feedback from any of you TL buyers who also looked at the TSX or G35.

wisngamecock

Go to Acura of Libertyville. I just drove my brand new 05 TL home from that dealer yesterday. I live in Iowa and drove to CHI because the deal was so much better. I paid 30,860 including PRO package for a 6 sp 05 TL without navi. They were totally professional from the start. I had a great experience! I'll post the details on price and buying experience.

coolj

I have a chance to purchase a 2000 3.2TL for $13,500. It is dark blue, full woodgrain trim, dvd navigation, and has 64,500 miles on it - super clean with a clear vehicle history report.

Please give any opinions on this price and things to look out for on the vehicle before buying. Thanks.

dcwong1

The dealer was McGrath Acura in Morton Grove. Personally, I think the cars can be sold right around invoice since I don't see a lot of them in the northern suburbs.

dcwong1

This car is for the wife so it will be a 5 speed auto. I've bought from McGrath before and their service is pretty decent compared to Ed Napleton's in Elmhurst from a previous posting. I've been to their dealership before it was Napleton when it also sold Porsches. The Acura sales department was average while the parts department was pretty decent.

wisngamecock

OK, here is a summary of my buying experience. I started doing research on Edmunds about 6 weeks ago and came across the discussion groups. I was amazed to learn the difference between TMV price and prices posted on this and other 'prices paid' threads. You'll see below I actually paid invoice plus a few dollars ($68) for a new TL at Acura of Libertyville. I drove Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima and Acura TL at local dealers in central Iowa. Very quickly I narrowed to Maxima vs. TL. BTW, for those who claim a TL is just a rebadged Accord, I beg to differ. Not even close! The TL has all the spice the Accord lacks, IMO. My first choice was TL, but the wife and I both also liked the Maxima and Nissan is blowing them out right now (500 blow invoice plus 1750 cash back on '04). As a 12 year Integra owner, I kept coming back to Acura, plus the reviews also favor TL. Nevertheless, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go above 30k, so I sent out for internet quotes on remaining new '04 TL's for Chicagoland area dealers. A few came up including McGrath, Woodfield, and Stapleton. Woodfield responded the most favorably and in a brief phone call, I had invoice price on the table for an '04 in early Dec. Hearing that end of month/year should be a good time to buy (and honestly still undecided on Max vs. TL) we sat on it until last week. Then made the decision to get a TL, if the price was right. I went to Acura.com to get all midwest dealers, checked inventory and sent out for quotes for all dealers that had '04 6 sp left. By this point, there were only a few that fit that category. One was Acura of Libertyville. They called and was given price of 30k even (below invoice) on the last remaining '04 6 sp non-navi. I think at the time I had also another offer of 800 over invoice on a similar '05. After mulling for a day, I called Woodfield--they had 2 '04's but neither turned out to meet my needs (non-navi 6 spd). Next called Acura of Libertyville back to get the car and it was sold. Conversation quickly shifted to '05 and they came in with a very strong offer of 200 over invoice. I said I would be willing to pay invoice and the deal was basically done. I now own a black/quartz 6 sp 05 non navi TL. My salesperson with Acura of Libertyville was the internet sales mgr. I believe he had power to negotiate directly with me vs. 'let me check with my sales mgr' game. He was totally professional and upfront with me. I paid invoice 30,552+PRO pkg at dlr cost($240) + small fee $68 =30,860 +TTL. Also got 2.9%, so I am confident I got a very nice deal. I see Keyser's post above, looks like the only one with a lower price than mine (his was Boston area). I should mention my local dealer had several chances to get my business and they were approx 1000 higher. So, I was willing to make a 5 hr trip to Chicago. I am living proof that the power of information is a good thing for consumers. No way would I have gotten this price without the information posted here and ability to solicit quotes via web. If you're still noodling on a TL, don't noodle much longer, I'm guessing invoice price may not last beyond today or at least next week when Acura promo financing ends.

antonio1

Hi Keyser,

 

Can you e-mail my the sales person you deal in Acura of boston. My e-mail is tony_2271@hotmail.com.

 

Thanks,

keyser

Just to clarify a few things. I bought from Acura of Boston. I didn't receive any accessories/free services. I took a car on the lot. The dealer didn't offer me the car for 30k. In emails with dealer I knew that he would sell for 30500. During visit, he asked me for a number that I would buy for, to which 30000 was thrown out (I wasn't expecting him to say yes to it), and he accepted. Car was not a demo. I have no idea how long it had been on the lot. The deal wasn't contingent upon a specific car. Once the money was settled, then the salesman went out to find a car with low mileage (I think they had atleast 3 in my color combination).

kkftz

Have any of you negotiated spoilers... I've received feedback that the price of adding spoilers can be negotiated quite a bit, and that there is lots of mark up in these. That said, I am not finding dealers who have been willing to provide below the list price on the Acura website. Most are stating that if they give me for list, they are discounting as they are not charging for installation. I feel I've been able to negotiate a reasonable base cost ($200 over invoice)... but the spoiler piece is still a bit of a mystery. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

Thanks.

arizonaroads

I have seen several posts over the last months that mention checking inventory for a particular region, city, or perhaps even a specific dealer. How is that done? Any help would be appreciated, as I have started negotiations with several dealers via e-mail, and am getting evasive answers on whether they have the car in stock that I want to buy.

keyser

Most dealers have an inventory search on the dealer website. It may not be up to date though. Evasive answers isn't a good sign. Either they have the car, have the car but may get sold and thus not remain on the lot for long, will get the car soon, or none of the above. Maybe you should threaten to break off negotiations with the dealer if he's not being honest and forthcoming. Also if you're not in a rush to get the car, you could always have them order one from the factory. This shouldn't cost you any extra (unless they have some incentive to sell the car immediately)

laurasdada

Greetings: I've just closed on a 2005 Abyss Blue/Quartz Non-Nav auto TL. I can recommend both Clair Acura and Acura of Boston as dealers. Straightforward, friendly dealings. Purchased from A of B as they did commit to a final deal while Clair offered a fair, but not final deal and did not follow up as I feel they should have. Too bad as I spent the bulk of my time with Clair.

 

My deal was similar to keyser's but as I had a trade the numbers aren't as cut and dried. I do feel it was a very good deal though, with the purchase price no more than invoice.

 

I pick it up Monday, Happy New Year to me!

igiban

Anyone got a chance to look at a Costco price sheet for TL in SF Bay Area recently? A while back it's not as good as regular internet prices, and certainly not as good as some other Costco's prices in other areas of the country. Wonder if anyone visited one of those Costco-associated dealers here recently and saw the updated pricing.

cabowabodude

DCWong,

 

I went to Acura of Libertyville today (Thursday) I the sticker in the window was 33097 for a 05 TL WITH Navi. I would say that is the best price I have seen. I know the service manager from highschool (Good person) and Acura of Libertyville has been rated in the top 5% of all US Acura dealers. If your car is in for service work you get a free loaner.

     I was told to stay away from the 04's due to the problems with vibration, I was also told that the Bridgestones were also something to stay away from. Seems like everything on this board is correct.

 

PS They are trying to move cars for the end of the year. The salesman told me the window prices are good for 2 days.

arizonaroads

Thanks, keyser; I checked five Internet sites for inventory, and you were right, only three seemed to be up-to-date. I had originally e-mailed the Internet managers of each of the five dealerships (all four in Arizona and one in El Paso) seeking a 2005 TL 6spd manual, Camel interior, Redondo Red exterior (or maybe Anthracite), with high performance tires, admittedly not a common combination. After two days, I got back three responses and no quotes. I sent out another e-mail specifying the car I want and offering $31,485, which is $750 above invoice and reasonable, especially in light of what others report in this forum. Again no e-mail responses on price. I got a few e-mails from a salesman at Bell Acura, telling me that 1) high performance tires couldn't be installed because he would lose money, and 2) his $299 doc fee was absolutely non-negotiable (only he wrote it all caps). He never responded to my last e-mail asking him if he had the car in stock. Tempe Acura responded by saying that they could try to find the car out of state if I paid extra shipping first. The Internet manager at Hoy-Fox Acura stated that she did not have the car but would continue to look for it and keep me in mind, which was the most pleasant response I got. Beaudry Acura and North Scottsdale Acura remained silent on the Internet.

 

Last night I asked for quotes via Edmunds, Carsdirect, InvoiceDealers, Costco, and a couple of others. This morning I got telephone calls from North Scottsdale Acura and Tempe Acura telling me that 1) I should come in and talk in person, 2) nobody would ever have a car that rare, 3) my offer was way too low, and 4) their doc fees were non-negotiable.

 

Oh, boy.

 

Obviously I will not be able to buy the TL I want before the end of December. It looks like I may have to order the car I want, but I'm not sure how that will go over the Internet with the dealers in Arizona. Fortunately I am not in a hurry. Tempe Acura was also the Costco dealer, and said the Costco price would be $1500 above invoice, which is twice what I want to pay.

 

Congratulations to those new TL owners who bought from Acura of Boston and Acura of Libertyville, dealers who know how to keep a customer happy, even in cold December. I am envious.

igiban

My verdicts of your story, after those deals from Boston and Chicago: 1. West coast (well AZ has no coast but you got the idea) got screwed, 2. We need more snow in this part of country, and 3. Santa is not from the West this year.

keyser

Wisngame,

 

I totally agree about the power of the internet. If this was 7 years ago, I would've had no clue what a great/good/fair/bad price was on the TL; and theres less games to play at the dealer -- If you can get a quote via the web you don't have to wait an hour while the salesman goes and drinks coffee in the back room.

keyser

If the performance tires is a real sticking point, you might want to consider getting the regular EL 42s and then swapping them at a tire/wheel place for better tires. Not sure if its worth the hassle, but it could turn out to be cheaper.

 

Just from reading what people are paying in boston/chicago/ny/nj etc it seems like having many dealers in your area makes a great difference in pricing. Like here in Boston theres 5 dealers within 45 miles of my home and 13 within 120 miles.

wisngamecock

I agree Keyser. I live in Iowa where the local dealer is the only Acura game in town. They dictate price, so my option was pay an extra $1000 or make the short trip to Chicago. Also, the year-end phenom. is real. Dealers appeared to be pushing to move cars before end of year. Maybe that plays out more in a local markets with more competition. Finally, Acura seldom comes out with 2.9% financing across the board. Honda corp clearly wanted to push sales up to close the year. BTW, Keyser, you and I seemed to be car shopping in parallel. A few weeks ago we were posting on the Nissan Maxima board, weighing Max vs. TL. Interesting that we both landed in the same spot.

indydriver

I'm wondering about the tax implications of buying out of state. Obviously, you had to pay sales tax in IL. Is it higher than Iowa? Second, in Indiana, we are supposed to declare all out of state purchases on our income taxes where we get nailed again. Then, what happens when you go to your in-state BMV for license plates. Do they nail you again? I am interested in your experience because the Chicago market is obviously accessible to me as well.