2013 and earlier-Acura TL Prices Paid and Buying Experience

risa00

Yes that is correct.

frisconick

I have seen the bling here on many posts. Just what is bling? How much does bling cost on the TL? I got a wing spoiler, is that bling because I thought the rear of the car looked weak. Spinners on my chromes would be too much bling for me. I would like some opinions are prices of bling. My wing spoiler cost about 600. :surprise:

jbdriver

I have read numerous posts now about what people are paying and can't thank you all enough for the input. The one question I have is about the internet buying. Where did you get the contact info for the internet manager at each of these dealerships. I am in So Cal, and am going to start putting out e-mails to dealers, but I wasn't sure if the best way was to just go the dealer's webpage and then fill out a price quote request form, or if there was some other way that I was missing. I know that this may seem basic, but I just want to make sure that I get the right people who will make a good deal. Also, any suggestions for dealers with the best prices in the San Diego/LA/Temecula area to go to would be much appreciated. From what I have read so far on the board, it looks like Santa Monica has the best pricing for auto/navs...at about @31,555 + TTL unless someone has beat that.
Thanks in advance for the help.

liferules

jbdriver,

Edmunds has a way to do it, just go to the new car section and fill out the info for price requests. You can also go to the acura USA website and they have a section for requesting a price quote. I used both sites for my car hunting with good success.

Best wishes.

delmar1

jbdriver...I remember you from other posts...up in San Marcos.

Ok...regarding how to find the 'internet managers'...here is a list of the nearest ones in San Diego/Orange County/Temecula (I cannot mention contacts by name as that is not allowed by Edmunds).
** Cush Acura SD and ESC...you will be directed to the receptionist who will set you up with a so called internet manager, but a bunch of line sales people will be in contact with you. Prices about $600-$1500 above LA pricing.
** Hoehn Carlsbad....fill out the webpage contact and you will get an email from the rep. Pricing might be a few hundreds less than Cush...but still substantially higher than up north and not very receptive to counter-proposals.
** Norm Reeves Temecula....go to their Acura website and you can see a button for the 'internet dept'. Two reps...the lead contact is without facial hair (hint..hint).
** Norm Reeves Mission Viejo and Tustin....go to the Acura site and fill out a simple forms. Basically same pricing as Temecula.
** Glendale, Keyes, Weir Canyon, Santa Monica....go to their site and fill out the forms and they will be in contact with you. Slightly better initial quotes...but you can work others nearer to home to a comparable price without the drive.

Another choice would be to use the edmunds site to blast out requests to multiple dealers. If I recall...you enter in zip codes...then they give you a few within the radius. So to get some up further north...find a dealer in the target area and their zip....put it in...and you get more dealer contacts.

Costco auto pricing....not that hot really...and you only get one dealer from the region.

When filling out the request for quote...be as specific as possible for what you are looking for. Color int/ext...nav or not....auto/manual...etc.

Many will respond with a generic acknowledgment...followed by the actual quote. If you do not hear back via email...then feel free to contact via phone.

Good luck....you will do well.

jbdriver

As always, thanks DelMar1...just trying to get my ducks in a row before I bite the bullet. Just waiting on the proceeds from a stock sale before I send out my e-mail blast. If I can't get the deal I want, I'll just wait it out for the 06, regardless of whether or not it's really worth it.

coolwater1971

Can I assume w/o navigation system? Any other extras or was it as is?

frisconick

delmar1 is great, you really are, most knowledgeable guy here. All hail delmar1, and I mean it.

richlux

I had a deposit down for a 2005 Automatic TL w/Navi (Black/Black) to be delivered in August. Today I found out the car won't be available until the middle of September. Now I need to decide if I should wait for the 2005 or wait only 2 weeks longer for 2006. I know I won't get as good a price on a 2006, but here's my thinking, tell me if I'm way off base on my pricing:

My negotiated price of the 2005 was $32,755 ($1,200 over invoice). I would guess that I could get a 2006 for around $1,500 - $1,800 over invoice. Even if the invoice price goes up by $200 for 2006, it's still only a $500 - $800 difference for next years model.

What do you all think?

brewtoo

I'd wait for the '06.

Resale value as time passes will be higher by at least the extra you are paying because it will be a one-year-newer car.

Plus, you'll enjoy whatever improvements there are in the '06 model.

liferules

richlux,

That's a tough call. Perhaps they could "sweeten the pot" and drop the price some to compensate your having to wait. If so, it may be still worthwhile (your overall price is good, but not a show stopper). OTOH, if you could get a good price on the '06 (which I have heard nothing about in terms of what people are paying...I would think you'd have a tough time getting as low as you think...the dealerships usually charge closer to MSRP for the 1st of the new year models coming out), then you should go for the '06.

As it stands, I think you're even either way. The current price is likely much better than you'd get for an '06 but the depreciation is already in motion and you are "paying" for the year of depreciation that occurred even though you didn't have the car . For example, the KBB prices for an '04 TL with 10 miles on it vs. an '05 TL with 10 miles on it are $4000 apart.

delmar1

Possible answer. You just picked up some serious leverage by having a rock solid deal on a 2005....the car will be delivered onto their lot...and you should have the right to resind. Well...not trying to be evil...but you could always tease the idea with the dealer at that time on "I don't want the 2005" and see what price is coughed up for the 2006. Maybe it will get you somewhere. Maybe.

richlux

I've already tried to get him to come down on the price, but he won't budge. I even said I might be willing to take one off his lot (in a different color) if he would drop the price, but he wouldn't. (Which REALLY surprised me). Basically he's not moving on the price at all.

What makes it so tough to decide is that I don't have the one missing piece.... "What will the 06 prices be like?" I'd be willing to spend more, but not $3K more, since there really aren't any major changes for the 06). I've never purchased an Acura, but I have purchased a first year BMW (second production month) and was able to get $1,500 off MSRP (which was about 2K over invoice). I would think I could do about as well with the Acura.

Rich

richlux

I would think so, but I'm not sure how much leverage I really have. This dealer seems hell bent on keeping the price firm. From dealing with them, I get the feeling they would rather lose the sale than change the price.

Also, since the original deposit was for August delivery, I can cancel, but if I agree to Sept. delivery, can I really resind my offer after the car comes in even if they have a signed piece of paper with a deposit?

Rich

kyfdx

Isn't $32,755 just $200 over invoice, not $1200 over?

delmar1

If you have a deposit...and not full payment (assuming cash buyer)....then I would believe you have leverage. However...others out here...give me your opinions.

As for what type of pricing you could get for a 2006...that is the big unknown. My thoughts is that it would be limited discounts as the 200 above invoice is pretty darn good. You will still be able to get a discount off of msrp...but not that much.

The trade-in spread between years 2004 vs 2005 may not be as extreme as what was indicated in the previous note above. Also...remember...the spread is not linear...and that the most depreciation happens during the first few years then diminishes. So if you hang on to your car for say 4 years...the spread will be nominal and inconsequential. Therefore...the trade-in value between two back to back years should not be a big determinator and will not make up for any price increase you will see by switching to a 2006.

My own thoughts... If you are value the additional features or cache of owning a 2006...pay the additional money and being forced into a car color. If happy with a 2005...take advantage of a bargain and knowledge you will be getting the car color you want.

Anybody have alternate thoughts or other suggestions?

richlux

You're right, I mistyped. Still I can't see having to pay more than and additional $1,300 for a 2006 ($1,500 over invoice). The depreciation on the 2005 alone would be more than $1,300.

Then again, others are saying expect close to MSRP. I just can't believe that given that there aren't many changes to the car.

Rich

dukehoops

I see a lot of people mention being offered a "protection package" by the selling dealers and I'm curious whether anyone can explain what exactly that is and why should one consider getting one. If it's vital to preserving a car's paint job, why doesn't Acura apply it at the factory (or does it)?

thanks,
-nikita
PS. if this isn't the right forum for this question, please point me to an alternative

kyfdx

The Acura TL only comes in four configurations..

Auto w/o NAV
Auto w/ NAV
Manual w/o NAV
Manual w/ NAV

Dealers need something to play around with to add value, increase transaction price, etc.. They have come up with the Protection Package.. It doesn't include paint or fabric protection like you would think... It generally is trunk tray, wheel locks and mudflaps.. though, it can be almost any combination of accessories they can think of.. (winter mats, etc..)..

Most dealers use it as a "throw-in" to close a deal, if they don't want to lower the price...

regards,
kyfdx

soccer6

Well I talked to one of my local dealers inquiring about the 2006 TL. They told me that it is going to be $500 more then the current MSRP for the vehicles. Also that they will not be giving any significant discounts on the new '06 until after four months.

richlux

I talked to a couple of other dealers too and although they didn't know the exact price increase, they did know that there would be one. They also said I'd be lucky to get more than $500 - $1000 off of MSRP on an 06 in the beginning :-(

I guess I'll just stick with my incoming 05....

Rich

bda1947

Ok, what you need on the deposit is not a deposit but a VIN # and a contract to deliver on a certain date. No VIN=No car. A TL takes 2-3 weeks to arraive once it's left the factory sometimes less.
Only worry about depreciation if you plan on trading the car next year. If you're keeping it for a long time 5+ years then there's no real loss and in fact you'd be better having an 05 w/ low miles than an 06 with high miles. 06's will be at sticker for a while. Go for the 05

frisconick

I mean it delmar1, you ROCK :P

jewel1

I bought it from Piazza Acura at West Chester, PA. I first sent an email but negotiated the price in person. Just picked up the car and love it....

liferules

Rich,

Just for kicks, email some OTHER dealerships in your area and request prices on the 2006 TL and see what prices you get...

That will allow you to finish "the puzzle" and have all the pieces to make a rational answer. I suspect, as do you, that the 05 will be much cheaper, and as others have said, if you keep it many years, depreciation differences will wash out. OTOH, if you are a person who gets a new car every 3 years, the difference will be significant.

graffixx

Hi, I'm new to the forum.

Does anyone know if Acura is or will be offering some kind of financing offers? I am looking to purchase an '05 TL w/ Nav and was just wondering if there are any good financing offers out there.

I am in the so cal area.

Many thanks.

stefystef

Can I ask how much you paid for the car? My boyfriend wants a TL with navi, but wants to purchase below $30,000. We are waiting to either wait until late September or wait until the end of the year. Any advise? I'm in the NYC area.

sjmueller

I am trying to find the best deal on an Acura TL Lease without navi. Let me get straight to the numbers based on my tier 1 credit:

MSRP: $33,100 (Not Including Destination Charge - ~$595)
invoice: $30,164 (DC not incl.)

for 42 month lease, Money Factor .0023, Residual: 56%
for 36 month lease, Money Factor .0025, Residual: 59%

Tax in S. Florida: 6.5%

My negotiated price at one dealership was "at invoice", but i was concentrating more on the length of lease, monthly payment, and total due at signing.

The first dealership was 42mo/12k mi. with $1500 down and 425 per month (taxes incl)
I used this to negotiate the 2nd dealership to 42mo/12k mi. with $1500 down and $409 per month.

I am trying to shoot for 39mo/12kmi for around $405 mo (no more than 1500 down), but I'm not sure if this is realistic. From my calculations, it seems like it is, but i may be missing something. Am i asking too much?

Another issue i have is with the Money Factor. .0025 is approximately 6%. Is this really the best rate offered by honda to customers with tier 1 credit?

Would i have a better shot waiting until september to see what acura has to offer at that time? With the 2006's approaching, i would think that this is the time when a deal could be had.

richlux

I did. I got very mixed answers. A small number said they would be selling at MSRP (I don't believe them). Most said they would be discounting slightly (500 - 1K off MSRP) and one said a they could probably give me an 06 for around $1K - 1.5K more than the deal I have now on the 05. I know the 06 will be available in "October", but I don't know if that's the first week or last week of October. That, along with the fact that I'm happy with the deal we have and my wife does not want to wait any longer basically made me decide to take the 05.

Thanks,
Rich

kyfdx

For your 42 month lease, I get $398/mo. plus tax.. with 1st payment, security deposit and acquistion fee upfront (pretty close to $1500-$1600), and that is with a selling price of invoice... So, with a tax rate of 6.5%, that dealer is right on the money... Please note.. that is with $1500 due at signing, which is different from a $1500 cap cost reduction (or downpayment).

Looking at the residual percentages (and I'm going strictly by your info), the 42 month lease is probably the best deal... Only a 3% delta between that and 36 month... I doubt 39 months will be as good.

So, if your second dealer is doing $409/mo. for 42 months with $1500 due at signing, I'd jump on it.... Again.. I stress the distinction between "$1500 down" and "$1500 due at signing".. You may find the second dealer is assuming $1500 down plus 1st payment, etc..

56% is a very strong residual for 42mo/42K... I doubt the lease deals will be any better on the '06... at least.. not at first..

One more note... Always include the destination fees in your figures... Residual percentages are always figured on total MSRP including destination..

regards,
kyfdx

sjmueller

Thank you for your input kyfdx, it is so _greatly_ appreciated. I called up one last dealer, and they said that they could not match the deal, and to go for it at the dealership who offered $409. However, he also mentioned to beware of hidden stuff when i get there.

As long as im writing a check for only 1500 down, and the numbers are still $409, there isnt much else they can try to stick me with, right?

kyfdx

Well... if it includes a security deposit, that is better.... as you'll have money coming back at the end of the lease... Sometimes, they will waive the security deposit, which saves a few dollars a month on the lease, but then you don't get anything back..

Other than that.... if it is a 42mo/42K mile lease, and it is through AHFC (Honda/Acura Finance), then the money is all that matters..

regards,
kyfdx

sjmueller

Im 99% sure they waive the security deposit, and it is through AHFC.

Unless they try and pull something I'll be driving it off the lot.

Thanks for your help again kyfdx, i really appreciate it. This is my first lease, and I want to make sure im getting the best deal possible. 42 months is a little longer than i wanted (36 was my target), but the monthly/down payment is what matters the most, and $400 monthly was my goal.

Now if only the TL didnt have a tape deck. How retro!!

delmar1

The tape deck is for books on tape... You know...some of us get our literary time while driving.

sjmueller

I just called my insurance co. and they informed me that i would have to pay 55 dolalrs per month more to lease the TL instead of buying it.

This amounts to $2310 over the life of the 42mo. lease, which is, in my opinion a waste of money.

My question is, what is the apr for american honda for financing a car (tier 1 credit).

I am going to the dealership tonight, so prompt assistance is greatly appreciated!

white4

Anyone have an idea as to dealer cost on the dealer-added (not a factory option) Wood package on the TL? I saw one last weekend at a dealer on a test drive and it looked really sharp ... moves the interior of the TL up a bit (if comparing it to a Lexus, for example).

I believe the dealer add-on sticker listed it as a $799 item ... was hoping to negotiate it lower. Anyone out there have this done to their TL, any ideas on flexibility on price? Thanks!

bplayer

I do not believe it is available as a dealer add-on. It comes standard (no extra charge) with the Camel Leather interior, and that interior is only available with some external colours. At least that is the way it is offered in Canada. It is interesting that this is not listed in any of the promotional material, and the Acura site does not have it listed as an option.

dpav

What interest rate did they offer you thru HF ? Other Honda boards on this site have them between 6.5 and 6.7 w tier 1. Good Luck

delmar1

'bplayer' is correct in that the wood trim you saw is standard with the 'camel' and 'parchment' (which I have) interiors. The only wood accessory that can be added is a wooden shift knob...which looks pretty weird in my book.

As for cost of the knob...believe it is about $100...which is a ripoff. All other wood you saw is without additional cost.

Yes...agreed....the wood trim is pretty sharp.

white4

Thanks, bplayer and delmar1, but the TL that I test-drove and saw this on was the 'black' interior which normally has no wood (but has black carbon inserts on the doors). This particular demo car had wood on the dash, door inserts, around the middle console, around the speedometer/gauges, etc. I compared this visually to the wood on the camel/parchment new cars on the lot and this test car had much more wood. Also, there was a dealer add-on sticker on the front windshield with the price of $799 for this extra, and the sales rep told me the wood package was added by the dealer.

I am in Texas, possibly this was one of the few dealers doing this. In trying to guess what the mark-up is on accessories like this, anyone have a "rule of thumb" on accessories, say something like the cost is 50% of retail price?? Assuming $799 retail, their cost (installed) would be about $400? The margins they are making on these add-ons is obviously (much) higher than factory-added options. I think the wood inserts can be ordered from parts houses off the Internet, but they must be professionally installed.

Any insight is appreciated!

delmar1

Hmmm...that is unusually. I don't recall it from the accessories catalog I was viewing. But you saw it...they must do it. Now...let me make sure...you are talking about the TL...correct? I know that the wood trim kit is available on the TSX...and haven't seen it on the TL.

My thoughts. If the debate is whether the markup is 50% or 40% or 60%...it is splitting hairs. A 10% difference in accessory equates to a $60 attempted squeeze in a $33k car. I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker if you seriously want the wood trims...but of course I won't let the dealer know your desire.

graffixx

Anyone?

This will be my very first purchase of a new vehicle so I am totally a newbie at this.

If anyone has any insights as to when is a good time to buy.

Thanks!

delmar1

A good time to buy is when you get a fair price...based upon your research. I would suggest reading through this board for further guidance to prices and methods of working a deal. Make the investment and read / study this board.

white4

Thanks delmar. It was definitely the TL. I will try to find out more (re: where they order the wood inserts from). Good point on not splitting hairs ...

scifireader

Just picked up my new TL. Black w/Black. Hot looking! :shades: from a place in Maple Shade, NJ.

I dealt with the internet depts of six different dealerships. They were all great and answered my questions without pushing.

I got the best price for TL s/ Navi -- 32555 ...Just great compared to some of the other prices I got. The next highest was about $300 over that -- and some were $1000 over.

I checked the consumer reports pricing report. Dealership was only making dealer holdback...nothing else.

The dealer offered the extras, but was really cool when I turned them down.

Most painless car buying experience I ever had...and no worries about getting ripped off!

scifireader

I think you're going to have a really hard time finding a TL w/ Navigation under $30,000, no matter when you buy it.

The rock-bottom price right now is about 31500-- and that's with the dealer making NO MONEY.

You might want to look into a used 2004 or 2005 w/Navi to get it under $30K....

bplayer

delmar1: In one of these newsgroups there were two sites mentioned that sell wood inserts for the TL (and many other cars). The inserts are stick on and can be user installed without any special tools. There are a variety of wood finishes available. I seem to remember the cost being about the same or less than the dealer sticker price. You should be able to google them to get cost and selections.

sjmueller

So here are the numbers on my 2005 Acura TL lease w/out Navi. Turns out, my credit was not as good as I thought (Beacon 681). The deal changed because of this, but only by a couple of dollars. Here are the final numbers on my lease for a 2005 TL without navi:

Gross Capital Cost: $30508.34
Capitalized Cost Reduction: $238.72
Adjusted Capitalized Cost: $30269.62
Residual Value: $18855.20
Depreciation: $11414.42
Rent Charge: $4951.80
Total Base Payment: 16366.22
Number of Lease Payments: 42
Base Monthly Single Payment: $389.67
Sales Tax Monthly (Based on 6.5%): $25.33
Total Monthly Payment: $415.00

Here is the breakdown of the Amount Due at lease Signing:
CapCost Reduction: $238.72, Tax on this: $15.52
1st Month Payment: $415.00
Registration Fees: 120
Doc Fees + Tax: 637.94
FL Fees + Tax 72.82
Total Out of Pocket: $1500

So what do you think? Was this a good deal, or did it end up being only average?
I hope the precise numbers that i post will help people get an even better deal!

dmanpa

Working on trying to find THE BEST financing out there. I have a dealer offering 4.99% available from 3 different resources. ANyone know of any other deals for the TL? Also any other programs out there like recent college grad programs etc? I am in PA if that helps.

delmar1

bplayer....I wasn't the one looking for the wood package. I have them with my parchment interior. Someone else was looking for 'em...and I was assisting the other person.

Hmmm...stick on wood 'inserts'? That doesn't sound too good...sounds like they would curl and peel off with the interior heat. The OEM / stock inserts are beefy and solid. Stickers huh?