Acura RL Prices Paid and Buying Experience

jweaver1

Sorry if I got away from the topic, I was just trying to share my (almost) buying experience with two different dealers.

kssod1

Was going to buy an RL, negotiated 45k with spoiler and flaps, but was low balled on trade. want AWD so i went to Infiniti, and looked at a 05 G35X, price was10k+ less than RL $500 over invoice, Trade offer was 4k more than Acura, without haggling. Didn't buy because I wasn't in love with the G35. Why do dealers have such a difference in trade value. My car is a European import and both dealers would wholesale out. Both dealers arre within 500 feet of eachother, and how can they get such different quotes is beyond me, other than the Acura dealer is just playing games.

delmar1

My take is that the G35X is $10k less because it is apples and oranges comparison...as the two cars are in two distinct car classes.

Also....second point...not sure what price you received for the purchase prices of the G35x and RL. The Infiniti dealer may have provided you with an inflated new car purchase price and offset it by a rich trade value.

Third...not sure what price you received from your trade and how does it compare to the Kelly Blue Book values.

Perhaps the Acura dealer was straight-up in their pricing and the Infiniti dealer was not by appeasing your desire for a rich trade-in value and not focusing on the total deal. :surprise:

sjohnson11

I take it from your your earlier posts of having a Jag (I assume you bought it at the Jag dealer), you know what you are getting at the acura/porsche/jag/mercedes/lexus dealer as opposed to the infiniti/volkswagen dealer across the street. The previous poster is right when he said acura was giving the prices to you straight up (from my two purchasing experiences at that dealer). I have tried to deal with that infiniti dealer before and they seem on a whole different level of car dealership...and I don't mean this in a good way.

randyl712

"My take is that the G35X is $10k less because it is apples and oranges comparison...as the two cars are in two distinct car classes."

I disagree, but the G35x doesn't come standard with anywhere near what the RL has. So, you CAN compare apples to apples, but you'll find the price to be a lot closer too.

delmar1

The G35 is more comparable to a TL than a RL. Different class in fit, finish, etc.

randyl712

Doh - I had a mind melt on that one. Yes, G35 = TL, M35 = RL. Sorry bout that

aaron_mi

I've seen phenominal deals on the left coasts ($41000 in LA) and good deals on the east coast ($43,800 in North Carolina).

Here in the Detroit area the dealers claim they are selling well due to AWD.

I'm looking to do get a great deal and hopefully won't have to drive a day or more to do it. With an invoice of $43,714 and $570 destination, there is also I believe a $2500 incentive, about $1400 in holdback that would give a dealership more room to deal. I undestand they have to make a profit.

Anyone get a comparable deal in Michigan or anystate within a day's drive? If so, where and who was the dealer/salesperson? Thanks

kyfdx

One note.. The $2500 dealer incentive is only on leased vehicles..

regards,
kyfdx

kssod1

Here was the deal. 2005 Acura Rl negotiated price 45k with spoiler and all weather mats. Jag trade was 9500. G35x with premium package C and XM 35k (approx 500 over invoice). Trade 13500. So both dealers were appraising the same car and we had agreed on an appropriate purchase price for the new vehicle. It was not a case of discounted RL vs sticker G35x as some assumed. It was more a case of the Acura dealer trying to make extra profit by low balling my trade value. Yes, the 2 cars are in different price catagories, but that doesn't change purchase strategy (ie negotiated car price separate from trade value). If anything, the Acura dealer should have given me a better trade price than the Infiniti since I was considering a more expensive vehicle with a higher profit margin even at the discounted prices.

lup11

Almost took the deal, but am waiting on the 06 model. 2005 was at invoice 43202 on a lease. $580 a month with only 710 due at signing. In WI taxes are based on the month payment so it would actually be 509.81 (5.1 tax in Waukesha County) Also have receive a quote on a MDX at $1500 below invoice for the touring with NAV list at 43090 for 38323.

brokerg

I was curious to know how some of the people who have posted on this board had lease payments as low as they claimed. I went to an Acura dealership yesterday and negotiated a capcost price of $43250 w58% residual and 2.4MF. My tax rate is 7% and lease payment would have been $638/mo no $ down. The $ factor is set by Honda so I wanted to find out if other leeses are doing their financing with someone else. I didn't do the deal because I had problems with my trade-in, but just wanted to find out if there were better lease money factors available through outside lenders.

kyfdx

You could try leasecompare.com

While 3rd-party banks often have lower money factors, they usually also have lower residuals, so the payment is often the same or slightly higher...

Also, the RL has a $2500 factory to dealer incentive, that is only applicable if the car is leased through Honda Finance... This pretty much guarantees that a third-party bank will not be able to beat their lease deal... because your selling price would be $2500 higher..

regards,
kyfdx

lup11

The residual moved down to 58% as of Sept. 1, in August it was 59%.

brokerg

That was already factored in because the dealership lowered the cap cost $500 below invoice due to a 1% change in residual. I don't see how anyone could have a payment under $600 or have a lease w/15k mileage because all other factors are the same. The only thing that would change the payment would be a lower money factor which is why I posted my question.

spacklebucket

Total cap $42,8XX - $1500 down included 1st mo. payment and bank fee. Total drive off was $1683 with license/DMV fees.....15k mi/year - payment $564/mo for 36. Sales tax was rolled into the payment. This included the $2500 incentive from what I understand, which I was told ended on 9/6/05. I don't know about money factor or exact residual. I only concerned myself with the #s that were important to me. I'm in NY State. Car is pretty awesome, BTW.

philbaker

We will be happy to assist you with a 2005 or 2006 RL. Just to let you know we do have a great lease special for the 2005 RL’s right now if you are interested.

$399

Per Month + Tax • 36 Month Lease

2005 RL Model KB1655KW

$5900.00 Total Drive Off

36 Months Closed End Lease

12,000 Miles Per Year $0.15 Per Mile In Excess

On Above Average Credit

kyfdx

I'd say it could be....

Figure it would be around $540/mo. with just $1400 due at inception.. Of course, you'd have to add tax to that... So, you'd probably end up in the high $500s, with tax included, depending on what state you live in...

That isn't too far off from some of the deals we've heard about..

This just goes to show how a big cap cost reduction can make a lease payment seem really low....

regards,
kyfdx
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spacklebucket

I should have been more clear, I apologize. This deal included 7.375% tax:

Total cap $42,8XX - $1500 down included 1st mo. payment and bank fee. Total drive off was $1683 with license/DMV fees.....15k mi/year - payment $564/mo for 36. Sales tax was rolled into the payment. This included the $2500 incentive from what I understand, which I was told ended on 9/6/05. I don't know about money factor or exact residual. I only concerned myself with the #s that were important to me. I'm in NY State. Car is pretty awesome, BTW.

nachalnik

I'm in a process of getting a new car. Can somebody give me lease info (money down and $ per month excluding tax) for the following:

Acura RL
Infiniti G35x
Infiniti M35 AWD
Lexus GS300 AWD

Thanks

Kirstie_H

Hi nachalnik,
In order for others to give you lease advice for these vehicles, you'll need to tell us:
a) what lease term you want (24 months? 36 months?)
b) mileage per year
c) part of the country in which you're shopping

It's a little bit difficult without knowing what options are important to you, but I think if you provide the above, you can get a ballpark number.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

vince11

May I take advantage of your offer?

a) 36 months
b) 15,000 per year
c) North Carolina

I'm interested in a standard equipped RL.
Thanks
V

nachalnik

Hi,

I'm looking at 36 mo, 12K per year. I'm in Philly.

Thanks

coastdrive

2005 RL
40008.04 cap
528.16/mo (includes tax)
1545 drive off
36 mo/ 12k
Sunnyvale Acura - Northern CA, Excellent sales experience

SoCal dealers had some RLs without nav (!) for higher than this

kyfdx

I think the NAV system is standard on the RL.....

coastdrive

I also thought nav was not an option, but Acura of Mission Viejo showed me two fully prepped RLs without nav, and then went on to quote a higher price than I already had on RLs with nav. There was a clear plastic cover over the gaping display hole and it looked really odd. No way did I want to negotiate on a car with the key part of the user interface missing...

kyfdx

I don't think NAV works in AK or HI.. Perhaps they had cars that were destined for there... Otherwise, all RLs sent to the continental US have it standard..

dallasdriver

I drove an RL last night. Thinking about trading in my '02 C320 as it's almost out of warranty and getting a lower payment. They have a deal at $599.00 a month which would be about a hundred bucks lower then my current payment, although, they said they needed $4500 to $5000 up front. I explained that saving a hundred bucks a month, but putting 5k down on a 3 year lease, I wouldn't break even until 2 years after I returned the car. They kind of just looked at me and then said they could "probably" lower the down payment.

Ok, here's the meat of my question. I've never leased before. I've always heard you should put as little to zero down on a lease. I've also seen prices on this board that beat the $599.00 WITH a lower down payment. So now I'm thinking there is a LOT of wiggle room, much more so I initially understood.

Is it possible to just trade in the Benz and walk away with no money out of pocket and have the keys to a new RL? Edmunds says Trade In value of the Benz is at 22k. I owe $23,500 on it. Whatcha think? Stand a chance or just stick with the Benz for awhile longer?

msu79gt82

They have a deal at $599.00 a month which would be about a hundred bucks lower then my current payment, although, they said they needed $4500 to $5000 up front.

I think that is way too high; I was offered this deal back in May.

kyfdx

If you are upside-down on your current loan, I'd keep the car awhile longer..

But, in general, you are correct... you shouldn't be putting any extra money down on a lease... Just the 1st payment and security deposit, plus title/license fees...

I think you could possibly get the RL for $600/mo. with just the minimal upfront (Around $1500), but not with rolling over negative equity..

One more thing to think about... Sales tax laws in TX are not kind to leases... You have to pay tax on the entire car, not just the lease payment...

regards,
kyfdx

18pctgray

Also, my understanding is that in Texas (and only in Texas) when you trade in a car in a sales transaction, sales tax only applies to the difference. So if you receive a $22K trade-in, and sales tax is 6%, you would save $1320 in sales tax.

I asked about it in California and they said, "We can't do it here. That only applies in Texas."

Your mileage may vary,

Dave

hendjaz

"(and only in Texas)"

This sales tax on the trade differential also applies in the states of WA, AZ and NM in my experience. Probably some others too. No surprise about CA as they will tax and tax all day long.

msu79gt82

Texas recognizes the double taxation that occurs with respect to trade-ins. The vehicle traded-in will be subject to sales tax at the time of resale. Thus if I trade a car worth $22K and it sells for $23K+ then the state is getting its sales tax on that amount. Why should I also pay tax on the EXACT same amount. If two people pay tax on that $22K then a double taxation has occured - at least that is the logic behind the waving of sales tax on the trade-in amount. :shades:

davearn

Picked up my RL from Sunnyvale CA Acura dealership 02Aug05, at a great price of just 42,800, plus taxes. Dealership was outstanding: not pushy; offered solid quote over the internet; and matched offer of Stevens Creek Acura. Thanks Infiniti and Lexus - the availability of the new M35 and GS300 must be the reason I got such a good price.

Compared with M35x and GS300 - those cars loaded up with RL features are thousands more. I don't miss a back up camera - the only feature the RL lacks. 1 year free OnStar and XM Radio included with RL - didn't think I'd care for the Sat radio, but today I wouldn't live without.

Car's been great the first 2,500 miles, and I'm averaging 22.5 mpg (70 % Hwy, 30% city). The 300 horses are strong to start and pass, but driving with care gives decent gas mileage. Sound system is awesome. Consumer Reports review last month was nuts - the Nav/Audio system is easy to use after a couple hours of fooling around. Top safety ratings for front, side, and rollover mean all this comes in a safe package as well. If you're near Silicon Valley, check out Sunnyvale Acura to buy your RL.

bmackrell

Has anyone seen any new incentives on the RL 05 models or know when they'll start. We're getting closer to the arrival of the 06 models and I'm leaning towards just picking up an 05 but I'm would like to get a really good deal on it. didn't see enough listed in the 06 to go that route.

kupe15

I just purchased a 2005 RL, Black w/parchment (tan) interior at Acura of West Chester, PA. $42,900 base and I loaded it with 18in wheels/all season tires, wood trim wheel and shifter knob, trunk mats, floor mats, splash guards, wheels locks and deck lid spoiler. $46,600 total + tax/tags/reg. Will be picking it up on Tuesday. Also, got financing through Honda Finance for 4.79% for up to 60 months. How can you beat that (except maybe paying cash but for 4.79% that option went out the window).

I drove the M35x and I really liked it as well. They are both great cars. But with the same option packages it was more like $53K. Infiniti not really willing to move to much on the price. I would have liked the back-up camera and the cooled seats but maybe Acura will get them in a few years.

All in all the RL is a great car and with the deals they are giving on '05 models you can't beat their value.

msu79gt82

A $2500 dealer incentive is current now. Other forums are reporting sales of $39.8 and $40.3.

hendjaz

I think those reports are coming from CA and mostly SoCal, so a long way from PA. Wouldn't be surprised to see some low prices in the sunbelt states where the awd aspect is less important. KU69

kupe15

That dealer incentive is only for leases. And the RL's are selling for more in states that will have harsh winters, such as PA.

hybrid3

Kupe I will be getting a RL by December. I haven't seen an RL w/ the 18" wheels. How does it look??? Did you see it on a car before you purchased it? How is the ride changed by them, comfort, handling road noise and mpg? Or anyone else that got the 18" wheels.

Also, on a lease if I am getting the car nov/dec, would an 06 be a better lease price due to higher residual? Or the deals are just too good on the 05's.

Any changes in the 06?

chookalish

I got an email last week from Downey Acura, offering $39899, with wheel locks and mudguards. The offer was good for just a few days. I wasn't previously considering the RL, but I'm starting to consider it.
I also stopped by Cerritos Acura this week, and the salesman there was talking $44K.

kupe15

I personally feel the 18in wheels add a lot to the RL's classy look. There was a test car with the 18in wheels at the dealer and it looked a lot nicer next to one with the 17in wheels. I felt like it handled better with the larger wheels too (drove the 17in and 18in back to back). The road noise is about the same (with the all season tires). As for mpg, I am not sure as I won't have my car until next week. As for which is a better deal, I am not sure as I have never leased a car, but I would think the much lower price on the '05 would be the way too go (but someone who is an expert on leasing would be able to tell you better). Good luck in your search, you will be very happy with the RL.

hybrid3

Thanks, that was very helpful. Did your dealer give you a credit for the 17"wheels?

ishanb

I was able to purchase a 2005 Acura RL Redondo Red Pearl with following options for $46,795:
VIN (last five digits) >15000, not a demo (<20 miles on odometer) most recent Service Bulletins (05-022, 05-027 and 05-028) and all previous Service Bulletins applied
Wood steering wheel (the one that is supposed to go with the parchment interior)
Splash guards
All season floor mats
Wood shifter knob
18" OEM wheels
Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S tires (I drop shipped them from TireRack so add about $840), mounted and balanced
Engine block heater
Backup sensors
Full tank 93 octane fuel
Cost of installation of all accessories included
The dealer did not give credit for the OEM 17" rims/Michelin tires, but judging by eBay prices paid, I should get a total of $1200 for the rims and whatever TireRack sells the tires for, with maybe a 20% discount for the buyer). That might net me about $1800

The only additional charges were the Maryland $100 fee and $19 for temp tags, and state tax. I gave the salesperson a copy of the three Service Bulletins issued by Acura on 9/13 so that they are applied before delivery.

All in all, it was a pleasant buying experience, done mostly through email. I'm looking forward to driving this car! If you want contact information, please email me at ishan at sbinet dot com. HTH.

kupe15

No, the dealer did not credit me for the 17in rims/tires.

msu79gt82

No, the dealer did not credit me for the 17in rims/tires.

Some dealers will credit and some won't - however if they won't credit you then you get to keep the 17s and perhaps sell them yourself or use them for winter or whatever (in any event they are yours).

bmackrell

hey, ishanb, where did you find the service bulletins you mentioned?

hendjaz

I don't think there is any actual notice going out. I learned that there are three current service bulletins from the dealer service department when I went in for scheduled service. I had read in the forums about one of the bulletins and mentioned it to the service folks and they said there are two others too. They took care of all three during that service visit. Suggest you call your service department to see what is applicable to your RL. Perhaps not all three are applicable to RLs recently purchased but not sure about that.

paul_philly

For those unfamiliar with the Philadelphia, Mike Piazza Sr. (the baseball player's father) owns several Acura, Honda and VW dealerships around the Philadelphia area. I went to one of the dealerships and was told the absolute lowest price for an RL is $44,100 - no negoiating, no dealing...that's it. So I bought it (one week ago). The very next day a co-worker went to a different Piazza dealership in the area and was told "any RL on the lot for $42,900." He didn't even negoiate and had 10 to choose from.
I called the GM of my dealership and asked for a $1200 refund since the cars came from the same organization. He refused, offering only a free 30,000 mile service. I have letters out to Piazza Management Group and Acura Customer Care, but any advice you can provide is much appreciated. How can I get them to refund the difference? I'm even willing to deal with $1200 worth of merchandise, parts and service. But I hate the fact that my co-worker has the same car, purchased one day later, at the same organization, for $1200 less!

Please Help!

kyfdx

Realistically, you have no recourse...

They gave you a price, and you agreed to it... The price they give the next guy is immaterial...

Be happy that you bought a very nice car..

regards,
kyfdx
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