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Comments
I paid MSRP back in April 2002. While no one likes paying full asking price...I feel that the market price was pretty accurate for the popularity and quality of vehicle I was getting. At 40K out the door (including tax, title, etc) for a touring it was an easy decision. The comparable trucks, SUVs and wagons all optioned out at about 10K more if not even higher. While the dealers are getting to take a huge amount of profit on these cars and no one likes paying MSRP...when I purchased mine, I feel the market price was about accurate.
I agree with never paying over MSRP...and someone who doesn't do their homework and misses out on getting better than MSRP is not getting the best they can...Free market prices have to be taken into account. I had an opportunity to get $500 off MSRP 1500 miles away when I bought mine. A plane ticket and then driving a brand new car 1500 miles seemed like a losing trade...even though maybe I would have saved $300.
The other part of it it that paying MSRP early in the production run/model year isn't so bad, as at least you get to be "first on your block", but when you are nearing the END of the model year the sting of "if I waited for the 04s, I could've had XXX feature/option/color" is much sharper.
I certainly don't agree with selling/buying the car above MSRP when the market is no longer demanding such. There are always people who are trying to take advantage of you, no matter the profession. That's why we as consumers need to be more educated when it comes to such a big purchase.
Acura does have many different model that they could sell, but besides the MDX and TSX, what other models could they "try" to sell at MSRP? I was only trying to point out that buying a vehicle as popular as the MDX, you're going to pay a fair price for it. Just try to remember the sales rep needs to make a living as well. They do after all spend 2, 3 hours or even longer to sell and go thought the vehicle with you. Put yourself in their shoes and try it on for size.
I understand the point you are trying to make.
Buyers set the market price for a vehicle. The buyer determines what is fair by actually buying. I suspect most would not buy if they felt the price was not fair (definition: fair = getting a good value for the money spent). For some, paying well over msrp represented a fair price. These people set the initial market price and because there were enough buyers who felt that way the market price for an MDX stayed at or above msrp for two years.
One should not blame a business for taking advantage of the market to maximize profit. Supply and demand is the name of the game. The dealer and manufacturer set the supply side and the consumer sets the demand side.
However, in order for it to work properly, the consumer needs to be informed correctly. And thanks to this board, we are all for the better (the consumers that is).
I believe the point of not paying MSRP ever is a good philosophical point, but only applies to the sane person. Out there in a "hot car" market, people will pay higher prices than the 'suggested' price. Call the stupid, but look at all those people buying Superbowl tickets above 'list'....same concept.
To each their own, but shame on those 'honest, poor' salespeople who would let a uninformed person buy above market price. But then again, shame on those people on going into the showroom not informed in the first people....
My opinion: Not WORTH MSRP. Just wait a few years and take a cold shower.
For angel723:
I like the MDX a lot, but I do know it's not the best of the best either.
I don't like the perforated leather or the synthetic wood trim for a luxury vehicle.
I'm just amazed about people paying MSRP or above MSRP for an MDX.
The point I was trying to say was that there are dealers out there, specifically in Texas and Ohio, who are selling MDX for $3,000 under MSRP. I live about 170 miles away from Dallas, TX. So if the idiot dealer in Oklahoma will not sell me an MDX for $3,000 off MSRP, I'll just make that little drive to Dallas for that big discount.
Everyone on this forum knows about the $3K off MSRP by now.
Why the heck should we feel bad about getting $3K off MSRP?
From reading your (angel723) post, I got the impression that you don't think we should get $3K off MSRP because you think the MDX is so popular.
You are wrong. It is not that popular anymore.
And what is it to you if I said we should all get $3K off MSRP on the MDX?
Why should you be offended by that?
You make it sound like I should be ashamed of myself for wanting $3K off MSRP.
What is it to you?
I believe right after the first year the MDX was out, people were talking about discounts in the south already, one just have to look really hard. The demand for foreign trucks or SUV in the south is very low compare to the northeast or the west. And we all know that the higher the demand, the higher the price.
Sometimes it sucks to live in such a poor state like Oklahoma. Heck, there's only one dealer in OKC and there aren't more than 10 MDX on the whole lot! At the price they are selling, no wonder they stay on those lots.
Car & Driver named the VW Toureg luxury SUV of the year for 2003. So there, Acura dealer! The MDX is no longer luxury SUV of the year!
I hope the Toureg sells like crazy and put the MDX to shame.
The funny thing about it is that their comparison was using a preproduction Touareg. The unit pre-dated the actual one you can buy in the United States by at least 9 months if not more.
I suspect that differences in the final version wouldn't have changed the outcome of their verdict. But while it's true that auto magazines often test pre-production, European-model-based versions, this one was so "pre" that it stretched the bounds of credibility.
I think the Touareg is an outstanding vehicle, with terrific luxury, features, and off-road capability. However, I doubt if it'll take many sales from the MDX. Most buyers will cross-shop the Touareg with the European SUV's (e.g. ML350/ML500, X5 variants, XC90) before they cross-shop with the MDX or RX330. Having only about 31 cubic feet behind the second row seat (less than a Subaru Forester), as well as seating for just 5 people, will hold it back from many MDX buyers who seek significant cargo room and/or passenger seating. Many MDX buyers buy on the combination of cargo/passenger room, Acura reliability, and low price. The Touareg has none of those.
$37,865 will buy a base Touareg with navigation. Add any kind of options like leather (in the form of a package), and the real-world price will be significantly higher.
Most folks who opt for nav usually want the everyday bells and whistles as well. I doubt if you'll find many buyers ordering just the base with the nav.
I think it won't steal too many MDX buyers away. I admit it has a good list of features, especially with the optional offroad functionality, however the MDX attracts a lot of minivan buyers who just can't stomach one. The VW will probably take more business from potential passat buyers. It seems to be a different execution of the SUV platform...and after all a VW. Most people who wouldn't buy a VW due to reliability issues will probably shy away from this model as well. So my guess is they will be keeping more of their faithful true to brand and only bringing a few new buyers to camp.
To discuss the Touareg, check out these discussions:
Acura MDX vs. Nissan Murano or wait for the VW Touareg
VW Touareg SUV
Thanks for you cooperation!
I made an internet deal at Park Acura about a month ago for $2,650 under MSRP on a touring with Navi. The internet sales manager, was great! It was a super easy transaction. We got a 3.59% for 60 mos interest rate from the finance manager, too! We just picked it up today! I already love it! The Navigation system is really cool! I'm so glad I decided to get it! The people at the dealership were friendly and considerate. We got the Midnight Blue, paid for the running boards and got the moonroof visor, body side moldings and wheel locks for free.
I had to trade in my 2001 CL Type S, which I just loved. That was a heartbreaker.
My hubbie tried to talk me into an Explorer because of all the promos Ford is running. No way! Nothing beats an Acura!
Don't expect to get the same discount that I got because it is no longer available. The internet sales manager told me that the demand is just too high, now. Every vehicle coming in is already spoken for. They don't even have one that you can test drive!
Barbara27 got the same vehicle as I did, but I saved $350.00 more, because I made the internet deal three weeks earlier. It wouldn't surprise me if you couldn't even get the same deal that she got, now. I know the Akron dealer has been getting a lot of activity as a result of the posts here and on another forum. Perhaps that is part of it.
Anyway, you may not be able to get the same deal that we got, but you can't go wrong with this dealer or internet manager. It's been a really great experience! He made things really easy. Even had his finance manager get a really low interest rate for us. All the accessories were installed before we picked it up. He reviewed all the features of the vehicle, and showed us the manual, maintenance schedule, explained the Navigation system, etc.
All we had to do was fill out a few forms with the finance guy, who was equally great, BTW, and we were on our way. It just doesn't get any easier than this! I will always buy directly through an internet sales manager. It takes all the hassle and haggle out of buying a new car. Except for the trade-in appraisal, which never goes quite the way you hope, and unfortunately,is a necessary evil if you want to save on tax and avoid the hassle of selling on your own. They even got within $500.00 of what I wanted on that, so that wasn't a bad deal, either. Hated to leave that bright red CL-S behind, though! I wish I could have kept it and still have gotten the MDX.
Anyway, good luck to you MDX owner wanna be's and congratulations to everyone who presently owns an MDX. This really is a terrific vehicle! I drove it some more today and I just love it! It got a little dirty from the storms we had last night, so we've already given it a bath! I'm hoping the sun will come out later, so I can get some great pictures with the Midnight Blue paint really sparkling. I just love the lighter blue sparkles in this paint. It's beautiful! The paint chip in the brochure doesn't do it justice.
Dee in NE Ohio
Love the vehicle. We took in on a weekend road trip and it was smooth and comfortable. I especially like the size. Not too big and not too small. Just right. This is the best luxury SUV for the money. I hope to have mine for a long time.
Good luck to all looking for a great deal.
I started the hard core process just before Memorial Day. Made many phone calls, LOTS & LOTS of emails, even a visit or two.
We have NINE Acura dealers in Chicagoland, most WERE NOT FLEXIBLE AT ALL!
I found a great salesperson & a GM who backed him up and now we have a GREAT vehicle!!!
Seems strange, but I can lease a 2004 RL 3.5 for a good bit less (36 mos/12K miles/drive off=tax,license,1st month payment only)...$525/month (plus tax, which adds $40/month).
Edmunds shows TMV pricing for the RL in my area with a whopping discount ($42,739 vs. $46,100 MSRP) but the internet folks are saying the capitalized cost will be only $41,000. Edmunds does not display the invoice price for the RL.
The equivilent lease deals on the MDX are all around $600/month give or take a few dollars. But Edmunds TMV pricing for the loaded MDX is $40,907.
Already "debated" a bit with CarMan in his lease threads about my not really caring to dissect the elements of a lease: my contention is, as long as I'm going to turn it in a lease maturity, ALL that matters to me are 1. monthly payment, 2. Drive-offs, 3. mileage included.
But clearly, there is some hidden incentive, or non-disclosed profit item working within these RL vs. MDX numbers...even though I'm told they are working off rougly equivilent purchase prices. Oh well, I don't really need to SUV.
PS- have found the same disconnect in pricing the Honda Pilot vs. the Accord. With both models loaded, including NAVI, the lease quotes are a little out of whack, with the higher monthly payment for the Pilot being disproportionate to the MSRP / TMV pricing. Accords under $400/month, and Pilots around $525/month. But at least Edmund's pricing "clues" show the Pilot is locally commanding a 25% higher sales price, so that explains it.
I'm not considering buying it from other states, because of the hassle of licenses, tax, etc (maybe it's not that bad? anyone has experiences?)
Gcomstock1: what sort of prices were you getting in the SoCal area?
Mark
Just trying to figure out the exact numbers: the MSRP for touring + RES + Navi is $42000 accourding to Edmunds. Add $800 for the accessories you got, and $500 for the destination charge, it comes up to $43300. You got it under $41k. Is this about right? Then add 10% for license + tax, you paid about $45k out of your pocket? I'm looking for out-of-pocket cost of around $41k, so I'm limitting myself to the touring packet. If you don't mind, can you give me the dealership's name? Thanks!
Happy Motoring!!
Accessory - List
Roof Rack - $165
Roof Rack Installation - probably $50
Body Side Molding - $130
Body Side Molding Installation - probably $30
Cargo Cover - $135
Cargo Tray - $132
All Weather Mats - $117
Protection Package - $400
Delivery - probably $400
MDX - $36,200
Total Price for MDX and Accessories - $37,759
My Total Price - $34,600
Dollars off list - $3,149
The dealer was wonderful! Very customer focused. They ordered the exact color combination for us and even notified us when the MDX was being built at the factory. They delivered it 500 miles to our front door.
It was a very pleasant purchase process. We solicited a number of bids and negotiated with a few. We had higher discounts, but came back to the Ohio dealer because of their highly recommended interaction from this board.
We love our MDX.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Interested NJ base model purchaser.
If you have subscribed to this discussion, the move should not interfere with your subscriptions.
Sorry for any confusion or inconvenience! Any questions can be emailed to me.
Thanks!
Thanks
Steve, Host