Costco, like Sam's Club, offers a discount car-buying service.
I'm currently trying to decide between the RL and the new Infiniti M 35/45.
So, the Costco-connected dealers contacted me on both the M and the RL.
According to the Chicago-based Infiniti dealer, depending on which M model
you choose, the Costco price is $3000 over invoice, or about 6% over invoice,
which isn't that great of a deal in my opinion.


However, for the 2005 Acura RL:

List: $49,670
Invoice: $44,284

Costco: $45,806

That's roughly 3.4% over invoice. Seems like a pretty good deal. What does everyone think?

I'm still torn between the RL and the M. I like the overall package of the RL better, but I drive a torquey Benz V8 right now, and I missed that low-end grunt in the RL's V6 when I test-drove. The M45's V8 is incredible, and I love the handling, but I'm not as sold on the looks of the car, and I'm not especially fond of the interior. I don't think either one is a bad choice, but I think it will take an overnight test drive in each to determine my preference. It will also come down to whether the Infiniti dealer is willing to deal as much as the Acura dealer.

Randy

 

Honestly, the M35/45 and RL are my two favorite personal choices. You can't really go wrong with either vehicle.

The M45 is the power monster of the segment. If you looking for pure performance, this is it. The M35's V6 is also quite a beast, most people saying you get about 90% of the performance, but it's not quite the same as the V8.

The RL has ample power as well (6.5-6.7 sec 0-60). Clearly, the level of technology included in the car is astounding. Some of the things like the reclining rear sunshade can only be found on the super expensive cars (s class, 7 series, etc). Quite simply, the RL is an amazing overall package taking into account performance, safety, luxury, technology, prestige, etc.

The RL deal you mentioned is incredible. Very hard to pass up....

 

I know that makes me feel great paying MSRP!

 

Excellent price on the RL, just make sure its the car for you

 

You are kidding, right? Rear sunshades can be found on basically every luxury car now....and if you are talking about it retracting when the car is in reverse I am pretty sure most if not all do the same thing.

 

Lexus ES330 has that feature also but it doesn't have the side shades.

 

Got mine at McGrath Acura of Morton Grove for $45,100.00

 

Ahh...that is close to my office -- I've browsed that showroom many times, and took a few TL and RL test-drives. Of course, the salesman I spoke with said they were "only going for list." The second time I stopped in to see the RL, he said "Stop thinking about it, you know you want it, just do it,", to which I replied, "Not ready to pull the trigger yet." He responded, "What if I knock $1000 off list?" I just looked at him and shook my head.

Did you have a good experience there overall? Do you mind mentioning your salesperson's name? Did you have to haggle quite a bit? I see they are currently offering 3.9% financing. And, what color choices did you make? I do like that their inventory of RLs is kept untouched in their underground garage. For your price, did that include any of the "accessories" they try to get you to buy (wheel locks, trunk mat, e.t.c.) ?

I think if I get one, I'll get the Xpel film on the headlights and the 3M film on the front end and back bumper (I live downtown Chicago). I tend to keep my cars for awhile (my current E420 is a 1997) and I think the stoneguard coating is worthwhile.

Randy

 

Randy,

Experience was wonderfull. No hassels.. told them what I wanted to pay for the car and wanted no accessories. Can get the accessories on eBay much cheaper. Joe Girard gave me the deal, explained the car completely when I took delivery, and I've gotten plenty of "thank you" letters from them since.

I chose the Nighthawk Black Pearl with the Ebony interior. So happened that I got an offer from one of my credit card companies for a 2.9% cash advance till paid off.. so I took advantage of that as well. I have since picked up the splash guards on eBay, painted to match, for $87.00 inc shipping. They were easy to install. Still want to add the trunk tray and deck lid spoiler.

I'm in South Bend Indiana, and probably will only return to McGrath for any warranty work that might be required. Great dealership. Even tho I bought is at a reasonable cost, short profit for them, they were all very appreciative of my business. Tell Joe I said Hi!

 

McGrath Acura of Westmont (Chicago suburbs) who deals with Costco price quotes just called me again, and told me that Costco is "squeezing the dealers a bit more" and they wanted me to know of their new, lower price on an 2005 Acura RL:

List: $49,670
Invoice: $44,284

Costco: $45,806 price 1 week ago
Costco: $45,306 price today

They knocked off $500. That new price is roughly 2.3% over invoice. However it's still not as cheap as the $45,100 price a certain someone from South Bend got at McGrath in Morton Grove, IL...

I might go for it, soon...see if they'll go down to $45,200, and throw in the rubber floor mats, trunk mat, and wheel locks for that price. (should I get the mup flaps too?)

I also plan on spending the $500-$800 on the 3M Stoneguard product, for the front-end, and back-bumper (parking in Chicago).

I may tint it as well, as I had LASIK done five years ago, and although I have 20/15 vision, my eyes are more sensitive to light, and the tint really helps in my current car (in addition to my sunglasses).

Randy