Hi guys. I'm flirting with getting an RL again. It's like a 7 year itch that won't go away. I almost bought one at launch, but decided the TL was the better value at the time. Then I almost upgraded when the 2006 models were going for 39k new. I regret not making the jump then.

I still have my TL and I've been looking at used 2006-2008. My question is, how much wiggle room is there on the asking prices right now. They seem a bit high for some of the 07-08s. Also, how accurate are the KBB and Edmunds values?

I have my eye on a couple 08s with about 30k miles and no certification. Asking is low 30s. Would they even consider an offer around 26 to 27?

Everyone seems to mention how had the depreciation is on the RL. Honestly, based on the asking prices I see, I don't think it's that bad if you consider alot of these cars were sold for under 40k new and are now asking around 30k after 3 years. Thanks

 

you are right to some extent... what MSRP was and what they actually sold for was quite different..

a year or so before I bought my RL, I was shopping the 08 TL-S... they were at like 38 or 39k MSRP but I had an offer.. IN WRITING.. to buy one at $31.5 due to incentives...

now I see USED 08s with 15-25k miles for $30k... ??? that means there was NO depreciation!! maybe I should have bought that TL-S and just driven it then sold it for what I paid??

realistically though, the RL is a great value.. regardless of what the first person paid and what prices are at now - they are good values. i think as the used car market has picked up and people are looking to save mney, prices on quality used cars may have stopped dropping as badly... it all comes down to supply and demand...

whether you get an 06-07-08 - I would think you can find a really clean low mielage one in the price you want. i bought my CPO 06 with 29k miles for $26.5 then paid another $900 for the wrap warranty at a dealer.that wa a year ago. figure you coudl easily do hte same and find an 07, similar miles, certiried...

i just looked at a whole bunch.. found the one I wnte and showed the dealer the asking prices on the other cheaper ones and said I was price sensitive and would buy theirs if they matched the other guy's price... i got what I wanted for a price I was happy with..

try to go CPO if you can. I think it is a wise idea as you have a lot of peace of mind if stuff does go wrong down the road.

 

We're in a period of historically high used car prices, which does have a bit to do with what you're encountering. An '06 or '07 with relatively low mileage might be worth a look. I too recommend CPO and/or Acura Care (which I think you can do with a non-CPO if it's under a certain mileage). I ended up with an '05 and love it, even though I was expecting to get a 2007.

 

I did make the jump and wasn't sorry. I'm pretty shocked at how well the RL has kept its value considering it wasn't a big seller. Sure used car prices are high, but the used prices I'm seeing around here are like...Wow.....

 

i too have noticed used car prices seem kind of high...

you think this is because the new car market is dead due to poor economy, so people who do need a car, simply forgoe even thinking of a new car and look at used.. more people looking used... supply / demand...

or are dealers just artificially trying to jack up prices to make up their bottom line?

 

I think it's a combination of all the things mentioned. The economy isn't great, but I also think you're seeing the effects of the crash of 2008 and cash for clunkers. There just isn't a big supply of used cars because not many people bought cars 2 years ago, cash for clunkers took out alot of supply and people are holding onto their used cars alot longer now.

I'm having a hard time justifying spending around 30k for a 3 year old RL when I could've bought a new one for 38k. Not to mention my 2004 TL is in mint shape and has only 65k miles after 7 years. Guess timing is everything. While the RL took a big off MSRP, it has really held up well from selling price/invoice.

 

we just paid $22,995 USD for certified 2006RL with Nav @ 59,000 miles and factory new 12/12,000 - remaining 7yr/100,000 powertrain. Immaculate, new brakes and good tires. Pearl white exterior and tan interior.

 

Historically low interest rates also play a role, as most buyers shop on payment price. Low interest rates combined with the intrinsically higher value of used cars provide sellers with an opportunity to up prices without scaring buyers.

 

you mind telling us the details of what you got, price and when?

I'm on the hunt for an 06 Black/Black with around 40k and having a hard time finding anything under $25 with a clean history

 

fyi, the $21,995 included Acuracare (bumper to bumper until 100k)

Color Ext/Int: 2005 Celestial Silver Metallic/Black
Month/Yr of purchase: 10/2009
Price paid before tax/lic: $21,995

2005 RL 50,000 miles CPO
w/ 18" A-Spec wheels

 

That's a good price considering certified & the a-spec.

I may put a deposit down tomorrow on a one owner 05 with 39k for $20k but not certified or big wheels. I'd have to travel to get it though.

 

Please update the thread here if you pull the trigger Herbie. Been doing some looking at an '06 RL myself. The NW seems to be OVER PRICED compared to the other areas.

dave

 

damn, i thought i got a decent deal on my RL but it looking like i overpaid. 05 RL with 49k miles, wrap warranty to 100k for $24,700. It was the best deal I could find in my area by a long shot, cars seem to be more expensive in the northwest.

 

There are too many variables in used car pricing to compare a purchase from one market to another. All things exactly the same, a car may sell at Price A in Market A and Price B in Market B.

Supply and demand has much to do with it. AWD vehicles are typically in higher demand in the snow belt, so the pricing reflects that. And the availability of units also will factor to that price, along with the usual condition, colors, mileage, etc.

I find it is best to search on a large online vendor (like AutoTrader.com). These online searches can give you results for your geographic area (zip code) and even filter by mileage and color parameters.

Search your area for cars that have similar parameters and you will likely find a better measurement for what you can buy / sell in your market. Comparison to prices across country or different markets is futile unless you expect to travel for delivery or ship the car (and the associated costs).

One other option is a large vendor like CARMAX where you can search their inventory nationwide and they will ship (for a fee) to your local dealer. And you may find a dealer / broker who will do the same.

 

Got to Acura online and click on the link for pre-certified cars. Just keep watching. Then when you see one close to what you like go to the dealers web-site and look again. Snag the VIN if you can and run it on Google. Sometimes the pre-certified price will be higher than the dealer has it "on sale" for. Ours was $4,500 higher at the Acura site than the dealer was running ads for it over that weekend.

 

Just bought a 2006 RL with Tech Package, 73k miles, for $18,800. It still has PAX tires so definitely consider that in the price.

 

Depreciation my butt. The auto sales market is entirely out of touch with reality....this goes from pricing guides all the way down to the salesmen. It is a new world we live in and caviar prices are out. You don't just emerge from the deepest recession since WWII and expect everything to be hunky dory and the same as it was before. I say wait or jump to another brand.

 

had a deal all set up on a black/black 06 with 34k miles. Clean carfax 2 owners 2 years each. Got the dealer down to $22,600, no title fees, plate fees etc just add sales tax. But would have to fly and drive it 6 hours back. not sure yet if i am gonna do it.

i found a site called cargurus.com that shows you how a car is priced versus national averages, check it out.

 

Herbie - we paid 3 weeks ago $22,995 for our 06 with 59,000 with the factory bumper to bumper 12/12000 and remainder of 7/100,000. Try to get the Acura care warranty tossed in if you can. These cars have so many expensive parts in them that you want at least 12 months and 12,000 miles to find all the things the PO(s) didn't take care of. We've already discovered TSB's that were missed which would not have been taken care of if we didn't have the 12/12,000.

Steve

 

i have mixed emotions on extended warranties/CPO. i figurd since this is a honda product its pretty reliable to start so why pay for certified in the price when there is a good chance i will never need the it. I think i would rather buy the car for $1500 less without certification and take my chances. What kinds of issues doe these cars have?