Well, it looks like my dad is seriously considering jumping on some of the special offers around this time of the year. He currently has a 2000 3.5RL w/ Navi that he bought new for my mom. It's got 100,000 miles on it right now and it's time for an update. It's been an incredible car and will likely stay in the family because of its stellar build.

We've been following the new RL since introduction and have test driven it a few times, along with the competition (save for the E-class, 5-series, and A6; have at least looked at the A6, though). I believe, as I have shown through my postings around these parts, that the RL is the most well-rounded of the group. My father is leary of German reliability, which is why the 5er and E-class have been thrown out of the group. He loves the RL and has done his research; he is particularly fond of the RL's understated status (it does not look like an ostentatious flaunting of wealth).

We were at the Acura dealer today and they have plenty of RLs on the lot; in particular, there is a 2006 Premium White Pearl RL. It was used as a demo and has been sitting in the showroom for quite sometime. It is in excellent condition and has the following accessories: chrome wheels (standard 17" design), wood wheel & shift knob, splash guards, and rear lip spoiler. I don't know the exact mileage on the thing, but I know it's less than 5,000.

With Acura's "Drive Home for the Holidays" event, he's wondering what to do. If he can steal this '06 with the special financing, it seems to me like it would be a no brainer. At the same time, for just a few grand more, a brand new '08 (or leftover '07) can be had--and the special financing would apply for sure (whereas we don't know if we can get 2.9% on the '06).

And at the same time, all the other preimium brands are offering similar financing. He's probably the most tempted by the A6 as dealer service is the closest to their home.

I know you guys are full of helpful advice. What to do, what to do?

 

What is the offered price for the 2006? That would be helpful. If it's reasonable, particularly given that it's a demo car, he should jump on it.

The current finance deal is not too bad.

However, I'm usually leery of demo cars because of the beating they take on a regular basis. I'd prefer to buy new, but that's just me.

 

Same here, demo cars are usually driven pretty hard. I'd suggest the 07/08

 

You might also want to consider purchasing a 1 year old with like 10-15k miles. I just picked up an RL - certified so it extended the warranty - and I got the financing deal. It wasn't as low as 2.9%, but still not bad.

 

yea i agree with the other guys, you dont know whats happened to the car...... It's probably a better idea to get a leftover 07 and get to the chopping block with the dealer to cut down the overall cost..... just my $.02

 

Well, my dad and I went back into the dealer today; our rep told us that we could get an '08 cheaper than the '06 in the showroom, so I suppose that settles that. Who knows how the '06 was driven, let alone how many miles are on the thing (the battery is dead on the car, has a few stone chips, broken foglamp lense, some minor scuffs on the interior, and those awful chrome wheels).

However, he said he said up front that he's not going to try to match bay area pricing. My father is in the bay area frequently (San Jose in particular) and could easily pick one up down there and just drive it home; at the same time, the few hundred bucks saved may not be worth preferential treatment at the dealer when it comes time for servicing. Further, the plan is to have a new MDX replace his current SUV in the next few years, so it may be wise to go ahead and buy the RL through Acura of Portland.

However, I think my dad is going back into the waiting game again. When's going to be the best time to buy an '08? Any ideas? Is the 2.9% significant enough right now?

 

End of December, which is also the end of the quarter and end of year, when dealers are looking to sell inventory. In other words. very soon. The 2.9% is the best financing deal you will find right now. Again, I'd buy new in the described circumstance, then add whatever mods you want.

 

Is there a 2.9% finance deal nationwide? I'm only seeing a $2000 incentive...

 

The "Drive Home for the Holidays" offer is $499/month lease for 36 months with $3k down, or 2.9% financing (24-36 mos) or 4.9% (37-60 mos). It is indeed nationwide.

 

Oops. Forgot about the "Drive Home for the Holidays" promotion.