I'm considering the purchase of an Acura TL 2005 automatic with navigation. I'm moving up (way up) from a Ford Escort. I've test driven the vehicle, know I like it, and have printed out the list of things to check for posted here before accepting delivery.

My post is an all encompassing "anything I should know?" type thing -- I'm experienced in buying a car at this price level. I'd like to know if other people are paying about the same as the offer I have, and if there's any big issues I should know about before purchasing this car. I've looked over the forums extensively, but most of the major issues (vibrations, occasionally transmission issues, etc) seem to be focused around the second generation TL.

The current price I have is $33676, which is before 3% tax and about $400 in documentation fees. Retail is $35600. Is this typical/good/bad for a car in this price range? A report I purchased indicates the invoice on this car is $32,555, and also indicates the dealer has a $1000 "holdback" beyond that. Is it worth my time to haggle for something lower than the current $33676 quote I have? This is the result of primarily using competing quotes from other dealers in the state as leverage -- when I mentioned their holdback, they claimed they don't get anything like that (contrary to the Consumer Reports report I purchased). How much profit does the dealer want to make? I'm paying with cash if that makes a difference.

Thanks for any help/advice!

 

I just purchased in Central, NY a few weeks ago, with desination, but without TAX, $32,873.

You are about $800 over that.

 

The price you have is really not bad at all. I just paid $34,200 last week for mine. It depends on how much you want to haggle.
Personally, I don't have the time to piss away for a couple hundred bucks.

I like my car but I don't like the XM radio. I was used to Serius. I think its a much better station. But had no choice.

TL is a great car. You will love it!

 

400 in doc fees? what's the breakdown on this... ?

 

Sometimes paying cash is not good either. Often, the dealership is getting a kickback from the bank, so they actually make more money if finance then if you pay cash.

Even if it is not the case, it does not matter to them if they get the cash from you or from the bank. It is still the same green $$$.

Not a bad price, IMHO.

My

 

It's actually $398 in documentation fees (this seems to be consistent among all dealers), and $60 for a North Carolina title.

 

I live in So. California, and I have my heart set on purchasing a 2005 Acura TL automatic with nav within the next 3 to 6 months. For those who have purchased TL's in the So. Cal area, can you please tell me of your buying experiences? (i.e. dealerships, quotes, pricing, etc). Your help is greatly appreciated.