(This message was posted deep in another thread, but I thought more people might benefit from reading it. And NO - I don't work for Acura.)

Yes, I too really love the Acura TL and yet have the same hesitation about paying full MSRP. It does feel, in a certain way, unfair. It seems that we have become accustomed to paying prices under MSRP because, well - that's just the way it usually works. However, here's they way i'm thinking about my 2004 TL purchase. (I have one on order to be delivered in early December.)

Take the terminology out of the equation and don't think about the actual dealer vs. MSRP pricing. Now look at the features of the car and comapre it to other cars that are truly comparably equipped. The prices of those cars (BMW, Mercedes, Etc...) fall thousands upon thousands of dollars above the full MSRP price of the '04 TL. Comparing the vehicle in this manner makes the MSRP of the Acura look like a comparable bargain.

Another way of looking at it -- Compared to the more expensive competition and taking into account all of the TL's "bells and whistles," if the 2004 TL with Navigation had an MSRP of $37,350.00 and the dealer came down to a price of $35,350.00 (Actual MSRP)... would you be happy with the car and the deal? I think given all of the TL's features, it is competitively priced at MSRP.

Hope this reasoning might help you out.

ATay71

 

People who know me say I'm the tightest, bast**d they know & I paid MSRP! I know, I know it hurt my pride to do so but I was going to pay $36k for an '03 Saab Aero so the TL is a bargain Also, if the dealers stay w/ MSRP it will keep the value from falling like all of the other cars...

 

That sounds like some thing right out of Acura Sales Person Handbook!

I believe most people pay extra for BMW and MB for it's name not necessarily part for part feature.

If you want to justify it that way then you could also compare TL to less expensive cars like Accord which has similar features and paying MSRP is totally unjustified since TL is already priced $7k more.

 

I tend to agree with ATay. I was looking hard at an 03 M45 Infinity. Great car and I would have been happy with it for sure but the TL is more what I was looking for. More stylish by far, Navi package and ground effects package that the other didnt have and even tho I was paying msrp it was a better deal cuz it was less money but not a cheaper car. I cant see how they offer this car at such a price to be honest. Plus bluetooth plus dvd-audio....what is it that make the infinity more expensive. Might have waited till next fall for a deal from Acura but felt the price as is was fair and it was really what I wanted now so I bought it now and am on my way when through here to go pick it up! JIm

 

I'm guessing you haven't driven the Accord, because their is very little comparison in DRIVING the two cars. Features are one thing, but the way a car feels is another thing entirely.

 

The way I justify paying MSRP is

a) I got mine first, so I don't have to worry about whether the navi model is coming in February or March. I was afraid that the same thing that happened with the MDX, would happen with the new TL.

b) I can afford a BMW 5-series but bought a TL instead--even at MSRP, it's a steal for all its features. I may not have the "ultimate driving machine", but the compromise is good enough for me.

And I'm ordinarily cheap!

 

The TL is not an Accord nor does it drive like one.

 

I did the exact same comparison and then I looked at and drove the G35. Almost bought the G35 too but the price was about the same since the options I wanted on the G35 made it sticker for almost $35K. I actually got my TL for 1200 off the sticker. But I beat them down for days to get that!

I LOVE this car! Its my 1st endeavor into the world of Japanese cars too. I have a 408rwhp Camaro SS and I think this TL is fast as a G35 and a 330i IMHO.

Now, how do I tweak the PCM for more power!

 

You and I both have exquisite taste...WDP...ha!

Seriously though, I also looked at the Infiniti M45 because I see so few of them on the road and they have such an understated look to them. I dig that car in black or light metallic grey, and the fit and finish inside is very impressive as well. They drive very nicely...not as common as a BMW or an E class...

Infiniti is having a really tough time moving the M45, so they are making crazy deals on them. Like, 5-6K off MSRP and maybe less than that if someone knows what they're doing and is ready to buy. But you're talking about a V8 340HP, RWD...much different car than the TL.

 

I agree 100% on all you said. The M45 is a sleeper. Its long sloping rear cabin looks very retro to me almost like an old GTO or Road Runner. Perfect styling for its gutsy engine. Only luxury car with a muscle car feel. G35 great car but fit the japanese sports car styling. Lexus 430 is lots of hp and get up and go but definitely no muscle car! But that M was different and you dont see many. Not going to either. Will see lots of TL's eventually though when the word gets out. WOnt be a secret for long ...the M probably will forever. Big body change coming to the M this year or next. Right about the deals. I had a great one going but just love that TL too much. Great Euro styling ....Hell I gotta go to bed I just got home with mine and I could go on all night. Ciao

 

i don't think you have to wait until next fall to deal below msrp, dealers in so cal are beginning to offer 1k under msrp.

 

I've got my eye on a new TL as well and don't think it is necessary to pay list. A month ago the dealer told me he had a waiting list. The list was only ten long and only 2 cars had arrived..... The salesman made a comment that corporate predicted the TL would sell at list for the next 2 years, I replied, "how can they predict that?" I left the dealership and said "I'll be back when there is a better deal" Well, 3 weeks later guess what? I get a call saying he's got 3 in stock and 19 coming in and asked if I'm still interested in taking the car I wanted for a test drive. I won't pay list for a car because I know eventually I can put another 1-2K in my pocket. Because I don't need the car immediately I have the luxury of time. I really think there will be room for negotiation in the near future and in some cases, right now. Happy hunting!

 

Always remember. They want to sell cars more than you want to buy one. Give them a price and leave. Tell them to call you when they have a slow month. Being first on the road with a new car fades pretty quickly when you start seeing a ton of them. Do you really think having the first TL makes anyone that special?

 

Don't feel bad about paying MSRP. That's the price you pay for being first. But you are fooling yourself if you think the car will still be going at MSRP next summer. The TL ain't no Honda Odessey (and you can now get discounts on that after 3 years).

 

In my case it wasn't about feeling special or being the first one on the block to have one. I had been looking for a car for month or so and hadn't even heard of the new TL. I was mostly restricting my search to rear-wheel or all-wheel drive sport sedans so Acuras were not on my short list. They weren't even on my long list.

A smart salesman suggested Acura when I wasn't happy with what was on his lot (it was a mitsubishi salesperson next door to the acura dealer). He suggested the TSX but that didn't have enough power. As luck would have it, this was the day after the first TLs appeared in the showrooms; I had no idea at the time this was an all new design. One drive and it was obvious this car was, for me, a far better deal at MSRP than even a deeply discounted 3 series or a slightly discounted G35.

I was needing (well, wanting) a new car for an upcoming road trip and the TL was darn near exactly what I was looking for as far as looks, power and creature comforts go. I may have paid MSRP but I feel like I got $40k worth of automobile so I'm fairly pleased. My ego doesn't care if I payed MSRP or not, it only cares if I got what I thought was an appropriate car for the amount of money I spent. In that regard I feel like I got a bona fide bargain.

 

Care to share your secret for beating the dealer down $1200 in price, especially considering that they could have simply sold your car to the next customer for full MSRP?

Please, tell us more!!

 

People who are paying full MSRP are receiving accesories and services complimentary: trunk tray, wheel locks, all-season mats, body-side molding, splash guards, oil changes, etc.

If one gets the car for $500 under MSRP these accesories will cost extra. Additionally, it doesn't matter what the cost to the dealer for these extras are, if you were going to purchase them anyway then subtract the retail value from the msrp you paid. This will give you the true cost of the transaction. It might turn out that you actually save more money than the guy that got the car for under MSRP. The dealer's numbers look better and you wind up with more value. Win-win if negotiated properly.

 

Everyone who recently purchase an 04 TL has all the justification they need to pay msrp or close to. No one is going to honestly tell you "I paid msrp and I shouldn't have to". If they do, it will end it "I should't have to.. but".

For me, I can't find enough reason to take the plunge because I have and 03 TLs and I don't see that huge of a difference except that I would take a huge loss in my trade-in and having to pay msrp. It's a lose lose situation.

It's like going to the mall and you hold back to buying something because it's not on sale. If you really have to have it, then it doesn't matter and you will pay full price for it.

If you paid or going to pay msrp for your 04 TL, you don't need to explain why you did it because you certainly have your reasons (unless you are an impulsive shopper.)

 

I agree it sounds a bit ridiculous. I can almost believe it on the most common non-navi color combinations like silver/ebony or black/ebony, but there are people putting down deposits and waiting for weeks and longer for specific combinations with a navi (like mine ..

I tend not to believe many of the deals people are claiming to get on this website. I'd like to see some scanned lease/sales contracts posted on here. That would lend credibility to claims like "I beat the dealer down $1200".

Post some contracts on here people...not only will you prove your claim, but you'll give some valid help to those people on this website who are not sure how to "beat the dealer down."

 

This also included all season mats, trunk tray, and wheel locks. . .

 

...

 

Like ACURADDICT said, It's very hard to get discount on the 04 with NAV. I've tried and tried and they only discount the auto without NAV and $1000 off is all they are willing to go.

I think it all depends on your location. I know in the tri-state area, getting $$ off msrp on the auto is not that hard.

 

Ha, ha! I could have written the EXACT thing

 

1st that's a typo. I meant $1000 off a $33195.00 sticker. I did it, by spending 4 days talking to different dealers and pitting them against one another. Nothing special. I just had NEVER paid sticker for a car in my life and wasn't about to on this car....stubborn I guess. It not a claim I don't have a scanner. I negotiated $1K off, the locking lug nuts, mud guards, floor mats, $700 coupon book and the trunk mat.

 

Also, here in Atlanta, GA. There are tons of these cars on lots at each dealer. I was visiting one dealer looking at the TL's last week and they got 3 trucks full of just '04 TL's (like 20-30 cars or something). No shortage here anyway.

 

Actually my wife bought 2003 Accord EX-L V6 w/ Navi about 3 months ago and it's a great car. I agree it's no 2004 TL but to be honest I don't feel too much difference driving the two. But I probablly don't drive like you guys do. However it probablly sounds better to tell people you drive Acura rather than Honda just like BMW or MB may sound better than Acura.

Acura knows they can't get the volume like Accord so they try to maximize the profit from each of their cars and keep the price at MSRP and above. I remember going through this same thing when buying my 2002 TLS w/Navi. But back then Navi was not that popular but type-s kinda was. Although I was the one of the early buyers I didn't pay MSRP and I probablly wouldn't have bought it if I had to.

Main thing here is you'll pay it if you feel it's still a good value even at MSRP. I just don't see value in paying MSRP especially if that MSRP increased as much as it did for TL.

 

The amount of money off MSRP, i think has alot to do with the area of the country. I really did get all $1000 off MSRP and my option are at dealer cost. The MDX I have was bought at sticker and I had to wait six months.

This is the not the case, they have to sell 60,000 thousand of these babies!! My local dealership who I did not buy from must have over 20 on the lot. I think they are going to be a lot more people saying they got $1-2K off MSRP during the summer. If you don't want to pay sticker just wait it out...