A few people were concerned about my build date of my TL (8/23). They heard that production of the 04 model was ending mid august. I called my dealer yesterday to see if there was any truth in that, and there is. The last production is in mid august, so looks like I am getting one of the very last 04s built. I wonder if this is a negative??

Told me the 05s would be available at earlist, October; and I forgot to ask what changes to the newer model he was aware of.

 

Maybe you should ask if price would go up (you pay MSRP-discount now, the 05 may be new MSRP) and if any new features your dealer could "imagine"...

 

Honda's manufacturing system allows for the production to change on the fly so that basically means that the last car with an '04 VIN will be followed immediately by the first car with an '05 VIN on it - and whatever content/price changes the '05's may have.

Since the TL is essentially selling as fast as they produce them it's hard to say what impact there may be on selling prices of remaining '04 production.

I have to believe the dealers know what the '05 prices are by now if they are able to take and place orders for them. Honda definitely knows what they'll be charging by now.

 

Since you and I have ordered the exact same car down to the tires, did your dealer give you a new build date? If so, when? Did he give final production dates? Inquiry minds want to know!

 

I can't make up my mind right now to pull the trigger and buy an 04 or wait and see the updates for the 05's. Granted the price might be slightly higher but I'm hoping they have a better color combo selection.

 

just curious are you wanting the WDP w/ Ebony also?

 

Please excuse the lack on lingo knowledge. What does the 'WDP' stand for?

 

White Diamond Pearl. Also see this;

http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87572

 

Thank you.

 

I spoke w/ my dealer on monday, told me that the build date is still 8/23 and the car will be in my possession before september. Told me that these are solid dates and will not change.

 

I spoke with the sales manager at my dealership yesterday. He states my build date is still 8/24. I asked will my car be an 04 or 05. He did not know but stated he would find out and get back to me when he knows the answer. When I find out, I will post his comments.

 

I dont understand how you doing know what model/year car you are getting. I mean I thought you had had to choose the model/year/options then they order it for you. I mean that is what I did, and my cousin did as well.

 

If the price increases on the '05s without major changes, it still would be a better buy in the long run when you trade your car in, so I'd wait for the '05 to come out.

 

If I am understanding you correctly, you are stating that I should know what model year I am getting. When I put my deposit on the car in April, I thought it would be a 6 to 8 or 10 to 12 week wait. I also thought I would be getting an 04 TL. I assumed (wrongly) that I would have the car at this time. Because of the late August production date, Honda possibly might be building 05 TL's at that time. Neither I or my sales manager knows at this time. I will just wait patiently until he contacts me and lets me know what model year it is. Remember, I am getting one of those "rare color combos" and I was warned that it may take sometime to get the car. Whether it is an 04 or 05, at this time does not matter to me. I just want the car.

 

Hmmm, does not make much sense to me. The car you order is the car you get. If, at the time you ordered, you ordered an 04; then you get an 04. They can't say, all of a sudden, hey, now you are getting an 05. I too, like you know, have the late build date, and I know that I am getting an 04. The 05 will be more expensive, and I am guessing that you worked the price of your car out when you ordered it. Therefore, they are not going to give you an 05 at the price of an 04. I am just a little confused. Not doubting you, but please clarify.

P.S. what is your color combo, I think mine is rare as well.

 

Buying a late model 04 versus an early model 05 really depends on the deal you negotiate at the time of purchase. Kelly Blue book shows the following trade in values for an excellent condition TL with 48,000 miles. The $1,300 difference is what you would need to negotiate in order to make it break-even assuming the models are essentially the same. I can immaging dealers giving great price breaks at the end of the model year in order to get rid of inventory. You just need to be flexible on what you would be willing to take.

Acura TL with 48,000 miles in excellent condition

Model Year 2000, $13,975
Model Year 2001, $15,275