O'Doyle_Rules

This is my first post but I thought I would share my overall experience in purchasing this vehicle as it may help others out there.

After test driving many different vehicles including the FWD about 6 weeks ago I decided that I needed to check out the SH-AWD before I went ahead and made a decision. After lurking around several forums, including edmunds, trying to get as much info as possible on people's opinion, I am glad that I waited as the TL rides much smoother than I expected and the handling is exceptional.

I test drove the car last weekend and did not truly begin the negotiating process at that point as I was intending to trade in my car, but they could not give me a price because I was with my wife in her car. The first offer out of the box from them was $38,300 (SH-AWD Base) a reduction of approx. $1,000 off sticker. I called mid week to start throwing numbers around and I countered with $37,200 , they came back with $37,700. I said no and that I would think about it and call them back, I got an immediate "Don't hang up the phone...let me talk to my manager". He came back on and told me that he would do it for the $37,200 price. At that point I was happy about the price ..... but couldn't help think that I could have gotten a slightly better deal. But no big deal I happy that I got this car and didn't want to battle for a few hundred dollars. I paid roughly $1,000 above their invoice price.

When I went into the dealership to fill out the paper work I saw firsthand that the car industry in struggling. There wasn't a single person besides myself in the entire place. The salesperson told me that sales are down over 60% compared to the last few months and that even the FWD are moving very slowly and that they hadn't sold an AWD yet (besides the one I bought).

Another problem isn't that demand isn't out there but the lending has been tightened so much by the banks that they can't even get the people coming in wanting the cars a loan. Luckily, I was able to get my loan.

Quick question for anyone that bought this car, did you get the side moldings for the doors? I know that it's supposed to help from people bumping and scratching your door when they open theirs, but I'm on the fence.

Here are my specs.


Country/State/City of purchase: Westchester County, NY
Color Ext/Int: Basque Red Pearl/Ebony
Month/Yr of purchase: Nov. 2008
Price paid before tax/lic (including factory installed mods): $37,200
Model Yr of TL: 2009
Transmission: 5AT
Tech/Base: Base
FWD/AWD: SH-AWD

Additional mods installed: (list modification made and cost of this mod)
Mod and cost. None

KeithL

The problme here is if I read this right you traded in a car, that make your price meaningless. Invoice is $40K so what did you trade and how much did you owe on it? Did they roll equity in your trade toward this car?

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

O'Doyle, it sounds like your price mentioned ($37,200) was your price on the TL-not including your trade-in, yes?

By the way, leave the side molding off-the car looks better that way.

Wavehogger

Naw, the side moldings break up the panels. And they will stop major dings!

Fishy

Umm, you do know the economic mess we're in was a direct result of the banks giving out loans to unqualified people right?

So congrat's on getting the loan. In these times, it actually means you have a good chance of not defaulting.

PetesTL

Congrats O'Doyle!.....Glad to add another member to the 4G family. That Basque Red Pearl is a beauty. I'm a little intrigued why you didn't get the Tech package......personally, I believe the Tech package is a big part of the TL's appeal. Anyways, I like the Body Side Moldings.....I don't know just how effective it will be in preventing dings but from a cosmetic standpoint, like Wavehogger said, it does a nice job in breaking up the door panels and enhancing the overall appearance. Happy motoring!

KeithL

I just re-read this, I didn't realize the SH was available without Tech, seems like an oxi-moron thing, you get the high tech drive train and leave out the interior technology, to each his own, but I learned somehting new today.

ostrich

Congrats! When will you go and pick up the car? Be sure to post some pics!!!

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

O'Doyle- congrats on the purchase.

Make sure you post in here: https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-2009-2014-123/4g-tl-owners-sign-689080/

bmode

Congrats too! I couldn't do with out the tech package now that I've see it and heard it for a solid week. Either way, the TL is just an enjoyable experience every time out!

I love how people tell you not to do something with the car. Put on the side moldings if you like it and don't listen to others! I too like it as it breaks up the rather large door of the TL. I never realized how high the doors are?

By the way I took a serious turn tonight. In sport mode 2nd gear, I took a sharp right turn on new blacktop asphalt at about 28 mph and it held well. Very little body roll. The tires screeched a little bit but didn't slip. I can just imagine how much smoother the AWD would be at that speed. So much fun!

MikeElmendorf

Congrats! Which dealer in Westchester did you buy from? Acura of Westchester? I've gotten my last two cars there and have had very positive experiences.

O'Doyle_Rules

The price that I quoted does NOT include what they gave me for my trade in.

I traded in my 2002 Volvo S60 T5 with 109K miles for $3,500. Not a great price but I didn't want to go through the hassle of trying to sell it privately.

BTW - I still haven't made my decision on the side moldings but I may leave them off for right now and see how I feel about the look. I figure I can always add them anytime down the road.

O'Doyle_Rules

I'll be picking up the car later this week and post soon.

O'Doyle_Rules

Yes. It just so happened that they were the dealership in a 30 mile radius that is open on Sunday and guy was nice enough to deal with.

cg2006TSX

No, I did not buy this car.

However, I do recommend that you leave the side moldings off unless you are trying to emulate a Camry.

Congrats again - the team over at Acura of Westchester are a pretty good group.

S2000 Driver

bmode

The TL will never look like a Camry to me? Some people just see what they want to see?

stillhere153

iTrader: (1)

curry acura?

Legend2TL

Congrats on the new ride!
Post a report after a few weeks of driving it.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

loans arent hard to get, consumer money is out there to borrow, and getting money for a car loan is still easy to come by....

PetesTL

...depends on your credit rating.

bmode

True, your credit must be above 740 for Honda to even consider it! That's what the manager told me at the time of signing.