Good morning folks.

I was looking into leasing a 2018 TLX A-Spec (still not sure if I want to do the 4 or 6 - happy I get the choice in Canada, so I'd be happy to take any input on that too...) but the only thing I can get from the dealer is the $1500 incentive offered by Acura. Has anybody been able to negotiate more? I just want to know what I should be aiming for.

Also, I'm trading in my current vehicle and the salesperson suggested using part of that as a security deposit to lower my interest rate from 1.9% to 0.4%, has anybody had experience doing this? Thoughts?

Thanks everybody - once I get this sorted out, all I have to figure out is what color to get, so many decisions!

 

where are u from ?
I am looking to do something similar in Vancouver

 

I'm in Montreal

 

Hm, I didnt know acura dealers offered MSD's as an option for leases

 

Leasing my 18 A-Spec here in Ontario. I got about $2500 off the MSRP and a 0.9% lease rate, which Id like to think is a pretty good deal.

 

That's great to know! Thanks so much. Sounds like a great deal and something for me to aim for.

 

Here is the pricing info too.

 

Thanks MTD!

How close do you think I can get to cost? From what I've been reading dealers are aiming to make about 5% on top of their invoice pricing?

 

If its a true MSD program its a good deal. Basicly you are lending Acura the money & they are paying the interest as a lower rate on the car lease. You get the money back at the end of the lease.

 

Thanks for everybody's input!

Salesperson said the final price is the $1500 discount from Acura, $1150 from the dealership, 1.9% financing for a lease of 36 months. That gives me $750 a month for a V6 AWD A-Spec Elite.

With my trade in (the security deposit & benefit, nothing down) it'll be $634 tax in.

Sounds like a good deal. Just waiting on the final value for my trade in.

Now the colour, white or black?

 

$750? For an Acura?

 

That's brutal. Go get an A4 Prestige with that cash money

Also OP, don't apply your trade in for your lease. It's not a good idea. If something happens to the car, that money is basically lit on fire.

 

Thanks for the tips! That is what you're looking at for an Acura in Canada. The Audi with the same trim is in the $900+ range if I build it online. I'm going to test drive it this week anyway and see what kind of deal I can get.

I wouldn't be putting a down payment, but a security deposit, it's return at the end of the lease or should anything happen and it lowers the interest rate

 

Canadian dollars, not USD. That translates to US$588. That's a little more than I pay, but taxes are likely higher where he is in Montreal, than here in Cleveland, USA. Overall, not that bad considering in Canada, the A-Spec Elite gets all the Advance bits, unlike here in the USA. Thanks, Acura. *hmph*

 

15% sales taxes it totally uncool.

That is the good thing about Canada. I get the A-Spec and Elite package (remote car starter!) So it's literally fully loaded for that price.

 

is*

Sorry for the typo...haven't finished my coffee yet

 

Load up an A4 in Canada with similar tech and safety options that the TLX has and its well over $60K.

 

And here I felt sorry for myself with 8% in local/state sales tax, which is high for the USA. I'll stop feeling badly for myself now.

 

2018 A4 Technik: 51,800
Paint: 890
S-Line w/ ventilated seats: 2500 (1,700 + 1,350 - 550)
Active safety: 2,100
Rear heated seats: 350
= 57,640

A4 extras the TLX does not have (not included):
Active suspension: 1,000
Heads up Display: 1,100

2018 Aspec Elite: 50,995

So yes the A4, if 'Elite' equipped, is about $6,500 more. However, this is because I used the Technik model which also has better audio, navigation, and driving aids the TLX does not have. Use the Progressive model and the price difference is only about $2,500 more (same options $53,440). So I'm not sure why people are saying "it's so much more!!!". A4 has stuff the TLX does not have, so it's allowed to cost a little more.

 

I agree with you pyrodan. I don't think it's drastic. The way I calculated it was about $4-$5k before taxes and you get more from the A4 (not to mention saving money on gas).

The thing that's killing me right now is 3.9% financing on the A4 vs 0.4% with the security deposit on the Acura. I'm going to check out Audi tonight to test drive and see what they can offer.

 

Regarding the safety deposit, I did the same. Gave Acura $4500 to drop to 0%. However if car is totaled, pretty sure this money disappears. No matter what, you still save on interest so not a bad gamble lol.
As for shopping, I am dying inside a little bit more per day not going to Audi to test drive the A4/A5/S, I still have 6 months left on my lease lol

 

That's a great question, I'll have to ask about the safety deposit!

Definitely excited to check out Audi, the A4 and A5 Sportback have both caught my eye.

 

That's my understanding as well.
So far, after 6 months of 3 years I'm thrilled with my A4. Only drawbacks right now are the tech I specifically omitted to meet my price range. Might fix that in a couple of years depending on where the industry and Audi are by then.

 

Thanks for bringing up the safety deposit issues guys. That is kind of off putting, but definitely worth a chat with the salesperson.

He specifically explained it to me as different from a down payment (because you lose that) and while he wouldn't suggest a down payment he does suggest the security deposit. He didn't specifically say you get that back if something happens though.

I'll have a better idea after test driving the A4 tonight, but I'm already torn! I do like the TLX because it's got a different look to it, it's cheaper and has a few extra pieces of tech I like (hello remote car starter). We'll see what kind of deal the Audi dealership can put together for me.

 

I was looking for A4 Technik+Sline and I got 705$/month/48m 0$ down , here in Montreal.
It's true it was for an 2017 model (actual model) and if wouldn't have been the balance own on my TLX I would have driven the A4 today.
750$/month for an TLX A-spec , no way !

 

So after driving the A4, there's no comparison (in my mind). The A4 is more comfortable, feels like it has better acceleration and throw Audi care in and you get better service too.

I got pricing on a 2017 as well Momyc, can you tell me where you got that offer?! I had a Progressive + Sline for $715....

Your deal sounds a whole lot better!

 

^ Damn it, you guys are doing a great job at forcing me go for a little stroll at Acura Prestige and try them out lol

 

I sent you a PM .

 

Thanks Momyc! I just got your PM - I tried to reply but it's telling me that you don't allow it? Or can't receive them.

In either case, thank you for the dealership info, I just came from the WI and will be going to Laval tomorrow, hopefully they can offer me a similar deal!! 2017 A4 Technik Sline is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm not picky and can definitely take one off the lot.

 

Hey, I think you could do better, without the trade in or security deposit. For a reference, I got a quote yesterday for a 2018 SH-AWD Tech A-Spec here in Ontario. 48 month lease, with 20,000km per year. $0 down. including the $1500 Lease incentive, and 0.9% loyalty interest rate. (The loyalty rate is 2% lower than the posted rate for current Acura owners). My quote was $591/month, taxes in out the door including Tint and all weather mats. This is without negotiation, and I know they did not give any further discounts aside from the Acura incentives. I am certain I can save another $2,000 as a dealer discount, which would then bring my payment down to around $533/month out the door taxes in.

I know your looking at shorter term, and the Elite model, but I think it still to much. As for the Security deposit, that must be a pretty hefty amount your are lending them to drop your payments to $634 taxes in. They must be figuring your trade value of at least $5k and using it as an MSD. As others said, I wouldn't use your Trade money for that. Even without the savings on Interest, you shouldn't be at $750/month in my opinion. Just my thoughts. It might make more sense to do a 48 month term, 0 down, 0 deposit, and keep your trade money.

 

Just to jump in, having test driven an A4, it has some different driving aids, not more, than a TLX Tech and up. Also worth pointing out that monthly payments always include other charges that are not online. So the OP will need to get a quote to fully compare his projected monthly payment. As for trading in, the amount can be protected through insurance, just as a down payment can. You can save about 5K more by getting a 2.4 TLX Aspec Elite. All depends upon your driving habits, but it's a great city car AND an excellent highway cruiser and passer, with 50-70 acceleration times as good or better than many cars with larger HP. With good snow tires and PAWS, i did not notice a significant difference between my previous SH-AWD TLX and my current 2.4 Tech. Oh, and the TLLX Aspec is a nicer looking car than the Audi 4, IMHO.

As always the OP should drive both extensively before pulling the trigger. In regards to reliability and cost of operation, well, that's another debate.

 

So the TLX can recognize traffic speed limits now? Don't sale the TLX for what it doesn't have. The I4 Aspec Elite doesn't have AWD. Comparison stops there, unless you now use the A4 Ultra with a different engine. I configured them the same for a reason you know.

 

Just to be clear, what I said was..."it has some different driving aids, not more, than a TLX Tech and up". BTW, my 2014 Altima also recognizes speed limits. My comparison of the 2.4 TLX for 5K less was to a comparably trimmed 3.5 TLX SH-AWD, as the OP indicated an interest in both in his initial post. As for fair comparisons between an Audi and a TLX , you should then be quoting a 2018 Audi 4 vs a 2018 Sh-AWD TLX, or a 17 to a 17.

Let's be candid here. You consistently demonstrate your unhappiness with your 2015 SH-AWD, which I believe is primarily because of the transmission. I understand your frustration, but i am not sure it qualifies to convert others to your cause. The 15 have been replaced by progressively better 9 speeds. I know because of what I read and because of my own test drives over the past few years with the 16s, 17s, and 18s (as well as the 2.4s). I have an excellent relationship with my dealership, and because of that was also able to get out of my 4 year lease of a 2015 SH-AWD Tech into a 4 year lease of 2.4 Tech without any money down or penalties and pay $465 taxes in. Loyalty has it's benefits.

As far as an A4, I like the interior, the 7 speed, the engine, the comparable sound system, etc....and other than not loving the exterior, I would certainly consider for the right price. However, when I do a comparison of the 2018 $56,400 Audi A4 Technik with S Line Sport Package, metallic paint and Advanced Driver Assistance package to a 2018 Elite ASpec SH-AWD Elite, I get a payment after taxes (13% in my province) of $906 for a 48 month 20k lease vs $732 for the same 20k and 4 year lease TLX. Yes, there is a little more in the Audi, but that's a significant difference. In both cases their will be some other charges that add 20-30 bucks a month to both leases (and in my experience with Audi, that amount was higher}. Now, this doesn't consider whatever you may be able to negotiate off the price. The Acura Canada site does include a $1,000 discount. Nor does it consider the 2% loyalty off lease and purchase rates for Acura customers. So my price would be a further $46 per month less, or $694, a significant difference, given the significant improvements to the 2018 that people who have actually driven them have documented.

Finally, as a Acura customer, I am also not fully qualified to convince others to buy one brand over another. It's up to them to read the facts, and SEE FOR THEMSELVES.

 

Mapleloaf , maybe you're one of the lucky ones , that have been able to switch the models without penalty , but most of us 2015 V6 owners ,we didn't have that chance and if it's to lose some money , so be it , but at least I can "taste" something else .
You know what's funny , Acura offered me less money on my 2015 TLX than other brands !
I was an Acura loyal , but not really anymore. The A-spec it's an improvement but ,for me , is not enough without any mechanical changes.

 

Acura doesn't want to have used TLX's sitting on their lots when they're having trouble selling new TLX's with factory and dealer incentives

 

I was simply trying to prove that the A4 and TLX are not THAT different in price. At 50k, if you can't afford a few Gs more, you're in the wrong car class financially. I never mentioned anything about my problems or Aspec being bad. What did annoy me is Mapleloaf coming out of nowhere and saying the TLX is the same than recommending his I4 instead (a bit fanboy ish). I was trying to keep oranges to oranges fairness. As for brand loyalty, Acura lost it on many forum members and did nothing for it's last remaining few.

 

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To get this deal you will need loyalty factored in for sure.

 

Yes, the numbers I got quoted was factoring in the Loyalty discounted Lease rate. It was originally 2.9%, but If your a returning Acura customer, you would qualify for 0.9% lease rate.

 

Perhaps you could re-read my last post in terms of why I brought up my I4 and the comparison to the V6 TLX, "coming out of nowhere". As for "oranges to oranges", that needs to include model year. Also, to suggest that $174 to $212 a month is not significant implies that cost is not a concern. Many of us have other financial priorities, so that difference is material. Otherwise, I might consider a loaded 340 or possibly a loaded A4. As for the fanboy remark, I find that a little curious, coming from someone who has frequently pushed the Audi 4 to many forum members discussing the possibility of leasing or purchasing a TLX. I deliberately avoided that term, as I find it to be overused and somewhat demeaning, particularly on an ACURA FORUM.

As for your last point, I think that there is some truth to that, particularly with the group that places a premium on HP, off the line results, and manual transmissions. I would simply say that we must all keep in mind that forum posters of any brand represent a small percentage of car buyers, and they tend to be a higher percentage of the power lovers (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Finally, I think it's fair to suggest that you might want to extensively drive the newer TLXs before you advise others on what to purchase. I strongly suspect that will not sway your decision, but it's always preferable to be balanced in one's praise or criticism.

 

Please, just stop writing and wasting my time...

I DID test drive the Aspec AWD Elite and found it vastly better, just not a true bargain at it's price. Also, if you can afford the top versions of the TLX, other models do become available. If you personally can't afford it, well then nothing I can do. The OP specifically said he tried the AWD versions, adding the I4 just because you like it means nothing. Your I4 comment was not needed in the comparison, OP didn't even acknowledge it lol.

When exactly did I say to not consider the V6 Aspec at all? Apparently you know all my posts, yet can't remember I mentioned many times I went for a test drive and got no discount, hence not being a good buy based on its features. The I4 Aspec is a waste of money to me, better cars out there at 42k.

PS. my comparison was based on model year 2018 ....