Looking to buy Acura 3.2TL Type-S, any bargaining tips? Read on...

[LiQiCE]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Are you going to get the NAVI? I would go for it, even though the new Accord/TSX/2004 TL NAVI is a lot cooler, the old NAVI system is still very useful.

What is it that makes it cooler, voice recognition?

8" LCD screen, 3D Maps, voice recognition, ability to control thermostat and CD player, updated maps (I believe the new GPS system includes the entire continental USA, the one in my '03 TL-S is missing a couple of areas here and there), ability to choose female or male voice that talks to you ...

There's probably some other stuff I'm forgetting, but I tried it out in the TSX and its pretty nice. If I ever opted to get a new model TL, it would definitely have to have the NAVI in it (although after owning the '03 TL-S with the NAVI, I don't know if I could ever buy another car without it..).

 

[Lore]

Yes, I plan on getting a Nav system. When I graduate, the job I have will involve a lot of commuting to different client sites and it would definitely be handy to have something that will direct me to those locations.

I'm thinking about waiting until the middle or end of June -- if I ask to buy for a price minus holdback, how are they making any profit?

Ideally I would tell them to give it to me at $250 under invoice and throw in the rear spoiler and moon roof visor for free. But I don't know how plausible that is, but hey, maybe when it comes time to get rid of those cars they'll be willing to do that.

 

[larciel]

my friend, when he bought TL-S when it came out, went to www.carsdirect.com and with the print-out of the price, went to local 'BIG' dealer.

he, of course, got pricematch and knocked off another $500 on top of that... he got a sweet deal at that time, (because inventory was little low)

now i'm thinking of buying CL-S , and will print-out the price from carsdirect this time too .. they're $500 below invoice right now on CL... TL's special price ended last month i believe :*(

good luck

 

[Muadib]

I'm thinking about waiting until the middle or end of June -- if I ask to buy for a price minus holdback, how are they making any profit?

Because at least they can break even, and it will make room for a 2004. The odds of a 2003 selling once the new model is out is very low. It will take up space collecting dust, when that same space could be used to move the newer model. It's how I bought my Explorer back in 97.

There's probably some other stuff I'm forgetting, but I tried it out in the TSX and its pretty nice. If I ever opted to get a new model TL, it would definitely have to have the NAVI in it (although after owning the '03 TL-S with the NAVI, I don't know if I could ever buy another car without it..).

I'll have to take a look at the TSX next time I'm in for service. I know I'll never get another car without Nav. It has more than paid for itself just on drives into NYC.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Lore

That's why I'll probably bring a calculator and my laptop to be able to verify their monthly payments with mine. What are they going to pad it with anyway?

how they pad it is just by adding a few dollars a month to your payment. the numbers on your financing agreement don't have to match up, the only thing that matters on there is the payment. they can be reprimanded by the state AG for doing it but you can't get out of the contract.

 

[LiQiCE]

Originally posted by: larciel
my friend, when he bought TL-S when it came out, went to www.carsdirect.com and with the print-out of the price, went to local 'BIG' dealer.

he, of course, got pricematch and knocked off another $500 on top of that... he got a sweet deal at that time, (because inventory was little low)

now i'm thinking of buying CL-S , and will print-out the price from carsdirect this time too .. they're $500 below invoice right now on CL... TL's special price ended last month i believe :*(

good luck

Good luck finding a CL-S, especially the 6spds. The CL has been officially discontinued and I believe the last of the CLs have already rolled off the production line. The CL-S 6spd had a very small production run, so finding one brand new is very difficult. The automatics are probably easier to find though.

 

[Lore]

how they pad it is just by adding a few dollars a month to your payment. the numbers on your financing agreement don't have to match up, the only thing that matters on there is the payment. they can be reprimanded by the state AG for doing it but you can't get out of the contract.

But if I see that the numbers per month to the payment aren't the same as what I have in my calculator, I can call them on that right? Or is there a sneakier way to do that?

I guess what I'm asking is -- as long as the monthly payment matches what I have on my calc it's all good right?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Lore

how they pad it is just by adding a few dollars a month to your payment. the numbers on your financing agreement don't have to match up, the only thing that matters on there is the payment. they can be reprimanded by the state AG for doing it but you can't get out of the contract.

But if I see that the numbers per month to the payment aren't the same as what I have in my calculator, I can call them on that right? Or is there a sneakier way to do that?

I guess what I'm asking is -- as long as the monthly payment matches what I have on my calc it's all good right?

yes, you just say that their numbers are wrong. if you come up with the same numbers they do its no prob. if you don't, they'll tell you their software is right. which is why you use the software the state attorneys general use... lemme see if i can find it

 

[ElFenix]

this is pretty good

 

[Lore]

When you guys go test drive cars do you provide them with a copy of your license? And if so, how do you prevent them from pulling a credit check on you with that information? Do they need the SSN in order to pull a check?

I went to drive another 3.2TL-S today (the color I want) and then test drove an Accord on the way back to see the difference. The Acura dealer didn't ask for my license but the Accord dealer did, and I'm paranoid about them pulling a credit check on me without my authorization.

I negotiated with Oakland Acura today but I wasn't too happy with their salespeople. I dealt with the Fleet Manager but I just didn't feel comfortable with him. I offered him $31000 with the rear spoiler and moonroof visor installed and he said he'd get back to me but he thinks it'll need to be higher.

Stevens Creek Acura offered me $250 under invoice ($30760) with the possibility of going lower. Dealer holdback is about $1000 on this Type S. I figure dealer cost is about $30000, so I'll give them $1000 for the accessories and some profit left over. They can split it however the want, but I don't think labor is worth $120 an hour. They certainly don't pay their techs that much.

Any thoughts, guys?

 

[Salvador]

G35 all the way!! All I have to say is three words: Rear wheel drive.

Sal

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: NFS4
(1) All of you people who will try to get him into a 3-Series, G35, A4, etc...BUZZ OFF!!

Geez, who died and made you moderator of ATOT car threads? Why don't you buzz off?

Anyway, it sounds like Lore found a good deal.

 

[LiQiCE]

Originally posted by: Lore
When you guys go test drive cars do you provide them with a copy of your license? And if so, how do you prevent them from pulling a credit check on you with that information? Do they need the SSN in order to pull a check?

I went to drive another 3.2TL-S today (the color I want) and then test drove an Accord on the way back to see the difference. The Acura dealer didn't ask for my license but the Accord dealer did, and I'm paranoid about them pulling a credit check on me without my authorization.

I negotiated with Oakland Acura today but I wasn't too happy with their salespeople. I dealt with the Fleet Manager but I just didn't feel comfortable with him. I offered him $31000 with the rear spoiler and moonroof visor installed and he said he'd get back to me but he thinks it'll need to be higher.

Stevens Creek Acura offered me $250 under invoice ($30760) with the possibility of going lower. Dealer holdback is about $1000 on this Type S. I figure dealer cost is about $30000, so I'll give them $1000 for the accessories and some profit left over. They can split it however the want, but I don't think labor is worth $120 an hour. They certainly don't pay their techs that much.

Any thoughts, guys?

When they ask for your license, they are ONLY allowed to get a copy of your license for insurance purposes. It is illegal to run a credit check on you without first asking for your permission! In today's world with privacy rights being a big issue, I do not think a dealership would risk being sued by running a credit check on you, especially because if you request a credit report on your own, the credit check that they ran would show up.

I think $31,000 is a good offer for what you want. I walked out of the dealership with the same options (TL-S w/NAVI, OEM Spoiler, and Moonroof visor) for $32,000 last summer .. with the $1000 Factory to dealer incentive this puts you in the appropriate spot. The other thing the dealer may ask you to do is to give him all 5's when Acura calls you to ask how your buying experience was. I would try to be honest, but if you give the dealer all 5's, the salesman does get some sortof cash bonus (I think it is around $1000). I've had to go back to the dealership by me a couple of times and my salesman has always remembered my name and been extremely nice and helpful to me, so I figure giving him all 5's was definitely justified.

 

[Lore]

Wow. From last summer when the model was new until now I can only get a discount of $1000... not a lot! You think I should go lower?

The $31000 was to cover both the dealer holdback by giving them a bit of that and the extra accessories which I don't want to pay any install fees on. $31000 is actually something I would be okay with paying, but hey, the lower I do the better of course. And if I wait until mid-end June, maybe all the dealers will bite if I say "I will buy a car today."

I forgot to say that I pulled a credit report on myself the last time I was freaking out about BMW pulling a check on me without my authorization and I didn't see anything there out of the ordinary, so that's good.

Oh, when I test drove the Accord today I came upon these conclusions: it is way cramped for what it is. I liked the V6 EX I drove, it's pretty powerful and handles a lot like the TL does but it just doesn't feel roomy enough for me. I'm not even that big of a guy (5'10" avg build) but the TL seemed to have more room to mess around with.

I looked through your pictures, very nice! How much did you pay for your nosemask and all season mats? Would you recommend those?

 

[LiQiCE]

Originally posted by: Lore
Wow. From last summer when the model was new until now I can only get a discount of $1000... not a lot! You think I should go lower?

The $31000 was to cover both the dealer holdback by giving them a bit of that and the extra accessories which I don't want to pay any install fees on. $31000 is actually something I would be okay with paying, but hey, the lower I do the better of course. And if I wait until mid-end June, maybe all the dealers will bite if I say "I will buy a car today."

I forgot to say that I pulled a credit report on myself the last time I was freaking out about BMW pulling a check on me without my authorization and I didn't see anything there out of the ordinary, so that's good.

Oh, when I test drove the Accord today I came upon these conclusions: it is way cramped for what it is. I liked the V6 EX I drove, it's pretty powerful and handles a lot like the TL does but it just doesn't feel roomy enough for me. I'm not even that big of a guy (5'10" avg build) but the TL seemed to have more room to mess around with.

I looked through your pictures, very nice! How much did you pay for your nosemask and all season mats? Would you recommend those?

Is the $31000 OTD price? $32000 is before tax and tags for me. If its OTD, then its an excellent price, if not, you might be able to squeeze a little more out, but its still a good price overall.

The front nosemask and all season floormats are from hondacuraworld.com ... You can checkout the prices for those on their website (cheapest I could find them after shipping is tagged on). The nosemask is good for long trips. I only leave the hood piece on all the time, the rest of it which covers the entire front bumper is only put on for the long trips, thats where I figure I run the most risk for rocks and debris hitting the front of the car.

After the winter we had in VA, the all season floor mats are a must for me. It snowed so much and there was so much sand all over the place that it was just a mess of mud and snow getting tracked into the car. The carpet floor mats couldn't take all the abuse!

 

[Lore]

I wish it was $31000 OTD. It's $31000 before taxes and tags.

Where do you think I have space to squeeze some more out? I'm already making them give me the accessories at cost w/o installation fees, so more from the holdback perhaps?

Have you driven the TL non-Type S before? How is it?

 

[LiQiCE]

Originally posted by: Lore
I wish it was $31000 OTD. It's $31000 before taxes and tags.

Where do you think I have space to squeeze some more out? I'm already making them give me the accessories at cost w/o installation fees, so more from the holdback perhaps?

Have you driven the TL non-Type S before? How is it?

I'm really not sure where you can pull more off the price for. Just try negotiating below $31K and see if they budge.

I haven't driven the TL-P (P=Premium, aka Non-Type S) before, but if you are poised to get the TL-S I would not consider the TL-P personally. I know a few people who own the TL-P and regret it wishing they had the TL-S. Of course, if you're not planning on any spirited driving and are only buying the car to carry groceries, the TL-P might be right for you. After all, 225hp is a good amount for just doing your everyday driving. It also gets better gas mileage, and has a smoother more luxurious ride. However, performance wise the TL-P is not as fun to drive as the TL-S. (All nay-sayers that would say the TL-S isn't fun to drive either, when comparing the TL-P to the TL-S, I think you'd agree the TL-S is more fun with its 260hp and 232 ft-lbs ... Not everyone is going to buy a G35).

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Lore
I wish it was $31000 OTD. It's $31000 before taxes and tags.

Where do you think I have space to squeeze some more out? I'm already making them give me the accessories at cost w/o installation fees, so more from the holdback perhaps?

Have you driven the TL non-Type S before? How is it?

check out the TL forums.. i'm sure you can get it under 30k when you wheel and deal. Also fax several dealerships even if it's out of your area what you want to spend. What car you want. The options etc..

I'm sure one of those will call you back.

The TL, CL aren't hot selling cars. If they want to make moneym then they should be willing to let it off their lot.

 

[LiQiCE]

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: Lore
I wish it was $31000 OTD. It's $31000 before taxes and tags.

Where do you think I have space to squeeze some more out? I'm already making them give me the accessories at cost w/o installation fees, so more from the holdback perhaps?

Have you driven the TL non-Type S before? How is it?

check out the TL forums.. i'm sure you can get it under 30k when you wheel and deal. Also fax several dealerships even if it's out of your area what you want to spend. What car you want. The options etc..

I'm sure one of those will call you back.

The TL, CL aren't hot selling cars. If they want to make moneym then they should be willing to let it off their lot.

Under $30K is for a TL-S with no NAVI, and no spoiler, moonroof visor. The spoiler and NAVI are fairly expensive options (~$1500 dealer cost for the NAVI, and ~$450 dealer cost for the spoiler).

The TL is still a fairly good selling car. If you look at www.hondanews.com and check their monthly sales reports on the TL, it still sells better than almost all other Acura models save for the MDX (and until recently it even outsold the MDX in some months). The CL on the other hand has been selling poorly for awhile, which is why Honda will not be making a CL after the 2003 model.

With the impending release of the 2004 TL around the corner, sales have surely slowed on the 2003 TLs, but sales are still not awful for the TLs.