I'm having problems buying a 2004 TL....

[carolinawahoo]

I've been car shopping for the past few months and have narrowed my choices down to the 2004 TL or the 2004 G35(AWD). I like both cars, but right now, I favor the TL.

The problem is, I've gone to two different dealerships and have ended up leaving both because the dealers were not will to drop the prices much. The lowest I could get one dealer was 31300 and that included one of those crap "documentation" fees which I refuse to pay. This is the basic TL with the protection package. No NAV.

The way I see it from a price breakdown: Their invoice is 29755 with a 550 dest. charge. They're looking at a 3-3.5% holdback. So their total cost is in the 29,200 range. Add the protection package, we're talking 29,500. In previous cars I've purchased I've gotten cars in the 500-700 above their cost range. My initial offer on the TL was 30,300 (giving them 800 above cost, not including tax and title). 1000 below what they put on the table, plus the 300 doc fee. So we're talking 1300 bucks difference here. No adjustments on their part, and I walk out the door.

What gives? What incentive is there for me to purchase a 2004 when the 2005's are out in a few months? I'm hoping September brings new deals to the table (manuf. rebates, special financing).

Any suggestions?

[The General]

To my knowledge, Acura almost never offers rebates. When they do, they will usually be for old body styles (e.g., 2003 TLs). Also, how do you know they're looking at a 3-3.5% holdback? I have never seen this amount advertised in any way.

Look, until 5 years ago I had only owned domestic cars. Each time I bought a new car, it was almost too easy to go into a Chevy dealership and make a deal that I was happy with. I found things to be the complete opposite with Acura. They don't usually move much from the MSRP, they very rarely offer rebates, and they don't mind people walking out on them. However, I have been successful in getting them to drop the destination charge and through in options, like a spoiler, locking lugs, splash guards, etc. I have also been successful in getting a good financing rate through them with a local credit union.

[carolinawahoo]

Holdback fees for pretty much any manufacturer simply by searching in Google. There are numerous websites that post this info. This is NEVER advertised. I typcially mention the holdback charges to the saleperson just to see their response. After meeting with two salespeople, I can assure you, they're holdback in in that range.

The last car I purchased was an import as well, and 700 over invoice is where I hit. Again, it wasn't an Acura.

I'd be willing to bet that I could get a domestic for 300 over if I wanted to invest enough time.

My point is, if I really want the car, I'll give the dealer a 1200 - 1500 profit, but with a holiday coming up, I'd at least like to see a decent finance rate. Even Infinity has 2.9% now, and it's not like the G35 is a poor seller.

[The General]

Originally posted by carolinawahoo
Holdback fees for pretty much any manufacturer simply by searching in Google. There are numerous websites that post this info. This is NEVER advertised. I typcially mention the holdback charges to the saleperson just to see their response. After meeting with two salespeople, I can assure you, they're holdback in in that range.

The last car I purchased was an import as well, and 700 over invoice is where I hit. Again, it wasn't an Acura.

I'd be willing to bet that I could get a domestic for 300 over if I wanted to invest enough time.

My point is, if I really want the car, I'll give the dealer a 1200 - 1500 profit, but with a holiday coming up, I'd at least like to see a decent finance rate. Even Infinity has 2.9% now, and it's not like the G35 is a poor seller.

I've gotten a domestic for 100 over invoice. It really isn't that hard. Acura plays an entirely different game...I have no clue about Infiniti or any of the other major import dealers.

What would you consider a good finance rate? It's all relative, I got 3.9% last November and was very satisfied. I got 6.75% in 2000 when I bought my '01 CL-S and was very satisfied. I guess it all depends on what your definition of good is and what the market is currently allowing. I know 2.9% is possible right now, but I would still be very happy if 3.9% was the best I could get.

And, the G35 is certainly not a poor seller, but it's not as good a seller as the TL is currently...at least in this area.

[reddemon73]

It all depend on supply and demand.....I got my mom 04 Forrester at invoice and my dad 04 E320 for $1000 over invoice...this is a $50k car so I don't see why acura would be more....just stick to your gun....

I'm in the market for a new car and I let you all know how I do.....

good luck

[Mr. Ricco]

TL's in the Seattle area are difficult to find. . it's all supply and demand.

[Scorpio]

Fyi, dealer holdbacks are pretty common. That's why they can advertise selling a new car for $xxx "over invoice." Here's a link to a listing for most cars: http://www.edmunds.com/advice/incent...ack/index.html

I'm waiting for 2005 model. Problem is here in SoCal, dealers don't discount much, if at all. Anybody hear anything about the new TL?

[InfamousTL]

Originally posted by carolinawahoo
I've been car shopping for the past few months and have narrowed my choices down to the 2004 TL or the 2004 G35(AWD). I like both cars, but right now, I favor the TL.

The problem is, I've gone to two different dealerships and have ended up leaving both because the dealers were not will to drop the prices much. The lowest I could get one dealer was 31300 and that included one of those crap "documentation" fees which I refuse to pay. This is the basic TL with the protection package. No NAV.

The way I see it from a price breakdown: Their invoice is 29755 with a 550 dest. charge. They're looking at a 3-3.5% holdback. So their total cost is in the 29,200 range. Add the protection package, we're talking 29,500. In previous cars I've purchased I've gotten cars in the 500-700 above their cost range. My initial offer on the TL was 30,300 (giving them 800 above cost, not including tax and title). 1000 below what they put on the table, plus the 300 doc fee. So we're talking 1300 bucks difference here. No adjustments on their part, and I walk out the door.

What gives? What incentive is there for me to purchase a 2004 when the 2005's are out in a few months? I'm hoping September brings new deals to the table (manuf. rebates, special financing).

Any suggestions?

I bought mine for 30 even and this was a few months back so It can definately be done but I'm not sure how it is in NC because it all varies. Good Luck and keep looking get the satisfaction you deserve