ishan

I have an '05 Acura RL with 86K miles, want something better. It has to have AWD and have a generous back seat to accommodate three kids and a Labrador. I know what options I want (LS460L AWD is the base model I'm working from). I test-drove the car, noted the wind noise but can live with it (for now). At least one dealer states that the car I want would have to be ordered, none like it in the Northeast.

If I order the car, does that give me more leverage regarding price? I know there's a model refresh in 2010, should I wait a few months and hope nothing goes wrong with the RL in the interval? I drive 25K+ miles annually, is a lease deal out of the question? In this economy, I don't want to pay cash for the car–I like the money in my checking account. Is $2K above invoice a reasonable offer (especially in this economy). I know, a lot of questions, but for me, this is a fairly expensive car (my wife bought an Aston Martin DB9, but that's a whole 'nother story...).

Any and all help appreciated.

joeyb

I got $4k off MSRP at the beginning of December, so $2k over invoice sounds good for an '09.

I had the same issue on availability (I wanted the ML system), and the dealer had the car shipped from Michigan.

For us high mileage drivers, leases almost never work out, financially.

As for the dog, check out www.autoseats.com

Johnny

A Lab? You're a courageous man! Not too young I hope...

terrain

Add Exec Package to your list.

A Lab relaxing in the back of an Exec equipped LS = Priceless as long as its not my exec



In terms of best deal - your best deal will (most) always be on a car the dealer has in inventory - add time the dealer has had it in inventory to the mix and the deal >. That's not to say you can't negotiate a good/great deal when ordering a car if you can use the fact that another dealer has the car you are looking for but are willing to go with this dealer for x, y reason.

If you are after an AWD - I'd WAIT WAIT - until the supply chain has been filled. Ohter wise you may end up paying more for a car that in most parts simply not wanted/needed.

ishan

Thanks for all the advice. I agree that the supply chain needs to be filled. The dealers are still too busy playing games. Given that LS (and LS600H) sales were down 50.3% this November compared to a year ago, maybe they'll come to their senses later in the year. The economy is not going to bounce back in 2009, and a committed buyer might mean more to them then. I'll wait and see.