They want to add some type of wrap for the car, a type of lowjack feature, and a special brake light in the rear of the car. No, they will not sell me the car without the added crap. They did offer me the $1500 incentive....but still!
I agree with you - having a hard time justifying the price - I ordered an SX Prestige in early May at MSRP minus $2500 in incentives - that would put it at about $45,000 before tax and fees. I'd like it to be less, but I'm willing to go for that. For comparison, before taxes and fees, I've been offered $41,200 for an Ascent Limited, and they're now taking about $8k off a fully loaded Atlas SEL Premium (bringing it down to about $43,000). Mazda CX-9 Signature at $40,000 or less. My friend recently got a base model 2019 Acura MDX (2WD) for around $37,000 (about 8k off list - pretty standard for Acura).
I am thinking about the Sport Hybrid MDX - but even with a discount of $8-9k, it'd be similar to the final price as the Telluride - and the Telluride's infotainment system is better than the MDX, I get Captain's Charis and real Nappa leather, ventilated seats, folding mirrors, etc. A fully loaded MDX with captains chairs stickers around $60k, but maybe could be had for about $50k (?) - still well above Telluride. If Acura had replaced current MDX infotainment with the version in the current RDX (1 screen), I would certainly work a deal on the MDX. Another alternative might be to lease an MDX (I'm sure an update will happen within 2 years as they transition RDX tech into MDX) after negotiating down 1st year depreciation on a new 2019 model - and wait out this Telluride craziness.
Still might do that if the Telluride quality doesn't live up to expectations or if the price gets too high. I think there is incredible value in all trims - but if price is a concern, then ordering a non-prestige SX, EX or an S should be a consideration. Just have to find a dealer willing to take your order at MSRP or less - and negotiate that up front.
The
Palisade is another great option - but the Limited trim without discounts makes it much more than the Telluride! By end of year they might be willing to deal on
Palisade. The
Palisade SEL FWD with all options ticked is around $42,000 - that's a good value and foregoes the better leather, digital dash, ventilated front seats - among a few other minor options that the Limited adds for ~$4800 more. But then, you may as well go with a Telluride EX if there's no discounts on
Palisade!
With your $1800 of dealer adds it becomes even worse for the Telluride in terms of value. I'd walk on that offer and try another dealer - or just go get that MDX. Since you are in California - it will be difficult - I think California is one of the last states to receive Tellurides - I thought Texas was bad. And, if you want AWD - it's even harder in a Sunbelt state. They are really pushing the FWDs here because they're more popular. Same with
Palisade though.
