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2,226 Posts
OK, so now that the 2005 model has FINALLY come out, and I'm now back from my long vacation (New Zealand was absolutely incredible), I need to put in my order for a 2005.
Unfortunately they didn't change the options around any from 04 to 05. I still can't get the fun toys (VDC, Nav, etc) without getting the touring package. I can't get the touring package without getting leather seats. I refuse to have leather seats. <sigh>
So here's what I'm planning:
05 SL AWD
Platinum (just to be a little different than all the silver cars)
Charcoal Cloth
Sunroof Package
XM (or Sirius, haven't decided which yet but leaning towards XM)
Towing package
Crossbars
Splash guards
Floor mats
Cargo protector
Sunroof Wind Deflector
MSRP is $34,500USD (which is about $100 more than the 04 so very close)
CarsDirect Invoice is $31,421 (for the 04, they don't list the 05 yet)
CarsDirect Price is $30,571 (below invoice due to $1000 rebate through 11/30)
Unfortunately, this configuration is quite rare and hard to find (at least it was for the 04) so this means that I'll most likely have to order it from the factory this way and wait 3 months. Not a big deal for me, since I'd rather do that than change the configuration!
I'm heading to a dealership today that has a few 05's on the lot just to make sure nothing has changed as far as the overall feel and ride and get a feel for what my financing options are these days.
Any input, if you have it, would be appreciated. I'm not putting in an order or anything today, just testing the waters. But if you have tips on the 05s in particular it would be nice to hear. Specifically if you know of a way that I can get the factory to install VDC, Intelligent Key, or the Backup Camera without having to get leather seats...
Unfortunately they didn't change the options around any from 04 to 05. I still can't get the fun toys (VDC, Nav, etc) without getting the touring package. I can't get the touring package without getting leather seats. I refuse to have leather seats. <sigh>
So here's what I'm planning:
05 SL AWD
Platinum (just to be a little different than all the silver cars)
Charcoal Cloth
Sunroof Package
XM (or Sirius, haven't decided which yet but leaning towards XM)
Towing package
Crossbars
Splash guards
Floor mats
Cargo protector
Sunroof Wind Deflector
MSRP is $34,500USD (which is about $100 more than the 04 so very close)
CarsDirect Invoice is $31,421 (for the 04, they don't list the 05 yet)
CarsDirect Price is $30,571 (below invoice due to $1000 rebate through 11/30)
Unfortunately, this configuration is quite rare and hard to find (at least it was for the 04) so this means that I'll most likely have to order it from the factory this way and wait 3 months. Not a big deal for me, since I'd rather do that than change the configuration!
I'm heading to a dealership today that has a few 05's on the lot just to make sure nothing has changed as far as the overall feel and ride and get a feel for what my financing options are these days.
Any input, if you have it, would be appreciated. I'm not putting in an order or anything today, just testing the waters. But if you have tips on the 05s in particular it would be nice to hear. Specifically if you know of a way that I can get the factory to install VDC, Intelligent Key, or the Backup Camera without having to get leather seats...