Incidentally I’m looking at the Acura TSX 5 speed AT.
MSRP or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price is the suggested price by the manufacturer to the dealer/retailer. Also known as sticker price, this is usually what you see stuck on the windshield of the car on display at the dealership. The MSRP can be considered as the “asking price” of the dealer and this is where the haggling begins. What the MSRP does not cover however are transportation to the dealership cost, registration, miscellaneous fees and taxes and this varies from state to state.
Total Cost to Own or TCO is the more realistic price. This takes into consideration several factors such as cost of fuel, insurance, financing, maintenance and the like over a span of 5 years. It may be that you may be able to afford the car but you can’t afford to run it.
Since you’re decided on the Acura TSX, and if you are really concerned about the TCO, then I would get the TSX without the Tech Package. Why? For one thing, depreciation over 5 years for the non tech packaged TSX is lower by about $2400. Add on the lower cost of financing, insurance and taxes well, it may not be much but after 5 years and you’re looking to sell your car, every cent counts. This plus the fact that the “Technology Package” won’t be that hi-tech 5 years from now.