2013 and earlier BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    See, there.......a good client advisor could have just saved you some serious cash. Who says the dealer is a "holding station" and offers no value to the transaction. Without the right advice you'd be waiting months for your new BMW, paying more and enduring international airport madness.

    Eek, waiting months for your car! No, not in the era of instant gratification. Don't want the weather package? "Well it's only 1k extra and you do get the car right now." Wanted gray leather but all they had was black? "But you get the car right now!"


    Mark one up for the car salesman.


    What did the salesman do in this instance? Oh he pushed a car that's on his lot. That's just like the kid at circuit city is told to move the older panasonic falt screens to make room for the new model.

    Tell me do you also have the wonderful checklist that encourages people not to sell cars on their own? For those who haven't snooped at dealerships (I have...I go through anything sitting on the salesguy's desk while he's away "talking" to his manager), most dealerships have this great checklist of silly things to say when a perspective buyer doesn't want to trade-in.

    Some fun ones:

    1. Mention terrorism and that selling the car privately invites dangerous people to your home. Of course, you could meet people in public places to sell but how would that scare car buyers?

    2. Cars can go unsold for months! Of course, the trade-in price will probably be 2-3-4k lower than what you can get on your own.

    3. you have to smog the car (in CA). Wow, $35 saved!

    The list goes on and on and boy is it a laugh riot. It's similar to the tactics they use to push you into features you don't want (moonroof, automatic, premium package, navi, etc).

    The forum is here to help people buy cars and get them a good deal. Many of us are here expressly to help others do that with BMWs. We don't want people to get raked over the coals. What is the motive for a BMW salesman to dismiss ED? Hmmm, who could he be thinking about in that scenario. Shipo's done ED and raves. He always tells people about it because he wants to share savings and a unique experience for no other reason than to help people.
  • poetpindarpoetpindar Member Posts: 18
    In S. California and getting lease quote from dealership on new 2006 BMW 330i as follows:

    MSRP: 40,470
    Invoice: 37,120

    Includes: Premium Package; Automatic; color white

    3 year lease, 15K miles per year;

    Total due at signing: $715.46 + License

    Monthly: $664
    Tax @ 7.75: $51.46

    Total Monthly Payment: $715.46
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    What's the MF and residual? What price did you negotiate on the car?
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Sounds extremely high to me. You can get the 2005 545 for the same payment.
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    Where am I getting the ED prices?

    Well, it's my job to have the prices. The price difference is accurate for ED v. domestic delivery. Now, if you can go back and forth to munich from San Diego (go to priceline.com right now and it says $2285) for less than $2650 then you would save some money, or course you wouldn't have your car for three month either. If negotiating the amount over invoice, it doesn't matter what the options are because the options are figured at cost. It sounds like you're quite anxious to illustrate how wrong I am and insult me. That's fine. I'll just stick the facts. If you can go to Europe and back on a thousand bucks, I'm impressed.

    You slam the BMW client advisor stating that he wants to pad a fat commission....well, the commission is the same whether the clients go to Munich for the car or they take delivery at the Center. So, you're wrong about that. I don't need to check any forums about ED, because I do ED's and I can assure you that I know more about it than some third pary know-it-alls like yourself. So, you're wrong about that.

    You're number crunching is not too good, BLuedot. Going to Europe for a great experience is super but you're not saving $5000. The difference again in ED v. domestic on a 330xi (like the guy asked) is 2650. That's it. The reason I said that ED was not the way to go was because the dealer in question had a car on the lot that probably has 4 grand of dealer cash on it and the guy seemed willing to consider it. That would certainly mean that it would cost him far less to get that car than flying off to europe. There is no more dealer cash on the car. That's pretty simple to understand isn't it? 4 grand below invoice is going to be a bigger savings than 2650 minus travel expenses. That's good advice for someone trying to save money.

    You've obviously got some problem with people in the car business, but the guy asked a question and I gave him a real answer. The dealer cash expired on the car so, you can't get that for ED. Therefore, it's a bigger saving to get the car at the dealer now. Why don't you let me give my professional advice and if you want to throw in an uneducated shot in dark opinion then I'll respectfully listen. Respect is a big key here in the forum.
  • jimroosjimroos Member Posts: 4
    As of this morning, there isn't a dealership in Orange County that has an 06 325i on the lot. The one I ordered came in on Friday at Crevier and they aren't moving on the price. Given the local market conditions, that doesn't surprise me. Anyone else in OC who's had a different experience with the 325 (not the 330, which most dealerships seem to have a small, but consistent supply of)

    My car's MSRP is 34195 with metallic paint, leather interior, and automatic. The lease offer I got from Crevier was a joke, MF of .00325. An outside lender got me this deal on a 48 month lease with 15K miles/year. I feel pretty good about it but wanted to hear other experiences...

    MSRP $34,195.00
    Base Cap Cost $34,195.00 (I'm paying sticker)
    Reg/Doc/App $1,231.00
    Capital Cost Reduction $- (Nothing down)
    Adjusted Cap Cost $35,426.00

    Residual % 48%
    Residual Value $16,413.60
    Money Factor 0.00213
    Term (months) 48

    Depreciation $396.09
    Finance (Rent) Charge $110.42
    Sales Tax $39.25
    Total payment $545.76 / month

    My only drive off cost is first month's payment. The MF in this deal seems pretty good for a third party lease. Anyone think I could have done better with Crevier?
  • tksungtksung Member Posts: 34
    > If he had left the store an hour or so sooner than maybe/probably he wouldn't have taken > the rock to the windshield.
    >
    If he had left an hour sooner, then maybe he would've got hit by a semi and died.

    It's just laughable that salesmen complain about buyers trying to save a few bucks while they'll do anything make a few bucks. There is nothing to complain unless there has been a bad faith.
  • tksungtksung Member Posts: 34
    > In fact, it's less ($2120) but you have to foot the bill for the travel expenses and that's
    > probably going to well excede the price break. There's an ED forum here.
    >
    Let's see... I'm paying $5000 below the US MSRP, $1200 for two tickets, thanks to bmw/luft program, and making a vacation out of it to boot.

    Besides the cost savings, ED is a very convenient execuse for a vacation. It's probably not worth though, if you are going to Munich just for the cost saving, especially if you can get a good deal on a US delivery.
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    There are 06's on the ground at the #1 selling BMW Center in Orange County, and the nation for that matter. Were you doing a 48 month lease with BMW Financial? The 36 month buy rate from is .0025. BMW will cap the dealer at adding three base points , .0028? I don't know what happened during your visit, but I know that some other lenders have better rates beyond 36 months.
  • hrchrc Member Posts: 11
    I'm not liking the carsalesman type here on this board. Been seeing negative threads for a while now. All this is doing is creating arguments between what the consumers (99.9% of us on the boards) want compared to what a dealer wants. I used to sell cars so I know that this virtualbmw guy has alot of anger towards anyone who tries to get the best deal. Most people want to get the best deal. I'm willing to bet you or some of your friends fall into that catogory. His anger shows in his respones and we(99.9%) should not encourage this by responding. We all know what the dealer motives are. Basically, money matters to everyone, when you purchased your house, did you haggle? Chances are you did. Why? Anyways, there must be a web-board some where you could go to whine about us consumers to your carsales-type buddies instead of trying to argue and convert us here. BTW, If I was in still in car sales, I want to move to where you are, dumb people there, I would make a KILLING.

    Danny
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    danny, come on......

    there are not dumb people in here buying BMW's.

    I think these are relavent viewpoints concerning the topic, prices paid and buying experiences. I could care less about what type of deal you're getting or claiming to get. I bought a new 325 myself and I enjoy the cars with the same passion or more than just about anyone. I'm not here to benefit the dealer, that's silly.

    The buying experience is one that I witness many times a day so, I think that I've got some insight. I've got all the programs and pricing at my fingertips and I offer advice with no solicitation. You guys relax a little. I'm no threat to any of you and I don't care to sell any of you anything.
  • sharmabmwsharmabmw Member Posts: 45
    Yes, 1000-1500 over invoice is a good deal. Newport Beach BMW is an ED-friendly dealer. Their fleet manager is excellent. I am sure you are dealing with her.

    Can you do better? Yes. I'm moving to Newport Beach, but still went with santa barbara. Santa Barbara saved me an additional $500 off of NB's offer. People make the argument that $500 is worth developing a relationship with the local dealership. It's a personal decision.

    I cannot comment on Alahambra, but they were not listed as ED friendly on other bimmer forums. Don't waste your energy and effort if they end up ED-naive.

    good luck.
  • sharmabmwsharmabmw Member Posts: 45
    ED savings are huge. My ED on a 5'er; Savings from US MSRP (that was the selling price on day#1 when I picked up) = ~6500. Cost of Euro trip (from East Coast) ~ $2000: good tix price, 5 star hotel on priceline. driving, bier, and dinners.

    Experience was incredible. Best european trip I've ever done.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Well, it's my job to have the prices. The price difference is accurate for ED v. domestic delivery. Now, if you can go back and forth to munich from San Diego (go to priceline.com right now and it says $2285)

    Well that's flat out wrong as one rarely orders a car to be made (2-3 months away) and then tries to take a flight the next day. Typical salesman rhetoric designed to fog the reality and lead a customer toward a hasty decision. Do a search on travelocity for september or october...anytime 3-8 months from now and you'll see prices in the 600-800 range. Of course again, we're talking about intelligent people who can hopefully see through your subterfuge and know they can use frequent flyer miles...gee free flight...or do some intelligent shopping directly on sites and find good prices. The ED munich price on a 330i is 30,720. If you want to lie to people here, that's fine. But we're not gonna ignore and allow you to push false figures to line the pockets of salesmen.

    So, you're wrong about that. I don't need to check any forums about ED, because I do ED's and I can assure you that I know more about it than some third pary know-it-alls like yourself. So, you're wrong about that.

    you mean you sell people ED cars at the price listed on the BMW site? That's fine, if people want to allow your dealer to pockets thousands extra for a car, god bless. This forum is here to help people save money.

    Why don't you let me give my professional advice and if you want to throw in an uneducated shot in dark opinion then I'll respectfully listen. Respect is a big key here in the forum.

    Your "professional" opinion is like asking a kid at Best Buy if one should get the same LCD TV at Amazon for $200 less and no tax or buy from Best Buy. Of course you're gonna come down on the side of buying off the lot. That's your bread and butter. You have something to lose if people are unwilling to pay MSRP or bogus basic ED pricing on cars. Your "advice" is suspect and skewed. And I flat out don't respect your view because you're not here to help people...you're hear to push the salesman agenda.
  • jimroosjimroos Member Posts: 4
    Where's that? (i've had two dealerships tell me they were the "largest BMW dealer in the country" in the last week) I placed calls to Sterling & Irvine yesterday and neither had a 325i. Just spoke to Irvine again and it sounds like a few may have come in but the salesmen I spoke to says "most are presold, I'll call you back and let you know if I have anything I can show you."

    Not sure what this means. If what I'm hearing is true, and demand is way out ahead of supply on the 325i here in OC, I'm wondering how anyone is able to get much of a price break.
  • jimroosjimroos Member Posts: 4
    Alright, Irvine called me back. All he has is a base model 325i, white with letherette. Zero options.

    So, where again does someone have a 325i "on the ground" that isn't "pre-sold?"
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Let's make sure the focus stays on pricing and the purchasing experience rather than on each other. If the hostility doesn't disappear, posts will.

    Hot tip: If you don't like another member's posts, skip them.

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  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    I think that with a 3 series the main benefit is the experience of the trip, NOT the savings. For example the difference in the base invoice for a 2005 330xi is 34260 for domestic delivery and 31695 for Munich delivery (2565). Certainly, I can only speak for myself but profit wise it makes no difference. I like it when clients go to munich because I know that they'll have a great experience and it's likely that they will buy a BMW again.

    2006 330i is 30720 in munich or 33215 at your local Center. That would leave you $2495 for a cool, yet frugal, european getaway.

    The difference on a 530 is $3575 and I always price cars from the invoice up.

    "largest" does not mean #1 selling. Irvine says they are the largest dealer in the western region referring to the size of the dealership. One dealer very near to them is "smaller" but outsold them last year by about 900 cars and is well ahead of them this year also.
  • saigonboi21saigonboi21 Member Posts: 150
    hello people, im in the market for a new car. I really want a BMW 330i but heard that they are expensive, break down a lot and cost a lot to fix and maintain. Someone suggested that i should read about European Delivery in the forums so here I am. Can anyone explain to me what it is? and if possible how much it would cost for a 330i- nicely equipped. I dont need it loaded. Thanks
  • saigonboi21saigonboi21 Member Posts: 150
    by the way- E90 330 is 330i right?? i guess the E stands for European???
  • vizzinivizzini Member Posts: 6
    Why are you looking at flying to europe to pick up a car you think breaks down a lot and costs a fortune to maintain?

    I don't know where to start with this one... go read about Full Maintenance and come back. I've had 3 new BMWs over the past 4 years, with 8 total trips to the dealership for service, all but one for scheduled oil changes. They've been fantastic for me.
  • poetpindarpoetpindar Member Posts: 18
    kyfdx... (and others with info). I am trying to lease a 2006 330i. Here is the deal I want to offer to the dealerships in S. California. Am I out of my mind, or am I close?

    MSRP: 42,070
    Invoice: 38,575
    MF: .0025
    Residual: 63% ($26,504.10)
    Total Monthly: $603.83 + $46.80 (7.75 tax) = $650.63
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Poet have you considered maybe a 5 series? I'm not being a jerk, it's just that BMW has nice rates on the 5 and not so great rates on the 3.

    530i Sedan

    24 mo/15k mi – 67% Residual Value – Money Factor .00125 Base Rate
    36 mo/15k mi – 58% Residual Value – Money Factor .00125 Base Rate
    48 mo/15k mi – 41% Residual Value – Money Factor .00270 Base Rate
    60 mo/15k mi – 32% Residual Value – Money Factor .00270 Base Rate

    545i Sedan

    24 mo/15k mi – 66% Residual Value – Money Factor .00100 Base Rate
    36 mo/15k mi – 57% Residual Value – Money Factor .00100 Base Rate
    48 mo/15k mi – 40% Residual Value – Money Factor .00270 Base Rate
    60 mo/15k mi – 31% Residual Value – Money Factor .00270 Base Rate
  • kasperghostkasperghost Member Posts: 72
    Please see post 1940 on 3-series owners: problems and solutions
  • bmqbmq Member Posts: 18
    What is the timeline when you get a vehicle through ED?

    i.e., lets assume that I order one today...approx how long before it is ready for pickup in Munich? and how long after I drop it off in Europe can I expect to see it at my dealer (Texas)?

    Does it matter if its a 3 Series or a 5 Series (I have not yet decided between the two)?

    Also, what sort of window do they give for Munich delivery?...I am assuming that they give a range of dates that you can pick your car up?...is it a week?...a month?

    Thanks for your help
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    I am one who welcomes the participation of dealer personnel in these discussions. Frankly, I see more hostility and "anger" from a couple of others here than I detect in VirtualBMW.

    I have had pretty much solidly good sales experiences from a wide variety of people at several MB, BMW, and Acura stores over the past 40+ years. Once I make it clear that I am a well-informed enthusiast, I've rarely had a problem finding a compatible personality to deal with in high-end dealerships. I just make it clear from the get-go that I know the business - my best friend is an F&I manager at an MB store - and just politely insist that all conversations stay focused on my goals for the transaction. It has been a truly rare occurrence when I have had to exercise the beat-feet option, which is always there, after all.

    The whole point of this discussion should be to reveal what is possible in the marketplace at any given time. In some markets, it's going to be easier to get what you want than others, and we all know the importance of timing. But I have to agree with our host - anybody who adheres to the posting rules should be welcome here, including people in the business. We can agree to disagree about what constitutes a good deal....
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    When you place the order through the dealer a reservation date is requested on your behalf. This is where things can vary a little. Your client advisor can find out if there is a "pool car " available that you would accept. "Pool cars" are vehicles that are already produced and you can get one of these quickly.....say, within a week or so. If you order the car, you'll got a production spot that will have the car being built within say 2 to 4 weeks. Production takes about a week. So, you can request a reservation for delivery about 6 weeks or so from the time the purchase is initiated.

    One variable is the reservation request. Not only does the car have to be ready but the ED people have to fit you into a very tight schedule.

    Right now is the peak time of the year for Euro deliveries. There are 3 people on the front lines that process European Deliveries and they did about 2300 deliveries last year (that would make them a top ten dealer in the nation with just 3 people!). So, scheduling is crucial. The car has to be paid for about a month before you get it. After you leave europe dropping off your car for transportation back to your BMW Center it takes a minimum of a month for you to be driving on US soil.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    "The car has to be paid for about a month before you get it".

    Actually, effective December 1, 2004 :

    - The length of time for contract signing before delivery has been reduced from thirty (30)days to fourteen (14) days.

    - Customers can stay abroad for up to 90 days. During that time, insurance is required, listing BMW FS as loss payee. Easy Pay will be required for customers who extend their stay.

    - Customers will no longer be required to make two (2) payments at contract signing.

    - BMW FS will pay the second payment for the customer (on lease only). This payment will appear on the customer's first invoice as a credit. If the customer opts for a Pre-Pay Lease, the total amount due should be reduced by one monthly payment.

    - A lease rate adder of .0003 will be added to the published applicable rate for all ED leases.

    - Retail contracts will continue to have 60 days until first payment.
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    VERY TRUE....... in addition BMW covers insurance and registration for 2 weeks
  • poetpindarpoetpindar Member Posts: 18
    Hey blueguy... thanks for taking the time... it looks like I could get into a 530 at about the same price... by the way, are you talking about an 2005 or 2006 530? Thanks again for all of your help....
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    2005 530's are virtually gone in the western region. So, those #1's might look good but coming up with the car may be a problem.

    But, BMW Financial just dropped the lease rate to.00195 (if the dealer will write the deal at buy rate). Also, there are some other lenders that might be considered for lease payments. BMW's 3 series programs gives payments $40 a month higher or more than some others right now.

    Some people actually prefer the 3 to the 5. I think that I do. It drives better, to me.
  • amt7565amt7565 Member Posts: 165
    Get the 2005 330i while they last. You can't go wrong with these. There are huge discounts being offered for them.
    I got mine last month. MSRP was $42,245 and I paid $35K. You should be able to get good deals like that if you shop around.

    AMT-
  • saigonboi21saigonboi21 Member Posts: 150
    HEY AMT7565, you think i can get a 330Ci for that much??? thanks
  • saigonboi21saigonboi21 Member Posts: 150
    $35k- does that include taxes and everything or is it $35k = taxes??
  • amt7565amt7565 Member Posts: 165
    Not sure about the 330ci. Please ask KYFDX. Not sure what the rebates are. Sorry.
    You can get discounts, but not as good as that for the 330i.

    AMT-
  • amt7565amt7565 Member Posts: 165
    Without taxes.
    Use this formula: Invoice price- $4200 + $500(dealer profit).
    That is the lowest you can go, unless you find some dealer who is REALLY desperate to get rid of them. But they are in short supply and it still attracts 2005 model lovers.

    AMT-
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    The dealer cash on the 3 series sedans has expired. There are no cash incentives on the coupes. Probably about 1000 to 15000 over on a coupe is a good deal.

    Those who compare the new 3 to the previous might not think that the huge discounts on the 05's are enough to get their money.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,309
    3yr/30K lease?.. If so, the residual I show is 62%

    But, using your figures, the payment you came up with, would be buying the car at MSRP.. I know they are popular, but I would be shooting a little lower than that..

    If you assume a selling price of $1500 off MSRP, with the 62% residual.. and the acquisition fee rolled into the cap cost.. the payment would be $588/mo.+ tax.. With just 1st payment and security deposit due at signing..

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • glakerglaker Member Posts: 49
    I’ve tried to stay out of the “debate” related to the pros and cons of having a sales rep as one of the primary discussion leaders, but frankly I’m getting more and more confused by virtualbmw’s comments and beginning to see some conflict with his assorted bits of advice. Perhaps I don’t understand bits of his advice and he could help me see some of the logic behind his statements. First, in post #4082 on June 4 virtualbmw suggested that someone offer $35k for a 2005 330 with a list of $43795 and a dealer cost of $40140. Even after subtracting the $4200 mfg to dlr cash, the cost to the dealer for the vehicle would be $35940. Why would a sales rep for a BMW dealership recommend the client offer $940 below dealer cost? Is this supposed to be an advisable negotiating technique to use with a dealership? Is that a good way to show a sales rep I’m knowledgeable about the car and costs and I’m serious about buying?
    Second, in post #4125 virtualbmw explains that the incentive expired on May 31, implying that buyers probably would no longer get that big discount from dealer cost. But wouldn’t most dealerships show the year end 325 and 330 sedans as “sold” so they still get the cash from BMW? It would seem foolish to do otherwise (and it was what virtualbmw suggested in post #4082 that the dealer in question did). What did your dealership do? Are the deals on the 2005 sedans, indeed, over?
    Finally, as to the purchase of a year end 2005 330 at US dealership prices versus purchase of a 2006 at ED prices, it looks to me as if the price difference will be somewhere around $2000 plus the cost of a trip to Europe. I suggest that, if you’re flying over for a day just to take delivery of the car, you ought to figure that cost into the price differential. However, if you make the trip into a fun vacation, it’s a lot harder to say the cost of the trip should be figured into the price of the car. I favor the vacation. So when I do that, the comparison for me is whether the 2006 with its new technology and engine (and possible first year “bugs”) is worth a couple of thousand more than the 2005. IMO, I’d go to Europe, have a great time and pick up a new car!
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    My thought by offering the 35 is to have the dealer get as close as possible to that #. That's what I would do if I wanted that car. If they counter-offered, which I'm sure that they would, then I would consider the counter-offer. Easy, right?

    The incentive on the 3's has expired. So, unless, the dealer punched (reported sold) the existing inventory then their is no dealer incentive. I'm certain that the dealers did just that. If one orders the car now as in ED or if there are cars incoming now, there will not be a dealer incentive at all. So, for existing inventory you can probably still get the huge discounts. Where I am we didn't have any 2005 3 sedans left so, we didn't have to worry about it.

    I agree completely concerning ED savings. That would be a great experience for anyone.

    Maybe, there won't be a great deal of "bugs". The new technology has been developed through the 7's (2002 and up) and 5's (2004 and up). And, certainly, there were a few "bugs" there but have been reduced as time went by, especially software issues.
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  • 100grandman100grandman Member Posts: 14
    I'm looking for a 2006 BMW 330I in electric red. Has anyone come across any dealers giving good deals in this part of the country? I'm ready to make a move within the next 30 days or so. My wife wants to trade in her Lexus RX 330.

    Also, does anyone know the best way to get top dollar for your trade in? Most dealers will usually quote somewhere around wholesale which is about 25.5K but there's no way I'm going to let them do that for her 2004 RX 330 that is selling retail for about $34K. HELP PLEASE!
  • virtualbmwvirtualbmw Member Posts: 86
    There aren't many electric red 330's anywhere in the country and demand is probably exceeding supply in most areas right now. But, we're hearing of some pretty good discounts despite that according to some here on this board.

    According to TMV here on edmunds.com on a new FWD 2005 RX330 you can expect to pay about 34 plus the options. So, it's probably more of a factor on the dollar amount of the Lexus trade. It can be tough to retail a car like that because it's so new that you're in direct competition with the dealers. They can take in a trade and finance people and you can't. But, if you've got a month, I'd get it detailed and inspected, make sure the tires are very new or brand new and advertise it. Make sure that you know what comparable cars are priced at the local dealers and be under that. In your ad make sure you say that you've got the history, warranty information, that the tires are new/newer, that it's been freshly detailed and that you have a current inspection available.

    Good for your wife. I'll bet she won't miss driving that fancy camry wagon.
  • amt7565amt7565 Member Posts: 165
    Visit Auobahn motors in Fortworth. They were very good to me. Two weeks after I got my bimmer, I got my friend also to buy one from them. They are willing to work with you on a price you want, unlike other dealers.

    I am not allowed to post the contact name here. It's the Edmunds forums policy.

    If you want a decent deal on the Lexus, sell it yourself. I put an add in the Dallas paper recently to sell my Accord and the phone continues to ring even after I sold it. A 10 day add costs $49.00.

    Good luck!
    AMT-
  • weno2weno2 Member Posts: 38
    Do you think the huge discounts on an 05 330i w/AT, CP, PP and Xenons enough to buy one instead of a 325 or 330i w/just AT? Or is the 06 thatmuch better.

    I've driven both, but I admit I really can't tell the difference. Probably b/c I'm driving an 88 Volvo 740 wagon :)
  • 100grandman100grandman Member Posts: 14
    Thanks virtual.

    I know of a good place to get the car detailed and I have all of the Lexus inspection records that are up-to-date.

    >>Good for your wife. I'll bet she won't miss driving that fancy camry wagon.<<

    Now that's what I call funny! I wish she would've listened to me in the first place and not went that route. But oh well. Just to throw out a question, I know you don't have any real live info to go on but how well do you anticipate the new IS 350 stacking up against the 2006 3?
  • 100grandman100grandman Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for the info amt7565.

    I live in N. Forth Worth so Autobahn is just a hop, skip and jump away from me. I think I'll go by there this weekend. I'll also try the Dallas Morning News with that add. Thanks again.

    Just like I asked virtual, I know you don't have any real live info to go on but how well do you anticipate the new IS 350 to stack up against the 2006 3?
  • amt7565amt7565 Member Posts: 165
    IS350....hmmm...well I assume this is the Lexus.
    They are 2 different cars. The Bimmer is a man's sporty toy and the Lexus is a woman's favorite car in my opinion. I see more women drive Lexuses and more men drive Bimmers. You have Japanese reliability and German engineering.

    I never considered the Lexus in my decision to buy last month. I test drove the G35, Audi, Mercedez and the Bimmer. So, I can't vouch for the Lexus.

    This is what I would do if I were you: since you have already owned a Lexus, give the German car a chance, will you? :D

    Good luck!
    AMT-
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,535
    and if you decide to trade your wife's Lexus in, make sure you DON'T TELL the dealer about your trade until AFTER you've negotiated a price on the new 330i. Don't go in and tell the guy you're looking to trade in her Lexus for the new 330i.

    Ask Terry on the Real World Trade In Values board here on Town Hall.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    amt the is350 is coming out in october. it has a 3.5 liter v6 with 310 hp/280 ft-lb of torque. it's a total redesign and aimed squarely at besting the bimmer.

    downside of the car...no manual in the 350, only in the 250.
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