Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

anteater203

asked about any experiences any of you have had in purchasing the Lexus 7yr/100,000 warranty. I did not get any responses, so I thought I would try again. Has anyone had any luck getting dealers to discount the warranty? My dealer wants $1,500. How does that sound?

elderkong

I just finalized a deal on the ES330 (premium with HID, heated seats, wood and leather, back window shade, chrome wheels, and tinting) for $31,500. This price does not include taxes or registration.

starrin

Thanks gekko -- I think this is the price I will shop around with. Essentially I am taking the approach of:

"Do not even invite me over to the dealership unless the price is sub 36k" Essentially the budget just will not allow any fluctuation.

Thanks!

luego

$36K is quite high for the car you want even with all those options. Edmund's TMV is a bit inflated (if you're in SoCal). Carsdirect price is more the real-world price at the tune of $34.2 for the car and options you want. You can actually go lower than this. Elderkong certainly got the best deal I have heard of in quite a while.

gekko2

Good deal appears to be MSRP minus $2,000.

Great deal appears to be MSRP minus $2,500.

elderkong

My dealer in Southern California offered me the 7 year/100,000 extended warranty for $1,250. Southern California dealers seem to be more aggressive with pricing that dealers outside of this area, so keep that in mind. Good luck.

vpboy

elderkong, that's the exact price we paid two weekends ago in northern california. $31,500.(premium with HID, heated seats, wood and leather, back window shade, etc.)

tinatina

Vpboy,

That is a great price. Did your vehicle have the the chrome wheels as well. Can you indicate which dealership in N. Cal?

atoews

You seemed to be comparing the price of a vehicle with Nav/ML (gekko2 quote) to one without (elderkong).

36K sounds like a good price for a car with Nav/ML. In fact, I don't think I've heard of anyone who got < 36K deal on a car with those options.

luego

I just based my computation through Carsdirect figures as follow:
32,685 Carsdirect price with NavML
   352 heated seats
   520 VSC
   512 High Intens Disch Lights
   264 Wood Strg whl
   168 Rear sunshade
34,501 Total
This was based on the assumption that the dealer would add $1000 to the invoice price.
In my case, I was looking for one with no NavML (just the typical Premium Pk, High Intensity Disch light, Wood Strg, Htd seats, Rear sunshade, preferred accessory pkg) and without any haggling, the dealer was willing to sell for $1,000 over invoice (same as Carsdirect) which amounted to $32,019. Elderkong did a lot better than this amount (he got tinted windows and chrome plate ($850) for a total amount of $31,500.
I agree though that it could be a higher amount with other dealers or if not in SoCal. As such, $36K could be a good deal to some and I respect that.

pat

Reminder - as explained at the top of this discussion, salefolks' names are not allowed. Just check the "rules" at the top for what is okay and not okay here. Feel free to email me with any questions about policy.

Thanks.

pat

The best place to ask that is in our general Lexus ES 330 discussion. You can copy and paste your message there.

And a note for you and anyone else interested, that ES 330 discussion will be merged into the longer-standing Lexus ES 300 topic sometime shortly. So if you are interested in keeping up with the general ES 330 conversation, be sure to subscribe to the ES 300 one so you don't miss anything when it is moved. It will be renamed to include both models at that time.

/housekeeping

back to the topic here...

soccermom15

I'm looking for the best time to start dealing for a price on a new 330. Should I go right before Christmas or at the end of the year, right before New Years? I'm in Maryland - anyone have a good experience on prices in the area?

gekko2

The best price I have seen so far on this board for an 04 ES with Nav/ML is post #179 by Babs which is $34,400. That's $3,500 off of MSRP!!!!

-$2,000 MSRP = dealer standard offer
-$3,500 MSRP = best??? (Nav/ML)

Can anyone confirm -$3,500???

Has anyone seen a better price?

mrrogers

I checked CarDirect for the 91311 zipcode (Los Angeles, CA). They have the 2004 ES330 with Nav and ML at $32,960. This really is a December to remember!

motownusa

$32,960 with Nav-ML wow!!!! My uncles 02 ES300 with same option was almost 38Gs. I am seriously thinking about trading in my 03 Camry. Are these deals available throughout the country or just a handful of dealers?

atoews

Make sure you are comparing apples to apples!!
When I bought my car, there were two packages offered: 1) loaded with Nav/ML and 2) Premium

The loaded had HID, heated seats, ASV, rear window shade, VSC, and many other options that the premium did not.

I suspect that motown's uncle got a lot more for his 38K than just Nav/ML. Note that ES300's Nav is identical to that of the Camry.

On CarsDirect, a vehicle with options that mine have comes to 38K.

Many of the option sets that you can select on CarsDirect are theoretical. It is difficult to get a package that is not standard for your area. If you just want to add Nav/ML, it may take a special order, and you may not be able to get it anyway.

A good example of this is that the time I purchased my car, cloth seats were an option - but only theorectically. The base price of the car included cloth seats (31K) and leather was an added option. But no one could get a car for 31K because Lexus wasn't making cloth seats!!

atoews

I believe that most buyers in a particular area end up purchasing one of the standard packages on lexus.com (lexus discourages deviations from the standard packages).

Perhaps it would be most beneficial to cite your deals by calling out a zip code with the name of the package you purchased, with any differences from that package noted (example chrome wheels). A date might help, too since the packages change (as I learned the hard way).

Example:

area: Southern California
zip: 93555
date: 2 March 2002
package on lexus.com: #2 Nav/ML
dealer: Lexus of Cerritos
deviations from standard package: none
MSRP: $40,000
My price: $37,225

There are many ways a prospective buyer could use the data provided above.

forthill

I want to purchase (or perhaps lease) a new '04 ES330 with bare minimum options (actually none at all) so that would be $32,350. Now that the dealers are in 'December to remember' mode what would be a good price to bargain for? Invoice on the car is $28,130 so maybe $1000-$1500 above this?

I live in the CT/NY/NJ tri-state area and will probably visit Ray Catena Lexus in Larchmont and Lexus of Greenwich.

Wish I knew the CarDirect price for 06926 zipcode (Stamford, CT).

Thanks!
forthill

mrrogers

$31,151 including freight is the CarsDirect price for a base 2004 ES330 for zipcode 06926. They are $1,800 cheaper in Los Angeles. Would you consider having one shipped from an LA Lexus dealer if your local dealers won't match the price?
     JM Lexus in Margate, FL claims to be the world's largest Lexus dealer. They have over 100 new ES330's in stock. They may also be cheaper than your local dealers. Would you consider a Christmas vacation in FL followed by a ride to CT in your new Lexus?

forthill

Thanks for replying.
$31,151 is only $1,199 off MSRP. I hopefully should be able to get them to deal down to around that area.

As for Florida, my next trip there is not until February

The shipping charge either from CA or FL would probably be a few hundred dollars so I guess I might be open to that but paperwork leading up to the shipment would be a slow go, what with all the phone calls, haggling, faxing, etc.

If you don't mind me asking, what is the CarsDirect price for a base ES330 for zip code 10523 which is near Ray Catena in NY?

Thanks again.
forthill

pat

forthill, you can go to their website yourself ...

whamo

Thanks for all the posts on the forum.

Last week I bought a new 330 for $35,188 in Ohio. It has everything on it except chrome wheels, variable suspension, and power adjustable pedals.

It's a very nice car and I'm quite happy with it. Best luck in all your purchases. Happy Holidays

atoews

Below is the lexus.com info for a base package offered in zip code 06296. Note that the base package contains many options that you must select on carsdirect.com in order to get an apples-to-apples comparison.

The base carsdirect.com package does not jibe with the lexus.com basic package for that area code. Personally, I would trust the lexus.com info regarding available options over that provided on carsdirect.com.
=================

Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer with
Base MSRP* $31,725.00
Delivery, Processing & Handling Fee&#134; $625.00
Available Packages
Additional Options $2360.00
Total MSRP** $34,980.00

Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer with Additional Options
$2,630.00
   - Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer
   - High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID)
          with Rain Sensing Wipers
   - Heated Front Seats
   - Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
   - Wood and Leather Steering Wheel
   - All-Season Tires

atoews

Note the difference in the options on the respective base packages for 06926 (itemized in post#244) versus the 93555 (SO CAL) zip codes. For example, there is no VSC or all season tires on the So Cal base package and no power rear sun shade on 06296 base package. Cost of the VSC is $520, which indicates that you may be getting a better deal on the 06926 package, even though it has a higher price.

To use carsdirect.com, you need to select the options on the base packages to get a reasonable comparison.

===========================================
Zip code 93555 (So Cal) base package from lexus.com.

Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer with Additional Options
Base MSRP* $31,725.00
Delivery, Processing & Handling Fee&#134; $625.00
Available Packages
                                      $2,384.00
Total MSRP** $34,734.00

Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer with Additional Options
$2,384.00
   - Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer
   - High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID) with Rain Sensing Wipers
   - Heated Front Seats
   - Wood and Leather Steering Wheel
   - Power Rear Sun Shade
   - Cargo Net
   - Trunk Mat
   - Wheel Locks

kat2858

Is an out-the-door price of $34420 for a car described in post 245 average, good, excellent, or? The price reflects the 8.25% LA county sales tax and the new (reduced) CA license fees.

atoews

It seems that folks on this board are typically getting cars for at least $1000 below MSRP. Several are getting them for up to 2500 below MSRP. That is before license and tax.

I'd say a fairly good deal would range between 1500 - 2500 below MSRP.

whamo post 243 got 2000+ under MSRP.

Good luck.

mrrogers

I completely agree with you that the Lexus website lists different packages for different parts of the country. I also think Lexus would rather have a buyer buy one of these packaged cars off the lot rather than order a car with fewer options and less profit for Lexus.
     My opinion is that this is a major purchase for many people, and they should consider ordering a car to get the options they want, or finding a car with those options. I realize this is the ES board, but Lexus dealers will tell you that there is no such thing as an RX330 with fabric interior. The problem is that JM Lexus in Margate, FL has six RX330's in stock with fabric. I am not saying the dealer is your enemy, but buyers should be prepared to do their homework on such a major purchase.

babs43

I've been reading all your posts on prices. If I can get my ES 330 with NAV/ML for $34,400, I don't see why you guys can't! Give it a try and good luck!

I did NOT get chrome wheels, Variable Suspension or power adjustable brake pedals.

hare9lon

i was wondering what a good price to pay would be if i were in the Bay area and i was looking for an Es330...with navi and the premium package with the wood steering, HID, rear sunshade, a package like that...i went to a dealer over here and they said that they dont' have many with that package..its either the premium package only or you gotta get the navi and the ml..

so if anyone has any previous buying experience in this area or just has a round about price that would be great...any help is very appreciated

kat2858

Thank you for your response. But I think there is some misunderstanding of my post, #246. The car I referred to has an MSRP of $34734. The out-the-door price of $34420 includes sales tax and licensing fees. I figure the discount to be over $3K from MSRP.

anteater203

$3534 off MSRP for the same car in Dallas.

triple3

I would like to get a deal such as #217 of 253 by elderkong Dec 09, 2003 (5:53 pm)
I just finalized a deal on the ES330 (premium with HID, heated seats, wood and leather, back window shade, chrome wheels, and tinting) for $31,500. This price does not include taxes or registration. Can anyone tell me how to find that dealer?

tinatina

Yakus,

Did you finalize a deal, or are you looking to find a dealer selling @ the price of $31,500 plus tax and license for those features. I am too. If you finalized your deal, was it with a N. California dealer?

Post 223 also seems to have gotten a good price. But the names of thosse two dealerships were not given.

atoews

A good thing to remember is that the availability issue is very dymamic and you can't apply old rules for very long.

When I purchased my car in March 2002, they told me (and it sounded feasible) that it would be a long wait for fabric because the manufacturer had to do special things to make fabric seats.

I suspect that the SUV has more demand for cloth seats.

I'd be interested in whether anyone had ever seen a 2002+ ES300/30 with cloth seats.

gekko2

I think BABS got the best price so far of $34,400 for ML/Nav '04. BABS - what dealer? Was the car on the lot or did they have to find it? Did you choose your color or did you take what they had?? What about your TRADE? Did you trade anything and did they give you a fair trade???

THANKS and CONGRATS.

atoews

vpboy purchased his car in Northern California.

elderkong purchased his car from an Orange County, Ca dealer.

The Orange County dealer has to be either Lexus Mission Viejo, Lexus of Westminster, or Lexus of Tustin since those are the only Lexus dealers in Orange County.

hare9lon

How much should i be paying for this car? Premium with HID, heated seats, wood and leather, back window shade, and the Navi but without ML...and has anyone had any previous good experiences with good dealers in this area...it seems like this car is hard to find but i haven't called around yet...
Thanx

atoews

that has Nav without ML in most parts of the country. You will probably need to order it.

Also, packages with Nav are seldom called Premium.

I noticed that since yesterday, there are now only 2 packages available in Southern California (down from 4). I call them "Premium" and "Loaded".

atoews

If her MSRP was 37,700 (reasonable for a NAV/ML) then 34,400 represents a deal of 3300 off MSRP. In fact, a Premium package (no ML) with 3300 off MSRP is a better deal than a Nav/ML with the same base discount because the discount represents a larger percentage of the premium's MSRP.

It appears as though good deals today are in the range of $3000-$3500 off MSRP.

gekko2

MSRP for '04 with NAV/ML (everything but gold pkg, chrome wheels, power pedals) is $37,934 which includes destination fee. -$3,500 = $34,434.

atoews

Are you sure it has AVS?

gekko2

atoews - sorry - NO AVS.

elderkong

Although I spoke with Orange County dealerships, the deal I ultimately made was at Jim Falk Lexus in Beverly Hills. I began with the internet and then began working with the salesman via email. I've never dealt with this dealership before, so I can't be sure whether my experience was normal, but I found that they were much more eager to do a deal than the other Southern California dealerships I spoke with. As for color, I told them the color I wanted and they found it for me. I can't mention the specific name of the salesman on this board, but if anyone wants more specific information from me about him or my deal, feel free to write me at elderkong@yahoo.com.

vpboy

tinatina, I got my car (with premium package/real window shade,heated seats, hid lights, etc) at that price from Lexus Of Marin&#151;the only caveats were that the car must be on the lot, and it had to be purchased before the end of last month. I imagine they'll be similarly motivated at the end of this month as well. I started on the internet, and used the best price I could get there to begin the negoiations with the delearship, and with the kind salesman, the name of whom we're not allowed to post here.

tinatina

Thanks for the info. That dealership is somewhat close to me. Just one more ? Did your car have the crome wheels, upgraded tires, and the window tinting? I assume that the MSRP was at least $34,744.

vpboy

the car had what i believe to be standard tires and wheel rims...standard glass, too. sticker price was what you said...my recollection was 34,750-ish. good luck!

justconvinced

I am new to the town hall, and am currently researching prices. I am not planning to purchase for at least 6 months, since I want to see what the 2005 will look like and make my decision from there. I am looking at people's posts and am curious as to how far folks will travel to purchase their cars? I am in NYC, so I know the price will be a bit inflated, but in the end, how much would I save going someplace else? Since I prefer to take my car back to the dealership for service, how much should I factor in that cost/mileage on the car?

Lexus of Manhattan posts the costs of premium options on their site; does that usually mean that oprions you don't see are not available (i.e., chrome wheels)?

For those who use incentive plans, how much have you saved? I looked at the cost of the Lexus through my credit union versus on the dealer's website, and I really saw no difference.

Could someone also post the average costs of routine maintenance? Someone asked that question, but I didn't see it answered.

Also, could someone with an older Lexus please tell me what kind of service they received with their vehicle? I got a pretty good price on my Accord in '98, but then everyone became deaf when my baby went through a midlife crisis.

I now I've asked a bunch of questions, and I hope they are all applicable to this string. I know they are all important to me as I am looking toward my new car purchase. I am really in love with the ES!

pat

Hi justconvinced - welcome to the Town Hall!

Be sure to check out our general Lexus ES 300/ES 330 discussion and also have a look at the discussions on our Smart Shopper board. (Just click on either/both of those links.)

Additionally, checking out the tabs at the top of this page - in particular "Tips & Advice" and "New Cars" - will also be helpful to you in your research.

Good luck! Feel free to drop me an email if I can help you find any resources that you need.

forthill

I was quoted $35,170 list for an '04 ES330 with Premium Package Plus (leather, memory seats/mirrors, 6-disc cd changer, heated seats, vsc, HID, wood, wheel locks). Willing to sell for $31,870 at a dealer in CT.

Don't know if this is any good for the 06926 zip but I don't think it's that bad....

forthill