Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

fredvh

All I can say is WOW!!!
      That is approximately $400 below invoice. I do not know how they can do that. If I lived in Ca. I would take that in a minute. I just do not understand how they can sell that car for such a low price unless they just want to add a sale to the month of March. If the ES330 is what you want I would grab it but be sure to double-check all of the figures before you sign. Remember- if it sounds too good to be true...
     Please let us know how you came out.

sarah

431 of 431 igiban by sarah Mar 29, 2004 (8:45 pm)

I made my decision today after an agonizing night of debating which car is best for me. It was a very tough decision,I could actually go either way. At the end,I thought the Lexus is better known,better made and reliability is consistent all these years while the TL maybe more exciting to drive but I don't know the car that much and being a sport sedan,may have more potential problems in the long run than the ever-reliable Lexus. I also read a lot about tire problems with the TL and its performance in cold and snowy weather. Those are just my opinion from reading all the posts from these boards. So finally I signed the papers today and I'll pick up the car on Sat. I was really amazed that Acura offered me such figure,they did tell me that they would like to unload their inventories.

There's still time to get the same offer at Curry Acura dealership in scarsdale until wednesday,if anyone is interested.

ronn1010

Sarah I made the same decision yesterday. I was also considering a TL until I drove one that had wind noise and had read about the tire problem. I have owned 5 Acuras over the last 15 years and this is my first Lexus.

The Lexus has a softer ride and you can't feel the road as well with it, howerver the Lexus has better value in a few years, based upon past years.

Also, the Lexus dealer gave me a price lower than I could buy the Acura, even though the Lexus MSRP was $36,384, they gave me 4759 off, or about 86.9% of MSRP, OTD $32, 375.

My Lexus has the following options: Heated Front Seats, HI Head lights, Power rear shade, Mavigation system, CD player with 6 disc changer, Wood steering wheel & shift knob, trunk mat, cargo net and wheel locks.

I found that since this is the end of the month and the end of a calendar quarter the dealer is concerned about selling units to maintain their bonus levels. And, giving some higher discounts makes the total quarter unit sale higher.

So anyone thinking about buying now may be a good time to push for a good deal. The offer mentioned from So Cal is another good example Lexus is ready to deal.

fourizonly

Well, I was in and out of the dealership in less than 2 1/2 hours. The price I paid is as quoted $30,270 + T&L. OTD price is $33,072.99. The fleet manager told me this price is good through tomorrow, and after 3/31 the price will be $500 above invoice.

igiban

the reason an ES330 can be had for these sweet prices (much better than 300's at the same time), is a lot to do with TL. From the last few posts it seems even more so. People are cross shopping these two cars 'intensely' even tho many say they are two quite different cars. For those who got ES at the end, at least you can thank new TL for driving ES price down.

Sarah, how did you resolve the tranny issue on ES?
BTW, if the TL has a Lexus plate, would you get TL instead of ES?

sarah

igiban, I asked for another car and test drove it with no problem. The pick up is definitely not comparable to TL but I like the lexus body and I went with my gut feeling that Lexus would give me less problem than TL in the long run. I also think that with Lexus,I'd be forced to drive less aggressively.
ronn1010, Congratulations! You got a fantastic price with NAV at that price? Now I feel I overpaid.I realized that I should have waited until close to the end of the month to negotiate for my price but there's no guarranty that I'd get lower price. Good Luck!

BTW,is there a recommended product for leather protection? Any advice or tips from owners of Lexus would be appreciated.

ronn1010

Sarah - thanks, I do feel I got a good deal for a change. I didn't realize that the end of a quarter means a lot to the dealers. A bad third month of a quarter can decrease their quota allocation and their bonus package.

I haven't heard of a good product for leather protection, yet. But I have ivory interior and plan on finding some quickly. If you want to keep in touch you can use my direct email ronn1010@aol.com, since I probably will not be coming to this chat room for much longer.

Side window visors - When looking at the TL they had exterior side visors on their showroom car. They looked very good, were not noticable unless you looked closely and they are functional in solving the side sun glare problem. However, my Lexus dealer does not carry them for the ES330, does anyone have any idea of an after market company that has these available?

Once you see them, you will understand their value. They work much better than using the interior visors.

charliegooddog

My new ES 330 was delivered at appx 10:00 am. It looks and drives like a dream. So far the car has exceeded my expectations. No rough shifting, no pulling to the left at high speeds, no hesitation and no rattles.

Delivery was very professional. I have nothing but good things to say about Stevinson Lexus in Golden, Colorado. This was the best car buying experience I have ever had. I strongly recommend Stevinson Lexus to anyone in the Pacific Northwest who is looking for an ES 330.

I am reading through the manual now and when I have completed the manual I will call the salesman at Stevinson and listen to the Lexus orientation.

It is difficult to believe that the transaction went so smoothly and at a price well below the price quoted by the local Pacific Northwest dealers.

Best of luck to all of you.

- Charliegooddog

mikedha

We just bought ES 330 in the Chicagoland area. Paid 30,800 (88.6%) on a MSRP of 34,744, OTD 33,002 with Tax, Title etc. Bought one with premium options (except Nav, HID, and ML). HID's are not available in midwest by an option itself. The dealership and the salesperson were very pleasant. They beat the other internet prices from Chicago, WI, and IN area. Thanks to the board for getting this price. We drove BMW 325i, Acura TL, and Infinity G35. 325i was the best to drive but lacked space. TL (front wheel) and G35 (Rear wheel) seemed sportier, but made lot of noise. Again both were new vehicles, and reliability is not much known. ES drove like a real luxury for the price, which was the lowest from all. The decision was easier.

igiban

ES price (to even lower than TL) is making it hard for me to pull a trigger on TL. And it seems that it won't take that much negotiation to get those prices. I do think TL's look is more eye-catching and sporty for sure, but love pretty much everything else ES has to offer, other than that TL has nice audio on base, while ES has to get the NAV to get ML. Tough choice.

pat

A couple of points --

One is that it's a really bad idea to post your email address in a message. If you want someone to have it, just go to your profile (link on upper left) and make it public. That allows people who are logged in to see it. And it does NOT allow the spam bots that crawl the web looking for addresses to grab it, which they WILL do if you post it in a message. (Trust me - I know these things - you should see my inbox - I have very painfully learned MY lesson! )

The other point is that the Town Hall is firm about the rules explained in the header of this discussion. Those rules are also mentioned in our new feature, Rules of the Road which is linked at the top of page.

So please don't ask other members to email you with the information that we have said the Town Hall may not be used to convey.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me.

Thanks.

bjk2001

fourizonly:
Could you email me the dealer you went to? I am thinking buying ES330 with Navigation in So cal.
Thanks!
bjk

pat

Maybe fourizonly would be willing to post the name of the dealer (in accordance with the guidance in the header of this discussion, of course). That way anyone reading this discussion in that vicinity will benefit.

skyblue

I just pick up my ES 330 with the premium package (6 disc in dash CD/cargo net/wheel nut/memory seats/trunk mat) for $29,523. The MSRP was $33,114. About 89% of MSRP. I got it at a Southern Califonia Lexus dealer. I negotiated the price with 5 Lexus dealers via email over 2 days. This was not the lowest price though. Another dealer in So. Cal gave me a price of $29,323 but he did not have my color. So I settled paying $200 more at another dealer with my first choice of color. Overall, the buying experience was stress free and not time consuming at all because of the email route of negotiation.

buster6

I just bought a new es with nav. yesterday. Msrp is 36190, price paid is 31660 or 87.4% of MSRP. I was able to use lexus leasing for a 3 year lease at a .00144 money factor. The deals are still great this month!!

jim040558

In a technical sense, you didn't buy this car, you rented it, right? Leases are a complex animal. The bottom line is total cost, including money up front.

Perhaps my experience is dissimilar from others, but I have yet to see a lease be better than a purchase if you take care of the car and sell for a good price at the end of the same period as the lease.

I'm sure you'll love your ES330, I know I do mine.

bjk2001

Does anyone have any good deal in So Calif area? We are looking an ES330 with Nav. Thanks!

edshnav

I am looking to buy ES330, was wondering what people are paying in the Minneapolis area. Thanks!

georgeb7

I am also looking for a dealer in Califonia that will give me the same deal these others have mentioned. Are the dealers asking the buyers not to spread the word?

bjk2001

One of our friends bought a base ES330 got a good deal thru carsdirect. But cardirect lists much higher mark up for ES330 with Nav system. I am hoping someone had a good deal from So Cal and willing to share his/her source. Thanks in advance.

skyblue

Please refer to #451 which I posted last week. As for the dealer, I purchased from Lexus of Valencia (89.1% of MSRP). However, Lexus of Glendale gave me a better price $200 cheaper (89.0%) but did not have the color I wanted. Have fun shopping. Both dealers are in Southern California.

atoews

..than just logging on to this site and posting your question would be to read all the posts from the past year!!!

There is lots of information on the deals folks have received. A car is an expensive purchase. It is worth taking an hour or so to read the posts.

In summary, recent purchasers have received 89% of MSRP easily. No negotiation. If you are willing to haggle a little, walk out, say you've heard others are getting better deals, etc. you can get a car for as little as 87 - 88% of MSRP, regardless of whether it has NAV or not.

Remember that the percentage of MSRP for comparison's sake includes everything except fees that your local government imposes on the buyer - license and tax.

georgeb7

Thank you for your response. I will get quotes from the Southern California dealers and let you know what I get. I am looking for this package;
 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

georgeb7

Just received a quote from Lexus of Oxnard for the package described in the above post(#460). $500 above invoice at $31,520.

nmehtadds

I just got a qoute for a 2004 ES 330 Sportdesign fully loaded with all the options except the VSC and Trac for $33900. The MSRP is 37554. I was wondering if anyone knows if i can negotiate it lower or is it a good price?

carcar

I live in an area where the closest dealer is an hour away, the next closest being an hour and 45 minutes away. There are only 3 Lexus dealers in my state of Wisconsin, I believe, and I was wondering how we could get a good deal when it's hard to say to the dealer "we could go over to another dealer and get this car for----" when there really isn't any competition!!!!

I'm looking for invoice or only $200-$400 over invoice, how would I achieve that in my situation?

bjk2001

carcar:
Have you tried online dealer like carsdirect.com to see what are they selling for your area as a start.
Good luck!
bjk

justconvinced

Sarah, is this Ray Catena in NY? If so, I'd like to talk with you personally regarding your experiences with that dealership, who you dealt with, etc. I am planning on test driving this week.

sarah

surprised to find my name here,I have not been to this site as often after I got my car, I just happened to surf by to see if I can pick up some good tips.

My dealer(Ray Catena) is in Larchmont,Westchester,NY, .the only one in lower westchester. My buying experience with them was very positive, my sales rep. was very professional although he could learn a little more aggresiveness. I was sold on the car after my first test drive,so he didn't have to do much to convince me,I just had to follow up on his offer once to get to my final price. The price part was easy ,it was the performance part that almost changed my mind. Now that I've driven it for almost a month and close to 900 mi,I can confirm the 'lack of pep'in its transmission at the lower gear but the ride and handling are superb. Quite happy so far.

Sarah

danie

I am wondering what people are paying in New Jersey for ES330 with the following options:
  - Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer
  - High-Intensity Discharge Head lamps (HID) with Rain Sensing Wipers
  - Heated Front Seats
  - Wood and Leather Steering Wheel
  - Power Rear Sun Shade
  - Cargo Net
  - Trunk Mat
  - Wheel Locks

Thanks in advance

searchengine

Was in the market for a ES330 with all the bells & whistles. Pinged several dealerships in the area via email or buying services, reserved one dealer for test-drive/in-person negotiations. (Don't you just love the "Internet" department of some dealers whose only response to email inquiries is "call me"?)

The in-person dealer was Tustin Lexus. After my experience there, I would strongly NOT recommend them. They started off well by matching my best email quote. Then it turned into a Chevy/Suzuki dealer experience as they were determined NOT to let me leave with a car at that price. Some of the tactics:

- Showed me a printout from carprices.org to demonstrate how they were "losing" money on the sale. I requested the actual invoice; never saw it.
- The car I wanted had chrome wheels ($1900) on it, which I didn't want. Unsurprisingly, they "couldn't take them off that day" and told me I could return later to swap--but said I probably wouldn't since "most people decide they like them and end up buying them."
- Tried to sell me some type of coating to protect the paint on the car. So, basically, they were saying that the paint on a brand new, near luxury car was crap and needed additional treatment to prevent it from peeling away. Way to instill confidence in your customers guys.

When I said no to all of these offers, they finally pulled the plug on themselves at the very last minute, when the finance guy said he would have to charge me an additional $299 to use a Capital One check. Said no, and walked.

Then I went the minimal human interaction route, which I'm convinced is superior when it comes to buying cars, by turning to Longo Lexus. Based on my experience, I can HIGHLY recommend them. Got everything sorted out via email and FedEx. Had the car delivered to my door, with a very informative demo of its features.

Best part: the price, which turned out to be better than Tustin Lexus because they left out all the junk fees which Tustin wanted to tack on. MSRP of $38,554. Got mine for $33,999 (88.2% MSRP) and it includes everything: NAV/ML, AVS, HID, HH, VSC, wood trim, sunshade, cargo net, mat, wheel locks, etc. Good follow-up, thus far, on Longo's part to make sure I'm happy. Which I am. But I would be far happier if I had never set foot in Tustin Lexus.

Good luck to other So. Cal shoppers.

bjk2001

From what I read, basically says Longo Lexus is selling ES330 loaded with all the options available to man/woman at the invoice. Will they sell ES330 with NAV only at invoice price? All these added options cost way more than $1900 chrome wheels. Sounds like one sales is bad mouthing another dealer.

davidz

With a MSRP of $38,554 that makes the invoice price $33,557 by my calculations, so you paid $442 over invoice. That's a good deal, but a few people here have paid about invoice over the last few months, so I wouldn't call that a great deal.

When I was at the dealer last Thursday, the showroom was empty and they had probably about 40 ESs on the lot. Wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing ESs go for under invoice as they try to clear out the inventory before the 2005s arrive.

atoews

How can you calculate an invoice?
The price you quote as invoice is approximately 87% MSRP, which few buyers have posted to this board.

davidz

To calculate an invoice, go to the new car prices section of this website. Find the "pricing w/options" section and search for the 2004 Lexus ES330. They make it difficult to find on this website (don't know why that is), but it's there. Also, there are a lot of other websites on the net that have the same info.

If you configure the car with the proper options, you can match the MSRP. Once you match the MSRP, you can calculate the invoice price with confidence.

The invoice price on most of the options is 80% of MSRP. Although the Chrome Wheels, Cargo Mat, Cargo Net. and Wheel Locks are all 50% of MSRP.

atoews

Is the invoice of the base car, without options, also 80%?

Because no one has posted CLOSE to 80% MSRP on their deal on this site.

mrrogers

If CarsDirect can be believed, they offer a new ES330 in Los Angeles, CA (91311 zipcode) at $200 under invoice.

davidz

MSRP w/o options is $31,725 plus a $625 destination fee for a total of $32,350. Invoice including destination is $28,755 or 88.9% of MSRP. The more options you add, the lower the invoice price is as a % of MSRP. That's why invoice price is a better reference than % of MSRP. However, % of MSRP is easier to figure.

All this stuff is on the web. I suggest you do the homework yourself.

harry90066

Bought one yesterday including:
- Premium 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer
  - High-Intensity Discharge Head lamps (HID) with Rain Sensing Wipers
  - Heated Front Seats
  - Wood and Leather Steering Wheel
  - Power Rear Sun Shade
  - Cargo Net
  - Trunk Mat
  - Wheel Locks

Paid 89.5 of MSRP which is maybe $300 more than the best price I saw posted but I got the color I wanted and I don't think it's worth the hassle to visit several dealers to save another $100.
It was the best buying experience I ever had, told the fleet sales manager that I plan to buy if he offers me what I want below 90% of MSRP. No hidden costs, no fees, just sales tax and registration.

Took the car for a ride today, best car I have ever owned. No engine or wind noise, great sound system and even it's considered a entry luxury car it doesn't get much better than that. My choice was between the ES330 and Daimler CLK320. Glad I went for the Lexus.
Thanks to the board for posting all your buying experiences, it was a great help for me.

jaycee

I am interested in a similar vehicle and am willing to travel.

What dealer did you go to? Thanks for the help.

atoews

Thanks for educating me.

I am curious as to what the invoice represents. It seems as though it would represent what the dealer pays the manufacturer. However, I heard somewhere that is not the case.

I am not even sure that invoice is a constant. It seems that only if the invoice is set by the manufacturer, would it be useful. Otherwise, it could vary by source. I don't know.

davidz

Invoice is set by the manufacturer and is consistent. Check around the web and you'll see how consistent it is.

Dealer pays invoice minus 2% of MSRP. See:
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/incentives/holdback/

igiban

Anyone knows if that 2% holdback is 'refunded' from Lexus to dealers after a car is sold to a comsumer, or it was sold to dealers with invoice-2%msrp to begin with?

searchengine

MSRP of $38,554 yields an invoice of $33,733 according to Kelly (www.kbb.com). So $33,999 paid is $266 over invoice. Probably could get down to invoice or below as '05 models draw near, but $266 is worth the price for a transaction with few hassles. Depends on one's time/inclination to haggle.

andre4000

I currently got a deal on a lease for a 2004 ES330 w/ an MSRP of $34,734. I got a wonderful deal at $20.00 below invoice...My lease payments are 348.07 for 36 months. Invoice on the car is $31,020.00.

davidz

According to the Edmunds link I posted above, holdback is usually paid to the dealer at the end of the calendar quarter. I presume it's paid regardless of whether or not the dealer has sold the car.

davidz

With a MSRP of $34,734, I calculate an invoice price of about $30,620 (about 88.2% of MSRP).

jdimaria

I am new to this forum, just trying to get some info. My father who currently owns a 2001 ES300 (the lease is ready to expire) would like to lease a 2004 ES330. However when he went to a dealer to make the deal with them although the monthly payment seemed OK the out of pocket fees seemed quite high. Around $2100. When my father question this the sales rep stated that this was because of the Bank Fee which through Lexus is $1200 for people who live in NY. Is this true or is this just a way for the dealer to make extra money off my father? Anyone lease recently in NY through Lexus?

davidz

Sound suspicious to me. Call another Lexus dealer or look in the phone book for car brokers or leasing agents. Then you can compare prices, terms, etc.

davidz

You're correct. I had a bad number in my spreadsheet. Thanks for helping me catch it!

I get an invoice price of $33,717, but that's a lot closer to you number than to my original number.