2013 and earlier Lexus IS 250 / IS 350 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

jc7098

I hit the dealer today and he said it applied to leasing terms only on the IS. I'm not leasing so I didn't discuss it beyond that. I haven't settled on the 250 or 350 yet so I didn't really negotiate much today.

audball

Realthor, no I was not interested in any stock vehicles. I have tried MANY dealerships, and not one of them has an IS350 with Sport Package. I'm passing on a BMW 330i, even though I can get it in manual -- grrrr, Lexus for not having it available on the 350 -- since the Lexus wipes the floor with it on price/value/horsepower. If the costs were more similar, I'd be getting the bimmer, but failing that, I decided the sport package would make the IS350 satisfactory for me.

The only way to get the vehicle with sport package at every dealer I tried was to special order it, so I figured I'd take the good deal for Wilde while available. (I'm sure it'll be possible to do better in 6 months, but I'm generally an early adopter...).

intence

I was quite disappointed at the response from Texas dealers as well (particularly those in DFW). They all seem to be around MSRP, which is ridculous if others are discounting. I'll either look at the G35 or buy the IS from a dealer that will give me a break on price.

audball

is4me2, I did email the quote I received to the salesperson we've been dealing with at the Austin dealership, and have received no reply, which is enough of a bad onus for me to bypass dealing with them. (As an aside, they are an "Elite of Lexus" dealership, and as such, are supposed to respond back to customers within one hour -- it's been two full business days now).

Additionally, the only real concern I had about purchasing the vehicle elsewhere would be potential lack of a loaner vehicle durning service, but the salesperson as Wilde assured me loaner cars are a nationwide perk for being a Lexus customer, so I'm pretty confident I'll have no problems.

(I don't think they'd budge on price anyway... Their allotments of the vehicle hasn't been very big, and they're selling every one they do get like hotcakes, limiting weekend test drives to 15 minutes, etc. Supply/demand isn't going to settle down to the deal-making zone for a while here methinks.)

intence

Audball, if you don't mind driving, or having the car shipped try the dealers up North. I believe that the northern region of Lexus dealers cannot do swaps with the southern region and vice-vera. I've heard that for some reason the southern region did not receive 350s w/Sport, but that the northern region did (at least in the first two allocations). I'm not sure how much truth there is to this, but checking with some of the nothern dealers can't hurt.

audball

intence, I HAVE checked with multiple dealers up north. Aside from the odd demo model or two (none of which match the exact specifications I'm looking for), there appear to be none currently available.

As for driving the vehicle, I've done that before, and I don't really want to put 1200 miles on the vehicle right away. (Not to mention my wife would have to drive the same amount to get the MINI back to Austin from the drive up there -- and no, I'm not considering flying up there, as that significatly eats into the savings I'm getting on my order). Additionally, it is not fun to drive back in a manner that helps with break-in (generally a "pyramid" of speeds, eg. 5 minutes at 50, then 5 at 60, 70, 60, 50 etc., or even gear changes at a set speed) to vary the engine RPMs. Normal commute driving is what I prefer, and will be much easier on my patience and peace of mind.

Additionally, by waiting for the vehicle to arrive, I will be able to (a) earn interest on the money I've set aside to purchase the vehicle, (b) see if there is any hint about a manual tranny or other more appealing option from the big auto show in January, and (c) see if prices on the 330i drop to a more competive level (in which case I might decide to get my deposit back from Wilde and get the bimmer).

For now, the offered price from Wilde and the delay in vehicle reception are perfectly fine with me. (The only real reason to have any urgency in the purchase is the ability to write off the sales tax, which will no longer be possible in 2006 -- that's assuming I don't hit the AMT for '05 anyway...)

is4me2

Audball if you were really serious about getting a 330i instead of the IS350 except for cost you can email the internet guy at Southpoint BMW here in Sarasota also. He told me I could get a new 330i at either 500 or 1000 over invoice with everything I wanted in the IS 350 for about $41,000. They offer the 4yr no fee maintenance also. I went and compared the vehicles and felt that the interior of the 330i was no comparision to the IS350. The exterior on both is a toss up as they are both attractive. Haven't driven the 330i though. The IS 350 was great. And obviously Lexus has the excellent reputation. The visit reaffirmed that I made the right decision - for me anyway.

suave_tequila

Well if I was to(special order)an IS 350 with lux package, Nav, and ML this weekend (or today) would I be getting it a bit sooner since I live in CA? And how long would it take for delivery? Since I drove by earlier today to my Lexus dealership but there was to many window shoppers!LOL Anyways Hope all of you guys buy an IS!

audball

is4me2, with equivalent options, the >>invoice<< of an identically equipped 330i (sport+nav/idrive/premium for leather/Comfort access for keyless entry, heated seats, etc, etc.) is ~$500 more than >>MSRP<< of the IS350 I've ordered. And given that Wilde is giving me what equates to a $2K discount off MSRP (when you factor in shipping to Austin), the BMW immediately has an insurmountable $3K price difference (using your $1K over invoice example).

Additionally, BMW's free maintenance really doesn't amount to much. Given the life of consumable/wear parts these days (belts, brake pads, etc) and the use of synthetic motor oil, all you get out of the deal is basically two oil changes and one set of filter changes. (BMW has "Technical Inspection I" at 15k miles, and "Technical Inspection II" at 30k miles -- follows closely the schedule that my current MINI and other BMW models follow). The maintenance program is a definite value-add, but it's also substantially a marketing ploy.

The *real* maintenance expenses are going to come after the warranty expires, and given the edge Lexus has on quality/reliability, I'd wager the long-term maintenance costs are a wash between the two. (BMWs are notorious for needing window regulator replacements, etc.)

Additionally, even though the BMW drives better (I'm definitely an enthusiast, and for example have taken my MINI to Texas World Speedway 3 times so far - 130mph is fun!), aftermarket accessories should be able to equalize things down the road (not that I'll do that with the Lexus, as I've been there/done that with the MINI, and am doing a complete turnabout with the Lexus, taking more of a "ohmygosh, somebody sneezed on the paint, fix it please" attitude).

As you can probably tell by the summation of my posts, the decision between the two vehicles has been back-and-forth for me. Currently, the tremendous value I'm getting (and subjectively better exterior and interior going to Lexus) has me leaning towards the IS (thus my committed depositi to Wilde).

dl7265

This unfortunatly been the theme for DFW , in Premium car makes at least. Especially give then amount of sales in TX.

In another thread I belive it was referred to as collusion.

DL

audball

It's a crummy situation for the consumer looking for a bargain, but I wouldn't call it collusion by any stretch of the imagination. It's simple supply/demand economics. As businesses trying to make a profit, I'm sure the dealerships are aware of pricing at "what the market can bear". Given the current demand for the IS, I was personally very surprised to get as low a price as I did from Wilde. *shrug*

jsimon12

my deal is as follows:
IS 250 AWD with navigation system and intuititive park assist--37100. no money down, I pay my taxes up front and my monthly is 523.

curious as to how good (or not) a deal this is.

is4me2

Well, the MSRP on that is $37,925 (according to Lexus website) IS 250 AWD $34,875, Nav $2,500, Parking Assist $500. So you are only talking $825 under that. You might want to email Wilde Lexus in Sarasota for a quote. So far they are the only ones anyone is getting substantially under MSRP on. If you don't live in this area you can at least take the quote to where you are negotiating and see if they will match it. Audball is having the car shipped for $500 from Sarasota to Austin to save $2,500.

You didn't say how long you were paying the $523 and if you were buying or leasing but you need to negotiate the price first anyway.

emp1

To follow-up on the IS 250 we bought in the DC area for a significant amount under MSRP...we should make it clear here that we were able to get the deal because of various factors, including a 90-120 day wait (not 60-90 like originally posted), a stripped down version of the car (no premium package or parking assist), particular bargaining tactics, and good timing.

once i found out my wife posted on here without all the relevant information, i thought we should be more clear about the context of this purchase so there are no unrealistically high expectations. we did come in expecting to pay near MSRP, but for the reasons listed above, as well as some others, we got what seemed like a very good deal, but i also got a sense that it was an anomaly.

i wish you luck in your pursuit, but i did not want the price we paid make you feel like you are being gipped if you pay closer to MSRP, which is what both edmunds.com and the fightingchance.com guy told us we would should expect (incidentally, that guy kindly refused our money as we tried to purchase the insider info because he said the IS's were selling for MSRP...and this was 2 weeks ago).

starman98

I tried at Park Place in Dallas and they would not budge off MSRP. They would not even budge on the 250.

I also got the salesman who refused to honor the December to Remember sales event calling it a lie.

The Acura, Infiniti, and 300C look better everyday now.

intence

For a relatively large area, we only have Park Place and Sewell, not a whole lot of competition. I'm going to wait it out for a few months, if they still won't give me the deal i'm looking for, i'll buy the car somewhere else from someone who will.

The IS is a beatiful car, but it doesn't have the same appeal as the New Beetle, Miata, or PT Cruiser during their initial released. It shouldn't be long before supply catches up to demand. Right now the dealers are just playing on the hype of the IS. I'd say wait until after Christmas. It seems like there are already deals to be had in certain areas of the country. It's a shame that DFW isn't one of them.

jc7098

I would encourage anyone who is told by a Lexus salesman that the Dec to Remember event does not apply to the IS to first call Lexus HQ and report the dealership, then call or e-mail the Federal Trade Commission to make a complaint. That will get the dealership's attention. I called Lexus' customer service and asked them specifically if Dec to Rem applied to the IS, and they said it did (the girl refused to go into specifics though, saying the specials vary by dealership).

dabigman

Here is a quote from an e-mail I got, (names removed):

"In this case all dealers are the same as the IS250 or IS350 are not a part of the December to Remember sales event at all.

The car is too new on the market to require and special financing or lease rates etc…
"

I want an IS but I'm not going to pay 4k+ over invoice for a 1st run car. I think I'll buy the 2006 TL w/Nav on Sunday.

jc7098

Please let me know how you do on the TL. I may join you! In the meantime I'll call Lexus again about your e-mail and see what the problem is. I hope you'll do the same. I've seen more shady tactics from them than any other deal I've dealt with in the past.

dabigman

I have internet quote of 33.5k for a 2006 TL w/Navi (Auto). Going to PP in the morning to give them one more chance to move.

realthor

There is just no way I could settle for FWD.

starman98

I also test drove a Lexus ES330. Overall a very bland car. Medicore sound system, no pickup, and the ride was too soft. The dealers quoted me 4K of MSRP for one too.

I looked further and the 0-60 for a IS250 is 7.9 seconds and for the ES330 is 7.2 seconds. That itself kinda gets me worried.

So is the IS250 really this slow?

tbbuc

anyone know what kind of residual values Lexis finance is using on IS250 leases? Either as a rough percentage or dollar value (I'm ok with base MSRP on this). What about money factor?

Also, anyone have an idea as to what prices might be like at mid year (June-ish)? I expect they will go down but who knows...

glenm8

i got the very good deal on IS250 with Wilde Lexus of Sarasota in Florida. the salesman are so professional and straitforward. Wish all dealer can do business like this.

tonyguy2000

What was the deal you got? Share please!

glenm8

$2000 off MSRP. local dealer wont go down even a penny. Took the deposit back and go with wilde. Car will be deliveried on tomorrow.

dabigman

I sent an e-mail to Wilde, didn't get a response. :mad:

dl7265

Did they mention what stock they had ? PP In Plano is only showing the 2 Demo's they have..Wether they are sold out ( at full price ?) or a sales ploy I don't know. But Ive yet to see 1 on the road in Plano-Frisco area seems Odd...

DL

tonyguy2000

PP in PLamo and Sewell in Dallas both won't budge from MSRP. The salesman told me don't don't plan to for months.

is4me2

Definitely don't get an ES330 if you are interested in the IS's. I made that mistake trading in the IS300 for the ES330. It was bigger and more luxurious but the pickup, handling, sound system is bad, plus every granny in town is in one. It will be fine when I'm 65. The pickup on the IS300 was superb compared to this. I'm anxiously waiting for my IS350 to arrive.

jc7098

When I was at the Orlando dealership on Monday they had five IS 250's on the lot, and were begging me to take one of them. I could have gotten an AWD for $2000 off invoice, but I live in FL so that would have been wasted money. They are also getting six more 250's this weekend, so they are starting to pile up!! The dealer said the best he could do was $100 off MSRP, but as I like to say, we'll see about that!

xtonyfx

Looking for an IS250 in the Manhasset LI area, can anyone recommend a good delaer around there.
thx

jlesbc

Looking for an IS250 in the Houston area, any good deals had? Willing to order and wait for it. I just don't believe in paying sticker!

intence

Of course the dealers are going to tell you that it's going to be months. They certainly aren't going to say, "Come back in six weeks and we'll sell it to you for $2000 off".

I really like the new IS, but the 250 is already underpowered in a very competitive market. I'll wait a while for prices to drop, consider buying from a dealer that will discount (even if that means having the car shipped), or otherwise will just buy something else.

In the DFW area, there is only PP and Sewell, so long as neither are discounting, there isn't going to be much of a chance for a deal. There seem to be more dealers in Houston though.

sam_k

Lexus of Rockville Center isn't too far from you and I've heard some good things about them. I also know that Lexus of Massapequa is a pretty big dealership so they might be more willing to deal. I also read on ClubLexus.com that Rallye Lexus in Glen Cove was willing to discount on the IS.

firedude

Went to a Lexus Dealer just outside of Wash DC. Thought I was going to get a IS 350 w/Prem. Pkg, Nav, Parking Asst. The sales person pulled a tactic I last saw at a Toyota dealership by adding in paint protection, carpet and leather protection, etc. to the tune of $2995. They wanted nearly $45K. When I bulked the salesman said, "I thought you were serious about the IS. This is the only way I can sell you that car! I've got 5 people all waiting for that same car I am trying to put you in and they are all willing to pay significantly over sticker." He wanted me to wait and talk to his sales manager. I asked about the Dec to Remember event and he said the IS is selling itself, so we don't need to give up anything to make deals. :mad: I walked and told them when they get real, give me a call.

lauries

No deals in Houston as far as I could tell. Westside and Northside are owned by the same. Tried all 3. Took delivery on my IS350 from Sterling McCall last week. Paid MSRP and the dealership "threw in" window tint and pin stripe. Traded my '04 G35 coupe for it and love it. The more I drive it, the foggier the memory of actually having to pay MSRP for a vehicle.

glenm8

try wilde lexus of sarasota. shipping are $550 to Baton Rouge, LA

mangball

I am thinking about getting a IS250 from Wilde Lexus of Saragota. I live in California. Does anyone know will the I250 from out of state (FL) pass the California emission control/smog check? Thanks.

intence

If you're in California, i'm sure you'll be able to find the car locally (or at least in CA). There are so many Lexus dealers there, that one of them is bound to give you a good deal. I'd try contacting the CA dealers first, I think you'll probably end up with a deal you could live with.

anijhaw

Does anyone know the current money factor for leases on the IS350?

gerb53

OK I first want to thank you for your forum. I was ready to buy yesturday but gut feeling told me I wasn't gettting a good deal. Deal came down to 32,000 Price. I was leasing for 36 months with 15,000 miles per year and putting down 3000.00 at a monthly price of 426.00 per month. Well I read your forum last night, I e-mail the guy from Sarasota low and behold he e-mailed me at 9:00 in the moreing telling me that his deal he has been giving everyone is ... Reg MSPR 32622.00 for IS250 RWD with 18 in tire package mat locks etc. his price is $31050 it was like 30565 + 485 Dealer Processing fee + tax tag and normal lease fees. So Of course I called my dealer I been talking to and told her about the deal that I am leaving for Sarasota to by this car I thanked her for her time. Sarasota is about 3 hours from me. about worth the trip. She called me about 3.2 minutes later and said she talked to her manager and her said he they would honor it. Arrived at the dealer and they didn't have the color I wanted (Theysaid they had it. It will be in tomorrow. but I will not be able to pick it up till Monday. Everything is already signed they actuaaly let me trade in my lease which is over mileage and still had 3 payment. The trade covered buy-out fees.. Like I said everything is ready to go. I just have to pick it up monday and I am still driving my old lease and just can't go over 300 miles. E~~ASY.
This dealer is in Margate. If any wants her name please e-mail me. She told me yesturday that she would honor anyone else with the deal she gave me. and I will give you copies of paper work to help support your findings...
Good Luck.
BTW I got the Tungsten Pearl with Black interior.
Tony


Anyways thats again.

casanova2

Anyone got any ideas how to price a lease with MSDs factored in? I was at a local Lexus dealer here in Cleveland and was quoted around $600/mo + tax for a 36 mo lease on an IS 350. I've got spare cash I'd be happy to park in MSDs as I think I'll do better than the crappy 3% offered by CDs nowadays. No way I'm doing a downpay so it's MSD or I might take up Audi on its A4 offer. I liked the IS 250 though, sweet wheels.

kyfdx

If the Lexus MSD plan is the same as it used to be (and, I'm not sure about that)... you can make 9 extra deposits, and lower the money factor by .0009...

Assuming that (Cap cost + Residual) = approx. $65,000... then that would save you $55-$60 per month on your lease payment...

regards,
kyfdx
Host-Prices Paid Forums

dl7265

Well we won't be donating 4K in markup to pay for their new service center...Ok by me just closer to getting a second 3er in the garage

trulyd123

Purchasing IS 250 RWD (auto-seq), with premium pkg, summer tires, NO NAVIGATION, petty extras like cargo net, etc.)

MSRP is $33954, dealer offer is $32954, but sounds like he may come down even more.

What do you guys think? BTW, I'm in Oakland, CA.

Thanks!

jc7098

Tell him your budget is $30k (excluding tax tag and title) and you can't go above that. They'll be especially anxious to sell if you are taking one off the lot. I don't expect that he'll take $30k but he'll likely give you his best offer at that point. Remind him that you can buy any car, from any dealer, and you are in no rush to buy unless he meets your budget. Always works for me. If you don't get him down more today, wait three weeks and see how anxious he is to sell! Good luck -- keep us posted

jmcmbz

I'm trying to help a friend in the Boston area. Anyone know what the base interest rates are on the IS250 AWD for December with excellent credit? Dealer is quoting 6.9% which seems high. Also, they are quoting him $35500 for a no-option car. This is over MSRP and I won't go for that. Did anyone get a better deal on this car in the Northeast? Thanks!

starman98

PP is not giving quotes I am really disappointed in the Customer Service. With all the hype how great CS is at Lexus I was disappoointed not to receive any quotes over E-mail.

When I went to the dealer the selection was terrible they only had maybe 3 IS's available. But like other people said the dealers in Dallas will not budge off MSRP.

32K for a car with a 2.5 engine and 0-60 in 7.9 seconds? No thank you. I offered them 30K which is 2K above invoice and the salesman kinda laughed at me.

As I see it much better deals are to be had at Infiniti, Acura, or even BMW.

Goodbye I250.

[Deleted User]

After the dealer at Sewell Lexus of Ft Worth offered me $500 off plus free tint, the sales manager came back and nixed the deal. He said he can sell the car at MSRP and since the sales person had already committed to me, and under duress he would offer me free tint or $500 off.
Park Place Lexus in Plano offered me $500 off plus free tint, but the sales person had the personality of a brick. I think he got agitated with me when I let on that I would be leasing through my own bank. My bank had a lower interest rate and lower residual which in the end amounted to the same per month payment as the deal Lexus was offering. Park place offered me over 8% interest (.00330 money factor) for Tier 1 credit, which I found insulting. My bank offered 6% interest but a 55% residual. Lexus residual was 62% on 15K miles per year.
At any rate, I contacted Wilde Lexus of Sarasota (yes, Florida) and the internet sales guy offered me the car for $2500 off MSRP, 62% residual and close to 6% interest (.0025 money factor) saving me close to $120 per month in monthly lease payments over 3 years (15K miles per year).
The dealer is the same guy everyone here has been speaking to and he has shot straight with me from day one. If you don't mind having the car shipped to you, it might be worth your time to check with him.