2013 and earlier Lexus RX 350 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

my3grlz

It must be something in the air... The Lexus dealership I visited last month contacted me today ~ something about inventory is building up and they expect to have some great specials for April ~ yahda, yahda, yahda! I told him he must have not been there when I came in February. Whatever...I'm not bending on my price!

FYI, the Audi dealership I visited over the weekend is open on Sundays!!! There aren't too many dealers open on Sunday...but for those who are, I say sell, sell, sell!

maximafan

It's funny because I think the interior looks better in person than in pictures, whereas, the exterior looks better in pictures than in person. While I'm not sure if the interior looks as good as the previous gen. RX, I don't have a problem with it.

By the way, on the Q5, the ones I saw on the lot only had the 18 inch wheels on them, so they probably didn't have the Prestige
package, but possibly were Premium Plus. But I still didn't see where the ignition was located. I certainly didn't see it on the stalk by the steering wheel. :surprise:

rparis

When the dealer contacted me on Sunday and told me the same thing-I asked what are the specials and was told about $4000 off list.

A lot of dealers are open on Sunday with minimal staff.At oen point some were even doing service, but no longer.

rparis

Looking forward to the update. As I mentioned earlier, dealers do not want any negative comments to Lexus Corporate.

Thanks for keeping us ins the loop.

my3grlz

Hi Maximafan,

I'm actually ending my lease with my 06 maxima to get the RX350.

Ok, the Q5 did not have push button start. They had this neat key-fob that fits into the side (not like a regular key though). I'm not sure if the Prestige S offers it, but the Premium and Premium Plus that I've seen did (or does not). The dealership in VA is willing to get a red one up here for me to see, but I'm very partial to the RX350.

As far as the RX350, I like the 2010 best. I prefer the layout of the Q5's interior to the RX350, but the RX350 has the nav, push button start, heatiing and cooling seats and remote engine starter that I like. Small details, but they make a difference. The Q5 has the all glass roof (panoramic, that is) that's just amazing!

Looked up the Venza (liked it at the autoshow), however, with all my options I was at $39K, come on ~ that's not gonna happen. I'll take my chances haggling down the Lexus folks before I spend that on a Toyota (RX350 wannabe). I too like the memory seats.

my3grlz

Hi,
I can appreciate the honesty of a salesperson. I'm famous for writing in letters, so if someone didn't disclose that information... I would have written a letter to the dealer.

I'm known for doing my research on everything I want to buy. I used my credit union's services, United Buying Service, stopping by different dealers and word of mouth. I reasearched the BMW for 2 years, until I feel in like with the Lexus. I've been doing my research with Lexus for 2 months and with the help of this forum, am well equipped to get what I want from a dealer. I can haggle with the best of them! I come with my financing in hand, so there isn't much I'm willing to give up out of my own pocket (i.e., $1,000 is my max, but it has to be the last resort).

BTW ~ yes, I'm a mom with three girls! :shades: This will be my first Lex.

rparis

I own an older RX and really like it, but want to trade as the newer vehicle has many options that appeal to me, and my present vehicle has about 100,000 miles on it.

Keep in mind when you talk about pricing many dealers add over $200 documentation fee.

traylor

Purchased a 2009 RX 350 from Sewell Lexus last month after shopping all four Lexus dealers in the Metroplex. Paid $33,500 +ttl. Options include premium package, power rear door, heated seats, pinstripe & tint.

Wife loves the car. thought this was a pretty good price. Inventory on these models is getting tight, I think we may have gotten the last Brandywine in DFW.

maximafan

LOL! As you can see from my screename, My3grlz, I also had
a 2002 Nissan Maxima which was totalled in an accident on the last year of my lease. Thus, I ended up getting an '07 RX350.

I loved the power of the Maxima, but I really have enjoyed the RX
also. It has a beautful interior and all the little goodies that I like,
although I didn't get the navigation model. Although I've got my
eye on the Q5(scared of Audi reliability issues) and also am eyeing the 2010 RX, I haven't ruled out buying my '07 RX after my lease ends. I'm a bit attached to this car.

bmlexus

Although I've got my
eye on the Q5(scared of Audi reliability issues) and also am eyeing the 2010 RX

I know bmw reliability is bad, but also Audi? I haven't read much about Audi, but since you mentioned, I guess it is a risky buy.

Have you tested the Q5? It is nice looking, with great interior.

soonercat

BMW reliability has improved lately. my 2007 328 has never had a problem in three years. I do hear not the first 3 years that are the problem!

Lexus has a bunch of bad transmissions on the 2007 ES which has been fixed but many new cars replaced fully by lexus corporate. Anyone can build a bad car.

md_outback

I'm also coming to the end of the lease on my 2007 RX350 and considering the 2010 RX, Audi Q5 or A4 Avant, Volvo XC60, maybe even a Toyota Venza or Nissan Murano. I've had 4 Lexuses (Lexi?) since 1994 and cannot recall a single problem outside of a minor rattle in my current RX. I owned a 2001 Audi allroad that was a total nightmare of bad reliability - yet I am still considering an Audi for my next vehicle. Supposedly they have improved quality during the past few years and they do make sharp cars!

fcube

Any one have advice on which dealer in the Washington DC area is likely to give the best price on a 2010 RX 350? Lexus of Silver Spring quoted me $43,809 plus $100 processing fee plus ttl on a vehicle with a MSRP including destination of $46,543. I was thinking I could get much closer to invoice of $41,045. Any advice appreciated.

89944S2

So 3grlz, I don't think you posted, what did your letter get you?

md_outback

Request an email quote from the Internet Dept. at Len Stoler Lexus of Owings Mills, MD. The Internet guy there has always given me the best pricing in the area. Good luck and let us know how you do. Thanks.

rparis

What is a processing fee-I have never heard of that?

I think the discount you received is mediocre. I doubt, however, on a new model you will be able to approach invoice at this timem but you might be able to get a better discount than you indicated.

Please let us know.

bigboss001

BMW reliability has improved lately. my 2007 328 has never had a problem in three years. I do hear not the first 3 years that are the problem!

Knock on wood....Either I am the only lucky one or other guys are so unlucky, my 2002 330Ci still runs like the first day I got it. Only a few minor problems like window regulator, a bad oxygen sensor, and oil level sensor I have had with my Bimmer for 7 years and the dealer took care of them under warranty.

soonercat

Looks good to me. Club Lexus has price forum as well. Of course I went looking at the 3010 in FEB and drove the first one in town. When it came to price--maybe $500 off on a demo in a few weeks! That after 2 prior RX's. When a new car comes out the dealer gets all greedy as the new car fairy's go looking to buy the newest thing now. That said, I was not willing to pay MSRP. Now I see on some forums people getting 3-4k off easily. What one month in this economy will do. Wonder what these will cost late 2009? I bought a Venza instead as $27k vs $43 k for the same engine was hard to do. yes the Lexus is nicer of course. I will drive for a year then get a nice discounted front drive RX for less than $40k.

Keep posting these price offers. Plenty of people took the $500 discount early on but they do not post once someone brags about $3k off. That is a lot of money. Family cruise. Year of gas etc etc..

hal56

the caution is that this is just a blog and you never know who got what.

My dealer explained it simply. If no inventory we are crazy to give it away--if you see inventory on the lot you can deal. The law of supply and demand wins out every time.

Another way to save on the car--you could have shorted TM stock--shorting 1000 shares in sept last year would have resulted in a 25k gain.

the stock market works the same as cars on a lot--supply and demand. You should buy when everybody is selling and vice versa.

smr36

I made preliminary inquiry w/ N. San Diego dealer asking for more than a $3k discount from MSRP. I was told to wait a few months. No such discounts available now. I'll check back in July.

rparis

If no one was willing to buy at list (many dealers sold the RX before they were even available at MSRP) then the price would go down. In Feb there was 0 discount, now a few thousand dollars off. What is considrred a reasonable price to pay over invoice? I think from invoice to MSRP there is about $5000.

I also doubt Lexus will provide any type of rebate or marketing support.

I hope others who purchased will let the rest of us know the discount obtained.

my3grlz

Hello all,
Here's the update. After the dealer principal called, and the general manager followed up... I got a lot of fake apology and the deal for $42,700 before taxes and fees (the MSRP was $47,091). The ports are only opened every other week, so the car I was supposed to get on Saturday arrived today, they called me, cleaned it up and I got home about around 10. While I paid $700 more than I argued for, I got the car that I wanted... I guess I'm not so tough after all! Well, yes I am...my brothers told me I was getting a good deal and to not press my luck! So there you have it, the power of the pen does work.

Thanks to the reader who suggested I contact corporate. I think that struck a nerve!

Good luck everyone on your next vehicle endeavor. Take care, 2010 RX350 owner. :shades:

my3grlz

Hi Md_outback;

I took your advice and reached out to Len Stoler after my deal didn't go through on Saturday. You know I requested a price inquiry from these folks on Monday.... it's been almost a week, and no one contacted me. I was not liking that at all.

my3grlz

I like the new Maxima, but the RX stole my heart!!!! I cannot complain much about my '06 Max except I put the wrong type of gas in it in the beginning and it has stunk to high-heaven every since. I've been waiting to throw this car back to the dealer and let them figure out how to fix the smell when you excelerate up a hill or on the straight away. It smells like really-rotten eggs or sulfur. Well, tomorrow, it goest back and I don't have to worry no more!

my3grlz

The processing fee for MD is $100. Some dealers may charge more, i.e., VA is $350 I think. I don't know why I have to pay for them to process my paperwork...it's always something!!!

If you use the United Buying Service, they don't allow dealers to charge the processing fee. What I've found, dealers try to steer you away from using the UBS certificates. Of course you know I reported both dealerships that did that!

rparis

Thanks for the update. I think you did great, getting over a $4000 discount.Just curious how come you settled for a bit less than earlier promised? In some areas the processing fee is referred, I guess, as a documentation fee and many dealers charge well over $200. I do not think it should be an additional charge, but part of overhead,however, it is a way of additional profit.

Let us know what you think of the car after driving it-can you compare to previous models.

thanks again for all the info.

my3grlz

Hi rparis....

You're welcome. I didn't get less car, I got the same car!!!! That was the one thing I wasn't willing to compromise with. The car salesman had given me the inventory sheet when I came in on Saturday. I made sure the VIN numbers matched and everything. It's Matador Red, beige leather interior, comfort, premium, tow & nav packages, along with some other accessories from my original email. I paid $700 more than I was willing to at first, but I still got the car I wanted, so I left well enough alone. My brothers (who were in my corner) said the deal was good, so I said ok. I'm not sure about that processing fee. I think it's a rip-off, and we're paying for it twice. I believe it's included in the destination fee... and it shouldn't be passed to the consumer, but such is life!

my3grlz

How do you know what the invoice price is? Is that different from the MSRP? I was told I was getting a few hundred over the invoice, but I don't believe that....

md_outback

Sorry to hear that. The Internet manager (I'm not allowed to mention his name) is usually very prompt about getting back to you. May be worth a phone call: Ask to speak to the Internet manager and tell him you requested a quote on Monday and you're ready to buy. Like I said, his pricing has always been the best of all DC area dealers with little need to negotiate further.

jayvis

You should feel very good about getting the deal you did. If your vehicle's MSRP is $47,091, the invoice is around $41,485. $1200 over invoice on a new 2010 RX is an excellent deal at this time. All of these people thinking they should be able to buy a new Lexus for little to nothing over invoice are not realistic in my opinion. Not to say it isn't possible, depending on a particular dealer's position, but the luxury car dealerships have higher overhead to support. If you're not willing to pay $1000 over invoice for a new Lexus, go buy a Ford, Chevy or Chrysler instead.

bmlexus

Hello,

Congratulations to a new RX2010 owner. I hope you enjoy 100s of thousands of miles with safety and comfort.

Some driving experience will be appreciated.

Any wind noise at highway speeds? how smooth?

Body roll at turns? Steering feel? Acceleration feel?

danxp

hi...

can anyone tell me if there is any 2009 inventory out there?

thanks.

jayvis

Yes, there are a few '09 RX 350's left but it depends on where you are. I bought mine a month ago when there were quite a few and dealers were anxious to move them. Now, the supply is a lot thinner in the Des Moines. Iowa area.

dmp4

Interesting ! I contacted the Internet sales guy at Len Stoler, as well as some other dealerships, and the guy at Stoler just photo copied the sticker and e-mailed it to me.
Not exactly what I was expecting.

md_outback

Hey dmp4, that's disappointing to hear. I'll be "officially" in the market in 6 weeks and Len Stoler has always been my best Lexus price. May be time to go elsewhere, there is prlenty of competition in the DC/Baltimore area. BTW, Lexus of Towson is also owned by the Len Stoler group.

muchuchies

I am new and need to trade my acura mdx 2003 (75 K) for a lexus rx 2010.
Any reccomendations finding a dealer in south florida and what price is a good price to paid for a fully loaded RX 2010 ?
Any suggestions about trade in ?
I need some help
Thanks,

xGuessWhox

I test drove both 2010 and 2009 and ended up getting the 2009 only because I was getting a better discount. The dealer in my area wouldn't even budge from the MSRP on 2010's. 2010 vs 2009 is like night and day. Think of it this way: they did about a 6 years worth of upgrade in one big swoop. Engine/wind noise are very minimal. Compared to 2009, 2010 drives like a hot knife cutting thru butter. I was thoroughly impressed. It truly drives like a sedan, not a suv. The only noticeable downside is that the doors don't come with wood trimming as they did before. But as "my3grlz" can attest, it's one heckuva car. She did one helluva job negotiating, if I may add.

smr36

Don't expect much of a MSRP discount on the '10 RX now. Read the postings in this forum. You will probably do better if you can wait a few months when the newness wears off and inventory builds on dealers' lots.

Try to sell your Acura MDX privately. For values - dealer retail, trade in, private sale- check via search various sites.

Do your own research.

lexx2

What do you expect to get for the MDX privately? Year, mileage, in comparison to a similar RX model? That may also give you an indication of your value as i've looked for a similar used vehicle before a new one.
Obviously many perk's go out the window with an Acura at a Lexus dealership.
My Lexus dealer in Cleveland tends to hold the line with blue book pricing on trades. Might be a good guide for you before getting too deep with your dealer.

danxp

i'm in the ny/nj metro area... i don't need to buy a new ride until may, but i may jump in if the deal is right...

fcube

Got another offer of $3000 off MSRP of $46,543 from Lexus of Rockville, a little better than offer from Lexus of Silver Spring. According to this site, invoice is $41,045, so their margin is about $2500. Not great, but not bad considering no real negotiations required. Unfortunately, wife has decided she wants to keep 2005 Acura TL a while longer. Thanks to everyone on this forum. I will check back if wife changes her mind.

jayvis

If you're at all interested in a new 2009 RX350, you better start searching your area dealer's inventory quickly. If they have any left, you can expect to pay around $4000 under dealer invoice for one. It's a great deal unless your heart is set on the 2010.

drpann

Just closed on a new RX last night and paid $1400 over invoice. Invoice was $41,390 (including LDA) and the purchase price was $42,790. The car is AWD,
with nav, premium, 19 inch wheels, ... I think this was a good deal, as other dealers would only give me 1500 off MSRP.

hal56

Dr Pann

tell us--what were inventories like at the dealers? Have inventories of the '10 rx already started growing or are they eager to make a sale.

hal56

I would also think that once 2009 inventories are run down, the dealers wil not be pushing the 09's vs 10s by not discounting the 10's -have to make it attrctive to buy a older model with fewer features.

but they want to and need to clear out the prior year model real fast.

jayvis

drpann,
There must be more options on your new RX than what you listed. An AWD RX equipped with nav, premium pkg and 19" wheels invoices for $39,431 not $41,390. Hope you didn't fall for the fake invoice scam.

danxp

i expect to pay $5k under invoice as that is the current marketing support as listed by edmunds... problem is, who's got any left?

i guess i'd have to settle for a highlander if i can't get anything done...

rparis

Please share with us all the options and the MSRP. Also, I assume the price you mentioned did not include any taxes, etc.

Did you trade?

rparis

A fake invoice scam-from a dealer?? I would be surprised. Do you think a dealer would come up with fake invoice prices? Sure would be unethical, to say the least.

jayvis

So you expect a Lexus dealer to sell you the car for less than he paid for it? The dealers have advertising fees attached to all of their inventory that does not show up on the invoice. Basically, you're expecting the dealer to stay in business by accepting dealer holdback as his only profit. Good luck trying to find a dealer with enough '09 inventory left to make him that desperate. My bet is that you'll end up with a 2010.