2013 and earlier Lexus RX 350 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

drpann

Here are the details.

Premium audio for nave
19 inch alloy wheels
heated/vent seats
nav
premium package
tow prep
wood steering wheel
cargo mat
cargo net
wheel locks
LDA

Invoice $41,390
MSRP $46,075

I paid $42,790 this does not include tax.

it was putnam lexus in redwood city, they had 1 or 2 left with these features.

rparis

Is LDA local dealer advertising or the delivery charge?

kiddofun

I just bought one with the exact same packages, options, accessories. The invoice with delivery charge minus the $764 dealer holdback was only $39,862. But you still paid about $450 less than I did. I think you got a good deal!

bmlexus

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.
You really liked the Rx, you sure you wont regret buying it after a year or so.
Doesn't drive like a suv sounds good to me, but still the majority of buyers will still be women, out of 100s of Rxs I see every month, 99% are driven by ladies.
If you ever get a chance, I'd really appreciate if you could ever go test a bmw x6, I'd really like to hear your experience since you drive the old rx and have already driven the new1.

tyler70

with such a big difference in price between a 09 and 10 models,it makes me think. besides the new appearance look and the Nav mouse, can anyone tell me a few major difference between the 2 models ?
also, I live in southern cali (orange county) any recommendation as to which dealers are best, willing to negotiate ? thanks

hal56

do not forget the obvious--in 3 years what will be the used car value of each--will the '10 have 6-7k more value?

and how to filter in its still a better car

jayvis

I believe everyone who's new car shopping should test drive everything in the particular class. I drove the BMW X3 and X5 before buying my '09 RX350. I, like many men, was a little worried by the fact that so many women drive RX350s and I did prefer the handling and feel of the BMWs. I ultimately chose the RX because of the following: 1) Lexus reliability. The RX350 blows the X3 and X5 out of the water when you compare service and warranty issues (just read these forums). 2) Total cost of ownership. Not only can the RX350 be had for less money than both of the Bimmers, but the total cost over the life of the vehicle is less. 3) I prefer the interior design and comfort of the Lexus over the BMWs. So, when I added these things up, they far outweighed the handling and macho image advantages of the BMWs. And since owning the RX350, I've gotten alot of great comments from MEN on what a nice ride I have. And another thing I've noticed, at least around where I live, you see about as many women driving X3s and X5s as you do RX350s.

rparis

As a male who owns a 2001 RX, I could care less if the vehicle is more popular with men or women. I was given the RX as a loaner, loved the vehicle so I purchased one when I needed a new vehcile and have totally enjoyed it.

I am planning on purchasing a 2010. but am hoping Lexus will offer an incentive so I am just waiting until pricing-discount is right for me. It seems as if some dealers are beginning ti increase the amount of their discounts.

I hope others will keep all of us up to speed as to how much dealers are willing to discount. What do most feel is a fair dealer charge over invoice?

jayvis

Everyone has their own opinion on what a fair price over dealer invoice is. On a new model, I believe $750 - $1000 over invoice is fair to both the buyer and dealer.

degirl

jayvis

Are you employed by the Lexus company ? just curious.

jayvis

No, I'm not a Lexus employee. I've bought a lot of cars in my life and used to go into a deal worrying more about how close I could get to the invoice price than how the vehicle would actually meet my needs. I'm the type of car shopper who does a ton of research before I go into "buying" mode. I know what I want when I contact a dealership and I go in armed with pricing information. I hate haggling and don't like to spend weeks, days or even many hours trying to get a dealer to come down $100 to get the vehicle I want. I know there are high volume dealers out there in certain large city markets who will rely on their holdback as the only profit on certain vehicles in certain situations. But being in the rural Midwest, I don't have the luxury of having multiple competing Lexus dealers at my door step. I've found that almost any dealer will agree on a deal for $750 - $1000 over invoice on almost any vehicle at almost anytime. This level of profit will keep the dealer in business, keep the salesperson's job and make them happy to give me attention after the sale if I need it. Think about it - when it comes to a Lexus RX350, your dealing with a vehicle that has a markup of $5000 to $6000 over dealer invoice. Lexus, like most luxury brand dealers, have higher overhead so they can offer the customer more high end services. That high markup is there so the dealer can cover that higher overhead and expensive inventory. If I can make a painless deal in minimal time on a vehicle I know I want, it's worth the extra few hundred bucks (I might have gotten off) to me.

degirl

Thanks for the reply.

Do you know why the Lexus dealerships don't put their new inventory online as they do the pre-owned? I feel if there is a specific vehicle with options x,y,z, then I am more familiar with the vehicle's exact cost and not confused by other options and costs not interesting to me. It makes it more difficult to keep it as short and painless as possible.

aggiedog

Not posting the inventory bugged me too but my salesman was sending me emails on several models everyday until the one I wanted appeared. Annoying but it worked out for me.

jayvis

I've wondered the same thing and totally agree with you. What I've done and suggest you do is contact the dealer/dealers in your area and let them know what model and options you're interested in. Ask them to email what they have in inventory that's close to what you're looking for, including the option packages and MSRP on those particular cars. Then you can do your cost research. Otherwise, if the dealers happen to be close by, cruise their lots on Sunday. Take photos of the window stickers of cars you're interested in and use them to do your research.

degirl

The Sunday lot cruise is a good idea. Although I have been corresponding via e-mail with dealerships some are not close by. I have been waiting over 1 week for my local (only) dealership in De. to let me know what inventory they have or are expecting. Another dealer out of state responded to an e-mail today but did not give me info on a vehicle I was interested in. I am totally disgusted with the whole process. If I didn' like the car so much I would have moved on. I am going to contact Lexus corporate office. A family member stated if the dealerships are this difficult to deal with how will they treat you after the sale. She has a good point. In this economy I can't imagine the showrooms being so busy the sales team can't respond to an e-mail. Just had to vent. I also noticed other people were experiencing the same response to there request. ???????????????

maximafan

I'm one of those females that drives an '07 RX and absolutely loves it. But, guess what? When my brother comes in town, he loves to drive my RX. I mean, to him it drives great, handles great. But then again, he only has, as far as a comparison goes,
his wife's 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer to compare it to, and let me tell
you, that vehicle has not been well cared for(i.e., rough idle, terrible handling, not kept clean) But he always enjoys "stealing"
the RX from me when he comes to town.

rparis

I think inventories are starting to build. Can anyone comment on pricing paid before taxes, etc vs MSRP on 2010 RX purchases of late.

jayvis

I think some of the lack of response by these salespeople is a product of the economy. The overall condition of the auto industry and economy has prospective car buyers circling around dealerships like vultures demanding the "under invoice" deal on every vehicle out there. The salespeople know that the internet has given the car shopper a powerfull tool to not only research pricing information but to also shop between competing dealerships. The old school sales rule is to get the customer into the dealership and keep them there. That's becoming harder for these salespeople to do and right now, more than ever, they're having to settle for minimum commission sales because of the internet and economy. Even though we'd think that these guys would be starving for a sale, there just isn't much motivation there when they're thinking that they either won't make a commission or even a sale at all because the customer wants a price that the dealership can't afford to agree to.

rparis

I think a minimum commission is better than no commission.

On a side note, I think many people are waiting to see if Lexus will have low financing or a financial incentive before buying. Dealers say not to expect one since the RX is new, but who really knows what Lexus will do.

degirl

I agree.

I am not expecting something for nothing but, if I have no correspondence then how can I even begin to try to make a purchase if I don't know what's for sale.

In regards to financing a previous forum member kindly shared info regarding Pentagon Federal credit union. The new auto rate for up to 60 mos. is 3.99%. If you do not qualify for "Free" membership you can join for $25.00.

degirl

Hi Jayvis,

I did go into the local dealership, went for a test drive and gave them my contact info 2 weeks ago. I requested the dealership email me the info on vehicles they have in stock or are expecting. No response. That is what is so annoying. I e-mailed Lexus customer service and asked them to have someone from corporate contact me. I have not heard anything from them either and that was over 1 week ago. I really like the rx 350 but am starting to consider other manufactorers.

bmlexus

have not heard anything from them either and that was over 1 week ago. I really like the rx 350 but am starting to consider other manufacturers

Have you seen the new Q5?

I myself think that Lexus are being careless.
I had visited Lexus a month back, test drive wasn't available at the time, left my number, haven't heard from them since a month.

bmlexus

I see you're right about the 3 points you made.

If I'll go for a Lexus, probably the RX, I do not like any other car from the Lexus line up.

If Toyota, then maybe the camry or avalon.

I think that the quality of a accord is better than a camry or avalon, not sure about others, but thats how I felt.

I still like bmws, interested in the 5seri and the x6, but trust is what I've lost in German cars.

I might just end up with a Toyota or Honda sedan, once you go to luxury brands, it gets very complicated, reliability issues, if you choose a car, then people say its a ladies car.

jayvis

We own an '06 Avalon and other than a trunk rattle that was fixed when the car was two weeks old, we haven't had an issue and love the car. The car, to me, drives and performs like a Lexus ES for less coin. The 3.5L engine is fantastic and we typically get 29 to 30 MPG on the highway. Very impressive for a full size car.

jayvis

It sounds like you two have major Sales issues at the dealers in your area and I'd be upset too. Have you contacted the Sales or General Manager at the dealership to complain? That will probably get things moving faster than the corporate complaint. I don't want to make excuses for them, but with the way things are right now in the auto industry, the sales people you originally communicated with might not be there anymore. There's been a lot of Sales turnover and layoffs.

dhamilton

posts wise information.

A salesperson has better things to do than email a whole inventory to people. Figure out what you want, narrow it down to a minimal amount second choices.

Most dealerships are old school and want the customer to come in. Also, they don't want to waste their time with giving a quote only to have someone down the street beat it by $50 bucks. I know what your thinking, " If they just gave the best price to begin with it wouldn't be an issue." But the best price is like trying to hit a moving target. And someone will always beat it by $50

Figure out what a good deal is using the resources here, go to your local dealer who gave you a great demo. Offer to do business at that number and offer a 100% customer satisfaction survey, and recommendations to every one you know. If they won't say thanks for your time, and walk. If to many do it, you are unrealistic.

"What's your best price" says to the dealer you don't know what your doing. Knowing what a skinny, but not ridiculous price is tells the dealer you know what to do, and cuts down on a lot of BS.

My 2 cents from the other side of the desk.............

bigboss001

Salesmen try to make as much as possible and we customers try to spend as less as possible. Period. I have met this great sales guy at one of the local Toyota dealers. He finds the car you want, tells you the invoice price plus a small commission, normally a couple of hundreds or so and gives you a couple of days to think about it. Guess what? he is the top seller in that dealer all the time. He makes the most among his co-workers. I have bought three cars from him and recommended him to 5 friends so far and they all bought their cars from him. Too bad he does not work for Lexus...

creasy1

I just got a quote from a dealership for a 2010 RX FWD with nav. and the luxery package. the salesperson provided it as such:

$43,500.00 plus tax, tag and administration fee.

Any feedback is truly appreciated.

rparis

What was the MSRP?

creasy1

the MSRP was $46,700

rparis

That is a discount of $3200 which is reasonable, I think . When push comes to shove you might be able to do a bit better.

Keep us posted.

hal56

3200 off sounds more than reasonable--I wonder what the final bill of sale will look like. What part of the country are you in? What were the choices available. Was there a decent inventory there?

tkv_01

Finally, I bought mine today. I got 3775off (MSRP 46775 paid 43000 ). The dealer has about 10 more in their inventory. What do you think?

hal56

i think its a great deal--my dealer has none in stock thus not willing to discount more than a few bucks on future deliveries.

I can wait a while.

BTW--where are you--it would be worth a drive to save 3-4k.

chunhuali

I am buying this car and wondering how much lower than invoice is a realistic # to argue with the dealer. Some said it could go as low as $5000 off the invoice? I am wondering if that is true. How about $3000 off the invoice? or just one the line of invoice? Any insight information is appreciated. Whoever recently bought this car, please share your information. Many many thanks.

rparis

I think there is roughly $5000 between invoice and MSRP. Using Edmunds price out the new car, but dealer advertising may not be included in invoice cost. I doubt you would receive a $5000 discount especially since inventories are not high and the dealer has to make some money to stay in business. If Lexus Corp provided a dealer or customer incentive that would change the picture.

Phillies08

I did about $10k off MSRP and $5k off invoice for the 2009 at the end of Jan in the Phila area. MSRP: $43,591 I paid $33,800 plus TTL.

sep2

could someone from south florida, with all the dealerships is any giving
any decent deals on the 2010 rx 350. up here in north fla its tough dealing since other dealers are hundreds of miles away and they think
they have a captured audience.im willing to drive for the right deal. not
msrp

soonercat

Pretty good considering my local dealer was wanting MSRP back in March--I passed and glad I did. Looks like $4k off pretty soon............

Firebird_EOU

What else did it have?
The MSRP for nav/lux/fwd is $44,865.

Heated & Ventilated Front Seats $640?
Mark Levinson Audio System $1,610 ?

tiafos

I am looking for a white 350RX with AWD, DVD, tow package, pretty much loaded. Someone posted a message that they bought a 2009 and took $10K off the MSRP. The vehicle I am looking for would be in the same MSRP (43,591) as the one this person bought. Has anyone seen any of these in the inventories they are looking at? Middle Tennessee does not have any of these and it seems hard for me to find these in other dealer inventories unless I know each dealer names for searching.

sep2

could the people in south florida give prices paid off msrp for the rx 2010 or recommend the best dealers as there are many to choose from.
thank you!!!

chunhuali

Hi Thanks for your information. it is very helpfu. Could you let me know it is AWD or FWD? Does it have Navigation system?
Could you let me know the dealer's contact info? Thanks a lot.

sideways3

OK...I'm looking at a 350 AWD with Nav system, 12 speakers, premium package, towing, comfort package, cargo mat, wheel locks, and cargo net...msrp is 46775...invoice 41186. Best price I received from a "search" company is 45225...>10% above invoice. Story I got is normally no discounts because Lexus has managed their inventory in this economy. I'm ready to buy now...think I can offer 5% above invoice and get a deal? I'm in PA...insights would be appreciated.

rparis

Your invoice price may not have included local dealer advertising, which I think in some areas, is around $725 more or less. I don't think think a $1550 discount is very good: I was offered that a few weeks after the car first became available.

chunhuali

I got a price quote for 2010 AWD, Navi, Premium, Comfort Pack. MSRP 46,775. They offer me 41,295 including destination but before the tax. Is it a good deal? Thanks.

rparis

Assuming no trade is involved,sounds too good to be true. A discount of $5480 could be right around cost or actually less than cost. Is that the out the door price with no additional fees, markups etc. aside from tax? Some people are only receiving a discount of around $1500.

Was this a price offered in person or via internet or on the phone? Did a manager approve it?

What state are you in?

chunhuali

I live in NJ, the manager didnot approve yet. It is including the desitnation fee only. I need to pay the tax after that amount. Initially, I wanted to buy an Acura RDX since I can get it at a great deal now and my family knows the owner of one dealership. However, since now this Lexus dealer offers such a price, I am start leaning toward Lexus, but it is around 12K more expensive than Acura. I do like Lexus, but my financial status will be very tight if I go with Lexus. Really hard to decide now.

rparis

I own a 2001 RX with over a 100,000 miles. The power antenna broke while under warranty. Other than that perfect. I suggest driving both cars, compare all aspects, consider your finances and then make a decision.

It will be interesting, if you decide on the Lexus, if the dealer will still honor the price.

Let us know what you decide and the final price if you purchase the RX.

bmlexus

I think you're the first person mentioning about the wind noise problem for the new RX2010, which you purchased 4 days ago :sick: