Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

markata · September 2005

this is the quotes i got from a chicago land dealer in north west sub for new 2005 ES330 with basic pakage is this good or can i do better?

MSRP:$35619
Final Pricing: $32,357.00

$32,357.00 Selling Price
$ 55.39 State Documentation Fee
$ 2,430.93 Sales Tax 7.50%
$ 143.00 New Licence Plates
$34,986.32 Total Purchase Price

timjsmith · September 2005

Hi,

My Es330 was $39,286 MSRP I paid $34,500

It has:

Mark Levinson + navigation
Stability Control
Heated & air seats
Variable Suspension
Etc.

I got mine at Valencia Lexus in California, great people to deal with.

atoews · September 2005

markata, if there were another competing dealer in your area,you might want to try for a lower price. Your quote amounts to $32357/$35619 x100 = 90.8%. If your are willing to negotiate a little you may be able to get 89% MSRP, which is in line with what some posters (outside of So Califormai) have been getting this month.

89% MSRP equates to $31,700 for your car. This price should cover everything except government charges like tax and license. 90.8% is an OK deal. in line with other posters are paying but you may be able to get lower.

See my summary a couple of messages below. 89% may be obtainable on vehicles purchased from dealers outside of California. Folks purchasing at California dealers have been getting as low as 87% MSRP this month.

You may want to judge for yourself by observing my deal summary below. Most notable was anonapersona, whose first quote was 91.8% MSRP but was able to get 88.9% by looking at another dealer in Houston.

atoews · September 2005

Your deal is 87.8% MSRP, a pretty good deal, even in Southern California.

atoews · September 2005

Quote data is in the following order:

poster id: anonapersona
vehicle model: 2005 ES330
Post # 987
Approx quote/purchase date: 8/18/2005
Dealer Region (Dealer Name) Houston, Texas (internet quote)
Source: quote
MSRP: $34829
Price (excluding govt. charges): $31977
%MSRP 91.8%

Note that there are two quotes for anonapersona. This demonstrates that anonapersona was able to negotiate a very good deal.
============================================
anonapersona, 2005 ES330, 987, 8/18/2005, Houston Texas, internet quote, $34829, $31977, 91.8% MSRP
anonapersona, 2005 ES330, 995, 8/21/05, Houston Texas southside of town, purchase, $37919, $33300, 88.9% MSRP
x021607, 2005 ES330, 1006, 9/1/05, Bridgewater, NJ (DiFeo Lexus), purchase, $35909, $32500, 90.5%
tamu91, 2005 ES330, 1015, 9/4/05, Houston, Tx (Westside Lexus), purchase, $34829, $31400, 90.1% MSRP.
2005es330; 2005 ES330, 1023, 9/7/05, So. Cal (Lexus of Cerritos), purchase, $33649, $29276, 87% MSRP
tmknies; 2005 ES330, 1027, 9/8/05, Greenwich, Ct (Lexus of Greenwich), purchase, $38669, $34195, 88.4% MSRP
mhunterdts, 2005 ES330, 1003, 9/1/05, Ca. Bay Area (Stevens Creek Lexus, San Jose), purchase, $37,119, $33,800, 90.5%
mhunterdts, 2005 ES330, 1032, 9/1/05, Ca. Bay Area (Pleasanton Lexus, Pleasanton), quote, $37,119, $33,800, 90.5%
twj, 2005 ES300, 1044, 9/17/05, Northern Virginia Area (Pohanka Lexus, Chantilly), purchase, $39,155, $35000, 89.4% MSRP
markata, 2005 ES300, 1052, 9/22/05, Chicago Area (northwest dealer), quote, $35,619, $32,357.00, 90.8 % MSRP
timjsmith, 2005 ES300, 1053, 9/22/05, So Cal (Valencia Lexus), purchase, $39,286, $34,500, 87.8% MSRP

que2 · September 2005

Check out Tri-County Lexus in Little Falls, NJ. I got a great internet deal in March on a 2005 ES. Great service too.

atoews · September 2005

In order to post your deal, I need ALL of your info. If you purchased your vehicle, I still need your MSRP and the quoted price, not including government charges.

que2 · September 2005

On 3/31/05, the initial quote for a purchase was $31,800 on a MSRP $35,909. I leased - that deal was 1 payment of $15,618 for 3 year lease, 12,000 miles per year and $20,468 residual. Lease price included all tax, fees, etc.

atoews · September 2005

I'll post your deal with the next "batch". Your deal amounts to 88.6% MRP were you to purchase your vehicle.

It seems that prices have dropped somewhat since the fall of 2004. Outside of California, a "good" deal amounts to approx 89% MSRP, which you received, and inside California, approx 87%.

Too bad I can't compare lease deals.

Did you have to negotiate any or compare dealers or quotes to get you 88.6%?

que2 · September 2005

No negotiation - I was happy based on what I was seeing on this forum and the deal was much better than at my local dealership. I tried to get my local dealer to match but they couldn't do it. This deal was in Little Falls, New Jersey in March 2005. BTW, it was an Edmund's dealer locater quote.

atoews · September 2005

Well, congratulations. I call what you did a negotiation of sorts because you walked away from a dealer, a local one at that, in favor of a better deal elsewhere. Based upon what I am seeing on Edmund's the willingness to do that results in an appreciably better deal. 1-1.5%, and sometimes more, anyway.

Thanks. Your post will help others.

ray12k · September 2005

Im looking to buy the 2006 lexus 330 black diamond edition W/ Heated and Ventilated Front Seats,High Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID) with Rain-Sensing Wipers, Power Rear Sun Shade, Navigation System Package
MSRP $37,764

Dealer wants $34,586

How low do you think the dealer would go I live in SoCal riverside

atoews · September 2005

You have posted the first quote on a 2006 model. It amounts to 91.6% of MSRP.

California folks have been getting about 88-90.5% on 2005s. Each % MSRP represents $377 for your car. I might pay 1% MSRP more for a 2006 over a 2005 but that is about all. It is up to you how much extra you would want to pay for a 2006 over a 2005 if you have the choice.

I think that 91.6% MSRP is too high. I'd see if I could dealer-hop to pay no more than 90%. And I think 89% is quite reasonable for a car from a So Cal dealer, at least for a 2005. Depending on how much I wanted the specific car, I might start at 87% with a willingness to work up to 90% max. Also, you might want to use dollar amounts, not % MSRP, when you talk to the dealers

There are LOTS of dealers in So. Cal. There is a large dealer in San Bernardino and another large one in Riverside, and another large one in Cerritos..... Makes it very easy to walk out of one and into another to negotiate a better deal.

motownusa · September 2005

Do you really need a car soon or can you wait like another 5 to 6 months because the all new ES is coming out in Spring of 2006. Should be a vast improvement over the current one with a 3.5L engine pumping out close to 280 HP. The 05+ Avalon has the same engine and Highway MPG is rated at 31 which is actually 2 mpg better than the ES. If you have your mind set on an 06 then I agree with atoews that you shouldn't pay more than 90% of MSRP. Given that the 06 MY car will have a relatively short production run I think you should shop around. Anyway keep us posted as to what you decide.

hunter06 · October 2005

Thanks Que2!

I spoke to the dealership in NJ and he was offering the invoice price for a 2005.
Had a colleague who purchased it from Doylestown PA and got it $200 over invoice after the Labor day sale that the dealer ship was having.

I would think the 2005 should be available at below invoice price. ! I hope for that, I am going to start talking to dealerships again.

beemertime · October 2005

Hi, I got an offer from a dealer for a 2005 ES330 with 110 miles for 31998 with tier 1 option. meaning only leather seats and moon roof.

dealer asking price for 31998 and not willing to sell any amount lower than that.

Is that a good price or is there room for more? I lived in CT, is there a better dealership?

beemertime · October 2005

I have a dealer offering a 2005 es330 with 110 miles and factory options asking for 31998, firm.

Is this a good price? the dealer said this price is 1500 below their invoice price already

beemertime · October 2005

i have another es330 2004 17000 miles a loaner car asking for 27900, firm from dealer.

is it a good price?

atoews · October 2005

I agree. The caveat is that I expect that when the 2007 comes out, the car will be going for a higher price. For example, when the 2002 (significant redesign over 2001) came out, we were getting 94%-95% MSRPs, which dropped to around 90%-91% for the 2003, 2004, 2005, and I expect the 2006. Assuming a vehicle with $39000 MSRP, the difference between 90% and 94% MSRP is $1560. My bet would be that the improvements in the 2007 would make the difference worth it, but I am only guessing.

And, for all we know the MSRPs themselves might be higher, although I kind of doubt it.

atoews · October 2005

beemertime and hunter06, we use %MSRP to compare deals, not invoice. To tell whether you are receiving a reasonable deal, we need your deal quote, the geographical region from which you received your quote, and the MSRP. Remember that the deal quote should NOT include license, tag, tax or any other government imposed fees.

beemertime · October 2005

those two prices are the msrp listed for them.

1. 31988, for 2005 es330, no options, firm on 319988 as listed.for 110 miles

2. 29900, for 2004 es330, no option, firm for 27900 for 1700 miles

atoews · October 2005

1. All I can do with your post for deal 1. is to assume that you are paying the full MSRP for your car. I can't believe this is true because that would amount to 100% MSRP, which no one has paid since I have been tracking prices.

Ask your dealer if $31988 is the sticker price, which is the same as MSRP. If it is, then you should pay no more than $28789, which is 90% MSRP. If there are competing dealers in your area, I'd definitely walk out on this deal.

2. I can't give much info here, since we have not tracked used cars. Is the 2004 used or has it just been on the dealer's lot for a long time? If it has gained the mileage on the dealer's lot, then the deal you are getting amounts to 93% MSRP, and extreme rip-off, I'd say for a car with 1700 miles on it.

If you can't get your vehicles for MUCH less than this, walk away. Go to So Cal or something. You could probably get a free trip to california, plus a day in Disneyland for the amount you'd be saving on a decent deal.

atoews · October 2005

beemertime, are you sure you are not a dealer/salesperson who is "trolling" this site to see what folks are talking about? The deals you are quoting are so outrageous as to be beyond belief. Either that or there is something about you that makes dealers want to take advantage of you. Either that or you or I am completely misinterpreting your deal.

beemertime · October 2005

I think I might have not explain my situation clearly as I am new to this board and may not be using the same term as some of you have. I will try to explain my two deals more clearly in hopes you can help me out.

1. The dealer listed this 2005 es330 with 110 miles on there website for 31990 (not sure if this is the MSRP), manufacturer option, dealer said it is already below invoice which he didn't disclose by how much. The dealership listed as 31990 and selling it as 31990, no bargain.

2. The dealer listed a used 2004 es330 with 17000 miles with 29900 as the listed price on their website. manufacturer option, it was a loaner vehicle. also it is a certifed vehicle. dealer quoted me for 27900, firm.

Does anyone know what's usually the condition for a loaner car? are they good in term of care and maintainence?

beemertime · October 2005

hi,

I just went to the Lexus website and did a "build your new vehicle" option and came up with a car for MSRP $36178, If i take 90% of it it, i should be looking at a deal for around $32560, right?

here is my question, How come edmunds.com TMV listed for $36128 for this vehicle? does TMV mean anything, or how should I be using the edmunds' TMV value in order to make my purchase?

atoews · October 2005

Well, I think you may have taught me something here. For some reason I was under the impression that the TMV took a bunch of data like maintenance and repair costs and normalized it so that a prospective buyer could take the maintenance and repair into consideration when choosing among different vehicles. In that sense the TMV would be normalized to include MSRP + maintenance + mpg and other costs. Example: Suppose GM Auto A had the same MSRP as Toyota Auto B. But if Toyota Auto B had much less expensive maintenance, the TMV would be higher than the GM Auto A.

I wonder why Edmund's posters or the hosts have not pointed out that what I was doing was replicating what the TMV already does, except that Edmund's probably uses better algorithms than I do! From now on, I'll just refer the posters to the TMV!!! TMV is probably a better indicator than what I provide unless Edmund's posters get better deals than the average purchaser.

Oh, well, if nothing else, at least I think I convinced some posters to go negotiate much better deals than they would have had I not egged them on!!

atoews · October 2005

The answer to your first question is yes, 90% of $36,178 is $32,560.

The answer to your second question is that the reason TMV is 97% MSRP is that the quote is for a 2006, which is so new that perhaps purchasers are paying a premium for it. I expect the difference between TMV (97% MSRP in California) for a 2006 versus for a 2005 (currently 88.6% in California, which probably recently happened with availability of the 2006) will drop like a rock in very short order.

I suppose my analysis has helped me in that based on my knowledge, there is NO WAY I'd pay almost 9% of MSRP for a 2006 over a 2005. If I had to, I'd wait several months or get the 2005.

madhurianil · October 2005

Hi Folks,
I got a south florida dealer quote for 2005 ES330 auto w/5speed,navigation (permium package) for $32999 + tax,tags and any applicable fees.

There is one more dealer Lexus of Kendall,in south maimi,waiting on their quote.BUT CAN YOU FOLKS SUGGEST,HOW MUCH IS GOOD PRICE? AND HOW MUCH BARGAINING I CAN DO ON THE PRICE QUOTE.

Thanks,
M

seabush · October 2005

Is it 17,000 or 1,700 miles? I've seen you use both in this exchange. If 17,000 miles, then $24300 is fair. If 1700 miles, then $27900 is a good price for a certified vehicle. A fair price for the 2005 330 (no options) with 110 miles is $29,100.

seabush · October 2005

Here's a formula I've used in the past.

Dealer's Actual Cost = (Invoice Price - Factory To Dealer Incentives - Factory Holdback)

Your Offer = (Dealer's Actual Cost + 5% )

Based on your situation, I recommend an offer price of $31,800.

beemertime · October 2005

seabush, the 2 car was a 2004 es330 with 17,000 miles on it, no options. MSRP for $29900, dealer asking for 27900 certified. (I mis-type the mileage the first time)

the first car it's a 2005 es330, asking and selling for $31988 with 110 miles.

My question is which is the better deal? what is a "good" for a 2005 es330 with reasonable mileage?

Is 2005 that much better than 2004 in your opinion? I like 2005 because it has the audio contol on the wheel instead of on the dash.

Many dealerships in my area, CT tend not to like bargaining for 2005 es330. i even checked the one in RI and MA. both states are about the same with prices on 2005 es330.

What i found strange was one Lexus dealership in NJ tends to offer any lexus cars about $1000 less than their competitors, why? Can I trust that dealership? It is one of the lexus approved dealership.

seabush · October 2005

An asking price of $27,900 is too much for a 2004 car with such high mileage. I think $26,500 is fair for a certified vehicle. I would buy the new car with less mileage over the 2004. I wouldn't pay more than $29,960. My calculations are between $29,390 and $29,960 for the 2005 car.

http://www.carquotes.com/tradein_valuations.asp

beemertime · October 2005

For that 2004 es330, edmunds.com has it listed for $26600 for used, and $28800 for certified. You think around $26600 is fair for certified?

seabush · October 2005

I originally thought $27,900 was fair but rethought this after looking at the Black Book retail prices for a 2004 Lexus 330 with 17,000 miles (no options) . Here are the Black Book Retail Prices.

Clean - $30,125 (No body scratches, dents, rust or other signs of wear. Interior is perfect. Very low mileage. Very few vehicles qualify for Clean when a vehicle is traded in.)
Average - $28,275 (Body is very clean with only a few minor scratches, no dents and no rust. Interior is very clean with very little noticeable wear. Mileage less than 15,000 miles per year.)
Rough - 24,375 (Body is very rough with many scratches, dents, rust or hail damage. Interior is dirty and shows excessive wear. Mechanically needs work. High mileage.).

I have no idea the condition of the car but labeled it rough due to the high mileage. I tacked on 2K for the additional warranty plus an estimated $200 it took the dealer to recondition the car. This totals up to approximately $26,500 (actual 26,575). It sounds like you think my pricing is too aggressive?

dshahs · October 2005

I just ordered a 2006 blue onyx on ivory es 330 for $34700. The MSRP on this car is $38174. It is fully loaded with Navigation BUT the dealer said that Mark Levinson audio is no longer an option for the 2006 ES 330's. Do you guys think this is a fair deal? Thanks in advance for replying.

beemertime · October 2005

seabush, I think your price is fair, I was thinking about around 27k would be fair as an asking price. I just couldn't "prove" it to the dealership as edmunds.com listed around 28k (i think).

When I asked the dealers (3 that i checked), they pretty much all laughed at my offer (27000 to 27500, depends on mileage).

I am thinking if i am going to pay for the amount that the dealers are willing to seel for an used 2004, mind as well wait for the 2005 in 3 more months for them to drop.

beemertime · October 2005

seabush, by the way what do you think is a fair price for a 2005 es330 with 110 mileage on it?

Would I be better off and wait til 2006 for 2005 vehicle?

dshahs · October 2005

I just wanted to tell you that when i test drove the 05 es 330, i noticed that there was a hesitation in the transmission while on the 06 es 330 i couldnt detect it at all so i would in my personal opinion go for the 2006 rather than the 2005.

seabush · October 2005

I think between $29,390 and $29,960 is fair for the 2005 car. Here's how I came up with the figure.

Invoice Price

Base Price: $28,528
Destination: 650
Total Price: $29,178
Less Dealer
Holdback (644)

Actual Dealer $28,534
Cost
Dealer Profit 1,427
(5%)
Offer Price: 29,961

I would get the 2005 model over 2004. As it relates to buying a 2005 versus 2006, it depends on if you want to purchase something that has been sitting on the lot for awhile versus a spanking new car. According to Edmunds.com, with the exception of satellite radio there are differences between the 2005 and 2006 ES330 models. In addition, there's little difference in the invoice cost between 2005 and 2006. If you can get a base model 2006 for $30K, I would buy that over the 2005 model. If you have a price in mind that you consider fair and reasonable, then hold firm. The prices will eventually drop on the 2005 models to make room for new inventory.

x021627 · October 2005

i bought a 2005 es 330 blue onyx with silver with everything but navi and no mark levinson. Cost was 32500. Satellite radio was free ($400 value).

koolbond · October 2005

Hi Guys, Please suggest me on the Lexus ES 330 + Nav for $33, 895 price with 36 month warranty.

Please review the price below in detail , and let me know is it a good price? Where can I negotiate to bring the price down , I am seeing the invoice price higher than the Edmunds site Invoice price.MSRP is same.

2006 Lexus ES330
Exterior Color: Oasis Green
Interior Color: Ivory

Options:
17 Summer Tires w/Alloy Wheels
Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
High Intensity Discharge Headlamps w/Rain-Sensing Wipers
Power Rear Sunshade
Navigation System Package
Wood & Leather Steering Wheel & Shift Knob
Cargo Net
Trunk Mat
Wheel Locks

Total MSRP Price $37,524

Total Dealer Invoice Price $33,397
Dealer Mark Up +$500

Selling Price $33,897 Plus Fees

seabush · October 2005

I'm seeing the invoice price as $32,993. With an invoice price of $32,993, here's a recommended fair dealer offer.

Total invoice of $32,993
(Less holdback) (650)

Actual dealer cost 32,343
Plus Dealer
Profit 3% to 5% 970 to 1617

Dealer offer range $33,313 to $33,960 plus taxes, title, tags

seabush · October 2005

Between $33,890 to $34,548 would have been a good range to shoot for. $34,700 isn't bad either.

dshahs · October 2005

I first tried $34,000 for a fully loaded 06 es 330 and all the dealers laughed in my face and the best i could have done was 34,500 but that dealer was over 1 1/2 hour away so i took the $36,700. When i price the car here on edmunds with all the options the Invoice price is $34,000 and MSRP is $39k. Am i doing something wrong. The lexus website shows MSRP on the car to be $38,194.

atoews · October 2005

Actually, you are not doing anything wrong. If you look at TMV for 2006es, you will see that they are going for much more than 2005s. 96% MSRP, which to me is outrageous.

My prediction is that if you wait a couple of months, you will be able to get 2006s for 88-89%MSRP, which offers you a considerable savings, for example, over $2000.

I would refuse to pay 95-96% MSRP for a 2006, especially when the brand new body style will be out in less than one year. If I needed a car right away, I'd look for a new 2005.

jaewook · October 2005

Recently I bought es330 2004 11280 miles a loaner car for 27650. Dealer's asking price was 28900.

richbf2 · October 2005

I bought my 05 ES 330 in Sept. After thinking over the deal, I think I have paid way too much for this vehicle. Here are the details:
MSRP: 37,900 (including navi., mark levinson, power pedals, chrome rims.everything)
Now, the sales person is willing to give only $500 off msrp. After a long fight, he is taking off $500 more. Total is 1000 off msrp.
Here is the summary: 37,900-1000+1700 chrome rims + plus tax.
What do you guys think? I think I have paid way too much? I could have saved this money to buy the new IS. What is the reasonable price, in your opion?

motownusa · October 2005

Wish you have asked the question before you bought the car. But I think you probably overpaid about $1000 . Also considering that yours is an 05 and not an 06 and you bought it in September when generally there is a end of MY sale you probably could have done better. But dont feel too bad; if you like the car overall then the price is worth it.

seabush · October 2005

If my calculations are correct the dealer's cost on this vehicle was $32,054 (see breakdown).

Base - $28,528
Nav Package - 2,518
Chrome Wheels - $890
Brake Pedals - 112
Destination Charge - $650
Less 2% of Base (644)
MSRP (Holdback)

Actual Dealer's Cost = $32,054

Edmunds has a TMV price of $34,455

que2 · October 2005

Hunter06 - glad you spoke to the dealership in NJ. What was the actual invoice price they quoted?

Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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