Joeland

I have posted a few times recently looking for advice about what to pay for various 2002-2006 model ES sedans, and I have been appreciative of the feedback thus far received.

However, I have not yet purchased an ES of that vintage, though I still plan on so doing. What I notice is that my local Lexus dealer constantly lists these cars between 13,000 and 15,000 dollars. I think this seems egregious based on what I find on Edmunds and some other sources and from other threads I have read. Why do they do this? Are these cars really worth that much? Is it really reflective of a dealership that knows it is in an area where there are buyers willing to fork over that much for a car 10-13 years old?

An example: a 2002 ES 300 with only 41,000 miles on it is listed for 14,950. Frankly, the low mileage in my opinion cannot negate the age of the car. It's in outstanding shape, but really, at that price one could find a Lexus dealer occasionally with a 2007 ES 350 with acceptable mileage for maybe one or two thousand higher.

Another example, an '04 ES 330 with 77000 miles in outstanding condition - $13,750.

Is it me or is it them? I just can't see paying that and frankly I find them not very interested in negotiating in my past attempts to make a deal there.

I know buying a car at a non-Lexus dealer is recommended by some, but I get some peace of mind knowing it went through a Lexus shop prior to being sold, so hence I keep looking at Lexus dealers.

Thanks in advance to all who may be willing to offer some input.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

It has a lot to do with the business they're in and less with the value of the vehicle. They can charge a premium, because of that piece of mind you spoke of. They also don't want to attract a buyer who's looking for a bargain, so that's why the price is rather high.

Think of it this way, if your lot is filled with $30-$80k cars, why would you want to deal with low ballers? People who want a bargain are very flaky and difficult to deal with - I am one of them.

PFB

It has to do with demand and supply, as well as to what the local market will bear.

Always has, always will.

mitmaks

Save your money, go buy a Civic.

jltait

+1 The sticker price is close to what the market will justify.

Mechanically these cars are not much more than fancy Toyota's. Don't get me wrong, I love my ES and Lexus in general, but part of the reason they're so damn fantastic to own is the low cost of maintenance and parts, and easily and readily accessible knowledge base, both on this forum and ToyotaNation. Whatever peace of mind you might derive by purchasing at a Lexus dealership is mostly superficial IMHO. There's nothing a Lexus dealership can provide that a good local mechanic or Toyota service dept can't, save for the free warm muffins and cappuccino of course. Save your money and buy from a private party or reputable used car dealership, unless you're intent on buying CPO.

Fritz330

I bought mine from a private seller and have no regrets. Even tho it has 188k on the clock, everything is perfect.

OceanView

a friend of mine just bought a 04 ES330 with 66K miles for $12,500 from a small use car lot.

haitianb0i

Have you thought about the es350?, I've seen some in the price range of 12,000-15,000

Dave Mac

The used-car business is very lucrative. A 2002 ES with just 41,000 miles and a 2004 with 77,000 are both reallly low mileage cars and the dealer will attempt to get a good price for them even though most likely when the previous owner(s) brought them in for a trade-in the dealer's response was "it's just another 2002 ES to us and we can get all we want for xxx$". And these are probably both too old to get them certified so to you also they are just another 2002 etc. My experience with Lexus is that they are very dependable and last a long time but if they do break, as cars do, they can be very expensive to repair. Or if you have an accident they will also be just another 2002 to the insurance company. That is why I lease now.

Dave Mac

jayclapp

If you find a 7 year old 330 with less than 40,000 miles, has been fully serviced on a regular basis with records, and looks like a new car both inside and outside, you can easily see why it is valued above the average car that age and be willing to pay more. Dealers tend to put that kind on the lot to sell.