twister

I intentionally made a subject with "ES350", since its one of the cheaper Lexus luxury cars (in comparison to GS, LS, etc.). In one week since I got my car, just like a lot of you guys, I received a lot of compliments about my ES350 and how beautiful it looks. People still can't believe 2007 redesign changes for ES, and some even questioned from a front look if that was GS. Anyway, so after the initial "wow", very often I get a follow up questions, so did you pay $50k for this car? Of course, its nobody's business asking me how much I paid, but people are curious about the price and give me their guess upfront. Than, everybody get shocked when I tell them is $35k plus change (I have PP w/o NAV). Indeed, you get TONS of standard luxury and performance goodies for the basic PP price.

It just made me think that a lot of people see these new Lexus ES350 and think they are too expensive and out of their reach. Lexus builds a great reputation of being a fine caviar car company. And, I think a lot of the people doesn't even try looking up the MSRP price or visiting their local Lexus dealer. Again, I'm speaking from Central Jersey experience where we only have one dealership covering a HUGE area. From the other side, I shouldn't be complaining since there are still a few ES350 on a road in my area and I'm enjoying that very much. But, I'm just thinking its sad that a number of people will pass on the opportunity to drive/own ES350 and to fulfill their dream of owning a nice luxury car....

PaJaHa1

totally agree. you are getting a lot of car for $35k and the ES does carry itself like a much more expensive car. it kind of reminds me of when the new Chrysler 300 came out. The car looks like at least a $50-$60k car and I was shocked when I first saw the sticker at the dealership.

Kaius88

do people usually incorporate taxes and licensing fees when they ask about car prices, or they just wondering about gross amount? With taxes and licensing the car does approach $40k, and with the next set of options, it can easily go into mid-40ks. The GS basic package starts at around $50k, so there is a pretty big gap. ES350 is indeed the best bang for your buck in this category..... so much stuff for the same price as a MB C-class barebone or BMW 3-series barebone.

twister

I don't think anybody takes taxes, fees or destination charges into consideration. Its a common overhead for any car that you are buying, either Hyundai, Kia, Lexus or BMW. Paid price (base value w/o destination) is usually what people refer to, or at least I'm clear about that when I reply back regarding ES350 and letting them know I have the very basic package. Still, people are impressed because like you said, a similar basic package from other manufacturer cost at least $10k more. I'm pretty sure that additional cost of UL in comparison to other luxury car upgrades (from BMW, Mercedes, etc.) is also a fraction. Any way you look at it, Lexus has one of the best values!!!

PaJaHa1

I automatically think base MSRP- in the ES example around $35k. Every car has add-on's but the ES (and every Lexus for that matter) is very nicely equipped as a base model. BMW is notorious for nailing customers for every little thing in the car. My friend bought at 325xi for around $40k and the thing has pleather seating and no xenons, etc. Not to mention how misleading their lease and finance "specials" on TV are... Lexus is very up front with their deals because they know they provide the best value on the market. Combined with exceptional sales teams and customer service, it's a great brand. I honestly think that some of the other luxury brands mark-up $5k on their vehicles for the brand name alone. Lexus doesn't buy into that.

twister

Lets just hope it will stay that way for a very long time, cause I'm sold on Lexus brand!!!