jzalkin

I have an 2004 Audi A4 1.8t cabriolet (52,500 miles, sport, premium packages) that I am considering to trade in on a Lexus IS 250. The dealership offered Invoice + $500 ($32,791 - IS250, 18" wheels, premium, Nav). Offered $20,500 for my car. I am sure I can get $21,000 for it if it is a take it or leave it opinion.

Does this seem good?

I have to decide if want to have a convertible out of warranty or a sedan with all the toys. Anythoughts on going from a convert to the IS?

Thanks. Jeff

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

$500 over invoice is really good for the IS, especiall since it's still a hot item.

Go for it!

As for my thoughts for the switch from convertible to sedan, all that I can think of is your insurance going down to half...

integlikew

Im not sure how much the price difference is in Fl, but I bought mine in LA cali area and paid 1500 under sticker 5 months ago when they were even hotter. I also know alot of other people that got it even lower then i did. So altho i havent checked the price in the last few months myself i would say you shouldnt have to pay anything over sticker.

jzalkin

Actually - my insuracne will go up $20 for the year. Suprised me.

jzalkin

I have a deal to get $500 over invoice - around $3,800 below MSRP

jsquared

personally, that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. but then again, i traded in my piece of scrap 2000 ford escort zx2 for $2500 so maybe i think anything better is a pretty good deal.

just out of curiosity, why do you want the 250 and not the 350?

jzalkin

Price point for the IS250 works - the IS350 does not.

integlikew

Wow thanks for this nice reply. You could have thrown me under a bus for not readin the post correctly. I dont know why i was thinking MSRP not invoice. Well all makes sense and sounds like a very nice deal. 3,800 off sticker im jelious. Do it.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

That's odd. It should go down because it's a sedan. Hmmm...

Time to make a few phone calls for competitive pricing!

jzalkin

Actually, I have great pricing. I priced Geico a while ago and their 6 month price was almost the same as my current 6 month price. I have $3,257 from my Audi and a new 2006 Saab 9-3 for a 12 month contract with Travelors in South Florida (one of the highest markets).

lirandy

iTrader: (2)

Yea, the insurance for the 2IS is more expensive than a lot 2-door sport car. Even my 2006 VW MKV GTI is cheaper than the 2IS. I asked my wife (she works for State Farm Insurance), and she said it's probably because it is a first year model. And the brand Lexus is kinda expensive too. By the way, 250 is also cheaper than 350 according to State Farm.

ff_

Not necessarily. I went from an S2000 to the IS250, and my rates are just about identical.

socalJD

Makes sense, the bean counters at the Insurance company see that the 350 has +102hp & +92 tq more than a 250 and are thinking to themselves "cha-CHING" - we're gonna hit our profit goals this year !!!

jzalkin

Opinions still requested on the topic. As for insurance - do you think it will drop as the IS proves to be reliable. I think some of the premium is because of the reputation of the previous model that was bought mainly by younger buyers (as compared to competitors) that fell into higher risk categories.

ff_

No, they're doing that by means of jacking up Floridian's homeowners insurance premiums by another 50% this year (following a 50% increase last year).