newb123

Hey guys, I'm planning on getting the is200t-F in Dec so shopping around for some deals etc. The car I "built" on the lexus dealership site comes out to around $43k. Anyways, I have an 08 is250 I am looking to trade in when purchasing the is200t. Can anyone provide any tips/advice on the best way to approach this? I was told don't tell them you have a trade in until you agree on a price? Does that matter? When negotiating a price, do you guys just negotiate a straight otd price? First time buyer here

MWIS350

Yes negotiated and talk about trade last. you'll get about $3000 less trade in then selling it yourself.

lexi90

Talk about the new car price first! Then, after having negotiated a price that's fair to you move on to your trade. I've always done it this way and it has worked! Just lots of patience with negotiating back and forth until you reach your target price and trade allowance! Good luck!

newb123

Is it easier to talk prices etc with an online dealer? My friends have negotiated with the online dealers through chat/email and found it easier than doing the face to face back and forth thing.

lexi90

Sure! That can work as well! Actually, my last deal started with the Internet Sales Manager/Specialist who gave me a fair deal. Then, I decided to set foot on the dealer lot and negotiated further! In the end, I took the car home and saved $6,100 or 12% off sticker. This was last December during the December To Remember Sales Event.

newb123

Awesome! I'd be glad to save 10% off the sticker price. This is out the door right? Yea, I plan on talking to the internet sales manager in a few weeks before the december "sale". Thanks for the tips!

newb123

The car I am looking to trade in is under my mom's name, not mine. If she has agreed to trade in the car and we have all necessary paperwork signed, does she have to be there when buying/trading in my current car? The new car will be under my name, just not sure how to approach the trade in since the registration/title is under her name.

tea

no, not out the door

Northevo

I was looking to purchase a 2015 is350 f sport awd and trade in my 11 isf. I was offered 34,000 but I wanted 38,000. So I got a trade in offer from bmw for 38,000 towards a new 335i. I brought that statement back to the Lexus dealer and was offered 37,000 plus the largest 3M package they had. Lexus does not want to lose to its main competitor, especially a repeat customer.

lexi90

Exactly! Is not OTD price. You still have to pay for TTL after the negotiated price, unless they're really desperate and will sell it to you with 10% off OTD price including TTL!

lexi90

Good job there, sir! Lexus doesn't want to lose customers to the competition. And that's one of the techniques I used when I leased my 3IS. I said that BMW was giving me more for my trade (2006 IS250 AWD), which was true!

STRAN

To OP:

If you're looking to maximize your trade, the best way is simply sell it yourself. Since you are a couple months away from making a decision, post it for sale locally and wait for a reasonable offer that you are happy with.

Dealerships need and will look to make a profit on your trade. They need to consider reconditioning, demand on your car, etc. They also have overhead. Selling outside will always make more money. I always tell my guest at our dealership that trading in a car simply saves you time. To many of our guest, time is more valuable. It isn't always the best offer. Like many have said, negotiate the car you're buying, then throw in the trade if you decide to do so. However, with my experience in the industry, most dealerships will not give a step discount on a car and then give you the most on the trade. It's simple, most dealerships need to make a fair profit somewhere.

Internet shopping from dealer to dealer will not always get you the best price. Most dealers will not give their best price over the internet. My advice: find the dealership you want to work with. Get competitive price quotes from other dealerships. When you are comfortable with an aggressive offer (Base it off true car, edmunds, etc), walk into the dealership and see if there is any wiggle room. If there is no wiggle room when you are there in the showroom, you are most likely at rock bottom. At that point, you know you have secured a good deal.

WIsh you the best! The IS200T is a great car.

newb123

Thanks for the great advice. I will consider selling to a private party.

600rr

I just picked up an IS200t F-sport with Navigation a couple days ago.
If you're looking for a comparison price point:
Sticker is $44.5K, invoice is $41.6K, they offered $38,630 internet price. I nudged it down to $38,330 at the dealership.
I paid 42,190 OTD including TTL. So basically a little bit over invoice OTD.
Good luck on negotiations.

newb123

Thanks for the input. I don't plan on getting navi and the USB with red interior I see has an msrp of $43,728.00. I'm trying to see which price I should offer to the dealership and go from there.