Romulus

I've read that the LS will have a new radar cruise control and pre-collision system available starting with the January 2004 production run. I may want to wait for those additional features, so I was thinking about whether to order one now from the January run. Can anyone explain the pre-ordering process? How much of a deposit will the dealer require? When you pre-order, do you necessarily give up any price break you might have gotten if you had walked in off the street and began negotiating? Are there any other trade-offs I should be aware of?

lexusls430

No it will not have a radar it is the same system as before i would buy the 2003 it looks nicer in my opinion. You could get a good deal

Romulus

True, the initial run of the 2004 model will have the same laser cruise control as the 2003. But starting with the January 2004 production, the 2004 model will switch to a radar cruise control tied to a pre-collision system. If the radar detects an unavoidable collision, the computer adds extra braking power to minimize collision force, and activates seat-belt pre-tensioning. My question, though, is more about the procedure for ordering a car from the January production in advance. What are the pros and cons of pre-ordering a Lexus?

lexusls430

No the laser cruise will stay down and the radar pre-collision will be in the grille as two seperate mechanisims i already have the brochure.

kellslexus

I pre-ordered my 2004 IS about a month ago. I was asked to make a $1000 dollar deposit but I was cool with it. I was thinking about buying the 2003 model but the price differerence was probably about $1,500, so I said forget that, might as well order next year's model exactly how I want it. I was told that September 20 is the date they put the orders in, but they have no clue as to when it will actually arrive. Does anyone know? I'm getting impatient.

AsianGirl007

iTrader: (1)

The deposit usually varies anywhere from $500 to $1000 depending on the dealership. It is FULLY refundable should you choose not to buy. The deposit only guarrentees your first right of refusal. It does not neccessarily mean that you are going to pay more than if you buy something on ground. That depends on the current market conditions, how many vehicles are made, and how many people want it. Go ahead and make the deposit for the car you really really want. September 24th is the launch date so your dealership will have pricing on the cars this Wed.