roadbike56

So I needed a part for our Gen 2 RX350. While at the dealership, I decided to begin our search for a replacement for our other SUV. We're happy with our current RX350 so this seemed like a good place to begin. I made a simple request, and asked if they had any used RX350s under $30K. There was some discussion between the sales folks and someone (apparently a manager) was asked if there were any and the response was no, they had none at that price range. All the sales folks agreed, there were none. OK, no problem, I walked out to our car, hopped in and began backing up. A sales dude comes running out, asks if I'm looking for an RX350 for under $30K, I respond "yes" and he says he has one to show me.
Well, it turns out they had about a half dozen including a few that are Lexus Certified.
So what's going on? I could understand if they had only one but six and some certified????
I'm wondering if this was an innocent mistake or the first step to see if they could up the amount spent. Any thoughts?

raylor4

I think they were hoping your bottom line would come up before you walked. I think snagging you as you walked is the oldest sales trick in the book. I would shop elsewhere, but that's just me.
Ray A.

kitlz

Ray, you're probably right. It's a pretty lame thing for the dealer to do. I'd look elsewhere too. Hope the experience doesn't take the 3RX off your list. Good luck in your search.

JT4

I agree, and I would also shop elsewhere..

User 41924

I don't know why I expect Lexus stores to be better than that, but I do. I'm routinely disappointed. Even at the dealer where we've bought 4 of them. We're looking at our 5th in a few months, and I'll try a different dealer.

rld14

That's idiotic.

Heaven forbid one of my salespeople did that. At the very least my team would check with me before letting a customer walk, frequently I know of incoming trades and lease returns.

jdshaw

Almost two years ago I purchased my first new Lexus. Dealership purchase/sales experience was borderline incompetent. Lexus corporate needs to kick some butt.

niklow

Unfortunately there is so much they can do from the pool of employees of what ever the area/region they are located in. South FL specifically....its normal to expect something like this. When visiting Lexus of Palm Beach or anywhere north of Fort Lauderdale - service and quality changes. I have been using same sales/finance manager forever...lately I have done all deals through txt then just pick the car up. Hate going into dealerships.

rld14

As a manager at a Lexus store I feel your pain.

It is very difficult to retain good salespeople, especially in the new car department. Thankfully we have a good staff but it's the hardest position to fill in the store.

JDR76

This was disappointing to read.

I've absolutely loved my dealer experience. I always use the same salesman there. He's been at that dealer for 19 years.

airboss

I went to my local store, after seeing a 2013 at a local Toyota dealer for $33.5. I told them I'd like to have something in the $35k range and they showed me a 2013. I did tell them I would be going to look at the one at the Toyota dealer and price was an issue.

I found a 2015 for $35.2 (which I ended up buying) and e-mailed the spec sheet to the salesperson and asked if she could come anywhere close. She just told me I could look at their website to see their inventory and pricing. I was a bit shocked she didn't even try to work on pricing, etc.

Good news, I figure, when I go to sell mine, it should appear a bargain compared to what they ask for used vehicles.

budwom

I've had my RX350 for three years now. I couldn't be happier with the car. A+ all the way.
However, my sales experience was by far the worst I've ever had in 40 years of car buying.
To call it "incompetent" would be charitable. Horrific experience.

jdshaw

General manager, sales manager, and sales person were all going through the motions. Making stuff up as they went along. Lexus corporate would be shocked. The service experience has been very good however.

niklow

Sales is a tough position to fill in any field. Another factor is internal culture and how management forms it.

I have been in such disappointing situation to the point of them being angry at me for getting away with a good deal. Becoming irritated and upset when I ask for detailed information on the deal...fees, original price, current price, options etc. Swapping cars on delivery, and trying to convince me that I do not need a sunroof as originally ordered. Then the ***** "look the car already came in, right...its no different from what you want" huffing and puffing haha. The stories we all have last a while.

Edit: best is dealing with monthly payments not actual price. "Ok sir, we lowered your payment from 300 to 250" Then later seeing that they moved the financing from 4 to 5 years etc. Crap like that. But I generally experience this at entry level manufacturers.

I since switched to online bargaining, do not ever walk into a dealership. Unless for service.

NRX

Strange indeed ... for a Lexus dealership (or any luxury car dealership).

Name that dealership!