The fact is that opulence takes much more cash and greater cash requires greater profits. The customer has to pay for it somehow.

Even if somehow that's not true and they're able to keep their prices more normal due to greater sales volume drawn in by their high end dealership, the perception is still there.

There's a reason why smart successful traveling sales people don't drive high dollar cars even if they can afford them... because people see that and assume they're being taken for a ride. The owners of my company (I'm in the insurance industry) pull in several million a year and they LIKE nice cars, too, but they both drive cars that sell in the ~40k range and specifically avoid tier 1 badges like Lexus, Benz, and BMW because they want to avoid that image.

I wouldn't feel I'm going to get screwed walking into that dealership.
Big dealerships like that have very big overheads and have to move vehicles.
So,you may actually get a better deal.
I'd love going to go to that dealer and see what's up..

A side thought... the massive US flag is kind of funny for a dealership that sells almost entirely Japanese made vehicles sold by a Japanese owned company.

this place is right by my parent's country house in escondido. I'm stopping off tomorrow. I'll get you guys my impressions.

this is probably in a rich *** area of town so the dealer only does MSRP anyways, because the people dont buy it dont care to bargain. That is how they can fund it.

Damn, one more must-see Lexus dealer to visit. First it was Newport Lexus, currently Lexus of North Miami and now this? Lets see how this stacks up against Lexus of North Miami which I had a chance to visit back in October during the LFA Press Event. North Miami is at the top of the premium Lexus dealer list in my opinion. They are one step above Newport in terms of amenities and such.

There are many beautiful Lexus dealers in South Florida which have their own appeal. Lexus of West Kendall and Lexus of Palm Beach are my favorites. They have their own distinct resort look. Escondido looks interesting as it looks like a combination of Newport, North Miami and etc. I'll be making a trip down to Escondido soon.

True, but Lexus was an American-born concept and brand that was launched here.

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/...N-ER02r6A.cspx

New Lexus "Super Dealership" To Open In Escondido

I gotta see this place for myself

there are all kind of people out there, i am not sure if i know what your point is. i can also tell you i know people with a lot of money and also spending a lot on cars.

in the end, lexus is a luxury brand. if anyone wants to make "full sense" and just get a car, get a toyota. as soon as one steps in the lexus (or other luxury brands) door, then one is paying somewhat of a premium for their cars. very simple concept. there is nothing special about it. it's a take it or leave it thing

Lexus promised dealers more product was coming and more upmarket product. We are seeing this. They kept their promise and dealers are happy. Its a two way relationship. More expensive products= more profit for dealers, its pretty simple. I truly like these super dealer concepts. Kill 3 or 4 birds with a trip to the dealer. Why not! That is making my life easier.

Over 1 billion has been invested in upgrading or making new Lexus dealerships nationwide.

In contrast, Honda/Acura promised the same thing to their dealers and INSISTED they upgrade facilities to be more like Lexus, BMW, etc. So dealers invested in their Acura stores, some happily, some reluctantly. Well now Acura slapped them in the face since they are NOT getting more expensive products and not moving up. They have a bunch of pissed of dealers now. Imagine spending millions on your store b/c you were told new upscale products were coming and you needed to look appropriately and then nothing comes.

Sad really.

actually escondido is kinda meh. The nice homes are up in the hills and not that close to the dealership. The majority of escondido, which is pretty ghetto is a lot closer to the dealership.

The only reason why it's in escondido is because they couldn't build it in Rancho Santa Fe (which is the next area over).

Lineup expansion is what I think about with each of these opening event stories. These massive dealerships are more than a match for any sites that the European luxury brands have here in the US (although I'd like to see such a site in NYC, as well as showcase/museum like sites abroad)--and as such they can field a range of models that is as expansive as those of rival brands. The Lexus lineup is getting larger, but there is a lot of potential still out there, and these facilities are well-equipped to handle a product onslaught. These showrooms would be elevated with some additional F-models, but also perhaps even branching out to a sporty cute-ute, a large coupe, etc....although I wouldn't necessarily want Lexus to go into every niche, and the more variations = more complexity, there is room to grow.

This dealer is almost like those casinos with the maga-mall, their over head is hugh, so they must make more money from each customers. I guess that is great for the rich folks who just want great service and dont care about the price. For the average Joe six pack like me, I might go take a look at that place for the heck of it, but I know I can get a better deal somewhere else.

Exactly.....this is the dealer saying early "more good products are coming"