I'm a little surprised there aren't more threads about pricing. Anyways, just wanted to let you guys know my experience so far.

Previously, I'd been getting the impression that $300-500 over invoice is great for an ES with Premium or Premium Plus Package. $1000 over is great for an ES with the Ultra Luxury Package.

Well, I finally sold my BMW. Just waiting for the other half of my down payment to work out. In the meantime, I decided to e-mail some dealers to see what prices I could get.

First response I got was the Carsdirect price. They're a big dealer so prolly the one that Carsdirect dealt with. However, one of the smaller dealers quickly offered me $100 over invoice. For an Ultra Luxury package! Now I'm wondering if dealers are finally desparate enough to go under invoice and dip into their holdback.

This is for California so YMMV. Still, it's a good sign to see the Carsdirect price blown away so easily.

 

From what I have read on this forum over the past 15 months or so, it seems you can get a better deal on a Lexus in CA than the east coast because there is a Lexus dealer on every corner. But, geez, $100 over invoice for UL?? Grab it!

Also, I know that the mortgage crisis is pretty bad in Florida and Cally. So, sales may be down in your neck of the woods. If you are ready to settle, go in on December 31 and you probably may get a deal of a lifetime. Last day of the month and year. At that point, the dealer is looking to move a unit.

Remember, when the dealer realizes you are ready to sign, you just opened another door of negotiation. They are not going to give you their best price if they know you are just shopping. With pen in hand, unit in stock, you could probably go under invoice.

 

What is invoice for a UL package? 07 or 08?

 

This is for an 08. I use edmunds or kbb to figure out invoice. Approximately $39,000 or so depending on the extra options and if there's a local dealer advertising fee.

In CA, it's really tough to find a UL car that doesn't also have the Parking Assist option.

 

My 07's invoice was approx $39K. You are right on the nose. That is with parking assist, full size spare. Basically everything but the speed cruise control option.

 

Does anyone have that speed cruise control option? I've yet to see one. That's almost a $50,000 MSRP with that option as well.

I applied for the Lexus Visa card. Hopefully it'll come soon. I'm also surprised at the lack of response from many of the dealers I e-mailed. Guess they don't like competing against one another. I think I'll give one non-responsive one another chance. Mainly b/c they're the closest by far to where I'll be for Christmas.

 

They're down to invoice + a few bucks in free service, etc. Trying to get the dealer to throw in installation of the spoiler I want. Unless the car flares like crazy when I test drive it, I'm gonna pull the trigger. I simply see no other viable vehicle options for me and my wife.

 

I'll keep my fingers crossed. Good luck and early congrats!

 

Good luck with the purchase and the car. Don't go flamin on us! I meant flarin on us!