I don't have experience buying cars on my own and want to get an IS 350 but I will have to special order it to get the options that I want. I wanted to know if I will have to pay for the car when I order it or will have I just have to pay for it when it comes in?

 

I think they will ask for a deposit and it will most likely be non refundable. But don't take that as gospel.

 

put usually a 500 deposit down, state law varies if its refundable or not, depending on the dealer some dealers give you a discount even on special orders, around here they dont

 

correct, usually 500 deposit is enough. and sometimes it's refundable sometimes it's not, depending on the dealership. if it's some setup that the dealership might not be too confident in selling easily to others, they might state it as non-refundable

and it takes about 3 months

 

You pay for it when it arrives.

However, you can negotiate the price before you do the Special Order. Most dealers charge MSRP, but that is ALWAYS negotiable, just like sticker price. Do your best to haggle on the price, Special Order the car, give them a deposit (refundable or non-refundable; again, it's negotiable), and pay the balance when it arrives.

You don't want to pay for a car that is not "guaranteed" to arrive (hey, accidents happen), so pay for it when you get it. Also, you don't want to pay for the financing for four months before the car arrives.

 

$500 is the most I would put down. If the dealer wants more or wants payment up front, I would RUN out the door. I seriously doubt Lexus would do that to you though. Just make certain that you work your deal and get everything you agree upon in writing. I would also make certain that you understand if it is refundable or not. Again, get it in writing and have it signed by the sales manager, not the salesperson! If they won't do that, then turn and walk out the door with your middle finger pointed up.