At least in Massachusetts, there is benefit to negotiating a trade-in (separately) because you only pay the sales tax on the difference between the new car and the trade-in credit.
If you sell it privately, you would pay 6.25% on $74,305 = $4644.
On a trade, if you get say $54,305 for your 2023, you would only pay $1250.
So you need to get at least $3394 more in the private sale to make up the difference.
The dealer should be incentivized to give you a good deal on the trade, because he can certify that nice 2023 you have and flip it for a nice profit.

With that said, I have no idea how other states work.

 

To Flying3: In South Carolina new car sales tax is capped at a max $500, so fortunately for us that isn't a big issue!

To snowyblue: I haven't checked kbb. Trade in value listed through Edmunds/CarMax $55,727, and retail sale at around $61,500. I'm in the early stages of see what the actual market is for it now.

Thanks

 

Why you selling, gramps?

 

I'm first in line with a deposit for an IS500 ultimate at my local dealer. However the more I see the "Wind" color on the LC500 it doesn't get me as excited as the color I loved which was Iridium. Also, I feel like I prefer the all red circuit red interior rather than what's in the ultimate edition. I'm also not too thrilled about the ultra suede inserts on the seats as I feel it may not hold up well and requires maintenance to maintain.

Also I can always get the ultimate edition brakes installed on a current model IS500 via IS-F parts.

So I'm not sure what to do. Someone try to convince me to keep the ultimate edition reserved if my dealer even gets one.

Has Lexus ceased production of all non ultimate models already?

 

I believe the non Ultimate Edition production is over and they are producing the 500 units of the UE and that's it for the IS 500.

It sounds like you already answered your questions since its a matter of taste. Myself, I like the wind color and the two-toned interior. And the matte wheels with the red calipers.

I'm mildly concerned about the longevity of the ultrasuede, but I don't have kids and am not rough on the interior.

I just checked cars.com. It shows a total of 17 new IS 500s nationwide.

 

I believe that the main appeal of the Ultimate Edition is the exclusivity. In Canada, we only get 40 units and that corresponds to the 40 dealerships spread across the country. We have 10 provinces and 3 territories. If we spread it evenly across the provinces, that means each province would only get 4. If we include the territories, that would mean 3 car per location. Given the fact that seeing an IS 500 on the road is a rare sight, owning the UE is like having a pet unicorn.

 

Strongly disagree. The UE is anything but exclusive at 500 units. Any other spec is technically more exclusive (other than maybe white and caviar). The main appeal of the UE is stock brembo's, that's it.

 

V8Brah:
You ask why I'm selling my 2023 IS500 - I had the limited opportunity to purchase the last in production IS500 that also offered some nice performance an aesthetic upgrades - and as "ALRIGHT" pointed out, exclusivity. I'm a big fan of the IS500, which provides a nice balance of performance, comfort & luxury - a great everyday car that puts a smile on my face whenever I crank it up! So to sum up "why" in a few words, opportunity and exclusivity.

TommyTea:
I initially had your same concerns. However, after seeing the actual production pics and the finalized information on the UE IS500, I'm happy with the exclusive upgrades. We also own an Iridium RX350h, and it is a beautiful color, as is the Atom Silver on my IS500. Although I haven't actually seen the "Wind" color in person, I know the still photos don't do it justice, which appears flat in photos. There is an Utube video of the Japanese "Climax" edition, which I understand is the same as our US "Ultimate" edition - the close up video of the light gray paint had fine metallic flake in it - similar to the iridium an atomic silver. I like the interior color changes and I'm good with the black ultrasuade inserts, especially with my driving habits and needs.I always keep a few towels in my trunk to lay over the seats if I'm ever concerned about soiling them. If you're set on getting 2025 IS500, I'd check to see if you could also reserve a regular IS500 in the color you want - however I'm not sure if that's still an option due to availability. Since you already reserved the Ultimate Edition, I'd wait to actually see it in person before you walk away from it...

Question to Anyone on this Board:
What do you believe is a reasonable price to sell/list my 2023 IS500 premium, if you were selling my car - based on the info and pics I provided in my post yesterday? Thanks !

 

yes, production has halted according to the available resources on the internet. i'm also on the same boat of putting the UE brake parts onto my IS500, since they SHOULD be 100% plug and play.

 

well and also the wind color is exclusive.

 

Doesn't it also have a unique interior?

 

I believe the interior has several exclusive features.

 

the materials and colors being used, yes.

 

Sure seems like an exclusive car to me.

 

it definitely is. hard to believe that some folks beg to differ