Go on Duponregistry.com and you will find about 3 dozen 458s for sales, and many of them with asking prices well into the 300K range. There are even 3 Aventadors listed

http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/...lid=15&catid=1

Regarding the LFA listings, if one these unregistered vehicles get sold as new, it does make Lexus look very bad when they've originally insisted that all LFA buyers are final customers.

 

Since you mentioned 458's, I was looking at listings of cars for sale. The used cars with low miles seem to cost more than the new models. I don't get that. Why would anyone buy a used 458 for 300-350K when MSRP for new is around 225-250K?

 

The Ferrari price premium is nothing new.

Historically, the latest and greatest model is heavily in demand.

New money wants the latest toy and is willing to over pay to avoid waiting lists to enjoy immediate gratification.

The 458 spider should be next model to command a premium.

Even with the crapped out economy, Ferrari still creates buzz.

The Cali did not enjoy a similar positive reception and is being refreshed to improve performance.

 

Yes that does sound weird. However, I've heard that you couldn't simply buy a Ferrari at MSRP unless you were F car owner, so perhaps the inflated price is intended for new F car buyers?

 

That is because $225k is for a bare bones stripped down model of the 458 Italia. It is very deceptive and people think 458 Italia is way cheaper than the LFA when it is not.

As a matter of fact, the OTD price of a brand new 458 Italia according to "as tested price" in Car and driver was over $300,000.

 

How about a group buy? 52 of us go in. We each get the car for 1 week out of the year.

 

A Clublexus forum car?

That's still about $7500 a week per person.....

 

In order to buy a Ferrari and Lamborghini for MSRP, you need to be on a list. I believe a dealer has the first right for buy back, and even with that, you typically won't lose a penny on the original deal. Essentially, you are driving these cars for free, minus the taxes unless the car is registered in a state where there is no car sales tax.

To jump the list or buy second hand will cost a premium and it will still sell. And this my friends, is the game Italian car dealers and privileged buyers play. Do you think anyone smart and financially savvy enough is going to purchase something to take a big hit on? The guys on the list will hold onto these cars as long as it takes to get back something close to their buying price, when selling back. The cycle continues and is a way for preferred customers to get into something new and exciting every few years without taking a "hair-cut". The dealer and original buyer both wins.

Rolla, the LFA still cost alot more than the F458 out the door.

 

Inflated price is the dealer adjusted "market value". I think anyone could get on a list, except there is a long waiting period. Those who don't want to wait will have to pay a premium to jump the list or wait until something shows up pre-owned. Existing F car owners get the added benefit of an invitation to purchase special models and preference on the waiting list, IIRC. They lose out the least when it comes to buyback.

 

Interesting, it sound like some sort of ponzi scheme they are playing, and I guess that's why they try to protect the brand's image at all costs.
I am wondering how it is doing in this poor economy where the dealers could potentially be stuck with several hundreds used Ferrari once the first owners are done with their cars?
By the way, the asking price for the Aventador in the link above is over half a mil USD, so much for starting at 380K

 

I just saw that link. Wow.....$549,000 for that orange one. Notice the mileage. It's used meaning the factory has no regulation over pricing if they were to go after new car gouging. This is a major loophole dealers resurrect to make as much as they can on a newly released car. All it takes is for one sucker to bite the bait to make the inflated price legitimate.

Remember the outrage when Lexus employed the 2-year not to sell agreement? This was to stop owners from flipping, but since they canceled that policy, the dealers are the only ones who could potentially benefit on the short term. That's now showing to be a flop.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...eife_lap_times

I believe the LFA has made it's mark against barely street legal race cars and everyone else like Ferrari. Granted it was the Nurburgring edition, but it's not like they added a turbo or even 100hp over a stock LFA. It's now my favorite car, just wish I could see it in person.

 

If you look hard enough you will find another one on Ebay as of 12/10/11

White Lexus LFA up at Lexus of Bellevue, WA - VIN: JTHHX8BH1C1000201

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-2...item19cbc0ee9a

And here is the YouTube Video that goes with the Whitest White LFA Ebay listing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HoHa19mN1s


~ Joe Z

 

My guess is approx 98% sold.....

~ Joe Z

 

Apparently, according to LexusEnthusiast.com, this silver LFA for sale is a scam and will get pulled down soon.

There have been two other LFA eBay adds that were discovered to be scams and they were immediately pulled down. People go into dealerships and take pictures and then put up auction listing on eBay using those pictures.