Sure, I'd buy it as a stand alone option, just not with a huge package,

BMW and Mercedes have the radar cruise as a stand alone option.

 

Next time you're at the Lexus dealer, ask several salespeople what they think about Dynamic Cruise. You'll hear how its a useless, expensive option no one wants to pay for. Everyone KNOWS cruise control is a free option, so there is no market for one the customer has to pay for.

I kid you not. These people don't know the feature, can't explain its benefits (and downsides), and are unable and unwilling to justify its cost. Pathetic. I had to explain to my salesman today that the distance regulation function could be turned off, leaving only the traditional speed regulation cruise active. Thus, people could easily LEARN their way into the new option starting from a system they know perfectly. My theory is once they learn the new system, they will be in a position to choose whichever mode is best for road conditions and their level of comfort. Should be a gimme for a real salesman - why aren't Lexus staff real salespeople?

 

I had dynamic cruise in my 08 Avalon. Boy do I miss it. I drive this boring 220 mile hyway trip twice a month. I would set the cruise at 80 MPH and follow a vehicle that was doing about 72-75.

The only Lexus I could find with the option was the LS600h.

What a shame Lexus region doesn't order the option for their cars.

JR

 

My information is that the option/package program comes right from Japan. No local dealers or even regional ports have anything to do with it. That is NOT to say there is not wide variation in regional stock with regard to options and/or packages. For instance, all(?) northern LS cars are AWD while all(?) southern ones are RWD from what I've been told. Just go on the Lexus site and "build" a few using different zip codes. You'll be able to see this regional program variation firsthand.

 

Lexus salespeople say all that about the dynamic cruise because they want to sell cars they can sell now, not cars people have to order. If they had a car with dynamic cruise, they'd talk about how awesome it is.

The issue is not with Lexus salespeople, its car salespeople in general. Its so hard to make a living selling cars nowadays that any halfway decent salesperson moves on to more lucrative sales.

"Real salespeople" don't sell cars.

 

I think you may be right - what a shame! In the 1980s, many car salespeople were really into their cars - especially those selling "import" brands. And when domestic brands finally put up real competitors to the "imports," their salespeople were great at flogging that product. I remember distinctly the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when the Taurus SHO first came out (with a Yamaha engine!) - the salespeople knew all about HP, torque, and MPG and used it to excellent effect. Where did such "car people" go?

I know vastly more about the various Lexus products than any corporate salesperson I've encountered. Why is that when Lexus salespeople have more time, better sources of information, and more direct motivation ($$$) to know their product and how to (up)sell it than I do? Lazy? Surely no more than the average working person. Stupid? Again, should be at least average on the curve. So what is the deal with people selling things they know little to nothing about? Do you guys operate like that? I don't get it at all.

 

Ouch.... I know what it is, what it does, how it works, I love it, and that it will take 6-10 weeks to get it

 

You could make a real good living back then selling cars, especially luxury cars. It's just not that way anymore, with thinner profit margins, the consumer empowered with all manner of sales data, etc.

People who are skilled salespeople have migrated to industries where they can make a great living, whether they are car people or not. I could sell the hell out of Lexuses, but they couldn't afford me.

There are some good ones, but think of the rest of them along the lines of other retail salespeople.

 

That's why it's very rare when a salesman stays at the same dealership a long time.The turnover is big.

 

Y'know, I think I just might give that a try. I'm financially independent, so the "good living" axe isn't hanging over my head. Maybe I'll drop in to the local dealerships and see what they have to say. I'll start with Honda or Acura and work my way up to Lexus. I think I'll stay wiith the Japanese brands since the Germans are too, too IMHO. What do you guys think? Can a reasonably savvy individual with business experience and an abiding love of good cars make it selling them in today's environment?

 

A lot of hours and holiday work.

 

It'd keep me away from the wife. Do us both a lot of good...

Think they'd mind if I read alot? I'm working on getting my masters in history.

 

 

The guy who sold me the GS is retired, his wife makes a ton of cash, he loves Lexus, doesn't care if he sells any of them or not. I wouldn't start at Honda, walk right Into the Lexus dealer. I bet they hire you on the spot.

As long as you don't have to depend on it to make a living, I think it would be fun.

 

The thing is as a salesman you do have to sell or you won't be there long.