I love radar cruise and after having it on my LS, it is hard to go back to not having it. When I ordered my GX it was an option I considered but the sales guy and a friend of mine who has it on his LX said it wasn't worth it. Now I wish I would've spent he extra $2k to get it.

 

I bought a 600 to ensure I had every option. Dynamic cruise is awesome on open highway with light traffic...I realized I could use the gas just a little to temp override any adjustments it does .if a car somewhat cuts you off, the system responds very fsst and slows down. I also like how precise the field of radar view is..once car ahead is fully into the adjacent lane..the system shows the car icon disappear and speeds you back up in a couple seconds. .love it!!

 

Makes sense, but I'm thinking of a slightly different role. Consider that most of the sales crew hone their people skills rather than their product knowledge or technical expertise. Do you think a position where I provide technical support to the sales crew might make any sense? I am not in direct competition with them and I do not have to develop their soft skills at salesmanship. Rather, I am a resource they can call in to explain (upsell) technical features, compare Lexus options to the competition, and bring to bear online resources for further information. After I do my thing for the customer, the sales folk thank me, smile and shake their heads knowingly, and close the deal with the customer. I become the tech guru for the dealership establishing relationships with Lexus corporate, the enthusiast community, and the sales crew. What do you say?

 

It's weird. Almost like Lexus doesn't want this option out there. They don't mind if the thin slice of the buying public who can afford and appreciate the 600h have Dynamic Cruise. But for the rest of the line, not such a good idea. Pricing and option/package programs leave little room for doubt that Lexus is not pushing this option. In contrast, consider Blind Spot Monitoring. Lexus is jamming that option down everyone's throat at a very reasonable cost. Guess what? People LOVE it! After a lifetime of craning their necks before changing lanes - and risking rear-ending someone in doing so - BSM is almost effortlessly integrated into a new, safer driving routine. So why not the same evolution with Dynamic Cruise? Something funny going on here...

 

They have that position. Vehicle Technology Specialist

 

In that case, I'll have to ask to see mine. In four Lexus purchases over the last three years, I've never had a single technical question answered by my salesperson (and I ask a ton of them!) I've always had to dig up the answers myself either here or elsewhere on the internet. Perhaps the VTS position is a "virtual" one and exists only in the fevered imagination of the Lexus hive.

 

Yep I think that's new position they just created. You can simply call the dealer to make an appointment with that individual. I believe when the 2013's came out they created that position as the newer cars are much more Technologically advanced. That's something the sales guy should mention after purchase.

 

Yep, my dealer also has a Tech consultant, very helpful

 

UPDATE: As I mentioned before, I locked in my 2013 LS460 SWB RWD at $0 down, 0.49% which is available to new car purchasers that use PenFed's "buying service" and accept a 48-month term (60 mo. is 0.99%). In my case, since I used Costco for the buying program (flat $2k over invoice), all I had to do was "register" with PenFed's service and I got the preferred new car purchase rate. Apparently, Costco's and PenFed's buying programs do not conflict (since Costco is for purchase price while PenFed is for financing). Then I set up an online recurring monthly payment to PenFed sourced from my local bank account. Now everything is on autopilot.

I owe TriniGS a BIG debt of gratitude since the difference I save in total interest payments over the term is not $500 which I originally ball-parked, but actually closer to TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS! Thank you very much, my friend. I encourage others to check out PenFed; outfits that provide such good prices and service deserve our business.

 

Seems you nailed the deal. PenFed is awesome. I've been taking advantage of their loans and CD's. Also love that you can link your primary accounts to theirs so transfers are a breeze.

 

I tried to use PenFed, but was told it is only for stock cars (ordered ES300h Deep Sea Mica). I did get 1.49% which is better than my local credit union. I LOVE Costco! They said they would even mount the tires I bought on my aftermarket rims for a small fee.

 

That's odd. Mine was special ordered from the factory so it's not "stock" in that sense. Wonder what they meant...

 

Yeah were you trying to use the buying service danolo? You should be able to utilize the financing just like Will did, the special buying service pricing may only be for units on the lot.

 

Yes, you are right. I was told I needed to use the Car Buying Program to qualify for the rate. The OP's car became a car "in stock" since the dealer ordered the car without a deposit. I will get the 1.49% for 60 months, so I am happy.

 

UPDATE: I bought it!

Today (Wednesday Feb 6, 2013) I took delivery of my 2013 Lexus LS460 SWB RWD Nebula Grey Pearl / Light Gray Leather with Shimamoku Espresso Wood. Sticker was $84,121 including destination. Thursday morning car goes to my detailer for hardcoat, carpet protectant, and leather treatment along with general cleanup. Thursday afternoon, car goes to local tire shop for new 19" 45k mile Michelin Primacy MXM4's (I'll store the 15k mile Bridgestone Turanza EL42's until trade-in when Lexus can have them back!) Friday I'm having the dealer set all my customization options, Saturday we pack, and Sunday my wife and I head out for a leisurely bed & breakfast trip down the east coast of Florida to the Keys, then back up the Gulf coast and home to Birmingham. Once we get back, my tinter goes to work to put 29% all around (excpet windshield.) Life is good!

Thank you all for your wonderful comments and suggestions. I saved literally THOUSANDS of dollars utilizing the advice I got here. I will not forget it.