So little information out there on these cars... is there any ballpark pricing guidelines on these at all as of August 2023? I'm seeing $5000-$6000 off MSRP advertised nationwide a lot on cargurus. I figured the car I'm looking at is around $6500 off MSRP for invoice pricing. I don't think paying invoice is what it was a long time ago. Sometimes you can do better if there are hidden incentives for the dealer etc.

But some looking elsewhere around the web (and with such limited info this may have been before the COVID mess) I was seeing 10%, maybe 15% off MSRP.

So what the heck is a "reasonable" or "good" price these days for the LS?

Considering a lease possibly as well, something I've never done before. Does the LS generally lease well or not? Probably be looking at 2 or 3 years and about 10k miles a year.

 

It's pretty complicated and individualized per car. It just will come down to how badly the dealer wants to be rid of a particular car. The longer they've had it, the bigger the discount, usually. So looking for a lower VIN number is a good way to find a decent discount. Also, the higher the MSRP, the bigger the discount as a percentage, usually. One year ago, I found a new 2022 LS in the colorway I wanted with very few options. I was able to get 6% off MSRP, because the dealer had it for four months. At the time, that was a very good deal. Leasing is kind of anathema to the whole LS gestalt (buy and hold for at least ten years, maybe 20), so I don't know about leasing. Make sure you test drive each of the following: base, AWD, F-sport, and air suspension. They all drive/ride quite differently. I strongly dislike AWD and F-sport, and was indifferent as to air suspension (so deemed it not worth the $). Good luck!

 

Appreciate the feedback. I'm actually a bit surprised at a 6% discount in 2022 and a car sitting for 4 months. If I'm not mistaken, we were still in the grips of vehicle shortages.

Leasing.... never actually done it. Its more a thing where I generally keep my cars a long time but for whatever reason I'm not wanting some sort of pressure to make the "perfect" decision this time. There is some sort of mental thing where a lease says 2-3 years and then either buy it out or get something else. We will see. Otherwise I've always purchased and kept for 8-10 years. So the whole leasing thing is another item to try to figure out, besides pricing.

AWD I know is a must. Live in a mountainous and very snowy part of the US. I've done RWD-only BMWs with Blizzaks since 2006 but I think I'm ready for the slightly more relaxed get-up-and-go AWD this time. I won't lie there is something nice about not worrying if I'll get up a driveway or out of an unplowed parking lot with AWD vehicles. F-Sport don't care for the styling so that one is off. Air suspension is more a question of "how long will it last" for me Also just not much to choose from so it is possible air suspension is going to either come on the car or not depending on the other options.

I am curious, however, what did you notice different between rear-drive and the AWD? I honestly wouldn't expect very much difference in feel unless on slick surfaces. Also being the LS isn't exactly sporty, I wouldn't expect a rear-drive only feeling around corners would matter much. On a sporty car I can definitely understand the RWD-only preference.

 

That's cool man. I leased a Honda S2000 in 2005 for that very reason, and ended up buying it at lease-end. Sold it last year for more than it cost when new. My LS sat in the dealer's showroom for four months I think because it was white pearl exterior with all-black interior. People here in SoCal don't seem to like that color combo, but it's my fave for the car. I didn't like the AWD because it just felt heavier, both the handling of the front end and the steering seemed slower than RWD, but that may have partially been the placebo effect. Anyway, it sounds like AWD is best for your conditions. Good luck in your hunt. The Lexus corporate main website is really good for searching inventory at the various dealers.

 

Lease vs Buy is very individualistic and the variables matter. Interest rate and depreciation matter. I have had some brilliant leases that really worked out. Even with a buy out, it was either equal or better than depreciation.
But as said, so many variables. The price of the car will matter too! Remember, you are financing the amount of depreciation.

AWD Vs RWD. There is a 211lb difference. Is that enough to feel? Maybe in a car that really light and has a lot of road feel you might feel it. The LS is 4906 or 4696Lbs listed. This is one big heavy car. I don't have air suspension.
I bought my 2019 used with 27k miles on it and looking at long term ownership. I have no doubt the Air is better but the standard is "Good enough" and I considered long term replacement cost. Again, very subjective decision.
I won' t advocate one vs the other.
AWD is not just for inclement weather. This car bites down and is very planted in turns. there is benefit to AWD when pressed. Its impressive.
Is on "better" then the other? We all tend to advocate for our choices so I won't pretend to be objective. Doubt your gonna make a bad choice. Perhaps living in northern North Carolina it was not necessary. We also have an Audi with Quattro. But, the freedom to take either car was a benefit to us.
Bottom line, I came from a 2020 GS FSport and really enjoy the LS500. I did not shop any other luxury flagships. I owe nothing on the purchase and thus with not payments Im ok with repairs should they come about. I drive about 10k miles year. Extended warranties are not a good value for me.

 

MF is .00315. Better to finance IMO

 

There is no "shortage" nor has there ever been.

 

This is the exact number I also got elsewhere. Its no better than financing interest rates. And the financing interest rates aren't good either. Figure 7.5% minimum right now.

I'm no lease expert but what I'm gathering is that Lexus is giving basically zero incentive to lease. The residual is nothing special. The money factor is nothing special. Just leaves the other reasons you might want a lease (turn in with no hassle, new car in 3 years, maybe you save a bit on sales tax).

Probably will just end up purchasing.

Lexus isn't even offering any cash on the hood either right now, and its getting to the end of the 2023 cars I'm sure.