My first Lexus
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
My first Lexus
I just test drove a 2004 RX 330 and it is a fine vehicle. It's a FWD, NAV and has everything except the Levinson Radio and DVD player.
I wanted to know from the club members if 3 to 4% above dealer invoice, not sticker, ( about 1500.) is normal markup?
Really loved the quality and ride of the RX 330. Thanks for your help!
I wanted to know from the club members if 3 to 4% above dealer invoice, not sticker, ( about 1500.) is normal markup?
Really loved the quality and ride of the RX 330. Thanks for your help!
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 776
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
Believe it or not, many forum members have posted deals recently that are even closer to invoice than that. However, the navigation system is only installed in a small percentage of cars. If navigation is important to you, then I think you've got a good deal.
I wouldn't lose sleep over the ML radio system... the standard radio system is very good.
I wouldn't lose sleep over the ML radio system... the standard radio system is very good.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I think it would help to let people know what area you're trying to purchase in. From what I've experienced, the market value has been very different from one region to another. In my state (Florida) alone, the pricing varies drastically from one region to another. I was given quote at invoice for a RX 330 (fwd with premium, no navigation) from two south Florida dealers. From the central and northern Lexus dealers, the quotes were coming in at 1000 to 1500 over invoice.
Last edited by reb; Jul 3, 2004 at 02:43 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Yes, I really wanted the NAV since I'm interested in this new gadget. At least you can see it during sunny days whereas the X5's was obscured by sunlite.
I live in the Houston area and I'm not sure about the markup for this area. I haven't bought a car in 10 years so I'm a little rusty. Although, I did my homework and have read quite a bit, it seemed that the RX is very popular and they probably sell all of them. However, the Rx400H is coming this Fall!
I'm trying to find some leverage with these sales people and get the best deal I can.
Being an old GM driver I really got tired of the terrible quality and service. The Lexus is expensive but I've read that they really treat their customers right.
I live in the Houston area and I'm not sure about the markup for this area. I haven't bought a car in 10 years so I'm a little rusty. Although, I did my homework and have read quite a bit, it seemed that the RX is very popular and they probably sell all of them. However, the Rx400H is coming this Fall!
I'm trying to find some leverage with these sales people and get the best deal I can.
Being an old GM driver I really got tired of the terrible quality and service. The Lexus is expensive but I've read that they really treat their customers right.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by rx newby
Yes, I really wanted the NAV since I'm interested in this new gadget. At least you can see it during sunny days whereas the X5's was obscured by sunlite.
I live in the Houston area and I'm not sure about the markup for this area. I haven't bought a car in 10 years so I'm a little rusty. Although, I did my homework and have read quite a bit, it seemed that the RX is very popular and they probably sell all of them. However, the Rx400H is coming this Fall!
I'm trying to find some leverage with these sales people and get the best deal I can.
Being an old GM driver I really got tired of the terrible quality and service. The Lexus is expensive but I've read that they really treat their customers right.
Yes, I really wanted the NAV since I'm interested in this new gadget. At least you can see it during sunny days whereas the X5's was obscured by sunlite.
I live in the Houston area and I'm not sure about the markup for this area. I haven't bought a car in 10 years so I'm a little rusty. Although, I did my homework and have read quite a bit, it seemed that the RX is very popular and they probably sell all of them. However, the Rx400H is coming this Fall!
I'm trying to find some leverage with these sales people and get the best deal I can.
Being an old GM driver I really got tired of the terrible quality and service. The Lexus is expensive but I've read that they really treat their customers right.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Texas
First, I have had great luck (and so have others) with Park Place Lexus. While I do business with a dealer from Grapevine, I know they have a dealership in Houston.....just not for sure if it is Lexus or not....it may just be a Rover dealership. So, I would highly recommend Park Place....their service is spectacular and my parents just got a great deal on an 02 LX (nav, ML, DVD, EVERYTHING!!).
My parents have traitionally purchased GM products from our local dealer. They bought my sister a Tahoe in 2001 and have had a ton of problems with it. A few years ago, my wife and I purchased a new-to-us RX300 and continue to just marvel at the quality of the vehicle. My dad, after seeing how our 99 RX looks & runs in 2004, finally gave up on GM and bought an LX. They love the vehicle and just can't imagine it getting any better. While my wife and I say we may never be able to buy a new one, we will never own anything but a Lexus for our main vehicle. They are just incredible....not completely without flaws, but overall a wonderful vehicle. We have taken trips in other (brand new) vehicles and none can even compare. I know you will be pleased with your purchase for years to come.
My parents have traitionally purchased GM products from our local dealer. They bought my sister a Tahoe in 2001 and have had a ton of problems with it. A few years ago, my wife and I purchased a new-to-us RX300 and continue to just marvel at the quality of the vehicle. My dad, after seeing how our 99 RX looks & runs in 2004, finally gave up on GM and bought an LX. They love the vehicle and just can't imagine it getting any better. While my wife and I say we may never be able to buy a new one, we will never own anything but a Lexus for our main vehicle. They are just incredible....not completely without flaws, but overall a wonderful vehicle. We have taken trips in other (brand new) vehicles and none can even compare. I know you will be pleased with your purchase for years to come.
Last edited by sgriffith; Jul 13, 2004 at 11:08 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 6
From: Colorado
3%-4% over invoice is a reasonable markup. I have NAV too and love it!
I also gave up on GM as well (also Ford and Dodge.) A whopping 15 problems during the first two years of my GM PoS. Now two+ years with my Lexus and only one problem (wheel alignment.) For the first time in my life, it feels good to own a vehicle.
I also gave up on GM as well (also Ford and Dodge.) A whopping 15 problems during the first two years of my GM PoS. Now two+ years with my Lexus and only one problem (wheel alignment.) For the first time in my life, it feels good to own a vehicle.
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Rookie
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 60
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From: Kentucky
Ever wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweaty panic after having a dream that you're back in your high school Physics class and haven't studied for the test that the teacher's getting ready to give? One night in the not-too-distant future you're going to wake up in that same "panic mode" after dreaming that you're on your way to the GM dealer for yet another expensive repair on that piece-o-crap vehicle that you bought from them. THEN you'll remember that you've got a brand-new RX 330 in the garage and you'll fall gently back into the arms of Morpheus with a smile on your face. 
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I bought it, as described in the first post.
The day I drove it home it was raining really hard and the dealer had parked it in a "delivery area". I thought it was because of the rain but as most of you club members already know, that's just the beginning. I know that I paid extra money for this LUV but I'm thinking, it's about time that I owned a car that didn't have to be brought to the dealer for stupid failures like the windows won't close or the door handle breaks off in your hand.
Right now I'm trying to adjust to the high quality and the service department attitude. You have to remember that I'm an old GM buyer and I'm kind of waiting for the first big malfunction.
My Dad has to take some credit for this purchase as he bought a beautiful used Toyota Tacoma truck with 4 doors (has room for his golf clubs). He told me that it's the best vehicle he's ever owned and he bought it used!
My RX330 rides like a dream. However, I will get a quote from Lexus to tint the front windows (per Texas law). I'm not used to people checking me out as I drive this thing.
The NAV is fairly intuitive and since I'm a gadget freak, will enjoy playing with this toy.
The fun part is discovering all the "little things" . Those Lexus engineers really thought of almost everything!
I'll keep the club updated.
The day I drove it home it was raining really hard and the dealer had parked it in a "delivery area". I thought it was because of the rain but as most of you club members already know, that's just the beginning. I know that I paid extra money for this LUV but I'm thinking, it's about time that I owned a car that didn't have to be brought to the dealer for stupid failures like the windows won't close or the door handle breaks off in your hand.
Right now I'm trying to adjust to the high quality and the service department attitude. You have to remember that I'm an old GM buyer and I'm kind of waiting for the first big malfunction.
My Dad has to take some credit for this purchase as he bought a beautiful used Toyota Tacoma truck with 4 doors (has room for his golf clubs). He told me that it's the best vehicle he's ever owned and he bought it used!
My RX330 rides like a dream. However, I will get a quote from Lexus to tint the front windows (per Texas law). I'm not used to people checking me out as I drive this thing.
The NAV is fairly intuitive and since I'm a gadget freak, will enjoy playing with this toy.
The fun part is discovering all the "little things" . Those Lexus engineers really thought of almost everything!
I'll keep the club updated.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the "club". I'm new to the site myself; having bought a 2000 model three weeks ago. I'm already familiar with Lexus quality - I owned a 1995 ES 300 a few years back. You really are going to think you died and went to heaven after having stepped up from your former ride. I wish you many years of driving pleasure!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
My New RX330 after 3000 miles
Well, after 3000 miles I'm still impressed by my RX330 (It's a FWD, NAV and has everything except the Levinson Radio and DVD player). I've become accustomed to all of the features, comfort and just plain enjoyment of the ride.
I keep the A/C-heater, lights and wipers on Auto. The NAV system is more than a gadget and has kept me on the correct heading many times. The sound system is awesome and rich sounding.
The list goes on.....
The only nit-picking thing I have noticed is the grommet around the grill seems to be curling and I've already mentioned it to the dealer. Anyone heard of this one? This is such a minor thing to me but the dealer takes these things as serious.
Bottom line:
I continue to be amazed on how much i enjoy driving again and can't imagine going back to a GM product. My old chevy is for sale and still sitting in the driveway since my RX now parks in the garage! Those Lexus engineers think of the smallest details and they're not just cheap gimmicks.
I'll keep the club informed.
I keep the A/C-heater, lights and wipers on Auto. The NAV system is more than a gadget and has kept me on the correct heading many times. The sound system is awesome and rich sounding.
The list goes on.....
The only nit-picking thing I have noticed is the grommet around the grill seems to be curling and I've already mentioned it to the dealer. Anyone heard of this one? This is such a minor thing to me but the dealer takes these things as serious.
Bottom line:
I continue to be amazed on how much i enjoy driving again and can't imagine going back to a GM product. My old chevy is for sale and still sitting in the driveway since my RX now parks in the garage! Those Lexus engineers think of the smallest details and they're not just cheap gimmicks.
I'll keep the club informed.
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