Though it very well may be too early to predict particularly in the current economic climate, did sales of the 2010 RX in March 2009, the first full month of availability, fall short of expectations?

March 2009: 6,177
March 2008: 7,737
Difference: -17.0%

February 2009: 6,218
February 2008: 6,956
Difference: -6.9%

January 2009: 6,520
January 2008: 6,755
Difference: -7.2%

March 2008: 7,737
March 2007: 8,603
Difference: -3.1%

 

When the average car maker experienced an almost 40% decline in sales, being down that little is pretty good, especially since March is usually a weak month for sales.

 

My goodness, what did people expect? Considering the fact that we have been in the midst of a historic economic collapse, I think that the RX sales in March were pretty darn good. The other factor is that people needed to really take a close look at the new RX before they jumped in. I do not consider one month a "close look". I would be willing to bet that the new RX will be far and away the leader in sales with its competition the rest of the year.

 

I may criticize its exterior appearance and the bad economy, which is so much like the previous one. I meant those RX lovers may say they have the huge difference, but, to those who didn't drive RX before or who don't have the chance of checking it, they may think these 2 cars have lots of similarity.

However, after test-driving and looking at the details, ppl will find out lots of features and redesigns have been placed and improved.

Economy is definitely the factor, IMHO. Many of ppl are giving a careful consideration to all the expensive items they're planning to purchase now.

 

Sales are down across the board in the moter industry,so it's not surprising that RX sale figures are down even with the new model.

SUV sales and luxury car sales are generally down,so these sales figures are to be expected.

 

It's really the economy being the driving problem. I especially have seen the crisis hit hard down here. A lot of people cannot even get financing if they wanted to.

The thing I told some salespeople at a Lexus dealer recently is not to compare yourself to last year or previous history, but rather how well you are doing compared to your competitors. That's about all that can hoped for in an economy like this. People really are pressed for cash regardless of how much you drop the price. Other necessities in life like food and housing take precedence.

I gave high marks to the 2010 RX350 after a recent test drive and lookover and would highly recommend it to someone looking into this segment at this point in time.

 

I'd say the 2010 RX must be selling just fine. I've been waiting a week and a half for what I would think to be standard equipment with the NAV and comfort package.

 

Man, I've been waiting over 2 weeks now for my ultra premium and they said my order would probably come around mid-May... Another dealer said June-August.


either they're selling fast or they're not making enough cars.

 

to tell you the truth, I think the exterior is ugly.

 

The front end is face only the mother can love

 

I finally test drove one yesterday. I think the best description I've heard is that it definitely is evolutionary not revolutionary. I think that is a good thing. It feels very solid, more comfortable than our current 07 RX.

Here is our dilemma - we can buy our lease out on our current RX for about $25k and we only have 21k miles on it. Payment will be pretty darn low and we've got some good time before the warranty runs out. Or, we could lease a new 2010 for about $300+ more per month!!! Wow, I knew the leases would be out of vogue but that certainly makes the decision much easier for us. I can't justify spending an extra $3600/yr right now for the upgrade. We could do it but I think the prudent thing is to buy out our lease and see what happens over the next year or so.
When I spoke with the sales manager yesterday he mentioned that this is what is happening in large numbers. People have gotten so used to subsidized leases that they just don't expect the actual number when they walk in the door. Many of the them have been buying out their leases. Bad for sales depts. good for service depts. so at least that balances out a bit for the dealership as a whole.
So now, like many other folks, it's not a question of can we but should we. I also know we could put a pretty good chunk down and buy the car for a similar payment but I'm not sure we want that payment if we have such a comparable car for so much less per month.
This is an interesting dilemma for us as we've always leased, always been wayyy under miles used and always stepped into a new car in 3 years. Now we're reconsidering and it is apparent that we are not alone.
Now that the 09's are almost gone, we might see some appreciation in value on our car for a potential trade (09's were so cheap the trades on older years models just wasn't there) so that may help but it would only be a small amount so nothing significant.

The sales manager also said that the large number of people that would normally come in when their lease is up to get a new lease every month has just dried up. I never really thought of how that flow used to help them in a very predictable way every month - lease a car, 3 years later go back to the same dealership and lease another, etc, etc in large numbers. Now they come in and buy out their leases instead of new cars.

It certainly is an interesting time. I'm curious to see what happens next. Meanwhile we have a few months to decide and I'm sure, if the sales stay low we might see some incentives. If they are good enough - we'll jump. If not, we'll buy out our lease.

It's good to have options!

Sorry to go a bit off topic but I thought it was interesting regarding some of the reasons behind the sales numbers.

Jay

 

$300 more a month for a 2010 RX, thats a no brainer, I would not touch that deal with a ten foot pole. Just wait for incentive on leasing, it will be here soon. For most cars, if you plan to change cars every 2 to 3 years, it makes more sense to lease. Although that thinking is more true for German cars than Japanese cars, especially Lexus. The lease rate for Lexus is so high and the resale value on a 2 year old Lexus is thru the roof compare to the German cars. One can actually buy a Lexus and sell it every 2 or 3 years without paying much more than a lexus lease rate. I have done all the math and most of the time, the payment is within $50 a month. By buying, you have more flexibilty than a lease as far when I want to trade it in.

 

I have to disagree. the last generation RX looked like the female version of the actual car if the car respected the rules of sexual dimorphism. this new RX has the wider shoulders and more masculine lines. I like it.

 

You're kidding,right?
It's still a 'chick car' that only an owner of the last generation could tell the two apart.

 

+1. RX was designed for women since 1st gen. 2nd gen was an improvement, but IMO 3rd gen is still very very feminine. A manly SUV from Lexus is more like LX model or at least the GX.