The thing that seems to get loss in many conversations is that there are two markets.

CA market and everyone else.

For example I did some research using USAA, and found out that the RX 350 on avg is selling for around 2k less on the west coast then it is on the East Coast.

Unless you are willing to pay the 1500 transport fee (which on avg could save you around 500 dollars), from the west coast to east coast, than you must deal with the hand you were dealt.

Some times I wish I lived on the West coast, and one of those times is when it comes to buying a car

 

Don't you have Costco in the East with special prices for Costco members???? Don't any of your Credit Unions have Car Buying people at No Charge like out here???
Just an FYI; My credit union gets a car for less than a Costco member; Costco DEMANDS a kickback of $800 a car out in the west!!

 

Yes, Costco and USAA both have car buying services and they based their prices off of the market avg for that area.

For example if I use USAA car buying service to buy a RX on the east coast, the price they guarentee me is 2 k more than if I was to change my zipcode to Glenn Dale CA (for example) .

Even some of the incentives are area related.

 

Lexus may be looking at a few factors in setting the prices in CA. First, we have a pretty high sales tax. Second, when you trade in a car, you pay the sales tax on the entire price of the new car. So the actual final price differential may not be as great as some other locations that initially appear more expensive. Finally, CA is a trend setting area (especially with luxury cars) and Lexus has to do well in the CA market.

 

CA doesn't get credit for the car they trade in toward the sales tax of the new car?

I was told that CA had to pay a use tax and a sales tax, what is the use tax, and isn't really much money at all?

thanks

 

Tax in California is calculated on base purchase price first excluding any things like an service agreement. Various DMV licensing/registration and tire fees are then added on. At the end, just before the total line, any trade-in is then taken off before you see the amount you owe. The deal I signed yesterday here in Southern California had a total of 8.78% in the combined state tax and fees as described above.

 

Here in the tri state area, (DE/PA/NJ), the value of your trade in is subtracted from the value of your base purchase price, a 3.75 tax (DE) is added/multiplied on to the remaining amount, and then all dmv and various registration fees are added on ($250 doc/title/shipping plates fee and a $200 dollar 5 year registration/inspection and tag fee)

 

Thanks everyone for your input. Although feelers are still out for a 2012, we are now waiting a few months (possibly even for the December event) to get a 2013 350 or 450h. A great deal on a 2012 might change our minds, but it is more than likely going to be a 2013. We are actually leaning now towards a 350 but until the car is bought, you never know.

 

Good decision Neo, whatever you decide, you are going to be happy with it. If you can wait until December, 2013 might strike a better deal than the 2012 clearance prices as the sticker on a comparable 2013 is lower than it's 2012 counterpart. Good luck.