Here it is

 

I called our local dealer today and explained that I would prefer to special order an RX350 to get exactly the options I wanted. It seems that every vehicle on the lot came with the optional 20" wheels and I strongly prefer the 18" for several reasons, including smooth ride, longer tire life and more cushion against rim damage. The salesman informed me that there was about a 4 month wait and I would give up the current 2K March sales incentive by not picking a vehicle already in stock. I sent out emails tonight to several dealers hoping someone will respond. It is frustrating to have cash in hand and not be able to purchase the exact car you want.

 

Welcome to Lexus aka pricey toyota ways of doing business (prebuilt and on the lot is how Lexus sells their appliances on wheels). While I cant predict the sales incentives for every month, your dealership is at least honest in informing you the sales structures historically have made the month of March the best time in the first 6 months of the year. However (this is a risk not final say) if the dealerships allocation schedule is putting you 4 months out, that coincides with July-August which have the first wave of year end clearance money. You would be in the perfect storm as I say, in terms of getting delivery AND availing of equally healthy incentives.

The only factors working against you would be
a) dealership magically pushes your build up
b) Lexus financial arm decides this year has been funky, and we arent going to push rebates to customers.

 

It typically takes 4-5 months to build/ship/deliver the vehicle. Not sure what you were expecting. I'm speaking from experience on both vehicles we currently own.

 

I don't really mind waiting 4 months to get the exact options I want and not pay for extras I have no use for. For example, here in the south we have about 8 months of
extremely hot, humid weather along with mild winters and I have never wished for a heated steering wheel. (maybe a cooled one). I stated my objections to the 20" wheels earlier. Aside from appearance (to some) and maybe cornering, everything else is a downside. The extra rubber on the 18" gives more protection against wheel damage from potholes and curbs. The fatter tires should give a smoother ride and the replacement cost of tires is less.
My main gripe is that as soon as you mention special order, the salesman no longer seems eager to do business or offer a competitive price. You would think they would be happy to have a car sold when it comes off the truck to avoid floor plan expense.

 

Its how things are unfortunately. I`d determine how far you are willing to travel and send out emails with your exact build. See who plays ball and go from there.

 

When you go to a dealership to negotiate.. NEVER EVER PULL OUT your trade in unless you guys have agreed on some price out the door, thats the time you will tell them you have a trade in.
But my suggestion is better sell the trade in car to a private buyer than at dealership

 

I`d like to add on
If you have a trade in, know what the market can offer as knowledge is power. Drive the vehicle to a couple of famous chains like Carmax, and get printed appraisal. KBB and all the gimicky websites will do you absolutely no good. In addition, know your burden in the selling process (sales tax, and the time to admin process the transfer paperwork).

 

Just got a price from our dealer on a 2020 RX 350. List price, $56,325. Sale price, $52,500. Lease for 36 months, 15k/year, no money down, all taxes and feed rolled in, $767/month. I feel that’s too much money for what this car offers. It’s a nice car, but not $767 nice. For reference, we are currently driving a 2017 Buick Enclave (top trim level), MSRP was $54k, 39 month lease, 15k miles/year, no money down everything rolled in for $525/month. The Lexus is a little nicer but not $225/month nicer. And I’m a longtime loyal Lexus customer (we’ve owned 5). I’m just not seeing it.

 

Sooo just like you, without the numbers your decision and our advice both are wild guesses.

First find the Lease Cash you qualify from the lexus website or any car buying website
Second find the Money factor for your zip from edmunds RX lease forums
Third i`d aim for a bit more aggressive discount. I`d say at least invoice pricing (available on the same website)

Come back with that and then go from there.

 

Friend of mine has a used car business. He is able to search Manheim and give me current going rates for our car. I will know ahead of time what the going rate is.

Shortage of parts from China may start hitting production levels soon.

 

With the country being hit by Covid 19, I'm sure dealers will be desperate to get RX's sold. Has anyone tried negotiating via email with dealers to test the waters? If so, what discounts are they offering? About 4 weeks ago (before the shelter in place), I walked into a dealer and right away, no negotiating the salesman offered $8k off any 2019 RX F sport. Seemed like they were desperate at that time.

 

I have been negotiating with a local socal dealer for several weeks on a lease deal.
So far no bargains. The best that they are offering is Lexus $409 with $3999 cash deal on a base rx350.
That offer expires on 3/31/2020.
So far no lease price easing from Lexus.
Looks like they just want to run it out until the end of the month .

 

I suppose it'll have to be a slow burn for these dealers....give them a couple weeks/months (if you can) to see how much loss they can stomach and there should be very large discounts.

 

Right, I'm in no hurry. Just waiting for Lexus to offer incentives. I thought dealers were anxious to sell cars at the end of the month because they have end of the month bills to pay. So far they're not budging, and Toyota is not offering to help the dealers.