My Mistake: I just cost myself the better part of twenty grand, BUT, if it keeps SWMBO* happy...

My wife was dead set on a new Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited-Not Max, but to me it just felt very basic, not even up to what I would consider Toyota quality. After the test drive I convinced her to let me swing by the local Lexus dealer on the way home and have her drive the TX as well. Now you see my mistake! Well, the good news is that she deserves something nice so I am happy that she settled on the TX.

Now, my question, is there any wiggle room in the current market? Can I negotiate? I have two local dealers so can obviously see who has the better deal, but if these are going for close to sticker I don't want to keep beating that dead horse. For reference, she wants the 500h F-Sport Premium. Constructive opinions are greatly appreciated!

*She Who Must Be Obeyed

 

500h premium should have some decent wiggle room (~4k below MSRP) for negotiation. The only models that demand near MSRP is 550h+ and 500h luxury. It's probably location dependent, but Lexus of Lexington is my point of reference.

 

I paid MSRP for my TX 550h+. I had zero negotiating power. I requested it 6 months before I got it (just a week ago). Then once it arrived, immediately the other dealer sales people were asking mine if the car is really spoken for as they were getting inquiries. I made a point to get there ASAP and finalize the purchase so some SNAFU wouldn't get the car sold out from under me.

The 500h isn't quite the unicorn the 500h is, so maybe there's some room. Some areas seem to get more of these from Lexus than others. My TX 550h is only the second one my dealer has gotten. I know they have received some 550h's. The only thing that I've seen stay on the lot here (Albuquerque, NM) for any length of time are the TX 350's.

 

Our 550h+ is now built and on its way to the dealer. We also paid MSRP with zero flexibility on that model and have been waiting almost a year for the specific color and options.

 

Thanks for the insightful replies. There is one local that has the build we want so I will see how much power I have. Fingers crossed!

 

Well, after much discussion and gnashing of teeth we have secured a 2026 550h+ Luxury. Expect to take delivery late October. As previously mentioned-No wiggle room on price, but still happy with the decision. Fingers crossed all goes well!

 

I love my 550h+. It's great that you can can one relatively soon.

Of course, I don't think anyone that buys a TX 550h+ is especially concerned with gas mileage and fuel costs. But I like being able to recharge at home, and not bother with gas stations as my daily use is well within the 30-40 mile EV only range.

It's too bad the federal EV tax credit expires at the end of this month (September 2025). Since I got mine last month, I was able to get the $7,500 credit with a lease. This more or less made the cost similar to the 500h. I've already bought out the lease, so it just made for a bit more hassle.

 

Well not that trim, but the TX 350 Premium. Dealers through Navy Federal True Car buying service offered 7% off MSRP.

 

Doesn’t sound like a mistake to me.

If Mama’s not happy, nobody’s happy, so let her get shat she wants, within what you can afford.

 

Most 2025 500H Fsports are 7-10k off on SoCal dealer lots. I passed in favor of a 500h+

 

100% agreed, The title was a bit tongue in cheek. I wanted her to treat herself to something nice and the TX checks all of the boxes. Fortunate enough to be able to make it happen.