Time to buy a new ES350?
#31
Lexus Test Driver
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If you're getting it as part of your new car, probably the kind in a pump spray bottle.
Serious story: When shopping a new (non-Lexus) car last week, my brother was waiting around through one of those interminable delays that dealers are so good at generating during the sames process. So he approached a low-paid service bay employee who was shining up one of the popular sporty models. He casually asked what product was used for the paint treatment of the $1,999 "Appearance Protection" package. The youngster said, "I don't know. They just pour some kind of yellow liquid in from a giant drum." That's not to say the anonymous yellow liquid in question is not a top-quality product; you be the judge.
Serious story: When shopping a new (non-Lexus) car last week, my brother was waiting around through one of those interminable delays that dealers are so good at generating during the sames process. So he approached a low-paid service bay employee who was shining up one of the popular sporty models. He casually asked what product was used for the paint treatment of the $1,999 "Appearance Protection" package. The youngster said, "I don't know. They just pour some kind of yellow liquid in from a giant drum." That's not to say the anonymous yellow liquid in question is not a top-quality product; you be the judge.
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YumpinYiminy (02-03-24)
#32
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If you're getting it as part of your new car, probably the kind in a pump spray bottle.
Serious story: When shopping a new (non-Lexus) car last week, my brother was waiting around through one of those interminable delays that dealers are so good at generating during the sames process. So he approached a low-paid service bay employee who was shining up one of the popular sporty models. He casually asked what product was used for the paint treatment of the $1,999 "Appearance Protection" package. The youngster said, "I don't know. They just pour some kind of yellow liquid in from a giant drum." That's not to say the anonymous yellow liquid in question is not a top-quality product; you be the judge.
Serious story: When shopping a new (non-Lexus) car last week, my brother was waiting around through one of those interminable delays that dealers are so good at generating during the sames process. So he approached a low-paid service bay employee who was shining up one of the popular sporty models. He casually asked what product was used for the paint treatment of the $1,999 "Appearance Protection" package. The youngster said, "I don't know. They just pour some kind of yellow liquid in from a giant drum." That's not to say the anonymous yellow liquid in question is not a top-quality product; you be the judge.
Slime *****
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#33
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When I was shopping for a new Lexus back in November 2023, I want to a dealer 60 miles away because they had the trims and sound system I wanted to test drive. Stock was limited back then as far as decent colors and luxury trims are concerned for ES350s. They were still asking sticker and added a $1600 dealer rust and paint protection as a mandatory package. The salesman made it sound like it was already applied to every car. I argued the point of why I would want it. Long story short. I wrote a colorful review of my opinion. In Jan 2024 they advertised between $1000 and $3000 of sticker but still had that $1600 package. Feb 2024, they still have the sticker discounts and no longer the $1600 rust and paint package. The stupid part is that $1600 package that was already added is no longer on the stickers of the same cars they had back in November.
Slime *****![Slap](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/slap.gif)
Slime *****
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#34
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The worst part is that the day after I bought the car. The trim and color was available 60 miles away in the other direction. The only issue was that it was the ES300. The car is still for sale and they have another hybrid in stock as well. My local and the other slimey dealer can't keep the hybrids in stock? You would think they would check and make some kind of deal for you. I actually asked when I was about to buy. Isn't funny that the computers search option wasn't working then. NOT!
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LexFinally (02-07-24)
#35
Lexus Test Driver
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The worst part is that the day after I bought the car. The trim and color was available 60 miles away in the other direction. The only issue was that it was the ES300. The car is still for sale and they have another hybrid in stock as well. My local and the other slimey dealer can't keep the hybrids in stock? You would think they would check and make some kind of deal for you. I actually asked when I was about to buy. Isn't funny that the computers search option wasn't working then. NOT!
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YumpinYiminy (02-08-24)
#36
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The worst part is that the day after I bought the car. The trim and color was available 60 miles away in the other direction. The only issue was that it was the ES300. The car is still for sale and they have another hybrid in stock as well. My local and the other slimey dealer can't keep the hybrids in stock? You would think they would check and make some kind of deal for you. I actually asked when I was about to buy. Isn't funny that the computers search option wasn't working then. NOT!
Also, about that $1,500 wax job: On the non-Lexus we bought that had a $1,999 "Appearance Protection" package, the $1,999 was pre-applied but the protection wasn't. When my brother successfully negotiated that off the sticker, we closed the deal and brought home the car. I ran a hand over the paint—it sure as hell hadn't been waxed. In conjunction with the young employee's story about the mysterious yellow drum of goo, it's apparent that your $1,999 didn't even buy the normal elbow grease of a home wax job, let alone the extensive prep required for the proper ceramic coating you ought to be getting at that price. It's just another markup with a rationalizing name on it, period.
#37
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I got a good deal when I bought the car. It was a high optioned base trim that was advertised (only at the dealership) with the mark down. About 5.5%. I got it down to 9% and an extra $1800 on my trade. If I waited till now. I might have gotten a better discount on the new car but my trade-in has dropped $2500 since then. The upside is that now you have a better chance of finding or ordering the exact car you want. The difference is my ordered 2013 Avalon Limited came exactly like I wanted it and it was one of my cars that I never got tired everytime I drove it. This Black on Black ES just doesn't make me go "woohoooo baby" when I get in.
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#38
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What can one say? Lazy, greedy, unprofessional, wanted to clear out their own dealer stock at your expense. You ended up with a fine car, certainly through no fault of theirs.
Also, about that $1,500 wax job: On the non-Lexus we bought that had a $1,999 "Appearance Protection" package, the $1,999 was pre-applied but the protection wasn't. When my brother successfully negotiated that off the sticker, we closed the deal and brought home the car. I ran a hand over the paint—it sure as hell hadn't been waxed. In conjunction with the young employee's story about the mysterious yellow drum of goo, it's apparent that your $1,999 didn't even buy the normal elbow grease of a home wax job, let alone the extensive prep required for the proper ceramic coating you ought to be getting at that price. It's just another markup with a rationalizing name on it, period.
Also, about that $1,500 wax job: On the non-Lexus we bought that had a $1,999 "Appearance Protection" package, the $1,999 was pre-applied but the protection wasn't. When my brother successfully negotiated that off the sticker, we closed the deal and brought home the car. I ran a hand over the paint—it sure as hell hadn't been waxed. In conjunction with the young employee's story about the mysterious yellow drum of goo, it's apparent that your $1,999 didn't even buy the normal elbow grease of a home wax job, let alone the extensive prep required for the proper ceramic coating you ought to be getting at that price. It's just another markup with a rationalizing name on it, period.
Thanks for your story!
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LexFinally (02-08-24)
#39
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In market for new car so was testing waters today at Toyota.
Here is a build for the car 2024 Camry XSE V6
https://www.toyota.com/configurator/...0-4f1214b09383
MSRP of 41000
Their initial OTD was 47,767 that included fees, tax, gap and their BS net selling price mark up of MSRP to 43000+ lol. Their reasoning was that its last Camry of its kind (Aka having v6).
All in all I was able to get OTD to 41000 they didn't budge for less, so I walked.
Here is a build for the car 2024 Camry XSE V6
https://www.toyota.com/configurator/...0-4f1214b09383
MSRP of 41000
Their initial OTD was 47,767 that included fees, tax, gap and their BS net selling price mark up of MSRP to 43000+ lol. Their reasoning was that its last Camry of its kind (Aka having v6).
All in all I was able to get OTD to 41000 they didn't budge for less, so I walked.
#40
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In market for new car so was testing waters today at Toyota.
Here is a build for the car 2024 Camry XSE V6
https://www.toyota.com/configurator/...0-4f1214b09383
MSRP of 41000
Their initial OTD was 47,767 that included fees, tax, gap and their BS net selling price mark up of MSRP to 43000+ lol. Their reasoning was that its last Camry of its kind (Aka having v6).
All in all I was able to get OTD to 41000 they didn't budge for less, so I walked.
Here is a build for the car 2024 Camry XSE V6
https://www.toyota.com/configurator/...0-4f1214b09383
MSRP of 41000
Their initial OTD was 47,767 that included fees, tax, gap and their BS net selling price mark up of MSRP to 43000+ lol. Their reasoning was that its last Camry of its kind (Aka having v6).
All in all I was able to get OTD to 41000 they didn't budge for less, so I walked.
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FastDawg (02-11-24)
#41
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Thats what i told them lol. I actually found 22 Lexus ES350 F sport with 38k Miles for 33k OTD. Miles a little higher than I would like, but thinking about it.
#42
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That's a lot of miles for a 22. It's not for a Lexus but I'm guessing it was a former lease and you can't tell how it was driven.
#43
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I’ve also bought two different vehicles from Hertz and Enterprise. Both former rentals and the one I drove for two years never gave me a problem. My mother-in-law is now driving the other one - a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that I bought from Hertz - and loves it.
A dealer’s service department can run a VIN and give you a service report.
#44
#45
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