drexel99

So the local Lexus dealer calls me and tells me they just got in the 2008 GS 350 I told him to keep an eye out for. It's black, RWD, and apparently has Nav, Levison, and all the other options besides AVS (which I don't think I care about). Only 17k miles. As it's from the Lexus dealer and one prior owner, it will be CPO. He says they will be listing it for $39k, which I told him off the bat is too much for me.

So for the experts, I would really appreciative any advice, both on what is a fair price, and any other buying tips. For example, with only 17k miles, and me driving only about 10k miles per year, I don't think I get anything out of the 3yr / 100k miles extended warranty that I get with a CPO car. I won't hit 50k (the standard warranty) until after 3 yrs from now. So you think they might reduce the price if I say not to "certify" it?

Also, with rates at like 1.9%, should I finance it? I seem to remember someone (not on here) saying dealers may give you a lower price if you finance it through them. Not sure if this is true.

I wasn't planning to spend more than $35k, and was even thinking of waiting until late 2010 or early 2011 to buy a 2008 so I can spend even less. But this is exactly the car I am looking for. Thanks in advance for any advice!!

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

In Feb. of 09 I bought a 08 GS350 AWD with ML, navi, etc. It was a demo car and had 5K miles. I paid $42K. So, $39K is way too much. I would say $35K would be a decent deal for this car.

JRey350hou

I guess my thoughts is...he said he is listing for 39k....just as in new car msrp, I would look to get about 10% disc from listing. This would put you in the 35k range...worse case I would neg somewhere in 35.5 --36k price.

Otherwise wait as you mentioned...good luck !!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

39k for a 08 gs350 is way too high. the car is more than 2 yrs old, a new one (similarly loaded) you can have it for around 45k at most before tax and such. so that means you gain 6k by giving up 2 yrs and 17k miles. not worth it.

35k is the very max i would pay for the car. put it this way, i have to be realistic, even when i am thinking about selling mine

finance or not, that's totally your call. 1.9% is just one variable, but depending on your situation and other scenarios, you should decide if that's appropriate.

and NEVER NEVER tell them if you are paying cash or finance when negotiating price of the car. there is simply NO REASON for them to know. giving them those information will only mean giving them more chance to play the number games with you. stay on top of the game. i always tell them only information they need to know. once you are done with the price, then tell them if you have something to trade in or rate, etc...

drexel99

Thanks for the advice guys - I think I will wait and shop around a bit more.

jtrue28

so i did the KBB on my 2008 GS350 AWD. granted I don't have ML, but I've only got 7,300 miles on it and it's AWD, KBB say MSRP is $39K. There's absolutely no way I'd pay $39K for a 2008 with 17K miles. ML isn't THAT good. Offer him 32K. Hell, you don't even need the CPO...it would still have factory warranty.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

just for the record kbb price is almost always on the high side. i usually find (at least in my region) to be 2-3k off easily