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Lexus did not ever mark them up. It is purely a dealer driven decision to ask more than MSRP. If memory serves me right, neither the blue or the green inspiration series saw the ridiculous added dealer markups. In fact I seem to remember they went for MSRP. In fact I just saw a used green inspiration series with less than 4K miles for sale at around $75K.
It may have happened, but I don't recall ever reading that anyone ever paid more than MSRP on any LC... until now. I seriously doubt anyone paid over MSRP for the 2018 Structural Blue Inspiration Series, but to be fair, it didn't have all the hype the convertible model has. Many of those 2018s sat on lots for months. Of the 3 Inspiration Series coupes (Blue, Yellow, Green), I believe the Flare Yellow sold the fastest, mostly because it was the only one to have the performance pkg options. Like the Nori Green, that Flare Yellow model also had it's own unique interior color scheme, not shared with other LC models.
Yeah, I don't know for sure. Just relaying what someone posted on FB. I would think the dealership is obligated to honor what they're showing on their website - which is MSRP. When I bought my LC (3 years ago), the motor group (that's comprised of several dealerships) - had my car (loaded) listed on their site for dealer cost, which was very unusual at that time. The GM at the Lexus dealership (within that motor group) wasn't even aware of the discounted price on the motor group site. My car was in fact listed on the dealership's own site for MSRP. But because it was on the motor group site for a lower price, the GM had to honor that lower price.
I contacted the guy on FB that I referenced earlier. He said the prices displayed on the vehicles matched what's shown on the dealer's website. One would think the dealer would be obligated to honor that price if it's shown on the vehicle and the website, but then again, it sounds like - from what others have posted - this dealership might be kinda sleazy? If anyone's interested, it may be worth a shot to go there in person and see if they'll honor what they've advertised. I wouldn't trust the Internet sales reps... I've had nothing but bad experiences with those individuals.
OK - Let's put this to bed Lexus does not sell cars to the public. Lexus Dealers are the retailers for Lexus vehicles. The vehicle price Lexus charge dealers is called the invoice price. Lexus, as well as all car companies may offer cash back (truck money) to a dealer for a myriad of reasons (usually soft sales and high inventory). The dealer may or may not pass this on. Purely the dealers discretion.
The suggested retail price of the vehicle is set by the manufacturer and is known as the Monroney. Again the final sales price is determined by the dealer. The customer may negotiate with the dealer in an effort to lower that sales price or get extras.
Thank you Gojirra99. The paint quality on the Inspiration convertible is absolutely amazing. It looks a notch up from the Blue Mica on my 2019 GSF which is already outstanding IMO.
Bitkahuna: Yes Hannah really loves the LC. This is the 3rd one she has driven. The first was in Big Sur when the Post Ranch Inn let us have an LC 500 for the day on her birthday. That was also my first time driving an LC 500. The second was my 2018 LC 500 which I bought after the Big Sur "test drive". And then now the Inspiration series convertible. All 3 cars had the HUD option so its something she incorrectly assumed is standard on the LC. She does find the LC a little difficult to drive because it is larger than the 2006 Scion she used to have and the RC she has now. Interestingly when I had my 2018 LC 500 her favorite car out of my LC, the GSF and RCF Track Edition was the RCF. But now the Inspiration convertible is her new favorite. She really liked the fact that with the top down and windows up and rear wind deflector in place her hair didn't blow around even at 3 digit speeds.
DRGibbons: You are right on the fashion issue but I would never point that out to a lady - not a good idea if you want to stay on good terms with them. LOL. Maybe it would match better in her own car which is a 2017 RC 350 F Sport. Carmax had that car at a fair price and in very good condition (she was very specific in terms of wanting a car with an ultra white exterior and red interior). So we drove out to Ontario CA to close a deal on that one.
Here are some pics the day after she got her new car. She was so excited!
09-02-20, 02:05 PM
Lexus does not sell cars to the public. Lexus Dealers are the retailers for Lexus vehicles. The vehicle price Lexus charge dealers is called the invoice price. Lexus, as well as all car companies may offer cash back (truck money) to a dealer for a myriad of reasons (usually soft sales and high inventory). The dealer may or may not pass this on. Purely the dealers discretion. 
Congrats
