Hi - I am looking at an LS500 and had a few questions:
1. Looking to better understand the safety features, especially the front cross traffic alert. Is it worth it? I would have to assume that there is some sort of this available as "standard" but looking to understand if the upcharge is worth it.

2. How much negotiation are people typically seeing from dealers these days? I am by no means married to my dealer and am willing to get something anywhere in the US as I can ship it relatively cheap if it means a better price. Is there a dealer or region that's known for cheaper ones? This was the case with my truck, there are a few dealers in the US that are known for huge volume and much cheaper prices. Not sure if there is anything like that with Lexus, especially with the LS's being low rate vehicles.

3. Any other advice? What feature and option do you like the best or wish you had?

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

 

1. I almost got t boned pulling out of my community at dusk and a Prius did not have their lights in auto mode. Had I had front cross traffic alert, I would have avoided the situation all together. I say any safety feature is worth the money.

2. December 2020 you could get $6k off new LS no questions asked.

Some higher volume dealers are knocking $3,500 off if the car has been sitting for 3-4 weeks. That’s max though. Some dealers are not selling to out of state buyers.

Most dealers are not moving from MSRP though. Some dealers are adding $3k-$4k by adding stupid clear coatings or window tinting.

3. 2023 cars might get minor infotainment changes according to YouTube bloggers. Also, with the interest rates going up, this is directly targeted at the housing and car market. The car market will likely look much different in 6 months. If you can wait, you might have a way better experience. The buying process is currently 100% in the dealerships hands and they know it. It will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

 

I'm not sure if these are standard, but buy a car with a HUD and 360° camera.

 

I bought a new 2022 LS500 over July 4th weekend. That was the culmination of several months of looking at all dealer inventory throughout California. Most of the units in inventory have way too many options, and all of those options other than the wheel upgrade are not worth the $, at least not to me. I've been driving happily for 35 years, and I don't need all of this tech BS. I just wanted a very comfortable and reliable car. Almost all dealers were tacking on $5K upcharges for Scotchgard and crap like that, but that seemed to end in June. Now MSRP is the standard. The unit I bought had been sitting on the showroom floor for just over five months, so I was able to get a few K below MSRP. I think it sat because A) no options, and B) white exterior / black interior. I like the color scheme, so it was a great choice for me personally. You may want to consider what you like that others may not, and then search for a car with that configuration, you have a better shot at getting a good price on a car that others aren't crazy about.

To answer your specific questions, you are probably best working through a dealer within driving distance of your house. When they need to ship a car, you're not going to get a good price. I don't know of any "high-volume" dealer for the LS, it's such low volumes overall.

Good luck!

 

I just picked up a new black on black LS500, after months of calling dealers all over NJ, got one off the boat and was lucky to get at MSRP, all other dealers were tacking on 5k.

 

I just picked up a new black on black LS500, after months of calling dealers all over NJ, got one off the boat and was lucky to get at MSRP, all other dealers were tacking on 5k.

 

Congrats on your new beautiful LS! Last January I had to fly to Birmingham Alabama from Dallas to get mine. There were only 12 LS 500 in the country at the time.Lucky to pay msrp as well.

 

thanks! I got lucky with the car coming in the day I called.

 

If you're not totally stuck on saying you drive an LS, consider test driving the ES as well. It doesn't have the run-flat tires and is better off-the-line and around town.