Visited two dealers today and looked at comparable cars priced just shy of $48k; one dealer was willing to give about $2,200 off and the other $3,600. I definitely feel that better deals are out there and my wife's mom isn't in a hurry for a new car though she'd like one by the end of the year. With that said, we'll shop around again toward the end of the year.

 

I found that you can negotiate the entire deal on the phone and not waste time by going to the dealership until you agree on a price.

In the last 2 months I did that in Florida when I negotiated a car deal for my Dad and previously for myself when I bought my car. In Florida I called 5 dealers and only walked into one, the one I bought it from at the end.

That really saves time and stress.
Steve

 

So did you really say no to doc fee? What did they say?

 

Most dealers in California no longer play the doc fee game....our dealer did not have any on the paperwork; I paid the vehicle plus tax and license; didn't pitch extended warranty, body side moldings or any of that crap either. I hghly recomend Longo Lexus!!! My local dealer puts side moldings on every RX right off the truck and a $795 second sticker for them, also some kind of body sealer for an $895 add on.... so I went to Longo.,...

 

I said that I would not do the deal other wise. Once we agree on a price for the car, that's it !!

Here's what happened. We negotiated the deal, after haggling back and forth on the price of the car. Then after he agreed to my price, he adds $495 doc fee. I insisted that I will never pay a doc fee. After a bit of whining on his part, he said that the purchase agreement has the doc fee on it, already printed. I then insisted that he reduce the price accordingly. So he did. He knew it would be a deal breaker and in my case it was the day before the end of the month.

I did this in Florida on my Dad's Hyundai. They tried to add a $795 doc fee. I also bought my daughter a Toyota a couple months ago in NH. They had a $395 doc fee. I did the same thing there.

Regardless of what they say EVERYTHING is negotiable except, of course, state license, taxes, etc.

Doc fees are just another game the dealer plays, like giving you a "discount" on ext. warranties. Yeah, right. Never buy them either from your dealer. Buy them if you want online.
Steve

 

Just concluded an excellent experience with Daniel Hemberger at Sewell in Dallas. Although I live in Houston, the folks at Sterling McCall, Westside and Clearlake just didn't seem eager to move their cars. (Sewell will pick you up at LUV field in Dallas). They say it's the largest Lexus dealer in the country.

Daniel found me exactly the RX-350 my wife wanted at a very fair price. The entire transaction was a simply an exchange of emails on the vehicle, the price, and a couple of phone calls to confirm when the car would arrive, windows tinted, washed, fueled, etc. An absolutely seamless transaction!

John

 

John i live in Houston also in the market for the RX. The Houston Dealers didn't want to make a good offer? I was going to go Sterling McCall. Thanks for the help.

 

I am looking to get the 2013 RX350 this weekend. I don't really know where else to ask Sorry if I bother you guys.

So below is the car that I wanted. The saleman will let it goes at $47500 OTD (already included tax and license). He also mentioned this is a little more than $2000 under invoice. I live in San Francisco where saletax is almost 9%. Could u guys please tell me if this is a good deal or a thief deal ? Thanks.





18186 *******VEHICLE INQUIRY REPORT DATE: 09/26/12
DCV920 TIME: 16:28
Model Number: 9420A SERIAL # C099229 Check Code: 8

Model Description: RX 350 5-DR SUV Category ..........: G
Year ............: 2013 Current Dealer ....: 310-60444
Interior Color ..: LC20 LC20 Wholesale Dealer ..: 60444
Exterior Color ..: 01J4 SILVL Previous Dealer ...: 00319
Body ............: 5-DOOR SUV 4X2 Invoice Date ......: 09/25/12
Number of Cyl ...: 6 Ship Date .........: 09/25/12
Allocation Number: 091 Retail Date .......:
Engine Number ...: 2GR-E154531 (J) Date of First Use .:
Vessel Number ...: 737 LDRC ..............: NO
Vessel Name .....: TMMC CAMBRIDGE Damage ............: NO DAMAGE
Prod Locked Date.: 09/05/12 PDI ...............: NO
Fleet .............: NON-FLEET
Port PDS Complete .: NO
Safety Connect.....: NO
VIN .............: 2Txxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Lexus/Toyota Enform: YES
XM Radio ..........: YES
Connected Services.: LEXUS PREMIUM N
Factory Installed Accessories: CP EK NV PA PD WU
Port Installed Accessories ..:

Retail
Vehicle Base Model ....................: $ 39310.00
Total Accessories .....................: $ 7705.00

# PERFORMANCE FEATURES
* 3.5 Liter 270HP Four Cam 24-Valve V6 Engine
with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i)
* 6-Sp Automatic Transmission w/"Snow Mode"
* Electric Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering
* 4-Wheel Power Assisted Ventilated Front & Solid
* Rear Disc Brakes
* 18" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
# SAFETY FEATURES
* Dual Advanced Front Airbags, Driver & Passenger
Knee Airbag, Front & Rear Side Curtain Airbags
Front & Rear Seat Mounted Side Airbags
* 3-Point Safety Belts for All Seating Positions
* Front and Rear Outboard Seat Belt Pretensioners
w/Froce Limiters, Fr Manual Height Adj. Anchors
* Front Active Headrests
* 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake
Assist (BA) / Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
* Smart Stop Technology
* Energy Managing Crumple Zones, Side Door Beams
* Vehicle Theft-Deterrent Sys w/Engine Immobilizer
* Automatic On/Off Headlamps / Integrated Fog Lamps
* LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
* Safety Connect: Automatic Collision Notification,
Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assist Button
(SOS), and Enhanced Roadside Assistance
(1-year trial subscription included)
* Variable Intermittent Front Wipers
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Tool Kit and First Aid Kit
# LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES
* Lexus Premium Audio System, Automatic Sound
Levelizer (ASL), and In-Dash Single Feed 6-Disc
CD Auto-Changer, In-Glass Antenna w/FM Diversity
System, USB iPod/MP3 Control, Bluetooth
Technology, SiriusXM Satelite Radio (90-day trial
subscription included)
* Auto Dual Zone Climate Control Sys w/Rear Vents
* 10-Way Power Driver''s & Front Passenger''s Seats
* Power Tilt-and-Telescopic Steering Column
* Height Adjustable Headrests for All Seats
* Reclining/Sliding 40/20/40 Split Rear Seat
* 3-Spoke Steering Wheel with Audio Controls
* Cruise Control
* Power Windows w/One-Touch Auto Open/Close Feature
* Power Back Door
* Lexus Homelink Universal Transceiver
* SmartAccess Passive Entry System
* Rear Black Privacy Glass/Integrated Rear Spoiler
* Genuine Wood Interior Trim
* LCD Screen for Ventilation, Audio Settings
* Multi-Information Display with Lexus Personalized
Settings, Trip Computer & Outside Temp Display
* Tonneau Cover
* Carpeted Floor Mats
Retail Total
Vehicle Base Model ..........................:$ 39310.00 $ 39310.00
Comfort Pkg: Xenon HID Headlamps, Rain-sensin 1340.00
Wipers, Driver/Passenger Heated & Ventilated
12-spkr Premium Audio Pkg: Single DVD/CD Play
HD Radio w/iTunes tagging & 12-spkr Audio Sys
Navigation Sys w/Voice Command, Backup Camera 2775.00
Lexus Enform w/Destination Assist and ......
eDestination, App Suite, SiriusXM NavTraffic,
NavWeather, Stocks Sports & Fuel prices (1-ye
trial subscription included) ...............
Intuitive Parking Assist ................... 500.00
Premium Package w/Blind Spot Monitor System: 2760.00
Leather Trim Interior, Blind Spot Monitor Sys
One-Touch Open/Close Moonroof, Power-folding
Electrochromic Heated Outside Mirrors, Driver
Seat/Steering/Mirror Memory-3 settings, Roof
Wood & Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel & Shift 330.00
--------- ---------
Total Accessories ...........................: $ 7705.00 $ 7705.00
Destination Charge ..........................: $ 895.00
TDA .........................................:
---------
Total .......................................: $ 47910.00

 

I think it is a good deal, but you may still cut some off.

BTW, why not buy a AWD?

I am also looking forward to a RX350, but many friends recommend me to have a AWD.

 

I got another car with total MSRP of $48,779.

They are going to give me $4000 discount but they are insisting on $489 "doc fee."

So I insisted on two front window tint and they are going to give it to me. I'm guessing front window tinting is about $300 job? So I'm reducing the "doc fee" to $189 in effect?

Good deal?

 

I think it is a good deal. You are getting about $4,800 off the car. Make sure you factor in any additional savings, like financing to understand the entire deal. Good luck.

 

Thanks a lot guys. Just talk to them earlier, they will throw in a 19" Alloy wheel for the same price. Should I take it home this weekend?

 

Did your sales rep go back to his manager during the process or was the negotiation just between you and the sales rep?

Usually sales reps can deal to a certain point, below which they need to get managers approval.

As for the doc fee, did you try to insist that they reduce the car price by $489?

Does the sales rep know that you are also shopping at other dealers?

Being close to end of month I'd expect closer to $5000 off.
Steve

 

What did you determine on your own what the true invoice price is? Using edmunds or kbb.com

I never let the dealer tell me what they invoice is, I never trust them.

Before taxes, title and all state related fees, what is the price they are quoting you relative to the MSRP ? Include the destin. Fee.

Steve

 

Yes, he knows I'm also looking elsewhere. That's how I got the $4000 discount pretty much by just mentioning it.

I tried to make them pay for the clear bras AND the front window tint in exchange for paying the doc fee. They came back with only window tint.

FWIW, according to truecar.com, there is only one person who bought the similar car at this kind of price. Also, notice the caption at the bottom :