I don't know if you guys know this already or not. When I bought my car at Lexus of Austin (in Texas), my sales woman that they were selling the SC430 at MSRP. They weren't going above that price at all, even though all the other dealerships she knew of were selling the car 7-15 grand above MSPR.

She told me a story of a guy buying his car then going online to find out that he could sell his car for more money than he had just paid for it. So he went back to the dealership and told them that he could make more money selling his car online, and then asked when they would have another car in. Basicly they told him that they wouldn't sell him another car just so he can make money off them giving him a deal. She went on to say that they would like for people that really want the car, but can't afford the extra 7-15k above MSRP to be able to get the car. They ended up telling him that they won't sell him another SC430. They would sell him any other model, but as long as the SC's were hot he was out of luck. They even had two on the lot when I bought my car.

Have you guys seen any other dealers doing this?

 

I knew this guy who wanted an M5 and went around putting $5000 deposits on the car at like 10 dealerships and then selling his slot to others for that price when he originally got his car. The dealership in NJ (Prestige) I bought mine from does not do that, they are one of the largest and most respectable in the country and its nice to know they are not acting like scum.....like other dealerships, and/or people. If I was that dealership I would have told the guy to get out of here. I know some people would like to make money, but cmon......oh well just my 2 cents

 

Kudos to those dealerships who don't sell positions or over MSRP.
I bought mine from Sewell Lexus of Dallas, for MSRP (the exact same figure I found online at lexus.com). Respectable Lexus dealers know that trust with a Lexus owner means not only that they'll buy another one, but they'll also refer them often and get it serviced there.

Prior to the recession, they had some "used" (35 to 1200 miles) SC430s for sale around $75k. Either the owners were finicky, or wanted to pocket the $$. Either way, they sold only used ones at market value.

Since I did wait almost 6 months from the date they were introduced, I did have some fears that I was being overlooked. I had heard some stories that others were getting cars without waiting in line. IMHO, they were the type of people who flexed their dollars around, and found someone willing to bend. I did hear that one salesman at another dealership sold a car to someone like that, but wasn't working there much longer. Ah, the passage of reputation for greed...

My "blind faith" paid off, and I believe in Sewell and their business. I was around 150th on the list in November 2000, and demand for the cars in Dallas has been high. I've seen no new cars for sale at any dealership: only used ones. Even the "mules" aren't for sale.

Now a Lexus owner for 6 years, I have total faith in my dealer (despite the constant jabs I get from friends for going to a dealer and paying a lot more per hour for the service). But this is a Lexus, folks -- it deserves quality service as it delivers the quality experience of owning one.

Drive on...

 

In Southern California, Longo Lexus is an outstanding dealership (the largest in the USA). From the beginning, they sold the car at MSRP, and in fact, I believe they are now selling at below MSRP. Their service and desire to please are also outstanding.

 

Kudos to NJ's, Ray Catena Lexus of Monmouth, for not charging me a dime over sticker. A big F u to, Bay Ridge Lexus, who claimed they would not sell over sticker, but did so by 7 grand. Bay Ridge did not actually try to charge me over sticker like most dealerships, what they did was to only offer the cars with $7k worth of aftermarket, dealer added options you don't need like LoJack. Also, a big F u to Lexus of Manhattan for charging above sticker as well. Lexus should be able to stop these overcharging practices because it makes Lexus shady.

 

I was told a story of a guy who bought a CL500 (benz) at ~$90K or so and paid something like 40-50K to get the car immediately. Well he hated the car and wanted the dealership to take the car back and even told them to keep the up front fee, they said no. There truly is a sucker born every 5 minutes, im sorry but if i had 150k burning a whole in my pocket id be seeing "prancing horses" inside my head.

 

>id be seeing "prancing horses" inside my head<

You mean you'd be thinking of going to the track? Or buying a herd of Mustangs

 

>id be seeing "prancing horses" inside my head<

You mean you'd be thinking of going to the track? Or buying a herd of Mustangs

Haha...something a lil' more Italian...

 

As you said though, there is a sucker born every 5 minutes. This guy was one, and was more willing to blow his money than find something that he likes before using it.

 

That is so unfortunate, some people have so much money it is not even funny, Oh well, We can only dream I have never heard of a dealer doing that, but i wouldnt blame them, you really dont take advantage of the dealer like that, not really kosher

 

After buying my RX300 at Lexus Manhattan, I would never buy another car (or do service there) again. In fact I drove 40 miles out of NYC to buy my SC430 from DiFeo Lexus in Bound Brook, NJ. If I had to buy/service at Lexus of Manhattan I would sell both and try another brand. My experience at DiFeo has been stellar.

Go figure. I wish there was a forum to rate dealers!

 

Any specifics on your experience?

As for a forum, there's something kinda like it: The Mechan-X Files from CarTalk @ Cars.com:
http://cartalk.cars.com/About/Garage/intro.html

Probably less about dealerships, more about garages, but still good info.

 

Service at L of Manhattan:
In general, they are just rude and don't seem to embrace the Lexus way. I have purchased or serviced at 4 other NY/NJ dealers and have never experienced this type of attitude. I am a native NY'er and would hardly consider myself to be thin-skinned, but this was bad attitude for any dealer, let alone Lexus.

a few specifics....

when windhshield replaced (RX)- gave me 'non-Toyota' glass - even though I paid for genuine Toyota glass - big fight and then finally gave in and replaced (again)

At same visit they were supposed to do NY inspection - didn't do it("sorry- we forgot"). When I brought it back they told me I would wait 30 minutes. I waited 2+ hours. And then they copped an attitude.

When SC tire pressure light came on - I called from cell...they wouldn't "let" me come in. Tried to give me appointment 3 days later. I said I might just show up - they said..."you're taking your chances".. I called DiFeo (40 miles away)...they said "come whenever its convenient for you...or we can send tow truck if you feel more comfortable with that". I drove to Difeo...

I don't need to be "dissed" that often to take my biz elsewhere...

Lexus has admittedly raised the bar on my expectation....but lexus of Manhattan isn't even close to living up to them.

 

I'm very sorry to hear of your experience.
I totally agree - owning a Lexus (my 2nd) does raise the bar -- a highly respectable dealer is not only desirable, it's required. Non-Lexus owners call me arrogant and stupid, but I get what I pay for, and I always appreciate it.

When I first went looking for a '93 SC400 in '96 in a specific color and style, I was told by friends that I was crazy to look for a specific used car. I went to Park Place Lexus in Dallas with my requirements (SC400, green/blue/pearl, wing, Nakamichi stereo, chrome wheels), and the salesman made the mistake of showing me an SC300 in maroon with the base stereo. His response was "it's what I have".

I expected to be heard, and some help to find what I was looking for. The Sewell Lexus heard me, and never called, because he never found what I was looking for. I found that respectful.

I can't knock Park Place too much -- I know several people who like them. Just a bad first experience for me that forever set my loyalty in Sewell -- a great dealership that is always accommodating.

I've also met those with high-class cars who love a fight, and are rude to service people because they're buying something. Maybe that reflects back to the dealers. But a top-notch dealer has the ability, with the high Lexus bar, to keep or raise that standard. Sewell does with all their brands, from Lexus to GM to Infiniti.

I think it's an unfortunate fact in this new era of capitalism: money rules. But letting current money blind you from your ability to sustain that income by ignoring respect and reputation will eventually cost you. And respect will actually bring you more in referrals, maintenance, and future purchases.

 

I bought my car from Wilke Lexus in Haverford PA, they gave me a great deal (not sticker) and I sent them another customer the next day, there are now two SC's at my office. I have bought five cars from them and they are by far the best dealership regardless of make I have ever done business with.