95 Ls400 @ Lexus Of Seattle

[rx2man]

I have been working with a salesman at Lexus of Seattle in Lynnwood, Wa. for a few weeks now. He called me yesterdaly with a 95 LS400 77k, moonroof, regular sound, and in great condition. I looked at edmunds and kelly blue book, a retail private party price of 11400 was about average. When speaking with the salesman he said they had put tires on it and detailed it. When we start talking price and he goes to the manager he comes back with a list of items replaced or fixed. New factory stereo, lower ball joints, 60k service, wipers, lugnuts, detailing, rear brak pads and sensors. maybe some othe misc. stuff. Nothing about the new tires though. Question is will a Lexus dealer really put this much into a used car? I know others will not. I took this as a ploy to get the price back up to 13700. I was also told I only qualified for 9.9% financing. Except that I called my credit union and was given 4.24% on friday. I was also told I had a beacon score of 757 and was a little insulted that they would try to play the interest game with me, after telling the sales person of my already approved loan. When the price had gone up to $11000 with no sign of us getting close to an agreement I left. It was obvious that they wanted significanly more.

If they really put that much work into the car then I can understand them needing more out of it. However the paperwork produced was a print out from a computer, not actual service dept. paperwork. Am I being worked over here? I also dont see a need to pay more for a car than the private party price. I also mentioned to the salesperson that if the vehicle needed all that work did'nt it effect the trade in value. He did not know. I sort of assume that as they just got the vehicle in last week that they want to see if they can get more out of it. However a bird in the hand is worth more than 2 in the bush.

[Unlisted]

throw out any book values when it comes to high end cars. It just a basis but does not take in effect market value. If what they say about the car is true it is worth it. Divide that cost of the next ? many years this car is going to last and the fact it still will have resale value. Then it is a bargain. As far as the interest rate most baks dont even off loans on cars more then 5 years old. The ones that due start out at over 10% BASED ON RISK FACTOR. The is more chance you will be forced to pay for repairs and a car payment in the same month. Your credit union is giving you a new car rate. very hard for anybody to beat that

[Lexicon]

The price is high but the market is tight on these cars. So demand sets price. I am looking for one also and I am in the same boat. I going to be patient and wait and keep looking. Keep in mind all those items he mentioned only substantiate retail price, not increase it. If they did not do it they could not justify the retail price. That is why there is a spread between trade and retail value. It allows for the reconditioning of any vehicle. Don't let anyone tell you differently. I have previously worked for a used car dealer so I do understand the game. However like you stated they may wait to see if somebody will fall for that line and pay it and somebody probably will.