New Dealer Experience

[Scott M]

Well, I got the drive the IS 250 AWD today, and I'm sold... what a nice car.

Just taking some time to decide if I want to drop a $5,000 deposit and wait 3 months just to add the Mark Lev package.

I'm in no hurry, so I'm pondering a little.

So, while the managers hagle over price, availibility and so on, I roam into the showroom.

I find a new IS 250 AWD, SGM on Black, Base Model.

I try to open the door and it is locked.

I glace into the open window and do not see the keyfob where they normally keep it.

I reach into the open window and unlock the door.

This brings me to my question.....

How long does it take 6 panicing salemen to turn off the insanely loud alarm of an IS 250 AWD when the keys cannot be found?

The answer?... 8 minutes.

Very funny experience.

She won't budge on MSRP so I'll have to order from another local dealer, but at least I got to drive it today!

[SW03ES]

She won't budge on MSRP so I'll have to order from another local dealer, but at least I got to drive it today!

Are there other local dealers that will order for less than MSRP?

[Rx330driver]

ive been wondering about this, i did not get a single dollar of my rx330 when it first came out, but now, im hearing so many people who get a few thousand off msrp. is there a certain street rule that says when they will budge and when they will not.

and for the alarm, i would have freaked out, and turn bright red. The thing is, if the car is locked by a key, even with you inside, you cant simply unlock it and open the door. It has to be unlocked by the key. protection issues i guess. Happened to me once on the street.

[SW03ES]

Well its supply and demand. When a new model comes out the demand is high and the supply is low, so they're less likely to deal since they can just turn around and sell it to someone else for MSRP. As the model stays on the market the demand slows and the supply increases, making each unit harder to sell and making them more willing to deal.

Before the RX350 came out you could get an RX330 for $500 over invoice, nearly $5k off MSRP. Gotta pay MSRP for an RX350, or close to it.

Dealers are also more willing to deal later in the model year, demand is at its highest and supply its lowest right at the beginning of the model year, and by the end there's more than enough supply and less demand as people wait for next years model.

Thats also why you can't compare what say I pay in MD and you pay in CA. Hell, you can't compare what I pay in DC and what people pay in Baltimore because they are different markets and supply and demand levels are different in each market. I may have to pay MSRP in Washington but you may be able to get $1k off in Baltimore.

Supply and demand baby.

[Scott M]

Exactly.

She explained that she can't keep a model on the lot for more than a few days without it being sold.

Other dealers in MA have less luck with the IS.

The secret is finding the right dealer.

Actually, I didn't get too upset about the alarm.

My attitude is that if the car is inside the showroom, it should be open to view.

Boy... indoors... it was LOUD!

:D

Still on the fence about the Mark package.

She asked why I wanted it so much and I explained that I'm a bit of an Audio nut and wanted a stereo with DVD Audio capability.

LP is to CD like CD is to DVD.

She went off to talk to another manager and then came back and offered me an IS 250 AWD with Nav/Lux and said she would have them put in an Amp for the same price as the Mark.

Obviously, she doesn't listen and only wanted the sale.

An Amp will not add DVD Audio capability to the stereo.

She also said that the Lexus and Mark stereos are almost the same thing anyway.

I will say that I was impressed with the stock stereo and it's nothing to laugh at, but nobody can argue the point that Mark Levinson speakers and components are top line.

I'm most likely going to pass on the stereo, but I'm bringing my business to another dealer.

One who cares about the customer before and after the sale, and one who's willing to budge on price.

[clubfoot]

If you're an audio nut like you say,..get the ML audio, it's that good.

[Cherokee_Outlaw]

Exactly.

She explained that she can't keep a model on the lot for more than a few days without it being sold.

Other dealers in MA have less luck with the IS.

The secret is finding the right dealer.

Actually, I didn't get too upset about the alarm.

My attitude is that if the car is inside the showroom, it should be open to view.

Boy... indoors... it was LOUD!

:D

Still on the fence about the Mark package.

She asked why I wanted it so much and I explained that I'm a bit of an Audio nut and wanted a stereo with DVD Audio capability.

LP is to CD like CD is to DVD.

She went off to talk to another manager and then came back and offered me an IS 250 AWD with Nav/Lux and said she would have them put in an Amp for the same price as the Mark.

Obviously, she doesn't listen and only wanted the sale.

An Amp will not add DVD Audio capability to the stereo.

She also said that the Lexus and Mark stereos are almost the same thing anyway.

I will say that I was impressed with the stock stereo and it's nothing to laugh at, but nobody can argue the point that Mark Levinson speakers and components are top line.

I'm most likely going to pass on the stereo, but I'm bringing my business to another dealer.

One who cares about the customer before and after the sale, and one who's willing to budge on price.

I have 2 say... my rating of Lexus was a ZERO out of 10.... until I went to West Springfield...

Great folks...

Its right @ 90 & 91.... I've been working with Kate.... She is GREAT! SUper nice and down 2 earth....

[SW03ES]

Here's my advice:

Wait and get what you want. This is a luxury purchase, and IMHO theres no reason to compromize. The ML is obviously very important to you, so you should get it or you're never going to be 100% satisfied with the car.