New 2008 Is250 Awd - Thoughts?

[Spoonman3z]

So I just pulled the trigger on a new 2008 IS250 AWD! I'm very excited and should be getting the car by the end of next week. Below is the list of optional features I chose:

• NAV Package/Bluetooth/Backup Camera
  
• HID AFS Headlights
  
• Wood Upgrade
  
• XM Radio
  
• Preferred Accessory Package
  

MSRP according to carsdirect.com is $39,908 - My price is $35,695 (about $300 over invoice). I'm in the metro NY area - any thoughts on the price?

How about the list of additional dealer options that they're trying to hit me up for - does anyone have any suggestions on what's actually worth the extra money? (laser VIN etching, body side moldings etc).

Should I expect all of the TSBs to have been taken care of before I drive off the lot (I'm specifically thinking about the brake pad dust issue)?

This is my first Lexus and I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks for all the helpful posts on this board - always great to have such a good source of info when making a big purchase.

[tex2670]

So I just pulled the trigger on a new 2008 IS250 AWD! I'm very excited and should be getting the car by the end of next week. Below is the list of optional features I chose:

• NAV Package/Bluetooth/Backup Camera
  
• HID AFS Headlights
  
• Wood Upgrade
  
• XM Radio
  
• Preferred Accessory Package
  

MSRP according to carsdirect.com is $39,908 - My price is $35,695 (about $300 over invoice). I'm in the metro NY area - any thoughts on the price?

How about the list of additional dealer options that they're trying to hit me up for - does anyone have any suggestions on what's actually worth the extra money? (laser VIN etching, body side moldings etc).

Should I expect all of the TSBs to have been taken care of before I drive off the lot (I'm specifically thinking about the brake pad dust issue)?

This is my first Lexus and I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks for all the helpful posts on this board - always great to have such a good source of info when making a big purchase.

Well--you might run into a problem with "all" TSBs being done. I'm sure they'll do the brake dust. But, I had my car in for the 5000 mi service. I asked to do the dash rattle TSB, seat squeak TSB and the cranking sound on cold start up TSB. They called me about the seat, said they didn't hear anything, and can't do the TSB unless they encounter the problem. I told them go back and listen again--they heard it. the cranking noise only occurs occasionally, and they didn't hear it, so they wouldn't do the TSB. You may have a similar problem--if you want things done before you even take delivery, you don't know if some problems covered by the TSBs occur in your car.

[Lex Law]

any thoughts on the price?

The invoice price on my car was $36,051 and MSRP was $41,195. I paid $35,369.11 to the dealer + $600 to ship it 1,000 miles on a flat-bed truck + $2,092.38 (6% state usage tax) = $38,061.49 for everything in my signature, plus all-weather mats. Was your price OTD (out the door, including tax?)

How about the list of additional dealer options that they're trying to hit me up for - does anyone have any suggestions on what's actually worth the extra money? (laser VIN etching, body side moldings etc).

I have never seen any IS with body side mouldings, and others have said the same thing, but wished for something to help cushion door dings.

Should I expect all of the TSBs to have been taken care of before I drive off the lot (I'm specifically thinking about the brake pad dust issue)?

No. Your first opportunity, unless you tell them to do it before you pick it up or take it in specifically for the TSB, is at the free 1,000 mile service.

This is my first Lexus and I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks for all the helpful posts on this board - always great to have such a good source of info when making a big purchase.

Good luck. I waited 3.5 months on my special order. It hurt for awhile, but now I'll have the car for many years, and I told myself that few months wouldn't mean much once it was here. I got to fall in love all over again. This car impresses me more every day.

[Spoonman3z]

any thoughts on the price?

The invoice price on my car was $36,051 and MSRP was $41,195. I paid $35,369.11 to the dealer + $600 to ship it 1,000 miles on a flat-bed truck + $2,092.38 (6% state usage tax) = $38,061.49 for everything in my signature, plus all-weather mats. Was your price OTD (out the door, including tax?)

How about the list of additional dealer options that they're trying to hit me up for - does anyone have any suggestions on what's actually worth the extra money? (laser VIN etching, body side moldings etc).

I have never seen any IS with body side mouldings, and others have said the same thing, but wished for something to help cushion door dings.

Should I expect all of the TSBs to have been taken care of before I drive off the lot (I'm specifically thinking about the brake pad dust issue)?

No. Your first opportunity, unless you tell them to do it before you pick it up or take it in specifically for the TSB, is at the free 1,000 mile service.

This is my first Lexus and I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks for all the helpful posts on this board - always great to have such a good source of info when making a big purchase.

Good luck. I waited 3.5 months on my special order. It hurt for awhile, but now I'll have the car for many years, and I told myself that few months wouldn't mean much once it was here. I got to fall in love all over again. This car impresses me more every day.

OK - so I'm paying $35,695 base + $199 documentation fee + $138 title + $3,022.04 sales tax (NY 8.375%). I also added the laser VIN etching for $389. Total out the door is $39,443.04. I'm pretty happy about the final price, especially since there's nothing I can do about the monster tax bill.

The dealer told me that he will check on any outstanding TSBs but it would make sense that I need to see if my car is affected by any specific issue first.

I've stuck with fairly common options for our area so they have the car on hand - the only thing that's taking a little more time is the XM installation. I don't know if I would have been able to wait 4 months! :P