MHU38

I never said it would be easy. There isn't as many Lexus dealers as there are other brands. I'm sure there is some type of rule implemented from one franchise building across the street from another. So I don't think that would be too big of a problem. If the prices are all the same, the consumer just buys from the dealership closest to home. Whats the term for spending your money in your own community? I know there's a name for it. As far as competing with other brands, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Does somebody say they will spend $5000 more for a 3 series BMW than an IS because BMW is willing to negotiate price? And if Lexus is a better car than BMW or Mercedes or whoever, and the price is usually lower than a comparable competetor, than they shouldn't need to negotiate any further. And I understand what you mean about hot cars. But you don't see Lexus doing that with the IS-F. If you want one, you simply wait your turn on a wait list. I personally don't want to be the buy that paid $1000 for a generation one XBOX360 to have it at Christmas when I can pay retail if I wait until Febuary. Maybe that's not the best example, but hopefully you understand my humble point of view.

Price fixing. If your product is good enough, people will pay for it. I'd like to hear a good argument for why manfacturer implemented price fixing would not work.

I don't understand why a company that is as established as Lexus doesn't just make all dealers sell the cars for the price on the window stickers. Think about it. If you like the car, and you think it's worth the money, you buy it. And you buy it knowing you got the best deal, becuase they wouldn't discount the cars. It works for Saturn, it works for Harley-Davidson. What kills me is when companies get away with marking up cars from sticker price. I remember going to Honda when the S2000 came out only to find the dealer had a $7000.00 mark up above sticker for the car. I definately didn't want one that bad. I think BMW was doing that for the M5 series too. They should just sell them for sticker and everyone will be happy. Think about all the stress that will be taken away from purchasing a car if you don't have to worry about fighting over price.

What you should do is take that $2300 and put it in a high yield savings account. Maybe even set up a direct deposit from your paycheck to throw $50 a month in yet. Now you have your own extended warranty. And guess what, there is no expiration date, no mileage limits, no exclusions, no deductibles, and you can earn interest. Heck, you don't even have to use it for one car. How do you think these extended warranty companies make their money. If you drive a Lexus, and you have a couple grand you want to put towards a warranty, put it in a savings account first. They are pretty reliable cars, I'm willing to bet you don't spend $2300 in repairs in the five year limit you would have with some extended warranty. And when you do need repairs. Ask the service consultant upselling you a lot of questions, figure out the math. Ask them what the book time is on the repair, thier hourly labor rate, individual parts prices, and make sure they aren't charging you over retail. When you ask a lot of questions and keep them on their toes, it keeps them honest, and you will save money. And whats up with half these threads being advertising to sell extended warranties? Brandon