Correction, the listed base price (MSRP) for the 2009 LS460 is $63,675.00
In addition to the "holdback," there are unit quota incentives that can amount to significant dollars to the selling dealer at the end of a given period (month, quarter, etc.). If the dealer is selling below invoice, the above motive may be in play and if he makes his quota and adds back the amount attributed to the sale of said vehicle, he will most likely still be in the black or better. Furthermore, many dealers add on fees (i.e. dealer fees, etc.) that compensate for a portion of any perceived discount. Therefore, when computing the value of the "deal," it's the bottom line that counts ... what you actually pay out of pocket when it comes time to sign the check or whatever financial vehicle you chose to employ. To be sure, it is the rare dealer who will sell at a loss, even in this market, unless it is part of a market exit strategy (i.e. going out of business, clearing out their floor plan, etc.)
I just leased a 2009 LS460 with Nav and ML stereo plus the Comfort plus package for $66k in San Diego. MSRP was around $73,000. I think I could have done a bit better but I had a trade in so I had to purchase locally.
I am VERY pleased with the car by the way. Absolutely no wind noise, amazing stereo and the nav is much improved from my GS300 (2001)! Katherine