New Car (Lexus RX350) Negotiation

amorphous2111 on 21/03/2023 - 13:20
Last edited 21/03/2023 - 16:14 by 1 other user

Hi all,

So I was dropping my RX for servicing and happened to have a chat with a sale consultant about the wait time. It turned out that they have plenty of stuffs coming in the next few weeks. It seems like the shortage is over or many people changed their mind.

I am tempted to make a move on the new RX but wonder if there is any bargain possible from the list price given that the stock level seems to come back to normal? 2, 5 or 10%? I never bought a brand new car in my life so has absolutely no idea how much I could expect. What about negotiating at Lexus before the Covid?

Also is it possible to pay with multiple credit cards for a new car at dealership? It could be a few hundreds thousand points for a new car like the RX 350.

Thank you.

Automotive Lexus RX

Comments

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 21/03/2023 - 13:40
    +3

    Little stock + many buyers -> no discount
    Stock supply = buyers -> minimal to no discount
    Overstocked + few buyers -> discount possible, depends on sellers cash flow etc.
    So where do you think the current car market sits?

    • amorphous2111 on 21/03/2023 - 13:46

      Yeah it is why I am asking here. Just about 6 months ago Lexus dealer told me I should be looking at 18-24 months wait time for a NX Hybrid. And now they seem to have quite a list of the new RX hybrids coming in… which makes me think the tide has changed, and discount might be possible.

      • localhost on 21/03/2023 - 14:11
        +11

        Don't ask here, ask the dealer.

      • Gunnar on 21/03/2023 - 16:26

        pretty sure their NX is their most popular model so it wouldn’t surprise me if it is still not available

        Back in 2013 I bought two of them. I managed to get a RX350 (base model ex demo, 5000km) for $65k. That was a real hint getting it that low and it was because it was a rare trim combo (tan seats which was not a standard colour from Lexus at the same time)

        Same year I got an IS350 f sport for $60k as well (brand new, in run out)

        Still have both cars, they’re fantastic if a little boring. Better than the cars is Lexus’ after sales support

        Good luck getting anywhere near those discounts from Lexus these days. Their RRP at the time for the spec levels were both around $85k give or take

        Credit cards, yeah they probably will, ask them

        • amorphous2111 on 21/03/2023 - 17:50

          Thanks, yeah I agree they are a little boring but fantastic cars as for reliablity and comform, service is reasonable too.

    • HeWhoKnows on 22/03/2023 - 10:41

      Probably best to wait a few months.
      If economy does sink as some are suggesting dealers will be stuck with new cars

  • Drakesy on 21/03/2023 - 13:48
    +1

    It turned out that they have plenty of stuffs coming in the next few weeks

    Not what i had in mind as the typical Lexus customer.
    I know that Haval in my state is overstocked (the port is being used to hold their excess stock until they find another warehouse methinks.)
    The market is slowing in line with the impending recession.

    Toyota is still cooked though and i'd imagine lexus is similarly popular. Although the fact that Genesis is putting out decent cars now might be where Lexus is losing its market share.

    The Chinese cars have shown that you don't need to spend $100k on a luxury car to get luxury features and i think the badges are quickly becomming a thing of the past.
    Why buy expensive unreliable luxury when you can have cheap relatively reliable luxury.

    • amorphous2111 on 21/03/2023 - 17:48

      I thought the same thing so it came as a surprise as the RX seems to be quite easy to get in almost no wait time. This color that trim, with or without enhancement packs… the sale consultant has a long list with multiple options.

      Anyway I’ll ask when I test drive the new Rx. It is a fantastic car to me.

  • singlemalt72 on 21/03/2023 - 13:55

    You could look into using a car brokerage service - they tend to be able to negotiate lower prices for a fee.

    Never used one myself, but both National Car Brokers and Onlineauto.com.au have excellent reviews on ProductReview

    • JIMB0 on 21/03/2023 - 15:39
      +1

      Glad you didn't mention any obnoxious experts.

      • singlemalt72 on 21/03/2023 - 17:07

        That tool isn't even a broker - he uses other brokers and jacks up the fee.

  • jv on 21/03/2023 - 14:07
    +2

    Prior to covid, my rule of thumb was 15% off the listed price.

    Also, no dealer delivery fee !!!

    • pegaxs on 21/03/2023 - 16:00

      So, you got told no and got laughed at a lot then I take it…

      • jv on 21/03/2023 - 16:18

        Nope, worked for my last 2 cars.

        Told them I don't want to waste their time. That was my offer, take it or leave it.
        Took them a few minutes to come back and accept.
        They still made a profit with minimal effort.

        • amorphous2111 on 21/03/2023 - 17:50

          May I ask what brands were they?

  • dasher86 on 21/03/2023 - 14:14

    You can find stock of most of the top spec models for KIA and Hyundai as they are not much in demand.

    Probably the same for Lexus given the $$$.

    • kerfuffle on 21/03/2023 - 14:17
      +2

      i20N begs to differ

    • ChrisLevo on 21/03/2023 - 14:59
      +1

      Try to get a Seltos GT-Line "in stock" anywhere.

      They are somewhat in demand - look at the Seltos forums about people prepared to wait for ages for theirs.

      • JimB on 21/03/2023 - 15:46

        or a Sportage GT Line.

        Delays due to parts shortage, ATM it's the premium sound system that is missing and they won't be shipping cars without features.

      • rjb on 21/03/2023 - 16:22

        I have been looking for one in VIC, apparently none in Vic but a few in WA and NSW.

  • boomramada on 21/03/2023 - 14:38

    happened to have a chat with a sale consultant about the wait time. It turned out that they have plenty of stuffs coming in the next few weeks. It seems like the shortage is over or many people changed their mind.

    I like this kind of conversation, if the dealer says, "lots of new stock coming", I would ask, "so those new stocks come with a good deal for returning customers?" ;)

    • amorphous2111 on 21/03/2023 - 17:59

      Yeah I was not up to that part yet. Just drop my car for servicing and asked to book a test drive with the new RX Hybrid… and to my surprise the sale guy has quite a long list of new Rx coming in just a few weeks.

      Maybe many has cancelled or can’t get finance in the rate and living cost environment, just my guess.

  • Seraphin7 on 21/03/2023 - 14:49
    -1

    Do you actually want to buy the car at somewhere between $x and $RRP?

    If so, it's the usual, "I like the car, but I'd only be happy spending $x" … the little dance will then occur where you give a bit, they give a bit, until one of you either jumps to the other's price or it's decided not to continue the conversation any further.

    No one here has a "15% off Lexus coupon".

    • MS Paint on 21/03/2023 - 14:57

      No one here has a "15% off Lexus coupon".

      I reckon @spackbace would have access

      • Seraphin7 on 21/03/2023 - 15:04

        I'd be interested to know. Possibly the only one.

        @spackbace … can you post the coupon code please?

        • localhost on 21/03/2023 - 20:19
          +1

          15%OFFLEXUS_DELIVERY2035 - enjoy :)

  • oscargamer on 21/03/2023 - 15:14

    You won't pay for a car on credit cards. Or if you do, the dealer will charge you between 1.5 to 3% for the privilege

    • kerfuffle on 21/03/2023 - 15:21

      You can pay for the deposit, and probably a few thousand, but that's it.

      Source: paid $3K (inclusive of deposit) on my credit card for my new car that I took delivery of last month

    • Some Guy on 21/03/2023 - 17:14

      I paid about $30k, in batches of $5k over a few weeks, on AmEx for my $60k car. No surcharge.

  • datafellows on 21/03/2023 - 15:20

    I was looking GS models few months back and noticed that the RRP for the car was cheaper few years ago.

    Quick Google search: 2021 RX started from $73,136 before on-road costs for the base RX300 Luxury FWD. The new 2023 Lexus RX range will be priced from $87,500 plus on-road costs.

    • JimB on 21/03/2023 - 15:48
      +1

      That pretty much is very car.

      Even 6 months ago the RRP was cheaper for the vast majority of cars.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 21/03/2023 - 15:33
    +2

    Credit card…lol

  • Euphemistic on 21/03/2023 - 21:29

    Ideally you go into the dealer, they give you a price. You give them a low offer which they decline and you meet somewhere between low offer and RRP. It will suck when they accept your low offer without blinking because it means you weren’t low enough, so go a bit lower than what you think is acceptable.

  • Barrj46 on 22/03/2023 - 19:49

    Contact Motor Scout and have them source quotes for you for the car that you are after. They get fleet pricing and saved me $3500+ on a new CX-5 during the shortages of supply.

  • amorphous2111 on 25/03/2023 - 19:43

    Did a drive test and did not like the new engine at all, I think it is too weak for this car or maybe because I am too used to the V6 engine.

    The sale consultant did say that he is willing to do more on the price, looks like the new RX will have a hard time to sell. I kind of decided my next car would be another RX and after a text drive I am certain it will not.

    • Euphemistic on 25/03/2023 - 21:35
      +1

      So you were all keen on buying and asking about discounts and buying on credit card - before you drove it?

  • Hackney on 26/03/2023 - 06:23
    +1

    Have you thought about a 2nd hand Camry?

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