Buddy of mine is in the market for a Lexus ES350, either 2007 or 2008. I offered to help him price shop.

The configuration that he wants costs 37,400 for a 2007 model, but about 37,700 for the 2008 model. The 2008 model does not have Bluetooth included in the price (and cannot be equipped with it without adding Navigation, due to option combo changes), but the 2007 does. Other than that, the 2007 and 2008 models for the car are nearly identical.

Invoice for the 2007 model is about 33,400. On Edmunds, it appears that people are purchasing the car for about 32,500 with some negotiating. Some lucky ones have gotten it for 31,500. On the other hand, for the 2008 model, I have yet to see any postings of transactions or official invoice prices. Based on the 2007 figure, I’d assume that the invoice price for the 2008 model is a few hundred bucks higher.

I e-mailed one dealer, let's call him "Dealer A," asking him for a price on a 2008 model. He wants my phone number. I told him no, let's keep this via e-mail until we are closer to purchasing. He replies , and instead of giving me his best price, wants me to make an offer.

I’ve been taught to start low, and work my way up, so I made him an offer of 32,000. Of course it was rejected, I was expecting it. Made him a second offer of 32,500, not expecting this one to be accepted either.

I also e-mailed “Dealer B.” She sends me a price of invoice on the 2007 model, but says that she has no clue on the price of a 2008 model. Invoice on a 2007 is a mediocre offer, so I e-mailed back with a 32,000 offer.

Questions:
1) Is it worth getting a 2008 over a 2007?
2) What is a reasonable price for a 2008 at this time of the year? Do note that the 2008s are showing up on the lots this past week or two.
3) Am I doing this the right way, as far as negotiating goes? Am I making them reasonable offers? How much should I bump up each offer? I’m new to this.

Thanks in advance, and all help is appreciated.

 

Can you get to see the "fleet" sales guy through your Union, bank or Costco? It is usually the best way to go. One other word; LONGO.

 

1.) I guess when you sell the car, a 2008 should worth more than a 2007 model, so if it doesnt cost a lot more to get the 08, then get the 08.

3.) check this site, http://www.carbuyingtips.com/car4.htm gives u a lot of tips for how to negotiate the price.

 

Depends a lot if your friend plans on keeping the car for a long time or is looking to part with it in a few years. If he opts for keeping it, then go with the 2007, but if he wants a new car in a few years, the 2008 will have the better resale value.

 

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=122210

 

Thanks. Here's an update:

Dealer A rejected me 32,500 offer, and asks what was the offer made to me? Huh? Never had any 2008 offers yet. How should I respond?

Dealer B mailed me back. She didn't say she is rejecting my 32,000 offer, but said that she'd like to talk about the difference in person if I'm ready to buy. I just told her that I don't have time to drive 100 miles to meet her in person until everything is finalized.

Help???

 

More worried about the crappy 6-speed AT, actually.

 

Dealer A rejected my 33,000 offer, and said he paid 33,700 for the car and wants to make a little profit. So I said sure, and offered him 33,800. This is for a 2008, BTW.

Dealer B wants to talk to me on the phone, but didn't say no to my 32,000 offer for the 2007 one either.

???

 

you can get a brand new ES350 for 33000??? i thought they cost way more than that.

 

e-mail only, no phone or in person

 

33,800 for a 2008 ES350 from Dealer A is approved!

Now the Dealer B lady doesn't want to put the quote in writing...ugh. She said we needed to "discuss."

 

lol yea, like what others have said, keep communicating through emails. For me, I can't response quick enough on phone or in person.