Looking for a new car for the wifey...

[AMGfan]

She is jonesing for a Lexus IS350 and I have a couple of questions from you car savvy forum members...

1. Looking for a 2007 model year. When is the best time of year to get one (i.e. when will the 2008 models come out so I can take advantage of 2007 inventory surplus.)
2. What time of the month and time of the day is the best to go to a dealership to strike a deal?

[Fisherdude]

This may not be exactly the answer you're looking for...

An acquaintance of mine, who along with you and I owns cars in this price range, said: "I'll never buy another brand new car.". I agree. Buying a 1-3 year old car gives you the best of both worlds, it's barely broken in, since it's a nice car it's probably been well taken care of, and the previous owner took that horrible first two year depreciation in the shorts, not you.

I agreed. When I get the itch for something new, I'm going to be looking at cars from 1-3 years old.

As far as your original question, while you do get (usually) a better deal when the new models come out because they want to move last year's inventory, there's a hidden cost. The instant after you sign the purchase contract, you now own a one year old used car, and the value of your car just dropped $8 grand before you drove it off the lot. Might as well get the 2008. It'll still be used after you start the engine, but at least it's this year's model.

Best time of the month is last few days because the sales reps will be trying to make their quota for the month, and if they're behind, they might be a little more aggressive in pricing.

Best advice, really, is to buy the car you (or your wife) likes the best, make the best deal you can, and don't let second-guessing or other symptoms of buyer's remorse take any fun out of it.

New cars are always a blast!

Edit: Just as a thought, the last car I bought was at my local CarMax, and it changed my view of used car buying forever. The whole process was smooth, easy, zero pressure, and the only way I'll ever buy again. I don't know where you live in Florida, but here's an example:

http://carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/fact...spx?id=4056482

[Billbill13]

This may not be exactly the answer you're looking for...

Also bought a car from Carmax this past December, the enitre process was great really changed my thougths on used cars and buying them. Will probably never buy new again...That is until I get my next promotion and I can get my Maserati Quatroporte!

[Klew]

why is she jonesing for an IS350? looks? her friend has one and thinks it's cute? my wife has a thing for BMWs so she's on her 2nd, and I got sucked in too so I bought one also, then quickly sold it (I'm a truck guy).

I agree with the others on buying used. I bought a year old 7-series and saved about $20k then sold it for about $500 less than what I paid. all while it was still under full service warranty. My wife keeps cars til they are dead (10 years +) so it makes sense to buy new for her (take advantage os %APR), but I usually tend to switch every year or two, so buying used is what is best for me. If your wife's taste in cars changes frequently I would buy a used IS350, but don't count out a used BMW 3, 5-series, or even the Audis, they are nice also.

[Guest]

Best thing to do is contact an auto broker. They can find these 1-2 years old and save you 15-20K over buying new. My neighbor is a broker and can possibly find you one, depending on where you are located.
You can call me at 604-921-1331 if you want to know more.
Colin

[AMGfan]

Best thing to do is contact an auto broker. They can find these 1-2 years old and save you 15-20K over buying new. My neighbor is a broker and can possibly find you one, depending on where you are located.

My wife is like yours and drives a car till it dies...However, I'm going to get a 07 MY later early fall before the 08 MY comes out. Lexus has a display of cars in our local upscale mall in Tampa (International Mall) and she sat in the IS350 and it locked the deal for her...

PS sorry I attached wrong quote, but I appreciate advice.

[i-Guy]

My wife is like yours and drives a car till it dies...However, I'm going to get a 07 MY later early fall before the 08 MY comes out. Lexus has a display of cars in our local upscale mall in Tampa (International Mall) and she sat in the IS350 and it locked the deal for her...

AMGfan,

PM me because a very good friend of mine is the GM at Lexus of Tampa Bay. We recently bought my wife an IS250 from him and I guarntee he will work a deal for you. i-Guy