[quote=TommyJames;2881919]I strongly believe that Lexus created the lease program to protect themselves so they don't have to compete with unhappy customers who want to unload their cars. They make it financially painful as possible to try and limit turnover.[quote]

At lease end, perhaps Lexus is planning to take a page from the General Motors EV 1 playbook; recall all the vehicles and crush them, making the two year lease participants a truely "exclusive group"?

 

I think they knew they had a dud in the market so they created all the false hype. It could be that they actually believed their own press while all other manufacturers were seeing poor sales in the US of anything $100k and up.

They initially had a two payment lease where you paid most of the car upfront, then had a final payment in two years, but the reality was that it only made the problem worse. Very few ever want to be contractually tied to something they can't walk away from in the exotic world after a short time. Owning an exotic isn't like other daily drives. The turnover is significantly higher.

Who knows what's true. If you read their own press, they said that all cars would be sold by the end of June. We're almost there. By now, we should have seen a dozen people or more in various forums talking about the arrival of their upcoming LFA. Yet, the chatter has been very low.

I'm sticking with my prediction 20-40 cars in the US, tops. It may be a great car, but it is expensive and I don't think it's in the right price segment given the numbers. Even if you compare it to what's out there now, you have to look forward at when the cars actually arrive and compare it to what's available then.

 

It'll be super rare since no one will have one.

 

Maybe all 170 U.S. cars are headed to Hertz! Makes sense, two year lease. Fly into Miami and rent your LFA for a week.

 

I have a hunch you will see them "owned" by the larger dealers in the US. I just have serious doubts that they will get 170 sold in the US market. Nothing against the car, just an observation of market conditions and their own inept marketing strategy.

 

I agree. Dealers will be given "sweetheart deals" (who knows, maybe even a deal that reflects actual value!) so that they can be parked/showcased as a brand icon in the dealership and maybe local car events.

I think 20-40 sales at $375+K is optimistic. I am sure that you could probably get $50-100k discount if you were a serious buyer on the provision you keep your mouth shut as far as what you paid for it...

 

Does anyone think its a little weird to be paying full list for a $400k Lexus? And to be obligated to the car for 2 years? And the lease idea is strange, because traditionally a limited production car like this may benefit from extremely low miles. But when you lease them you pay money towards purchasing it, but if you decide not to and have not driven it than you lose out.

 

Lets see so do you put your $100k down as a deposit on the Murcielago replacment ( Jota?) that promises to weigh in around 3300 lb and have 700 hp with an optional sequential gearbox or do you become part of the Toyota rotary loom research fund?

 

I'll go with the 3300hp Lambo...

 

LOL, thanks for seeing it.

 

Very sad news.

From: http://www.nationalledger.com/ledger...72632687.shtml

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/23/b...ing/#continued

By Marty ***
Jun 23, 2010
A tragedy for Toyota. A test driver running a new LFA Nurburgring Edition through paces in Germany has been killed in a head on crash with a BMW on a test track.

The New York Times reports Toyota's chief test driver, Hiromu Naruse, died in a head-on collision in Germany at a racetrack that automakers use to test their vehicles.

MSN News reports the 67-year-old Japanese test driver apparently collided with a test car driven by two BMW test drivers. The BMW drivers were injured, but were expected to survive.

 

How tragic R.I.P.

 

"head on" on the ring... is that hitting a spun car that is parked on the track?

 

I agree with the SUPRA looking comment.Also mnot interested in the least. Would rather have a Carrera TT, a Range Rover, and the extra $$$!

 

I was very sorry to hear the news at Lexus yesterday. We may have different brand or model preferences, but we're all car guys and I cheer on all manufacturers willing to push the exotic envelope and Lexus was doing something a little daring. Hiromu Naruse was responsible for so many milestones at Toyota, and some of the best selling cars- ever. His mark on the auto industry is huge and he will be missed for sure.