45 Votes

What dealership cost $75 million to build?

Agent001 submitted on 11/29/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:27:23 PM

91 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: | SOURCE: www.ft.com

The dealership, owned by Lexus franchisees David Wilson and A.

J. D'Amato, opened last year and cost $75m to build. Its landscaping includes a $75,000 Senegal date palm, visible from Newport Beach's busiest intersection. "We didn't buy it because it was expensive - we bought it because it was an eye-catcher," says Alan Moznett, the dealership's general manager. When people see it, he says, it "brings their eye up" to the showroom's turret and Lexus logo.

Read Article

What dealership cost $75 million to build?

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

Make no mistake Lexus buyers: YOU are paying for their principal, interest and their return on investment every time you buy a glorified Toyota.
— cRacKhEaDaLLeY (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:00:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

"Lexus has money to waste...."

I think you summarized the point of a $75 million car dealership.
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 4:30:10 PM | | Votes: 11

BMW and Merc don't have to spend that much on a dealership. Lexus continues the trend of being a "new money" brand. All flash to woo the public. I could care less about the dealership experience. Its the open road I care about. I'd love to see the ROI analysis for the $75mm investment. And moron, the dealer that invested the $75mm doesn't generate "14,000,000,000 in Revenues"...
— vman1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 7:12:24 PM | | Votes: 6

"HA HA Have you been inside a BMW lately? The fit and finish can't hold a candle to Lexus.."

Yes, I traded in our RX for a new X5 on Monday. And let me tell you, the X5 is SO MUCH NICER. Leather EVERYWHERE, gorgeous REAL wood trim (fake stuff around the Lexus's shifter is not inviting), REAL aluminum trim (spray-painted plastic in the RX!), and the softest Napa leather seats my behind has ever had the honor of being in.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 9:18:51 PM | | Votes: 11

houstoncutie2000, you should come here to OC and see the BMW and Mercedes dealers, they're gigantic and bigger than Newport Beach Lexus.

One reason the Lexus dealership cost so much is because the land in Newport is mega-expensive.

In fact, a typical lot to build a home on the ocean is 5 to 20 million dollars for one house.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 10:04:09 PM | | Votes: 6

"Lexus has money to waste...."

No incorrect. Lexus franchisees David Wilson and A.J. D'Amato have money to waste.
— soopakrn (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2007 10:49:50 PM | | Votes: 2

"What good is the leather in the X5 if it's only lasts 6 months? with cracks all in it? And the aluminum trim thats all over the place when it's faded after 9 months? The Napa is not so soft when all of is gone after been taking with the passenegers bit by bit on there butts....."

Is this supposed to be a joke?

Because Toyota/Lexus are known for their incredibly weak leather. The 1998 RX300 we owned had a driver's seat that was comparable to the wrinkles on a 100 year old woman by the time we traded it in. Napa leather is quite durable, on the other hand. I have it in my S4, and it still looks new, after nearly three years. The X5's may be even nicer.

Your aluminum trim "argument" sounds like an excuse. If you've ever owned a car with aluminum--and NOT "chrome" (or shiny spray-painted plastic that looks like chrome and not aluminum)--you would know that it never "rubs off." The X5 will look, feel and drive like new through the duration of its stay with us.

Minor niggles include the poor backup camera quality, and the fact that you can't ever turn the park distance control fully off; it's incredibly annoying. I might take it to the dealer soon to see if it can be disabled.

Otherwise, it drives like a dream. The interior is right up there with the Range Rover's when it's ordered with the proper options. It looks stunning; I would buy a 4.8i over a 3.0si if not for its performance, but for its titanium grille alone. LOL. It's also very practical. My wife got through Chicago's first real snow today without a problem. The rear seat is quite spacious, with heated outboard rears, heated steering wheel and rear climate control, none of which the Lexus has. They are all appreciated.

I am looking forward to the coming years with this car, and its future companions in our garage.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2007 1:08:35 AM | | Votes: 1

Lexus is still BROKE.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:00:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

They could buy Mercedes and BMW cash.
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:57:18 PM | | Votes: -10

I am talking about the automobile. Plus, I just got back from Beverly Hills, and that's influencing my opinion of the brokeness of Lexus as well...
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:59:51 PM | | Votes: 4

I agree, they're not broke. But they're wasting money on racing.
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 4:57:15 PM | | Votes: 4

Lexus could buy BMW/Merc? Lexus is a mere division of a company called toyota. I'll pretend I didn't hear such a idiotic/farce comment.

They may spend the most money on racing, but the results sure are not showing.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 5:37:37 PM | | Votes: 6

"How is Lexus broke when they spend more money in racing than any other automobile?"

That's sad. Everyone else is winning. But no matter how much money Lexus pours into racing, they can't win any important series.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 9:20:14 PM | | Votes: 5

Lexus the car numbskulls, not Lexus the company/brand.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2007 12:26:19 AM | | Votes: 4

WCOTY changes every year. The Audi A6 won in 2005 and the BMW 3 Series, in 2006. It's impressive, but it only lasts for a year. Racing triumphs are forever.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2007 1:10:43 AM | | Votes: 1

this is a great dealership... but a rip off

go to Tustin Lexus for a much cheaper oil change
go to Cerritos Lexus for a much cheaper brake replacement
— indifferent (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:01:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

They OWN Tustin Lexus!

LOL

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 3:22:44 PM | | Votes: 6

hahah, i didnt know that... all i know is its cheaper
— indifferent (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 3:23:30 PM | | Votes: 3

do you think there will be a problem doing so?

the RX and ES have always met sales expectations and is pretty much a guaranteed product for profit
— r15mohd (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:19:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

carguy:

bingo. lexus buyers PAY for that fancy dealership every time they get a whopping service bill...
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:21:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

how did you pull that off? I just got my IS250 serviced and have now come to the conclusion that i can not afford another lexus. I have been dropping $75 an oil change every 5000 miles, the car is considered a high performance car so i needed to change the brakes AND roters costing me $650, the tires are almost a grand, and the 15,000/30,000 mile services cost around $200. To top it off, my V6 Accord Coupe performs better than the car. On the other hand, my dads SLK350 needs a service every 12,500 miles, performs better, and only cost around $100 to service, not to mention free carwashes :). BMWs might be the better bet, atleast they cover services.
— indifferent (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 3:22:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

CarGuy, BMW gives you free maintenance. I bought our new X5 (a.k.a. not leased), and they have a "Red Carpet Service" where, if the car ever needs to be taken in, I just leave it in the driveway, and there will be a 3 Series sitting in its place at the appointed hour. If that's not incredible service I don't know what is.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 9:22:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Carguy 1 -

1st off - BMW's have one of the highest resale values in several classes of cars including those competiting with Lexuses and other luxury brands.

Secondly - Why on earth would you buy a depreciating asset???? Unless you drive a car until it doesn't run anymore 20 years later, you should never buy. Majority of cars over $50K are leased by affluent educated people.
"Thats right, MOST people lease bimmers cuz nobody is crazy enough to buy them. Poor reliability and resale value. Also leasing is the only way most people can
"afford" them -an its maintenance- and show to the world they own a BMW even if its only an entry level 3-series"
— labelexec (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 11:14:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I second Tustin Lexus, but if you must go to Newport Beach to buy your ES350 then remember to buy The Portabello Estate in Corona Del Mar for a mere $75,000,000.00

~Property Brochure~

http://www.mcmoniglegroup.com/pdf/The%20Portabello%20Estate%20Brochure.pdf
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:18:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I think the most ridiculous part of that place is the automotive museum, but it's also very ugly from the outside.

Are you John McMonigle? LOL.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 9:26:05 PM | | Votes: 3

The entire home is a masterpiece.

There is not one straight wall on the exterior of the home and it takes up 3 ocean front lots in Corona Del Mar which is right next to Balboa Island, Lido Island and Newport Beach and it has 30,000 square feet and the exterior was inspired by the Portobello mushroom and the interior is inspired by the nautilus.

Most all the furniture is custom made for each room and is included with the home.

The owner of the home is Frank Pritt.

Read more about him here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Pritt

Just to see this home you must prove you are worth 100 million dollars and earn 10 million per month.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 11:11:56 PM | | Votes: -1

Here's the Virtual Tour of the home with video from an airplane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15xGyPtW8e0
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 11:18:47 PM | | Votes: 0

Where do you sleep? Or make food? The brochure has nothing about actually LIVING in the house. I didn't see it in your ~property brochure~, but is this house designed for robots?
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 11:31:25 PM | | Votes: 3

Is this where the Jetsons live ?

Now I understand why they have a car museum instead of a garage. :)
— JWalkerLegrande (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2007 4:17:17 PM | | Votes: 1

Well you gotta do something to set yourself apart when your initial quality is the same as BUICK.

;-)
— Hantra (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:22:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Exactly...

AT THE TOP!
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:45:33 PM | | Votes: 2

Buick is much than any german POS.
— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:58:50 PM | | Votes: 1

"Buick is much than any german POS."

Yeah, well said....
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 4:33:04 PM | | Votes: 2

Cool dealership, no matter what car they happen to be selling.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 1:54:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

first of all, you bought an is250 ! not a high performance car..whoever told you that lied to u. i have about 20,000 miles in my is350 and my brakes are fine. you sound more like an advertisement for bmw than a real idiot. everyone knows that bmw offers free service, and i think you did too. how could you afford to buy ANY of these cars yet you cant afford a couple hundred dollars per service??? lmao..dont you put fuel in your vehicles??? maybe you should google mpg and compare benz to lexus and see which one saves you more money
— stash84 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2007 12:17:43 PM | | Votes: 1

maybe they should spend less on fancy dealerships and more on product development...
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:15:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Fancy dealerships are a red flag for me -- it means too much work to get my customary dealer-cost-plus deal. I'd rather auto makers sold their cars directly to retail customers over the Internet and let the retail customer designate the delivering dealer who works on a small fully disclosed commission.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:52:28 PM | | Votes: 4

Thats because you are a cheap bastard. These people buy an experience as well as a top notch car. They give you the treatment the Four Seasons would do.

You on the other hand, would stay in the Holiday Inn-- you have no concept of paying for a premium service.
— Qwazywabbit (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 5:18:44 PM | | Votes: -3

Qwazywabbit, I am ultra cheap. I spend the minimum and save the maximum whenever I can. As for hotels, before I retired, I used to stay at places like Marina del Ray and simply put it on my expense account. Otherwise, I look for a real deal like the Best Western on the river in Idaho Falls which is on par with any premium motel in America at a very competitive price. When I travel now (mostly by car), I plan my trip so as to visit friends and relatives along the way and avoid hotel/motel costs altogether. Unlike you, I will never pay for an experience -- I will only pay for tangible goods or a service that I need.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 6:27:29 PM | | Votes: 3

Also on Jamboree Blvd in Newport Beach is an incredible Mercedes Benz dealer call Fletcher Jones Motorcars.

http://www.fjmercedes.com/Default.aspx
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:19:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

In fact, this Lexus dealer, Fletcher-Jones Mercedes, the Audi Forum in Manhattan and seven others were all on the "top ten" hottest dealers on Edmunds.com.

Although, you can't actually buy a car at the Audi Forum. You just sit in the lounge area and stare at R8s.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 9:29:10 PM | | Votes: 3

Here's a photo of Fletcher Jones Motorcars in Newport Beach.

http://www.recar.com.au/images/news/nace/DSC00748.jpg
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 10:56:31 PM | | Votes: 1

Looks pretty nice. I don't like the that "tower-like structure" which serves as the main entrance. It looks too "mall-like" to me. I think the architect who designed this should have chosen a different style for the entrance.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:23:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

It has the very popular Spanish/Mediterranean look like here in Irvine and Newport Beach & Coast.

Like this home In Shady Canyon, Irvine.

http://www.irvinevillages.com/villa1.jpg
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:29:58 PM | | Votes: 0

"It has the very popular Spanish/Mediterranean look like here in Irvine and Newport Beach & Coast."

a.k.a. nouveau riche style.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 9:30:05 PM | | Votes: 3

All the new homes look like this from 2 bedroom condos to 6 bedroom single family residences.

Even the shopping centers look like that.

Here's a new shopping center a mile from my house.

http://www.shoptheirvinecompany.com/assets/images/splash/leasing_home.jpg
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 10:51:30 PM | | Votes: 3

EL34-
This isn't wikitravel, lets keep talk focused on the cars
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 11:35:19 PM | | Votes: 1

A neighbor country to us (Oman) recentley completed 10 all new delerships around the country and i read in a local magazine that the total production cost (of 10 dealerships, a 7 year project) was over USD 1.5 Billion.

I myself saw the Capital city, Muscat's Toyota Dealership and belive me i have never seen a more mega and luxurious dealership than that.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:29:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

we've gotta stop spending some much money on oil...
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 4:43:39 PM | | Votes: 4

Contrary to people's belief, dealership makes more money from service than from new vehicle sales. Ask anyone who knows. Most buyers return to the same dealership for service (don't have data of %).
— ceric (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 2:40:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

One beautiful dealership is being built by Cadillac with the rear of the building having tailights in the shape of a past fleetwood in Scottsdale, when done it is reported to be the largest and most modern Cadillac dealership in the world. Multi showrooms with Hummer and Sabb getting big play on the lot.
GM expects to have a real fight on their hands as the Penske group is right across the street and a attractive MBZ dealer is staring right down the barrel of the space age front entrance. Rolls Royce-Bentley will flank the Caddy dealer so Cadillac is hoping to be on its best behavior when this dealer opens in early 09', let the fun began.
— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 3:10:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

yes, a palace fit for the naive folks buying a glorfied toyota that provides the margins to finance dealerships like this.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2007 10:22:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

$75 mil? That doesn't seem like a lot. In San Francisco, that would get you a mini pot lot on Van Ness Ave.
— Godgore (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 4:31:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I don't know why this conversation is getting out of hand. Lexus has nothing to do with this, really. Its a franchised location, so its not TMC's money.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 5:40:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

There is a beautiful dealership in my area called Steve Foley. Although it is technically a chain, Steve Foley Cadillac/Rolls-Royce/Bentley was just redone and it looks absolutely amazing. It's all one building. The Phantom Drophead looks right at home in front.

There's also a huge Jaguar dealership, a huge Audi dealership and a Mercedes-Benz dealership with Michael Jordan's SLR McLaren kept in storage. Yes, I've seen it, and came close to touching it. I DID sit in an SLR on the main dealer floor... not my favorite supercar. In fact I'd take an S65 AMG over it.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 11/29/2007 9:33:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

wow... s65 over the slr? why, oh why, oh why???
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2007 1:51:53 AM | | Votes: 1

Doesn't the X5 feel heavier and much noticably slower than the RX 350?
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 11/30/2007 6:26:42 PM | | Votes: -2

#1. We had an RX330. 0-60 in a blistering 8 sec.

#2. X5 is heavier, yes, but it's almost unnoticeable. It simply feels more substantial. "German tank feel" when you close the doors, press the controls, etc. It's also almost two seconds quicker than the RX330. 0-60 in anywhere from 6 to 6.5 sec.

I just don't like the SLR, CLK63. Never have. Mercedes can do better.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2007 1:14:14 AM | | Votes: 1

True it is a nice dealership but they spent a fortune on land-
Fletcher Jones Mercedes on the opposite side of the street almost got their land for nothing in comparison - have much more respect for that dealerships business acumen.

BTW - this dealer owner group is under tremendous pressure to cover the cost of this mausoleum...they are not maiking the numbers they were hoping to...this is from inside sources and it is their Toyota dealership that is supporting this one - sounds like the corporate story for Lexus/Toyota -
— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2007 1:02:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

"ps. just so you know, it's not Lexus who builds the dealerships"

Bleek- if you will read the post I said "dealer owner group"

Idiot.
— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2007 11:51:51 PM | | Votes: 1

gotta do something to distract the 60 year olds from their boring cars!
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2007 10:23:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

they should add another wing to that building for a hotel. it could be a nice spot to resort if your if your out of state
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2007 12:19:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The dealership owners pay for the dealership not Lexus. So they need to have $75,000,000.00 worth of FAITH in the Lexus franchise to make that kind of investment. Lexus rewards the Dealer for this investment with additional vehicles over and above what they "earn" through the normal distribution system
— cjxx (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2007 12:45:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

reality: lexus provides its dealers with the MARGINS that allow them to build these dealerships. no matter how you slice it, toyota is paying for these behemoths.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2007 10:25:14 PM | | Votes: -1

>Gimme a break, and you think buying a MB and BMW >gives >you more car for your buck? HA HA Have you been >inside >a BMW lately? The fit and finish can't hold a >candle >to Lexus..

Then you start the engines, shift into 1st gear (can you do that in the Camry....ooops, Lexus?) and any comparison flies out the window. Drive the flippin' vehicles and you'll recognize in about 10 seconds that Lexus makes boring girly cars and that NOTHING drives like a Bimmer. Every driving mag in the world agrees, but I guess having owned so many different types of cars, your word should be final.

Moron.

— robertazimmerman (View Profile)

Posted on 12/3/2007 10:51:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Add your Comments

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters): [img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent001.myautospies.com/images/sample.jpg[/img]

Email Me When Someone Replies To My Message

What dealership cost $75 million to build?

About the Author

User Comments

Add your Comments

Submit an article

Photo Galleries

Cars

Autoshows

Latest Articles