Is this model hard to get?

So... I choose all the features. Not the dealer. We sat down on the computer, went through all the options that I wanted and 4 months later my truck arrived the way I wanted it. It didnt just show up on the dealer lot in the exact way I selected it.

 

That's not what I said, you're still looking at it skewed, you did not submit a build just for you. You told the dealer what you wanted, they then allocated a truck that was already spec'd to be built that way to them or they did a "special allocation request" if it was not a config for that region. They did not send a build sheet to the factory to say, build this for us for this customer.

 

Can confirm Toyota does not build to specs per customer order.

 

This is correct. Toyota or Lexus doesn't do special orders. Period. You think you're ordering one, but in reality, you're taking one from the shelf that's to be built or in the process.

 

Yes. Very annoying and creates a shit ton of confusion depending on what your salesperson/dealer is telling you. They may or may not explain. Or they just make up whatever they wanna say to you. Lol.

 

Those who "order" their trucks are lucky. Here in SoCal, it's impossible - it's whatever in their lot or dealer trade.

Can't really negotiate much on dealer trade since dealer is paying some "premium" to trade its truck with someone else's. Just like OP, I am trying to TRD OR DCSB w/ Advance Package and LED package with no luck. The closes one you can find is in Oregon with white exterior, which isn't the color I want. Hopefully, trucks with the packages I want start popping up in my area.

 

They make it complicated because they think they know better than us. It’s really just arrogance. They pick the SKU’s they want to build and sell, take it or leave it.

 

Good luck guys. If a dealer really wants a sale they will negotiate as normal even on a potential dealer trade situation. Just see if they can locate a truck with the specs you want and go from there as if it were on the lot. Of course make it contingent upon satisfactory test drive and customer inspection. Good luck!

 

Good conversation here...think a lot of folks are learning how these things work within the Toyota framework. Which in the end is empowering the consumer!!

I think this is all in semantics. If I can't get the truck I want within 6 surrounding states without a "special allocation request" and have to wait 3-4 months to get it, then in my mind that constitutes a "special order". The process may be different behind the scenes between manufacturers, but the result is the same....I spec the truck I want...I wait 3-4 months...I get the truck I "ordered."

 

You get a SKU they decide to build long before you even thought of it.

If you could truly special order, I could order a 4x4 SR5 with a moonroof. But you can’t, because they won’t.

 

This, last truck was on and off with a few dealers for a few months, inventory dwindled and the dealer with the best deal ended up getting the truck from the other dealer no issues or premium. They often work with each other, as later down the road they may need to ask for the same.

 

This is 100% correct. Just went through all this.

 

This.

 

If I had to get a new truck, I'd have to go to Canada to get exactly what I wanted, then try to get it across the border. Sad really.

 

That is why I kept backing off when I was looking to trade my auto for a 6spd.

The dealers would only bring one in, if I committed to sale beforehand. I laughed...

 

Agreed.

Again..this is all semantics on the term "special order." In Dec of 2016, I ordered a 2017 Ford F450 and went through every available option and picked what I wanted...but there were limitations on configurations. For instance...if I had wanted a base XL model with a sunroof and LED headlights...that combination was not allowed to be built. So, by your definition and example....NO vehicle from ANY manufacturer can be "special ordered" because there will always be limitations by the manufacturer at some level. Of course, we are not talking about one-off custom builds from a specialty shop here or high-end supercars. (because somebody would bring that up )