Inter-dealership logistics for new cars?

If I go to a dealership for a new Toyota, and they don't have anything I'm looking for, is it a good idea to try other Toyota dealerships, or do they all have the same 'database' of new cars that are available to them? Should I expect that the dealer I've spoken with will see availability at other dealerships and contact me right away or is that my job to shop around at different dealerships to get the vehicle I want?

I guess I don't know how interconnected the logistics are between Toyota dealerships and how often a dealer will notify the customer about vehicles at other dealerships? Thanks

 

They can see what other dealers have allocated to them. Back when cars weren't hard to come by, they did swaps. But right now a lot of stores aren't moving cars because they don't have anything to swap back.

Also they're all separate franchises so one Toyota store won't help you buy a car from another

 

They're like McDonald's; they're independently owned and operated.

They can each have their own mark ups and have no obligation to trade vehicles with one another.

 

Very good to know, thanks much!

 

It depends on the region. For Toyota owned distribution which is everywhere except the Southeast and Gulf States distributors, Toyota doesn't really force dealers to swap cars. As mentioned with the current market, it is even harder. Things are different with Southeast distribution. JM wants to sell cars and really doesn't care what the dealers want. They have a much easier time swapping cars, but of course they would prefer not to so it isn't shocking for your dealer to call another about a car and to be told it is sold or they have a deposit.