OneHump

I've been doing a LOT of research and it is starting to look more and more like at least the first allocation of IS350s are stripped down to the bone. If you look at AsianGirl007's West Coast allocation numbers, there are 17 Performance/NAV models with the vast majority of the rest being 'premium plus', or Lexus speak for "stripped down to the bone".

Yeah yeah, I know, the IS350 is a great vehicle with the lowest option package, it has NAV, 18" wheels, blah blah blah. That's great, but when I spend $20 for a shirt, I usually pick the style and color I want, and not just what's on the rack.

Here is what I know:

1. Despite my early deposit, I cannot get a performance/nav on the west coast.

2. There is NO ML available anywhere in the US in the first allocation and all dealers are saying "special order only". Most dealers think they are getting it and are dumbfounded that the WC allocation doesn't include it. Then, they go off for a few hours and come back with the same answer... NO LEV.

I had shipping lined up ($1250 from East Cost to Cali) and have called all over the country, from New York to Texas to Florida (JM has 100 vehicles, right?) and no one has anything but the bare bones version.

Now to rub salt in that wound: The order lead time is now 120 days.

Now comes the choice. Do I move on to another brand or wait 120 days? That's a tough decision. What a shame for both of us that Lexus can't take my $45,000.

If you think I'm impatient, you're absolutely right. I have waited months for this vehicle with the implied promise that I would get it 10/15 and now I'm told I get to start that clock over again.

OneHump

I'd like to add to this because, instead of complaining, I'd like to find a solution.

The honest truth is that if I settle for another brand I'd be worse off than Mr. Barebones here.

What options do I have to upgrade a barebones version in the after-market? Could I lower it? Could I stiffen the suspension? I have asked this before, but how close could I come to Lev by a speaker/amp upgrade?

-----------------

Edit: Scratch that idea. I took another look at the options and there are just way too many missing.

jlin101

if you have already waited this long, what's another 3 months. It may seem like a long time now, but in relatiion to your life, it's not that bad; it will be gone before you know it. Seems like we just had Christmas; now another one is fast approaching. Chill, man. It'll be worth the wait.

GFerg

IF I were you I would wait. You already waited this long, might as well wait a little longer. Plus your getting what you really want instead of an impulse buy, by going to another brand cause Lexus didnt have what you wanted at the time you wanted it. You never know, maybe in 3-4 months you can get a better deal to. Have you thought about that?? Good things come to those who wait.

OneHump

I think that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm just really disappointed because I didnt know how the system worked and t hought that putting $1,000 deposit down 3 months ago = getting the car I want 10/15. Finding out on 10/7 that this is not the case is a bit hard to deal with.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

The wait is worth it.

And you'll actually save a little bit of time and aggravation by being able to choose what you want only once, rather than look for it from dealership to dealership. You also won't have to compromise; perhaps some accessories may not be necessary such as headlamp washers or radar cruise.

Also, some port-installed options won't be available till early next year, and you can add those to your financing. For example, the Ground Effects Kit and Dual Sports Exhausts won't be available till January, and you can have that put on by then!