spwolf

I just checked MB USA custom ordering for S550... its pretty much the same thing 2-3 packages, and then 3-4 options. Of course, things like Keyless GO (aka Smart Entry) are in package... lol.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

it is, and what are you trying to imply? i don't get it. it's just a special order car, and i would assume if you order that, you can probably drop some options if you want

Gojirra99

It's not the same for MB, yes they have a few packages, but you don't have to take them, you can still combine the vast majority of the individual options any way you want . . .

spwolf

there were like 5 options on that car total. But advantage of Lexus system is that you dont have to pay for smart entry, in $90 car.

JessePS

I know how you feel. Same thing happened when I got the GX470. I wanted the Nav system only, but only way to get that would have to get the LCD screen for the rear passengers.

It would be nicer if Lexus let people choose which options they wanted. One thing I hate the packages that you have to choose the ML sound system. It should just come with the car, just add it to the price.

Big Jimm

It seems to me that Lexus is probably handling their ordering about as good as can be done .. in their best interest and, maybe - after all - in our's, too.

If I were a car manufacturer, and knew that the first batch of cars were hot in demand, I’d load all the first ones nearly alike, with about all options. Being alike means faster production. (Colors could vary without any slowdown.)

Faster production means dealers get more cars, quicker.

We all love to “individualize” our orders. But, if I wanted one of the first cars - which I do - and could get it quick .. I’d take a car that had a few more options than I wanted, rather than wait 3 months for production/sales to normalize.

In fairness to manufacturers .. in the crazy beginning rush, they try - and need - to get as many cars sold as quickly as possible. Sales pay their bills.

Bottom line .. the trade off for “individualizing” an order is “waiting time.” As frustrating as it is, I doubt that this will change.

Big Jimm
So. Fla.

Tekknikal

wow i didnt think Lexus would operate in that fashion, I would have assumed that they would be willing to cater to customers on an individual basis.

someone already commented on bmw.
at infiniti, dealerships always order cars and infiniti has recommended configs. if a customer wants a custom config, its no problem because the dealer has to decide what they want anyway. obviously any really unique config that would be hard to sell would require non refundable deposit..