On May 23, 2008, my salesman and I agreed on an order for a 2009 GS hybrid--options, and price (relative to MSRP), and color and everything. The salesman agreed to give me a copy of the order when it was given to Lexus. I have YET to receive a copy of the order. The salesman says that the regional go-between coordinating orders hates special orders and stalls, stalls, stalls.

Back in May, the salesman told me that special orders would be accepted in July. At the end of July he said, "Late August." It still hasn't happened.

Do I have a right to be mad?

It seems to me that the easiest thing in the world for a car dealer to do is place an order for a car. Silly me.

 

I think you need to find a new dealer! I wouldnt be happy either and maybe get in touch with the regional Lexus Rep and see what He/She can do to get this taken care of for you.

 

I would like to get in touch with a regional Lexus person. Any telephone numbers I can start with?

 

I am also planning on placing a special order for the 450h, and my auto broker told me I can place the order once the Lexus dealer has the new 2009 prices. This would be mid-late September. I sent an email to my broker last Friday, I'm hoping to hear an answer from him tomorrow.

 

Stormforge, please post the details of your communications with your broker. And what do you mean by broker? (Excuse my ignorance.) Is this the salesman within your dealership?

 

Because I'm a Canadian, I cannot buy a US spec vehicle directly from Lexus. US Lexus dealerships are not allowed to sell new cars to Canadians. To circumvent this idiotic restriction (which is in contravention of the US-Canada Free Trade Agreement btw), I am planning on purchasing my 450h through a US auto broker. My broker will buy the vehicle on my behalf, and sell it to me "2nd hand" used vehicle (I pay the full price unfortunately).

This is taken directly from the email he sent me:

Patrick, just got off the phone from the Lexus Dealer and they said they won't have pricing available on 09 vehicles until about the middle of September. He also indicted if we placed a Factory in September the vehicle would not probably arrive until the end of January.

Let me know how you would like to proceed.

We know for a fact that the 2009 GS models won't be available until sometimes in October 2008. If we extrapolate from what my broker told me, mid to late September would be when pricing for 2009 GS models will be out, and hence when you can place a factory order.

I'll post back when I have anything new to report.

 

I recommend patience. Once the 2009 prices are out, your Lexus dealer will be more than happy to take your deposit. My local Lexus dealer here in BC told me that they won't take advance orders due to some screwy red tape at Toyota HQ. They can submit a factory order for a 2009, but if done too early, the dealer has to resubmit it again. Apparently lots of grief at the dealership end. So that's the reason why you've been given the run around (instead of telling you upfront that they don't want the grief).

 

OK, Stormforge, I'll go with your recommendation. Let me know when YOU get itchy... LOL

 

Today, Sept 16, my salesman called me and faxed me an order (which looked official) with contained all my colors and options. It looks like this is finally going to be submitted to Lexus and turn into a bonifide order! Yay! Now to wait for 3 months for the car to arrive...

 

Patience is a virtue (told you so! ). I'm not sure what packages or options you are planning on getting, but I was told late Jan/09 would be the earliest delivery for me. Are you sure its 3 months? 3 months would put it smack into Dec/08.

On the flip side, my broker told me this 2 hrs ago:

Patrick, sorry for the late response. I was out of the office both Friday & Monday. I have not received any 09 pricing yet on the GS450h but I've been told it could be any day now. I've asked my Lexus Dealer to contact me as soon as he knows.

So it looks like you got your order in before me! No matter, I should hear from my broker by the end of this week.

 

Would you mind sharing the price or discount off MSRP?