I'm interested in a 450h but my dealer only gets a dribble and most are sold before or as soon as they arrive. So I want to explore ordering one to my specifications. Not sure what that's called, it seems that "build to order" in Lexus-ese means choosing from a set of pre-packaged option choices that vary by region. I asked my dealer about specing one and he mentioned a 12-16 week lead time, which is fine.

Now, what can I expect in terms of my choices? Is every published feature really available this way (for example the ML 15-speaker sound system, Pre-Collision Sensors)? Will I still be looking at option packages?

And I suppose I won't have much wiggle room on pricing. Can someone who's gone this route comment?

 

Here in Western MI, I was advised that I would have to wait at 90-120 days for a 450h custom speced; or I could wait 4 to 6 weeks for a 450h with most of the premium packages, bringing the MSRP of the vehicle to around $54K. I choose the latter because I would like the vehicle sooner rather than later (my 2000 300RX has a little over 100K and I don't want to tempt fate over the upcoming Fall and Winter). And you are correct, not much wiggle room on pricing. This is a very popular model, and my dealer was in no mood to give me more than a $1500 discount. So, I sucked it up and ordered a 450H in the Matador Red (I think its called) on 7/31. No word on an arrival date as yet.

 

HowardOR, also in OR?

Maybe you can check with him since he's done the order on 450h.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hyb...headlamps.html

 

Also, price varies from areas to areas.

IMHO. The closer to the North and West more expensive it is.

 

You can definately special order it with anything/everything you want in the brochure. Wait time is usually anywhere from 3-6 months. You probably wont have to put a deposit down, or pay anything when you order it until it comes. Haggling for the best price depends on when the car arrives. Lets say you order it now and it comes in December, then you would have a much better time getting a good price because of the December to Remember Lexus Event, and also because they want to sell as many cars as possible before the new year.

 

Plus, remember that they are not doing any Lexus incentives on these cars yet. This could change by the time December rolls around. What I love is that this car is selling like hotcakes!!! Hopefully that means more hybrids and more options in the future.