I've been waiting to get my hands on a 2010 RX450h at the dealer but there never are any on the lot. The dealer tells me they are in such demand that they sell as fast as they come in.

Then today I was exchanging emails with him about the availability of an AWD model fully equipped and he sent me a list of the vehicles that were "available". It turns out that they are only available to customers that plunk down a deposit. Easy to see how they sell as fast as they come in, they don't come in until there is a buyer.

Is this pretty much the case elsewhere? I'm in NE Arkansas and will use either the Memphis dealer or possibly Little Rock.

 

You may get lucky and find one, but don't believe for a moment there's a phantom lot with 450h's stored there. The majority are sold before arrival, they are that popular.A deposit will do for you what it's done for others. Get you one. Many are special ordered. Some are allocated. The dealer uses the deposits to get one of those locked down for customers (you) before they even arrive. If you want one, give a deposit. You can always get it back if you don't like the car.

 

My dealer had several when I was there today. I don't know how many were sold though.

Tell the dealer what you want and plunk down a deposit like Jim said. They will reserve one for you out of an incoming/future allotment or try to find one for you. They come in frequently enough, at least at my dealer. Good luck.

 

Thanks all,

That's most likely what I will do next week. A GM dealer is offering me a loaded Yukon hybrid black/black for $46.5k and my family thinks I should get that one as there would be less compromise on space at nearly $10k less. There's some concern that the Lexus will be too small and investing the difference would buy fuel for the life of the vehicle since I only drive about 7k miles/yr. I have a 16 yo Suburban that I could retire if I get the Yukon.

Personally, I think the Lexus is the better vehicle and I'm sure you'd agree.

 

I do think the Lexus is better. However, if you do get the Yukon hybrid keep us apprised of the real world fuel economy if you should have the time. I am dying to know.

If I can make one suggestion. This is the time of year when Lexus is trying to reduce their inventory and make room. Thus, if you can find an RXh on a lot, you should be able to work a deal on it.

 

According to Edmunds, I have to widen my search radius to 200 miles before I find any 2010 RX450h's in inventory. There's a red/parchment that probably meets my specs since the price is $55,169. So I could drive 200 miles and bring home that one or I can plunk down the deposit and wait a few weeks and get a black/black similarly equipped. I think the only difference is probably the remote engine start and that's not essential to me although I would not reject a car that had it.

I think today will see the sale of my '03 ES300 that belonged to my Dad. With only 32k miles it runs like new and is a steal at KBB $12.5k. Its departure will leave me with an '03 Mini Cooper S and the Suburban. I can survive with that until I get the replacement.

On Monday, I may go test drive the Yukon and if I don't buy it, I'll go make the deposit on the RX. The only thing I have against the Yukon is that I just didn't want to get back into that size category for a daily driver even at 7k miles/yr. If I get the RX, then I'll keep the Suburban around for truck duty.

One other factor, some friends think buying off-the-boat is the most un-American thing one can do. I've been saying that Lexus is built in America, (but not this one - shhhh!).

I've never paid even close to this much for a car in my life but this may be the only time. For me, it's an agonizing decision.

Hmmm, sig comes out ****, maybe I should change my name to Duck.

 

Considering my reluctance, I think the reason for it is that I'm just a hands-on kind of guy when it comes to cars. I'm afraid to commit to an unseen SUV, even a Lexus. What also scares me is that I might like the Yukon especially since the Lexus is not touchable. But I want the Lexus, but it might be too small.