Hey everyone, can someone explain the allocation process for Lexus. I did build a Lexus is350fsport in the Lexus website and told them about the configuration that I wanted.
I contacted one of my local dealerships and they said that " No Lexus dealer will be getting the car you configured, as Lexus doesn't build IS350's in the way you configured. Your request would be a special order that would have to be submitted to Lexus. That process takes anywhere from 5-8 months. Would you like me to send you a configuration of how Lexus produces IS350's?"
I thought that I just needed to contact them and they should be able to tell me if that specific built or close to it will be in their allocation. Is there another way?
I did see an IS350 F Sport in a different dealership which was 100 miles away that was supposed to be in transit, but this local dealership told me that they might be able to get that one. They sent me the spec sheet and it was the same VIN. I told them to send me an OTD price and the time frame when it will arrive at their dealership. They haven't gotten back to me. Is this too early to tell? Let me know some insights since this is my first time going through an order instead of buying from the lot.

 

That is a great question. I don't think I have heard of anyone doing special orders in recent memory, as dealers usually only have so many allocations, that are almost always used up already. If the dealer is willing to play ball, then I would be interested to see how it goes!

It may be easier to have the dealers trade cars or transfer, if there's another one you'd like. My 2021 IS 350 was that way. I didn't request it - but the dealer themselves traded one of their vehicles in exchange for my IS 350 at in another dealer.

 

Lexus hasn't really done "custom ordering" for cars since at least September 2021. They just get allocations for cars, and the factory decides what to send them. They can choose to trade their allocations for certain cars with other dealerships to attempt to get a car you want.

IE: You want a red car, but they're getting a white one in, they'll find a dealer with an unsold red car and offer their white car as a trade.

It's a massive inconvenience right now for buyers who just want a specific car, but it's how things have been for awhile.

 

as others have said lexus hasn’t really done special ordering in a while, and even then it was never the way you can custom order a new bmw or mercedes which sucks but it’s just how it is. what specs are you looking for specifically on your IS350? many of the ones on the lots seem to have the memory package, the upgraded 10” screen and maybe triple beam headlights and the f sport exhaust. they’re usually like a $48-51k sticker price.

 

I've been searching for a Grecian Water IS350 for some time, and not coming up with anything. Very frustrating Lexus is not producing some of the better offerings. The cars simply don't exist.