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Custom vs Ultra not being offered everywhere?

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Old Dec 10, 2004 | 11:32 AM
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Default Custom vs Ultra not being offered everywhere?

In doing some research I've discovered that in some parts of the US that the Custom is easier to find or even order than the Ultra. Even more odd (to me at least) is the fact that when you use the "Build Your Lexus" on the Lexus website that, depending on what zip code you put in, either the Custom is not offered or the Ultra is not avail or both might be offered.

On the site if you put in zip code for the Carolina's or GA (29901 for ex) you can't price the Custom. But in Virginia (12345) you can't price the Ultra but the Custom is Avail. If you happen to be in the ritzy zip of 90210 then you have all of the packages avail.

WTF is going on? Can someone PLEASE enlighten me on this? I'm not a big fan of a car company deciding what I can buy depending on where I live.
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Old Dec 10, 2004 | 12:25 PM
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i asked dealership before and they can't seem to know why too. i can tell that here in cali, custom is probably harder and the UL is easier... i guess it must have something to do with the regional and how the dealerships in those area tend to order cars from lexus?
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Old Dec 10, 2004 | 01:49 PM
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Here in Tucson, the Custom is not available. Ultralux is plentiful, though. Can't imagine why Lexus does this.
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Old Dec 10, 2004 | 02:06 PM
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Originally posted by rcf8000
Here in Tucson, the Custom is not available. Ultralux is plentiful, though. Can't imagine why Lexus does this.
In florida, Ultra's are rare.

But I know in reigons such as the middle east, Ultra package is standard ON ALLLLLLLL LS's. They give you a weird look if you ask them what options they have. The only option avaliable was if you wanted the smart key or not, this was back in 2001.

Last edited by GRAND_LS 4; Dec 10, 2004 at 02:07 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2004 | 06:14 AM
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I was told a long time ago by one of the local Lexus dealers that the company divides the US into 4 regions, and essentially configures and sells cars independently within each region. There are some exceptions, but for the most part, which one of the four regions you're in determine whats generally available. I think the "build your own" website is designed to reflect that.

Its a really stupid system imho, but its designed like everything else Lexus to maximize dealer profits and perhaps also to increase quality by limiting the number of configurations the company it ultimatley responsible for producing, inspecting, and servicing.
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