Special order... any success?

[kthan]

I have been looking for 06 SE (4 cylinder) with GY (HM, AW, CF) option in Lunar Mist color. Unfortunately, my region (chicago) does not have any SE I4 with GY. I searched other regions and found some (but very difficult to find) in other regions. But they are either upcoming vehicle about one-month lead time and/or I have to bring the vehicle back to home or use flatbed truck (either way costs at least $$$).

Then, I consider a special order, even if I heard a lot of bad experiences about it. So, I just want to hear if anyone have a vehicle ordered. Is there anyone who succeded in getting the vehicle right on time (6-8 weeks, estimated)?

Some other questions:

1. how to order a vehicle? The easiest way is to change the options of an uncoming vehicle allocated to a dealers. But, I was told from a dealer that GY is not changeable option. I don't know if this is true or not. Anyway, only after Toyota approve that change of the options, my vehicle can proceed to be built. On the other hand, another dealer told me that, since GY cannot be added to this region's vehicle order, a dealer has to insert (or put) my vehicle order into another reason dealer's order in which GY option is normally provided. They told me that would be the only option I can get the vehicle wihtou delay. Any thoughts/comments?

2. When I sign a initial contract (we already agreed the price except facotry rebate which will depend on the time of actual purchaes), do we have to specify the price? Someone advised me that I should include "a delivery date under penalty." I don't know what this exactly means. But, I guess set a deadline date and, if the vehicle is not available by then, I would not have no obligation to purchase. But, on the other hand, my initial deposit ($500) is refundable. I don't know if there is any restriction on the cancellation of this vehicle order. For example, in addition to delay mentioned above, if the vehicle is obviously different from the others (like engine noise, rattling, or else..), still do I have to purchase that vehicle? Or, it is just matter of how to include terms in the contract?

I really appreciate your valuable advice and help. Thanks.

[drunken_panda]

We got out 04 Solora SLE V6 sort of like that. In Texas there was nothing with the options that we wanted. So the dealer intercepted another Solora with the options that we wanted.

If the car sounds different than other ones, the dealer has to fix it under warrenty, else you can file a lemon compalint.

[kthan]

drunken_panda , how long did it take to get the car once you place the order?

[92_Gen3_5SFE_LE]

My father had to special order a 96 Camry XLE, because he wanted an XLE with no sunroof ( because it hit the top of his head ( gen. 3s have less headroom if you get a sunroof))
It was delivered on time and the car was ecxelent until some punk in a Ford excusion Headoned him a 60mph ( Camrys are safe, the only injuries he and his passenger got were bruises from the belts and airbags)

So yes we have had good experiences with special ordering cars...