My local dealer (and a few in a 50 mile radius) have said they can't order a Grand Highlander at this time? They've all said, they get allocations, from which we can choose to accept that model or not, not what we want, nor do we like the idea of being told, "It's this or nothing" (at this time).

Let us order and deal with the time factor, but don't tell us "Sorry, not at this time"! Seems almost pompous of them.

I've try "Buy a Toyota" searching 500 mile radius and I've used a zip code from different parts of the country, no luck. I've called a few dealers in the mid-west and got the same response "We can't order at this time, can we put you on the list and call you when we know what's coming in and see if that works for you?"

One would think that a Red, Limited with Black interior and a bench seat wouldn't be that hard to find? Oh well, I want a new car, but don't NEED one, so wait we will.

You're wasting your time. This is just how Toyota works. You put in a request with a local dealer and they call you when that exact car or something similar comes in through their allocation. Some dealers have you put down a deposit.

 

I can only share my experience, but it sounds like the Toyota allocation system definitely isn't ideal. In my case, I put down a refundable deposit with a local dealer a couple of months ago and gave them the specific build we were looking for. A couple of weeks ago, the salesperson notified me they had a new allocation for the model (limited), colors (storm cloud with light gray) and engine (2.5 hybrid) we wanted. It also had many of the accessories we wanted (tow hitch, cross bars, all weather mats), but with one I didn't want (surround view). Because the build date wasn't for 3 weeks, the dealer said they could request that be removed. The next day she notified me they had success removing it from the allocation and she gave me an updated build sheet showing the new price and no surround view included. I changed my mind the next day (thanks to input received on this forum lol) and she was able to add it back, along with mud guards which I also requested. Again, I got an updated build sheet showing everything exactly how I wanted it.

I think the key is to get an allocation quickly enough (at least a few weeks before the build date) and then you as the buyer have some say over the accessories (even factory installed). I'm guessing they can't change things in the allocation like color, model or engine, so you'd better be happy with those, but if you get the allocation early enough I do think you have some say over accessories, at least I did in my experience.

 

My local dealer (and a few in a 50 mile radius) have said they can't order a Grand Highlander at this time? They've all said, they get allocations, from which we can choose to accept that model or not, not what we want, nor do we like the idea of being told, "It's this or nothing" (at this time).

Let us order and deal with the time factor, but don't tell us "Sorry, not at this time"! Seems almost pompous of them.

I've try "Buy a Toyota" searching 500 mile radius and I've used a zip code from different parts of the country, no luck. I've called a few dealers in the mid-west and got the same response "We can't order at this time, can we put you on the list and call you when we know what's coming in and see if that works for you?"

One would think that a Red, Limited with Black interior and a bench seat wouldn't be that hard to find? Oh well, I want a new car, but don't NEED one, so wait we will.

Grand Highlanders just started arriving on dealer lots a few weeks ago. Inventory is very low- and demand seems to be very high in most areas. As a result, it might be hard to find the exact powertrain/trim/color/features that you want in some markets. In other markets, it might be hard to get a Grand Highlander at all.

So, you'll either have to wait, expand your search area, or be more flexible in terms of color, powertrain, trim, and/or options. The more flexible that you are- the quicker you can get one.

With all of that said- I wouldn't want to buy one of the first ones anyway. Toyota is pretty good in terms of quality identifying issues early on- but they aren't perfect. It's always a good idea to wait a few months whenever they release a new model- let them work out the kinks before spending your money- especially if you don't NEED a car (as you mentioned).

The powertrains have all been used in other vehicles- but often it's other stuff that can be problematic- squeaks and rattles that Toyota needs to identify and solve, design decisions seem great on paper or during testing- but turn out to be bad in the real world, or just minor adjustments with electronics or software that can be solved with an update. It's always better to allow other people to be the ones that deal with those new model 'growing pains'.

Most new Toyota models or generations have early issues- and usually they are solved within the first few months of production as new owners report these problems to their dealership and ask for fixes. Toyota then makes production line changes that resolve the issues. The regular Highlander only had a few issues in early 2020 that Toyota quickly resolved- mainly a HVAC recirculation door issue. Hopefully that's a sign that this model will also have only minor issues- but with a $50,000+ car- I'd rather let someone else deal with early production issues.

Besides- it seems (at least based on the 10-12 Grand Highlanders that have arrived at my local dealership) they are only being delivered with one key fob. If you wait- hopefully the supply issue will be solved and by the time you end up getting one- it will come with two fobs. After getting better initially, it seems like more and more new Toyotas are only being delivered with one fob again. At my local dealership, new Siennas, Tundras, Sequoias, Venzas, Crowns, Grand Highlanders, and Prius models are once again only coming with one key- at least based on the little warning stickers that Toyota plasters on the side windows.

The last thing we need is another thread on TN that complains about how long someone has waited for their 2nd fob, how their dealer hid the fact that it only came with one fob, how big of a safety issue it is... and so on.

 

This is a group in the mid west, all Limited/AWD/Red with Black interior, that show as available now (yesterday). With a state or list of states you'd buy in, the list can be narrowed down more. If you want the source of the data, send me a PM, and I'll give you the link.

Dealer	City	State	Status	Is Presold	Hold Status	Expected Delivery	Dealer URL	Dealer Phone #
MCGRATH TOYOTA IOWA CITY	IOWA CITY	IA	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.toyotaiowacity.com	(319)351-1501
DAN DEERY TOYOTA	CEDAR FALLS	IA	ALLOCATION	FALSE​	Available		https://www.dandeerytoyota.com	(319)277-4500
ORLAND TOYOTA	TINLEY PARK	IL	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.orlandtoyota.com	(708)429-3900
NEWBOLD TOYOTA	O'FALLON	IL	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			New and Used Toyota dealership in O'Fallon | Newbold Toyota Visit & test drive a new or used Toyota in O'Fallon at Newbold Toyota. We've serve the areas of Edwardsville, Highland, St. Louis, Shiloh and Belleville IL. www.newboldtoyota.com	(618)628-7000
ROMEOVILLE TOYOTA	ROMEOVILLE	IL	GROUND	FALSE​		ETA 2023-07-18 to 2023-07-20	https://www.romeovilletoyota.com	(815)744-2760
EVANS TOYOTA	FORT WAYNE	IN	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.evanstoyota.com	(260)482-3730
BALDWIN TOYOTA	POPLAR BLUFF	MO	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.baldwintoyotaofpoplarbluff.com	(573)785-6484
WALKER TOYOTA	MIAMISBURG	OH	FREIGHT	FALSE​		ETA 2023-08-01 to 2023-08-10	https://www.walkertoyota.com	(937)433-4950
JIM NORTON TOYOTA	TULSA	OK	GROUND	FALSE​	Available	ETA to 2023-07-22T00:00:00.000Z	Jim Norton Toyota | Toyota Dealer in Tulsa, OK, serving Owasso and Sapulpa Visit Jim Norton Toyota in Tulsa, OK to find a new Toyota or used car, get auto financing, or if your Toyota needs parts or service. Our dealership receives new and used inventory daily. We serve Owasso, Sapulpa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, and Jenks, OK. www.jimnortontoyota.com	(918)250-6888
Don Jacobs Toyota	Milwaukee	WI	GROUND	FALSE​		ETA 2023-07-26 to 2023-07-28	https://www.donjacobstoyota.com	(414)281-3100

 

This is the source I found for inventory information. It has been very accurate over the last few months, IF you follow the directions on the first tab.

IT IS NOT MINE, I just found it.

Allocation Sheet for all Lexus vehicles

Hi Everyone!
Trying to find a new car has become increasingly difficult. So use these spreadsheets to help you find a new car! This started as a personal project to track new Toyota RAV4 Primes and I saw there were others that could probably use this. Then I noticed the API I was reaching would work for both Toyota and Lexus. So I created allocation spreadsheets for ALL Lexus vehicles to help others as well.
There are spreadsheets created by others that might have conflicting results. Please note this is a work in progress, so this is expected. I will be updating these sheets daily. I hope these help some of you with your car search! If there is any requests or VINs missing please let me know.
UX Hybrid: UX_HYBRID_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX: NX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX Hybrid: NX_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX 450h+: NX_450H_PHEV_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RZ: RZ_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX: RX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX Hybrid: RX_HYBRID_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX 500h: RX500h_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LX: LX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
GX: GX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
IS: IS_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
IS 500: IS500_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
ES: ES_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
ES Hybrid: ES_Hyrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LS: LS_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LS Hybrid: LS_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RC: RC_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RC F: RC_F_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC: LC_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC Hybrid: LC_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC Convertible: LC_Convertible_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
Enjoy!

 

This is the source I found for inventory information. It has been very accurate over the last few months, IF you follow the directions on the first tab.

IT IS NOT MINE, I just found it.

Allocation Sheet for all Lexus vehicles

Hi Everyone!
Trying to find a new car has become increasingly difficult. So use these spreadsheets to help you find a new car! This started as a personal project to track new Toyota RAV4 Primes and I saw there were others that could probably use this. Then I noticed the API I was reaching would work for both Toyota and Lexus. So I created allocation spreadsheets for ALL Lexus vehicles to help others as well.
There are spreadsheets created by others that might have conflicting results. Please note this is a work in progress, so this is expected. I will be updating these sheets daily. I hope these help some of you with your car search! If there is any requests or VINs missing please let me know.
UX Hybrid: UX_HYBRID_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX: NX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX Hybrid: NX_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX 450h+: NX_450H_PHEV_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RZ: RZ_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX: RX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX Hybrid: RX_HYBRID_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX 500h: RX500h_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LX: LX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
GX: GX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
IS: IS_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
IS 500: IS500_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
ES: ES_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
ES Hybrid: ES_Hyrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LS: LS_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LS Hybrid: LS_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RC: RC_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RC F: RC_F_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC: LC_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC Hybrid: LC_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC Convertible: LC_Convertible_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
Enjoy!

Hi

This is the source I found for inventory information. It has been very accurate over the last few months, IF you follow the directions on the first tab.

IT IS NOT MINE, I just found it.

Allocation Sheet for all Lexus vehicles

Hi Everyone!
Trying to find a new car has become increasingly difficult. So use these spreadsheets to help you find a new car! This started as a personal project to track new Toyota RAV4 Primes and I saw there were others that could probably use this. Then I noticed the API I was reaching would work for both Toyota and Lexus. So I created allocation spreadsheets for ALL Lexus vehicles to help others as well.
There are spreadsheets created by others that might have conflicting results. Please note this is a work in progress, so this is expected. I will be updating these sheets daily. I hope these help some of you with your car search! If there is any requests or VINs missing please let me know.
UX Hybrid: UX_HYBRID_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX: NX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX Hybrid: NX_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
NX 450h+: NX_450H_PHEV_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RZ: RZ_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX: RX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX Hybrid: RX_HYBRID_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RX 500h: RX500h_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LX: LX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
GX: GX_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
IS: IS_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
IS 500: IS500_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
ES: ES_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
ES Hybrid: ES_Hyrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LS: LS_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LS Hybrid: LS_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RC: RC_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
RC F: RC_F_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC: LC_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC Hybrid: LC_Hybrid_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
LC Convertible: LC_Convertible_Allocation_Sheet.xlsx
Enjoy!

Hi dk,

Thanks for posting this. Do they have an allocation sheet for the TX yet?

 

This is a group in the mid west, all Limited/AWD/Red with Black interior, that show as available now (yesterday). With a state or list of states you'd buy in, the list can be narrowed down more. If you want the source of the data, send me a PM, and I'll give you the link.

Dealer	City	State	Status	Is Presold	Hold Status	Expected Delivery	Dealer URL	Dealer Phone #
MCGRATH TOYOTA IOWA CITY	IOWA CITY	IA	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.toyotaiowacity.com	(319)351-1501
DAN DEERY TOYOTA	CEDAR FALLS	IA	ALLOCATION	FALSE​	Available		https://www.dandeerytoyota.com	(319)277-4500
ORLAND TOYOTA	TINLEY PARK	IL	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.orlandtoyota.com	(708)429-3900
NEWBOLD TOYOTA	O'FALLON	IL	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			New and Used Toyota dealership in O'Fallon | Newbold Toyota Visit & test drive a new or used Toyota in O'Fallon at Newbold Toyota. We've serve the areas of Edwardsville, Highland, St. Louis, Shiloh and Belleville IL. www.newboldtoyota.com	(618)628-7000
ROMEOVILLE TOYOTA	ROMEOVILLE	IL	GROUND	FALSE​		ETA 2023-07-18 to 2023-07-20	https://www.romeovilletoyota.com	(815)744-2760
EVANS TOYOTA	FORT WAYNE	IN	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.evanstoyota.com	(260)482-3730
BALDWIN TOYOTA	POPLAR BLUFF	MO	ALLOCATION	FALSE​			https://www.baldwintoyotaofpoplarbluff.com	(573)785-6484
WALKER TOYOTA	MIAMISBURG	OH	FREIGHT	FALSE​		ETA 2023-08-01 to 2023-08-10	https://www.walkertoyota.com	(937)433-4950
JIM NORTON TOYOTA	TULSA	OK	GROUND	FALSE​	Available	ETA to 2023-07-22T00:00:00.000Z	Jim Norton Toyota | Toyota Dealer in Tulsa, OK, serving Owasso and Sapulpa Visit Jim Norton Toyota in Tulsa, OK to find a new Toyota or used car, get auto financing, or if your Toyota needs parts or service. Our dealership receives new and used inventory daily. We serve Owasso, Sapulpa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, and Jenks, OK. www.jimnortontoyota.com	(918)250-6888
Don Jacobs Toyota	Milwaukee	WI	GROUND	FALSE​		ETA 2023-07-26 to 2023-07-28	https://www.donjacobstoyota.com	(414)281-3100

Looks like the old allocation sheets (google sheets) are now blank. Any chance someone has an updated version? Thanks

 

No, I just checked it, no TX yet.

Hi dk,

Thanks for posting this. Do they have an allocation sheet for the TX yet?

 

Thanks for checking.

 

Wow, my local dealer just let me know, it's likely to still be a few months, before they can get a unit like we want. Heck I just signed to take a Limited Black / Black Base Hybrid (hopefully we can change to Red), Bench Seat, Mud Guards, Panoview, Rubber Floor Mats and the paperwork doesn't even have a VIN number on it. they said, they have nothing coming in for months, and this may be the best way to get it sooner?

They took $2,000 OFF the sticker price, but that was (IMO) just a way to get our Trade-in ($24,000.00) (2020 Limited with 86,000 miles, rough rims, but the rest is nice and clean) on the books for less money? So really $26,000.00 for our trade-in. We are going to see about selling out right and hopping for $28,000.00

 

I heard that from several people in my area. In a few months the TX will be rolling on in to Lexus dealerships. Toyota might want to start filling their billets just a bit more quickly while they have the market space all to their own in the Toyota realm and get those GH's built and sent out in larger numbers.

 

i went to my the dealership that my partner’s family has been going to for decades, it’s about 2 hours away from where we live now. they only do MRSP, no mark ups, no BS mandatory dealer packages. 2 weeks later he called and had almost the exact GH i wanted. a regular hybrid limited in windchill pearl. i wanted a bench seat 2nd row and this one has captains chairs, also i kind of wanted the panoramic moonroof and this one doesn’t have it but it’s probably a good thing it doesn’t because i’m 6’4 and i could use the extra headroom for sure. those are two things i wanted but i can definitely live without them.

 

Yeah, my dealer has called 3 times so far, with ones that are close, but not what we want. We have conceded a few things, but what the are getting in, or did get in, was a lot more then a bit of a switch.

• Bench set - Nope, Captains chairs, we were ok with that, but
• Hybrid iMAX - not ok with that
• Wanted Red, but one come in Black, ok with that, but not when so many of the other things we wanted aren't there. 2 were XLE, not limited, one had Pano Moonroof, DON'T want

Looks like it's a bit of a wait, but we are ok with that. They said they'd call when they get notices, at least so we'll know and we can decide to take it or not. We don't need a new GHL, I WANT a new GHL, so waiting to get the one I want, or REAL close, is fine with me.

So yes, the local dealer has some come / coming in - while we could get one sooner then later, it's not what we want, and in the end, for what it will cost, we want what we want or at least closer than what's been offered so far.

 

Just have to be patient right now.

We were patient and our dealer was finally able to snag us a hybrid max platinum in wind chill pearl with portobello interior. It has every feature offered on this series. Portobello was our 2nd choice in interior, but we fealt lucky to get one this soon, at all. Out of 610 grand highlanders offered in our regional allocation, only 7 were hybrid max platinums. Was happy there is no mark up or any other bs.

I am adding falken wildpeak at trail tires to have a tougher and better all around tire on the vehicle than the hwy tires that come on it.

 

Hi! I guess the trick is to find the ordering pattern of of the dealership. Some dealers tend to order fully-loaded models (Limited and Platinum). Some like to order basic models (XLE). If you go to the one that tends to order opposite to your taste, your wait would be longer. I wanted an XLE and went to a dealer that had ordered XLE before. I was told our GH would arrive in three weeks. Then we got it in three days.

 

More important is the allocation in the region. They can put in your preferences and try to match you up. But again you might need to be flexible or very patient until more are being produced.

The regional allocation determines the availability.

 

I have xle hybrid available in waterloo. If anyone is interested, do let me know.

 

Our local dealership has 4 coming in, in the next couple months, including ours, and they are all presold. We will be his 3rd hybrid max platinum in which all were presold. He has has 4 grand highlanders so far and all were presold like the ones he has coming now.

 

Use the allocation sheet to narrow down your choice, at the bottom you click on the type of GH you want, and then you can group them by color. We were looking for a Ruby Red with the Gray interior, Hybrid GrandMax platinum or Limited did not matter. Once they are grouped by color its easy to use the list to find the interior color and then just slide over and it will list if it is spoken for or not. It also lists the dealership, google it and then phone them. The allocation list gives the MSRP and also shows if they are added a dealers charge or not.

We live in Iowa and I was calling every place in the Midwest, South to Dallas, where our youngest son lives to the Carolinas, where our oldest lives. Many of the dealers are good to talk to on the phone, ran into a few that were jerks, thought I had found what we were looking for twice, one in Nebraska and again in Michigan, both times they wanted way over MSRP, one wanted 71K the other 67K plus tax, so right around 70K total.

I actually found one exactly like we wanted yesterday in Columbia S. Carolina, my phone, it had just come in, they were not thrilled that I was basically a thousand miles away, but they changed their tone when I told them our son lives in the area. I got ahold of him and he drove down a couple hours later, test drove it, and then we started haggling over price. They started out all in $75,000, we ended up purchasing it for $68,000 tax included, my son put a thousand dollars down to hold it, I plan on flying down in a week, spend time with the son and his family and then drive it back.

Be patient, use the allocation list, phone around and be willing to walk away. Good luck.

 

My local dealer (and a few in a 50 mile radius) have said they can't order a Grand Highlander at this time? They've all said, they get allocations, from which we can choose to accept that model or not, not what we want, nor do we like the idea of being told, "It's this or nothing" (at this time).

Let us order and deal with the time factor, but don't tell us "Sorry, not at this time"! Seems almost pompous of them.

I've try "Buy a Toyota" searching 500 mile radius and I've used a zip code from different parts of the country, no luck. I've called a few dealers in the mid-west and got the same response "We can't order at this time, can we put you on the list and call you when we know what's coming in and see if that works for you?"

One would think that a Red, Limited with Black interior and a bench seat wouldn't be that hard to find? Oh well, I want a new car, but don't NEED one, so wait we will.

Like others have said. Toyota offers regional allotments of vehicles they are building to the dealers in their region, and based on that allotment and your dealer's allocation level will determine if a vehicle is available to your dealer or not. Your dealer, if they have allocation, will then try to best match your wish list to an available vehicle in the regional allotment. Toyota does not take retail customer orders, period.

If you can't live with this process, a Toyota isn't what you should be looking at.

I heard that from several people in my area. In a few months the TX will be rolling on in to Lexus dealerships. Toyota might want to start filling their billets just a bit more quickly while they have the market space all to their own in the Toyota realm and get those GH's built and sent out in larger numbers.

Actually they are going to want both to sell well and I'm sure they are producing what they can with the commodities they have on hand. Also remember they emphasize certain aspects such as awd, etc in certain regions over others based upon sales numbers. So sometimes it's best to look at a dealership located in a more favorable region for the type of vehicle you're looking for, especially if patience isn't one of your virtues.

I can only share my experience, but it sounds like the Toyota allocation system definitely isn't ideal. In my case, I put down a refundable deposit with a local dealer a couple of months ago and gave them the specific build we were looking for. A couple of weeks ago, the salesperson notified me they had a new allocation for the model (limited), colors (storm cloud with light gray) and engine (2.5 hybrid) we wanted. It also had many of the accessories we wanted (tow hitch, cross bars, all weather mats), but with one I didn't want (surround view). Because the build date wasn't for 3 weeks, the dealer said they could request that be removed. The next day she notified me they had success removing it from the allocation and she gave me an updated build sheet showing the new price and no surround view included. I changed my mind the next day (thanks to input received on this forum lol) and she was able to add it back, along with mud guards which I also requested. Again, I got an updated build sheet showing everything exactly how I wanted it.

I think the key is to get an allocation quickly enough (at least a few weeks before the build date) and then you as the buyer have some say over the accessories (even factory installed). I'm guessing they can't change things in the allocation like color, model or engine, so you'd better be happy with those, but if you get the allocation early enough I do think you have some say over accessories, at least I did in my experience.

They actually only have so much ability to make changes. It's up to the regional distribution center to decide whether or not they'll do it, not the dealer. So it's worth a shot to ask, but it's no guarantee it happens.

I've had them get changes made for me sometimes and other times they could not.

 

@dklanecky ... the allocation sheets that you posted are great... do you happen to have a recent update from 4/4? I'm searching for a Grand Highlander Hybrid Platinum MAX....and it's not going well...lol. Thanks in advance!

 

I don't have anything to do with generating or updating them, and it appears the person who was generating them has stopped, as of 4/4/24. Don't know what to tell you now.

 

My local dealer (and a few in a 50 mile radius) have said they can't order a Grand Highlander at this time? They've all said, they get allocations, from which we can choose to accept that model or not, not what we want, nor do we like the idea of being told, "It's this or nothing" (at this time).

Let us order and deal with the time factor, but don't tell us "Sorry, not at this time"! Seems almost pompous of them.

I've try "Buy a Toyota" searching 500 mile radius and I've used a zip code from different parts of the country, no luck. I've called a few dealers in the mid-west and got the same response "We can't order at this time, can we put you on the list and call you when we know what's coming in and see if that works for you?"

One would think that a Red, Limited with Black interior and a bench seat wouldn't be that hard to find? Oh well, I want a new car, but don't NEED one, so wait we will.

Here is my secret: You are right, each dealer gets their allocated vehicle and you cant customize with Toyota. Here is my secret: You can ask sales manager (nicely) to see which dealer has a vehicle of your choice is allocated to that other dealer, and your Sales Manager can call that other dealer Sales Manager, and ask to have the vehicle of ut choice (from that other dealer) allocated to your dealer instead and u will have ur ride in less than a month.
Thats how I go mine. But you must be super nice and kind. The 1 phone call between dealers is all it takes. Thats how i got mine. Colors outside and interior may not be the ones you want, but Captain's Chairs (or bench seat), 360 view monitor and a large moonroof you can get this way.
Love and peace.
Roman
@ncee
PS Ur calling around is a waste of ur time. Make sure you are at your dealer face to face and not by phone call and make sure you fill out application for finance. do not offer them cash. Make sure you fill out application for finance right there and then and put down a $500 deposit
Make sure you are in ur dealer person and not by phone call

 

Here's what I did to reserve an allocation. I frequently go to the dealer and bargain with them when a model is in good supply. This does not work in this situation. My fall back strategy is to use Costco auto purchase program.

My daughter was visiting us few years ago in California and needed a car. She wanted a Rav4 hybrid and was moving from New York to Florida. We searched major cities in Florida via Costco's program to find a dealer that would sell this car at a discount. She scored one under MSRP.

My wife and I recently moved to Florida. I decided to get my GHHL in Florida to avoid transporting it across country. Our local dealer in California was adding $9995 above MSRP on all GHHs. I did the Costco deal with the largest Toyota dealer in Florida. This dealer gets huge allocations twice a month. I told them what I wanted and a week later was able to reserve one. It came out under MSRP and I saved on sales tax versus California.

 

Strike up the band - if you get to a fresh allocation soon enough, only powertrain, trim, and with/without moonroof can't be changed.

 

What's the latest from everyone on how you're all getting hybrid Grand Highlanders? I've been on the wait list for a Limited Hybrid at 2 dealerships locally since July of 2023. I'm finally at the point where they're offering me some that come in (XLEs, so not what we're looking for) but Limiteds seem to be much slower incoming across the board. Others have had much better luck getting the GHH quicker it seems from what I've read here. The allocation sheets stopped updating but when they were functional I filtered to what we were looking for and called a few dealerships and it was always the same story - they're all presold and if you want to buy one you have to be local and on their waiting list. Don't want to be back at the end of line on another waiting list.

What options do I have w/ the dealerships? I've pushed for them to see about an allocation trade but nothing has come of that yet. Starting to consider other models this is taking so long.

 

What's the latest from everyone on how you're all getting hybrid Grand Highlanders? I've been on the wait list for a Limited Hybrid at 2 dealerships locally since July of 2023. I'm finally at the point where they're offering me some that come in (XLEs, so not what we're looking for) but Limiteds seem to be much slower incoming across the board. Others have had much better luck getting the GHH quicker it seems from what I've read here. The allocation sheets stopped updating but when they were functional I filtered to what we were looking for and called a few dealerships and it was always the same story - they're all presold and if you want to buy one you have to be local and on their waiting list. Don't want to be back at the end of line on another waiting list.

What options do I have w/ the dealerships? I've pushed for them to see about an allocation trade but nothing has come of that yet. Starting to consider other models this is taking so long.

A lot depends on where you live and how much you are willing to drive. I moved from CA to FL in February. Dealers in CA were getting small allocations and charging way above MSRP. If I bought there the vehicle would have had to be transported across country.

Check the allocation spreadsheet mentioned in the posts above. It is old 4/4/2024. However, it will give you an idea which dealers are getting big allocations. I found a dealer two hours away and he made me a deal one in the 4/3/2024 allocation. It arrives around 5/20/2024. Don't worry about being local. I didn't.

On the local thing. Again don't worry about it. My daughter was moving from NY to FL and needed a car. She was staying with us in CA for a few weeks and we made a deal with a dealer in FL through the Costco Car Buying program. She got a Rav4 Hybrid. She flew from CA to an FL airport near the dealer and picked up her car.

 

Thanks for the replies both!

A lot depends on where you live and how much you are willing to drive. I moved from CA to FL in February. Dealers in CA were getting small allocations and charging way above MSRP. If I bought there the vehicle would have had to be transported across country.

Check the allocation spreadsheet mentioned in the posts above. It is old 4/4/2024. However, it will give you an idea which dealers are getting big allocations. I found a dealer two hours away and he made me a deal one in the 4/3/2024 allocation. It arrives around 5/20/2024. Don't worry about being local. I didn't.

On the local thing. Again don't worry about it. My daughter was moving from NY to FL and needed a car. She was staying with us in CA for a few weeks and we made a deal with a dealer in FL through the Costco Car Buying program. She got a Rav4 Hybrid. She flew from CA to an FL airport near the dealer and picked up her car.

Yea it's crazy how from what I've seen locally in Sacramento & some of the Bay Area, the ones with larger allocations are the ones charging above MSRP. Good idea about looking on the allocation sheet, even if it is outdated, to see what dealerships are getting larger allocations and then getting in touch with them in hopes something will come through sooner. Definitely willing to drive to purchase one, I'm not tied to getting one locally, just matters on the willingness of the dealership.

Where are you located? It's definitely different in different areas. I'm in the Seattle area and talked to about 10 local dealers. Got on the wait list of 6 or 7 who were selling at MSRP. Within a few days I had 5 different GHH allocations offered to me. I passed on them as they didn't match what I was looking for.

About 3 weeks after I started my search a dealer got me a hybrid limited allocation exactly what I was looking for. He changed the color and options to match my desires. That was late Feb. It's now sitting on a train within a handful of miles from the unloading yard. So it's close.

I'm in Sacramento. Willing to travel to get one - hell I'd even be willing to get it from Seattle as my sister-in-law lives there and then roadtrip back. I reached out to a couple Oregon dealers and they all wouldn't sell out of state.

Did the dealers you put deposits on all require deposits? Looks like per CA vehicle code deposits have to be refundable so might not hurt for me to get placed on a couple more waiting lists to increase my chances and then request refunds for ones that can't deliver. https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-11736/

 

Thanks for the replies both!

Yea it's crazy how from what I've seen locally in Sacramento & some of the Bay Area, the ones with larger allocations are the ones charging above MSRP. Good idea about looking on the allocation sheet, even if it is outdated, to see what dealerships are getting larger allocations and then getting in touch with them in hopes something will come through sooner. Definitely willing to drive to purchase one, I'm not tied to getting one locally, just matters on the willingness of the dealership.


I'm in Sacramento. Willing to travel to get one - hell I'd even be willing to get it from Seattle as my sister-in-law lives there and then roadtrip back. I reached out to a couple Oregon dealers and they all wouldn't sell out of state.

Did the dealers you put deposits on all require deposits? Looks like per CA vehicle code deposits have to be refundable so might not hurt for me to get placed on a couple more waiting lists to increase my chances and then request refunds for ones that can't deliver. https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-code/veh-sect-11736/

I only had to put deposits down at two of the ones where I got on the wait list. One is the one I'm buying from. The other I will request my refund as soon as I have taken delivery. The others did not require deposits until accepting an allocation.

If you want to consider Seattle area, try talking to Ken Thompson at Doxon Toyota of Auburn. He's the one I'm working with and has been great so far. I told him what I wanted and he changed out color and all options to get me exactly what I want. I had my allocation about 3 weeks after starting to talk to him. So if he'll sell out of state, it could be a good option for you.

 

My advice is to keep looking and get your name on as many "lists" as possible. I was on two and then cold called another dealer in early March (all were selling (MSRP) and they had one coming that was exactly (Hybrid Limited) what we wanted. Interesting that it was scheduled to be built the week of April 15th and it was delivered on April 12th.

 

Called Doxon Toyota and they won't sell out of state, it seems it is getting harder for dealers to sell to CA residents specifically just that our regulations and DMV make it a difficult process for out of state dealers (no surprise there).

Next step I'll look at the allocation sheet for CA dealers and find some with larger allocation #s for GHHs w/o markups and make some calls. Hopefully I can speed this process along. Also not thrilled about tying up a bunch of $500 deposits at dealerships but we'll see what I find w/ additional CA dealers.

 

I used to live in Pleasanton, CA. My local dealer was getting small allocations and charging $9995 over MSRP. If you are a Costco member no deposit is required. The problem is finding a participating dealer. There were none in this part of Florida. I plugged in zip codes around major cities and finally found one.

 

I’m from Sacramento and picking up our family 3rd purchase of the GH next week with 2k off msrp. It’s a limited trim with wind chill pearl blk interior it has a black out emblem, door guards, mud flaps, tow hitch, roof rack bar, all weather mats $51,681.

 

3rd purchase as in you've bought 3 Grand Highlanders? why?? lol. Any of those hybrids? From what I've seen it's not difficult now to get a fuel model below MSRP unlike when they first came out when they were MSRP or above for fuel and hybrid models. What dealer(s) have you bought from?