flipside909

I would definitely call different dealers to see if you can get your name on a list. I know of a few dealers that have already taken a formal list with a deposit. The Launch Edition will sell out quick.

There are 241 Lexus dealers in the USA. Most will get at least 2. Some may not get any.

Since each dealership is a franchise, it depends on the dealership group's policy. Some dealerships will have you sign a disclosure. In most states, deposits must be refundable unless a transaction moves forward to completion. Make sure to ask the dealership of your choice to review the incoming vehicle deposit disclosure or document.

yok3dIS

UPDATE! Just put a deposit down today. Dealer says I'm fourth in line and sent me the receipt and email stating it is refundable. Now the waiting game lol

flipside909

Congrats! Hopefully you get an earlier allocation.

Compromise

Nice! I also just put down a deposit but no guarantee on color or packages or even if it's the LE. Got the receipt and email stating it is fully refundable if I am not satisfied with the provided options as well. Thanks for sharing so I did the same

Squischer

I was told today individuals will not be able to spec the IS500 at all. Lexus is just going to send the dealers specific builds because they are no longer able to special order because of the industry wide shortage of microchips???? So for those of you on a list, do not get your hopes up of being able to choose anything - even the color of vehicle. That. Is. No bueno.

nhk704

I highly doubt this is the case. For those who are on the waiting list will choose from the dealer lot, not from the factory anyway.

Squischer

I am not sure what you mean. My thought was that Lexus would provide their dealers with a build allocation. That allocation would then be allowed to be built to an individuals (ie one from the waiting list) exact specification. That is not the case.

nhk704

I think you only have one side of the story. Either dealer can order per customer's spec or Dealer's spec or manufacturer's allocation (meaning either dealer or customer cannot do anything in terms of spec). I do not know Lexus's policy for the IS500, but I do not believe Lexus will force the customer to take whatever they build, and if they do, they will not sell many. Maybe your "source" is just for the LE vehicles since they are only to be produced 500 units. Also, it is possible that those 500 units will be prebuilt before they open up the orders, so that makes more sense just for the LE cars.

Squischer

I understand you now. Sorry. The Dealer told me that they will be "Manufacturer's allocation". Neither me nor the Dealer will be able to spec the car. It will not be forced on me, I can just get my deposit back if I don't like what is sent to the Dealer. I doubt they will have any problems getting selling them....

nhk704

If my theory is correct (only for the LE cars), the spec is already set, such as exterior/interior colors and all the LE exclusive stuff. There are not many to add on in terms of packages. that way Lexus can push out the initial LE cars quick with no variation to cut down time and cost. After the LE production, customers should be able to spec their cars (the wait time may be longer). My guess is that the only possible option might be the colors and everything else should be pretty much fully loaded IS350 DHP spec.

Observer1

Sounds like many things from the existing IS line will carry over to the new 500.

Currently a (mostly) satisfied 350 owner, but the new V8 should make it a great (for me) improvement.

Here's hoping Lexus will have improved (in no particular order):

1) The damn turn signal stalk tactility. I think just a regular Camry's positive click and feel is so much better.
2) The comically slow shifts from the paddle shifters.
3) Have rev matching on all modes, not just Sport +. (At least that's what I've observed on mine.)
4) Address uneven rear tire wear.
5) Support for USB Audio and lossless codecs.
6) Less grabby brakes. My understanding is that you can still have pretty good brake performance without the super grabby nature of the factory pads.

Finally, I'm sensing from the response to my previous inquiry about the overall sound will be like the RCF, which to me is "meh". Would be thrilled if it was the LC500's sound and very unlikely that will be addressed. Bummer, but just the V8 does have me thinking about the possibility of the 500 in my future. Perhaps.

Squischer

I wasn't referring to the LE, but to the non-LE cars. I was told by the Dealer that no one - not even the Dealers - will be able to spec their cars due to this Microchip-thingy issue. I cannot understand why this is the case. At the very least, why can't they do it the old school way and make a dayum phone call to place customer-specific orders. Customers who, I might add, are paying AT LEAST MSRP.

nhk704

I think either your dealer is lying or doesn’t know what they are talking about or just sales tactic to push the sales whatever they will have on the lot. Again, I highly doubt it.

psaav

This is true about these microchips. Whatever they are or are used for this is a problem across new car builds. BMW forums are having the same discussion about limitations and omissions in options and features on new builds due to a lack of these chips.

RRocket

From what I read, Toyota was well prepared for the chip shortage. Have read it in more than one place too.

https://jalopnik.com/toyota-prepared...-di-1846641653