‘You're Gonna Cost Yourselves Thousands:' Expert Reveals the Real Reason You Can't Custom Order a Toyota. Is There a Workaround?
'If you've even considered buying a Toyota or a Honda, you'll probably run into crazy wait times, like a two-and-a-half-year waitlist on a 4Runner TRD Pro, or a year waitlist on a Sienna, or a six-to-eight-month wait list on a Grand Highlander,' he said in the clip that's been viewed more than 220,000 times.
According to Mikula, Toyota and Honda don't offer true custom ordering, unlike some competitors. While manufacturers like BMW and Ford allow buyers to spec vehicles from the ground up, with dealerships submitting those configurations directly to the factory, Toyota and Honda primarily rely on an
allocation system
, which pre-assigns vehicles to dealers based on historical sales data and regional demand.
Rather than submitting individual customer builds to the factory, Toyota dealers receive batches of pre-configured vehicles every two weeks. Buyers can 'build' a car on the Toyota website, but that
doesn't mean
the factory will make it. As Mikula puts it:
While some dealers may request changes to their allocation, Mikula claims those requests are often denied, especially for popular trims or color combinations. Toyota has publicly acknowledged the use of this
allocation model
in past dealership communications.
Waitlists Can Be Misleading
The result, Mikula says, is that many Toyota and Honda buyers are unknowingly placed in a queue that may never deliver what they want.
For example, he said Toyota's 4Runner TRD Pro, Sienna, and Grand Highlander are all in high demand, with
online estimates
of wait times ranging from six months to two years depending on the region and configuration.
But allocation-based matching means that if your preferred build doesn't show up in the next batch, or a salesperson overlooks your request, you're
likely to be skipped
. Worse, Mikula says, sales staff may prioritize buyers who walk in ready to sign, over customers already on a deposit list.
Dealers Have Little Incentive to Prioritize You
According to Mikula, one reason the system leads to long wait times is that there's no centralized way to match every customer's preferences to incoming cars. It's up to dealership staff to manually sort deposit lists against incoming allocation lists.
Errors, forgetfulness, or simple laziness can result in missed customers. 'I can tell you the amount of times that I've heard horror stories from dealerships that just lost their name on a list completely,' he said.
BMW and Others Offer True Customization
By contrast, automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford offer
build-to-order
systems that give dealerships 'slots' with the factory. Customers can spec a car exactly how they want—paint color, interior trim, packages, even wheel design—and the factory builds that configuration.
Brands like Ford and Ram encourage factory ordering via
Build & Price
tools, and customers often receive a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) within weeks. That VIN ties to the exact vehicle being built, and buyers can track it through production.
Mikula's advice: 'You do not want to put a deposit on a car unless you can actually get a VIN and a window sticker.'
How to Protect Yourself as a Buyer
To avoid frustration, Mikula recommends a few tips for Toyota and Honda shoppers:
Don't assume the website's 'Build' tool leads to a factory order. It's often just a wishlist.
Ask for a VIN and window sticker before placing a deposit.
Clarify your flexibility. If you're OK with alternative colors or missing one minor feature, let the dealer know—don't get skipped.
Negotiate pricing up front. Dealers have more leverage once you've waited six months and are emotionally invested in the vehicle.
Shop around. Some dealers manage allocation lists better than others. Mikula says his average Sienna client waits 30–60 days, while the national average is 8+ months.
We've reached out to Mikula for comment. We'll be sure to update this article if we hear back.
Now Trending
'What in the World Should I Do?': Woman Takes Her Chevrolet Into the Body Shop to Fix a Dent. Then She Gets It Back
'We Never Did That at My Shop:' AutoZone Worker Says it 'Hurts His Soul' Whenever a Customer Requires Him to Do This. Why?
Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily.
back
Sign up
For more information, read our
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use
.
Share this Story
X
Got a tip for us? Email:
tips@motor1.com
Join the conversation
(
)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jaren Jackson Jr. Reacts To His $240 Million Grizzlies Contract Extension
Jaren Jackson Jr. Reacts To His $240 Million Grizzlies Contract Extension originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Memphis Grizzlies were the early birds of this NBA free agency as they announced multiple deals within the first hour of NBA free agency. They extended Jaren Jackson Jr, Santi Aldama, and Cam Spencer, as well as signing the free agent Ty Jerome. They also traded away Luke Kennard and hence had a very active start to free agency. Advertisement Jaren Jackson Jr. signed a five-year, $240 million supermax contract extension with the team after spending seven seasons with the Grizzlies. This is the largest contract the Grizzlies have handed out in their history, and it keeps him with the team until the end of the 2029-30 season. Following this news, Jaren Jackson Jr took to social media and expressed his feelings about the extension and the city of Memphis. "The M will teach you who you are. w love. It's always grit n grind when we're out here at all costs." "Still feel like I remember moving here yesterday. Year 7. I am incredibly thankful for everyone who has impacted my time here. too much more ahead. Always been the M" Advertisement What makes this deal even more interesting is that the Grizzlies do not have the salary cap space yet in their team to accommodate the deal agreed with Jackson Jr. Therefore, now following the agreement, they will have to clear a lot of salary cap space on their roster to include the terms they have agreed upon with Jackson Jr. According to Yossi Gozlan, the NBA salary cap analyst for Cap Sheets, the Grizzlies are in a peculiar position. "The Memphis Grizzlies need to clear a lot of cap space to make room for Jaren Jackson Jr.'s renegotiation. Interesting, we got the deal first before the salary dumps necessary." According to Cap Sheets, the Grizzlies are expected to be $62 million above the salary cap level (expected to be $170.1 million in 2026/27), which is way above the second apron approximation for that season (10% above $207 million). Hence, the Grizzlies will be forced to make further moves to empty the salary cap space to prevent themselves from breaking second apron restrictions in that season. This contract has therefore put the Grizzlies in a tricky situation as they may have to be on the losing end of some trades to cover this aforementioned deficit. Advertisement Related: LeBron James Has No Influence On Lakers' Free Agency Moves; NBA Insider Says Front Office Is Excluding Him This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Phoenix Suns Are Discussing A Buyout With Bradley Beal To Make Him An Unrestricted Free Agent
The Phoenix Suns Are Discussing A Buyout With Bradley Beal To Make Him An Unrestricted Free Agent originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The situation in Phoenix is getting more complicated by the day as they attempt to build a contender around Devin Booker. In the aftermath of the Kevin Durant trade, the Suns are struggling to improve, but a buyout for Bradley Beal is in the works that could open up a world of possibilities for the organization. Advertisement "The Phoenix Suns have been discussing a possible buyout for guard Bradley Beal, league sources have informed The Arizona Republic," wrote Duane Rankin. Beal, 32, joined the Suns in 2023 after a blockbuster trade from the Wizards. As one of the few players with a no-trade clause, he had approved his move to Phoenix and only did so knowing that he'd be joining Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. In his two seasons with the Suns so far, Beal's tenure has been a complete disaster. Besides the team finishing near the bottom of the standings, chemistry on the court and in the locker room was nonexistent. Worse still is that Beal made $50+ million last season while averaging 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Between his poor health and underachieving performance, Bradley Beal has been more of a liability for the Suns than anything else, especially since the size of his contract limits what they can do to improve their team. Advertisement In response, the Suns have tried desperately to trade Beal, hoping that at least one other team might be willing to take on his contract. So far, however, rival GMs have been too smart to make a big offer on Beal, and potential trade partners have yet to surface. Without Durant, the Suns know that they need to part with Beal (especially to save money), but their only option now is a buyout. Just like the Bucks did with Damian Lillard, Phoenix could stretch and waive Beal's deal over five years. While it would count against the team's salary, they could use the added flexibility to make additional roster tweaks and get out from under the second apron. In the case of Beal, he'd be free to pursue his own interests on a different team. From his time with the Wizards and Suns, he's never been in a competitive environment, and this would be his best chance to join one. Despite his struggles to stay healthy and consistent with his play, Beal could still make for an interesting roster addition at the right price. With skills as a shooter, scorer, and ball-handler, Beal provides an instant boost on offense, and his scoring can make life easier for teammates. Given his situation, only a few teams stand out as ideal landing spots, such as the Los Angeles Clippers, who are reportedly the front-runners to sign him if he leaves the Suns. Advertisement With so many variables at play, it's impossible to tell how this situation will play out, but it's probably in the best interest of all parties if Beal moves on from the Suns forever. His tenure there will not be remembered kindly, but there's still a chance for him to find greater success if he joins the right situation this summer. Related: Suns Insider Claims Bradley Beal's Future Has Been Decided Following Kevin Durant Trade This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Celtics May Flip Anfernee Simons To Free Up Room For Two Key Stars
Celtics May Flip Anfernee Simons To Free Up Room For Two Key Stars originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Boston Celtics' whirlwind offseason may not be finished just yet. After trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to clear salary and reshape the roster, Boston is reportedly exploring yet another cost-cutting move, this time centered on newly acquired guard Anfernee Simons. Advertisement Simons arrived in Boston as part of the Holiday trade with Portland. But despite his undeniable scoring ability and smooth offensive game, league sources told The Athletic's Jay King that the Celtics are considering flipping Simons and his $27.7 million expiring contract. The motive is clear: financial flexibility. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens wants to re-sign key veterans Luke Kornet and Al Horford while positioning the team below the luxury tax threshold. That's a tall order, even after the Holiday and Porzingis deals, and Simons' sizable expiring deal is an obvious lever to pull. While Simons averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists on 36.3 percent shooting from three last season, his long-term fit in Boston's system under Joe Mazzulla was already in question. He's best with the ball in his hands, and with Derrick White entrenched as the starting point guard and Jaylen Brown expected to take on even more creation duties while Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles, Simons could find himself the odd man out. Advertisement He has value as a score-first guard with deep shooting range, but his defensive limitations and need for usage make him a tough fit in Boston's defense-first identity. More importantly, his expiring contract is one of the last big trade chips the Celtics hold. Stevens is laser-focused on avoiding the repeater tax, which penalizes teams that exceed the luxury tax in consecutive years. Boston currently sits roughly $15 million over the tax line, and trimming that would not only allow them to avoid the financial penalties but also hit the NBA's 'reset' button. Escaping the tax for two straight years wipes the repeater status, granting teams more flexibility in future seasons. That flexibility could prove crucial once Tatum returns and Boston decides how to maneuver around his upcoming supermax deal and maintain its core. Advertisement Veterans like Kornet and Horford are also part of the equation. Stevens called them 'huge parts of this organization' after the draft, making it clear that keeping them is a priority. But to do so while staying under the tax, moving Simons might be the only way. Sam Hauser's name has surfaced as another possible trade chip, but the Celtics reportedly prefer to keep him due to his elite shooting and low cap hit. Boston already shocked the league by unloading two of their starters just a year after winning a title. But the front office is embracing a long-term view. Tatum's injury gives them a window to regroup financially, and Simons' $27.7 million could be the key to unlocking it, just after saving $260 million in two trades. While he may never suit up in green, Simons could end up playing a major role in helping Boston retain its core and preserve its flexibility for a more competitive return in 2026. Related: Celtics Shut Down Jaylen Brown, Derrick White Trade Rumors With Strong Statement This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
