Am I getting jacked by a car dealer?

[TheVTCGuy]

OK, so…. I own a Hybrid (love it) but have been itching to buy an EV for a couple years now. Let’s NOT make this about EVs OK? If you have strong feelings for or against them just forget I put that in there, but it’s relevant to the story.

Several weeks ago Lexus announced their 2026 ES series line up and one, (an EV) was EXACTLY the car I was looking for; perfect. I won’t go in to the reasons but if you have ever seen a new car and said: “That’s the one” you know what I mean. I spoke to the local dealer, explained this was the vehicle I was looking for and even though they are not released yet, I was ready whenever they became available. He was (of course) 100% supportive, saying he heard the ES300E and 500E were excellent vehicles and he would be glad to help me blah blah; so far everything as expected. Siting a couple different sources on the internet, the 2026 models should be available either November/December this year, or January/February 2026. He would be able to take my deposit and order within a month or two; everything is great.

Today I get a text from him, he SAYS the 2026 models won’t be available for AT LEAST ONE YEAR, June of 2026. And.. Oh by the way, he can get me a great deal on a new 300H, (Hybrid).

The way I see it, there are a couple possibilities. One, the delay really WILL be that long (is it possible?) Or two: He is trying to sell me on something NOW instead of later. I.e. A bird in the hand…. Funny, how enthusiastic he was about selling me an EV model and now, he is denouncing said model and expressing I REALLY want a(nother) hybrid.

Anyone that knows anything about car dealerships (which is a lot more then I do) is it POSSIBLE the 2026 model of any new car will not be released until the middle of the year? Or is this some kind of ploy to get rid of their 2025 stock? Or (I can’t help but chuckle when I compare how positive he talked about the EV model a few days ago, citing all the accolades, but now demeaning electric vehicles and telling me quote: You REALLY want another hybrid.” )

Look forward to your opinions

[Andad]

You are a clever guy Paul.

Research other dealers or go direct to Lexus?

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Andad

You are a clever guy Paul.

Research other dealers or go direct to Lexus?

Completely agree Eddie, reached out today to a recommended dealer in LA, will see what they say.

(About the clever part though.. )

[DJ TT 2002]

What a scam !!

You got the “these are not the droids you’re looking for..” treatment.

Move on to another dealer asap.

[JasoninDenver]

Dealt with Lexus on this for a LX600. Went on what was promised to be a waiting list but was told it would be at least one year. The year went by and I started checking with the dealer evey 3-4 months to be told “We just arent getting any in from Japan like we have been promised”.

In the meantime, two sales people come and go over the next year and I finally ask to speak to the sales manager who informs me that I am still on the list but it says I am not interested anymore. Two years later.

Realizing the weakness of that position while I am sitting in front of him asking when mine might be coming in, he promptly offers the next one with the trim level my wife wanted. At that point we simply pivoted to the new GX and got the second one delivered in four weeks.

Basically, the Lexus experience is just like buying a Rolex from your AD these days, at least for the hugh demand models.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Dealt with Lexus on this for a LX600. Went on what was promised to be a waiting list but was told it would be at least one year. The year went by and I started checking with the dealer evey 3-4 months to be told “We just arent getting any in from Japan like we have been promised”.

In the meantime, two sales people come and go over the next year and I finally ask to speak to the sales manager who informs me that I am still on the list but it says I am not interested anymore. Two years later.

Realizing the weakness of that position while I am sitting in front of him asking when mine might be coming in, he promptly offers the next one with the trim level my wife wanted. At that point we simply pivoted to the new GX and got the second one delivered in four weeks.

Basically, the Lexus experience is just like buying a Rolex from your AD these days, at least for the hugh demand models.

Very good (albeit depressing) info, thanks Jason.

[shaunylw]

Very likely that dealer won’t be receiving any until next year. Go through a few other dealers and see what they say.


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[joli160]

I didn’t know the model and looked it up. Gorgeous looking car, worth the wait

[geoach]

never trust a car salesman......

[THC]

Hopefully Carguy will be along soon.. he is the TRF Guru

[Easy E]

SWAT

Sell what’s available today. Seems like.

[1William]

So much information and misinformation on the internet. I have always been a huge Toyota/Lexus fan and currently own two Toyota's and two Lexus vehicles. I have always subscribed to the advice of not buying vehicles in the first year of release/production. So many possible issues that get worked out in the subsequent years. Look at the 2022 Tundra as an example. It is my standing that Toyota/Lexus is also looking at its vehicle line-up in the Electric space. I don't know what that means but the posters on Toyota specific websites discuss it at length and speculate. I would just sit back and give it sometime and see what happens with the rollout.

[N0trub]

I always thought buying a car/truck was the worst shopping experience possible . Then i went into my local Rollie AD my opinion was changed.

I own three toyotas a lexus and a ford f350. My wife loves her lexus and its 17 yrs old!


America where big corporations are people too

[Maleg]

I've been told the Lexus EV is due late this year, at the earliest. When your dealer gets you one is related to the market demand in your area. June 2026 might be the conservative promise for southern California.

Toyota may be backing out of EV enthusiasm due to the sagging market and loss of national mandates. If that's true they won't be in a hurry to drop EV's on the market.

My wife has a BZ4X which is probably the most horribly unreliable Toyota ever. While you are waiting for your Lexus keep an eye on the performance and reliability reviews for the model. My wife was every bit as excited about the Toyota EV as you are about a Lexus EV, but having owned one for a year we are ready to flog the Toyota executives that put this one on the market.

[brandrea]

I guess I’ll be the trusting guy here … but it’s possible what he’s saying is true.

I know when I initially got on the wait list for my vehicle, I was told it would be a 1.5 year wait … that was during covid. Still, it ended up taking closer to 2 years.

It’s possible with a new model, there will be delays, especially if there are supply chain issues etc.

[Krash]

It isn’t uncommon for new models to be delayed in terms of availability. Most notable, both the new Ford Mustang and C8 Corvette were delayed. It doesn’t matter if it’s an EV or ICE vehicle. There will always be production delays.


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[AzPaul]

This reminds me of the time I wanted a new car for a cross-country family road trip. I had ordered a new Antartic Blue, Super Sportswagon with C.B. and optional Rally fun-pack, but when I got to the dealership, the salesman told me it hadn't come in and tried to talk me into the WagonQueen Family Truckster.

[btoolguy45]

Metallic pea? Think you hate it now, want until you drive it. LMAO


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[superdog]

Delays are normal.

[enjoythemusic]

Bluntly said... Car sales are in the shitter. It's a buyer's market. Auctioned cars getting meh to little bids. Find someone with an auction license, get an in-warranty low mileage repo.

PS: Salespeople lie.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by geoach

never trust a car salesman......

[Andad]

Originally Posted by superdog

Delays are normal.

Even more normal when they haven't even been released Seth.

[formuula23]

The June 2026 timeline sounds plausible but convenient for them almost fishy, I'm gonna call out the inconsistency and push for clarity on the cars, i suspect the dealer is pushing the hybrid to clear stock, call them out or try another dealer

[1st amg]

Toyota/Lexus has a track record of major delays in production and release dates. This is very common, but like others said, its an opportunity to check out other dealers.

[GB-man]

I put a deposit down the minute the GX550 was announced and received mine in may of last year within a month or so of them hitting the country. I say find a dealer you trust, put your deposit down and wait. Waiting is the most fun for me. I frequent the car forums and chat up the car with other enthusiasts until it arrives.

Btw it’s not very good looking but my wife just got a smoking deal on a BMW IX and in terms of execution on the details bmw nailed that car. One of the quietest cabins on the market and it’s fast. We would have normally just got another X5 but couldn’t pass up on the lease being about 200 less per month. We also wanted to try an EV for kicks as she had the PHEV X5 prior and really got a kick out of driving on EV mode.

[Old Geezer]

I'd check other dealers in your area and see what they say. The sales associate's actions would have me doubting anything I hear from that dealer.

[Jocke]

Paul do you still have the Vette? Or are you too old to drive it?

[Maleg]

That's funny!

Originally Posted by Jocke

Paul do you still have the Vette? Or are you too old to drive it?

[Tri-Tip]

I've had several cases of car dealers wanting to sell me what they have in stock rather than what I want to buy. Easiest solution is to go to a different deal.

[hambone1983]

hi Paul,
If I were in your shoes, I'd go kick the tires on a BMW i4 or maybe a Lucid Air then ruminate on if the wait is worth it vs driving home in one of those babies