Finding the perfect Toyota can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, especially with popular models in high demand. You might be wondering about custom orders and how to ensure you get the exact vehicle you want. Let’s delve into the Toyota Smartpath system and shed light on how it impacts your car buying journey.
Many customers are experiencing the current reality of Toyota’s production and allocation process. As one Toyota customer noted, “Toyota will not let you custom order a vehicle. They simply build what they have parts for, allocate them to regions, and dealerships get what they get.” This accurately reflects the current situation where manufacturing is driven by parts availability, and vehicles are distributed regionally rather than built to individual specifications. Dealerships then receive allocations from Toyota, meaning they can’t always guarantee a specific configuration will be readily available.
This doesn’t mean finding your desired Toyota is impossible. Toyota SmartPath is designed to streamline the buying process and enhance transparency. While true “custom ordering” in the traditional sense isn’t offered, SmartPath provides tools to help you find vehicles that closely match your preferences. Think of it as a smarter way to navigate the existing inventory pipeline.
With SmartPath, you can explore available inventory at your local Miller Toyota dealership and even broaden your search to nearby dealerships. This online platform often allows you to filter by model, trim, features, and even color, giving you a clearer picture of what’s available or in transit. This increased visibility is a significant step forward, allowing you to be more proactive in your search.
The key to success with Toyota SmartPath, and in the current car market, is flexibility and patience. As experienced Toyota buyers have shared, “you may have to be patient and/or flexible.” Being open to slight variations in trim or color can significantly increase your chances of finding a vehicle sooner. Putting down a refundable deposit, as mentioned by another customer, can also secure your place in line when a suitable vehicle becomes available through the dealership’s allocation.
While dealer swaps might be less common, utilizing SmartPath to communicate with multiple dealerships within a reasonable radius can expand your search and potentially uncover vehicles that meet your needs. The platform aims to connect you with dealerships efficiently, making inquiries and negotiations smoother.
In conclusion, while the days of fully custom ordering a Toyota directly from the factory might not be the current norm, Toyota SmartPath offers a valuable tool to navigate the available inventory and find your ideal vehicle. By understanding the allocation system, embracing flexibility, and leveraging the features of SmartPath, you can confidently approach your Toyota purchase and drive away in the car you’ve been searching for.
