Typical build from Gulf States

[carpoor]

After being absolute radio silence for weeks, I finally got a v-spec from one of the First Editions allocated to Gulf States Toyota region, in case you aren't familiar with it, it includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Luisiana.
I was mistaken earlier and surprised that Alabama is not gulf state, hence someone got an allocation earlier.

This is one of the most expensive builds, and very fortunately, GST is NOT putting on the OEM dashcam, very much relieved now.

No ETA yet, but my sales person gave me a crystal ball date of mid May of delivery to the dealership

 

[DctrEvil]

I've noticed them also adding 20" allow wheels to the "Land Cruiser" trim level! It's a $1200 dealer gouge that I don't even want! I plan to use for some off-roading and will switch this out if there's no choice or way to intercept it earlier. I asked my dealer about this and even though I'm #1 on a list at my smaller dealership, with a deposit paid last August here in a Gulf State region, he said that with the amount of demand they won't be modifying want their allocated.

 

[Captain Trips]

Your dealer can modify the port installed options if he gets to it early enough. My allocation had virtually every port installed option and he took off the ones I didn’t want They tell you they can’t but that is bullshit.

 

[carpoor]

I've noticed them also adding 20" allow wheels to the "Land Cruiser" trim level! It's a $1200 dealer gouge that I don't even want! I plan to use for some off-roading and will switch this out if there's no choice or way to intercept it earlier. I asked my dealer about this and even though I'm #1 on a list at my smaller dealership, with a deposit paid last August here in a Gulf State region, he said that with the amount of demand they won't be modifying want their allocated.

I think that's most likely the case, GST has gotten to the point that they would rather discount the vehicle instead of not loading it with all the BS add-ons.
Example: some of their Tundras loaded with TSS package (overpriced black wheels and badging) can be had for another $1.5k off compared to other trims.

 

[little_banana]

My dealer finally got one FE after checking Toyota Inventory Search. Was told they are supposed to get allocations dropped tomorrow.

 

[njdevils89]

Eminent Ace vessel is due in port of Jacksonville around 4/22 or 4/23 so makes sense. Then it heads up to Newark by 4/25-4/26. East Coast should be seeing LCs on the ground very soon. After PIOs are added, probably delivery to dealerships first week of May or so.

 

[HTony]

Not much recent action on this Gulf States thread but allow me a minute for some hints in case you live in the Gulf States Toyota distribution footprint of OK/Tx/Ark/La/MS. GST is the distributor for inbound Toyota’s to the above states via Port of Houston. GST & Dealers often “add on” a diverse amount of Port Installed Options (PIO) to their new car allocations. You may be interested in these options- no problem. In my case, at my local dealer I noted a fresh pre-assigned LC on the lot just off the truck. The window sticker was almost $76k. A quick look and most of these were not for me. All were 20” wheels/ Lifetime window tint/lifetime paintless dent repair/vehicle protection products/concierge/key fob recovery and others.

I did learn this: If a vehicle in the dealer’s allocation can be “assigned” then ”reconfigured” early enough to delete certain GST or Dealer options, and you have made this clear with the sales manager or agent, then you can get the options you wish for and at considerable savings on your MSRP.. Then that can become your “assigned” vehicle. Expect to make a small deposit. Might have to wait a few weeks to get the color/options you wish,

? Don’t know the sales manager? Just walk in and ask to meet him/her. They usually are a people person. Tell them you wish to have certain features -Then ask them to introduce you to their most knowledgable agent. Some dealerships send select agents to new vehicle introductions/training and that is what you want if available.

Good Luck, HTony

 

[EOD Guy]

I purchased a GST LC/FE in Tuscaloosa, AL. They actually purchased some LC from the GST dealers as Alabama wasn't getting very many allocations direct from Toyota. I did purchase at TSRP which I was thrilled about. The one I had a deposit on from day one in TN was 10K above TSRP. Even losing the 1K deposit, I still saved 9K.