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2004 Toyota Solara
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Comments
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Mackabee
I don't like some of the rip-off options any more than you do, but the freedom of America always gives you the right to buy another make/model car or simply select the cars without the offending options. That same freedom gives the distributors their rights to try to make a profit based on their contractual rights and I certainly wouldn't encourage a foreign company to infringe on those rights. I am not in the automotive business, but distributors in all businesses are under intense pressure and cars are no different. Once markets and distribution systems are developed (frequently at great cost and risk) both manufacturers and end-users (including me) usually want to remove the middle-men. Manufacturers play all sorts of interesting games to as they slowly force distributors out of business. These games (which normally reduce distributor profits) drive the distributors to take counter measures that are not always effective. There just aren't any really easy answers that don't infringe on someone.
If you feel so strongly about the matter, why don't you write a thoughtful letter to the president of Gulf States Toyota. Simply shooting from the hip probably won't get a reply, but if you explain the problem tactfully from your point of view as a consumer, you might get some positive results. Like any business, they want to maximize profit (not the same thing as volume), but they will need to continuously modify their methods as alternative distribution channels and substitute products proliferate.
However, the restrictive option packaging is a TMSUSA thing, not a private distributor thing. Even here in the Northeast, where TMSUSA has direct control over distribution, there are highly restrictive available combinations. In fact, in terms of factory options, what I've seen indicates that the privately-controlled Southeast region actually gives the most choices -- except you also have to deal with the distributor's rip-off sticker if you buy down there.
What Toyota really needs to do is revamp their entire USA distribution system. Make it like GM, where dealers and customers order what they want direct from TMSUSA. There will obviously be some limitations on options so there are not tens of thousands of possible combinations for each model, but they need to get rid of the "mandatory options" and the "all or nothing" (stripped car or $4000 package) problems. Word is that Toyota is in the process of working on this. If they could cut off the private distributors at the same time, they would really be rolling.
I honestly believe that the main reason why TMSUSA is not the #1 vehicle seller in this country is that a good percentage of their retail customers get scared away by bad packaging, rip-off stickers and surly dealers. If they could take care of those problems, they would be unstoppable.
-Andrew L
I am sure Toyota would love to break their agreements with the distributors, but as long as the distributors are honoring the terms of their contracts, I would hope no US court would allow this to happen. In the long-term disintermediation is inevitable, but in the short-term contracts need to be honored. You have potential leverage in these relationships, but just carping on a chat board isn't going to improve your position.
I just hope you don't want every big, successful company to screw its partners (who helped them get there in this case) at its first opportunity, if it looks like it will save you a few dollars. Remember, "what goes around comes around" works both ways.
None of this justifies some of the overpriced option packages, but its just not a case that I want Toyota to resolve buy breaking their distribution deals. At any rate, lets get back to discussing cars!
What an excellent suggestion. In fact, I'll go one step further and mention that there's a hint about the focus of this topic in the discussion title. If you want to continue the current discussion, the News & Views board is the perfect venue. Thanks!
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Share your vehicle reviews
I am waiting to hear some reports from the early buyers. I will be cross shopping the Solara V6, 04 Camry SE V6 and 04 Acura TL to buy before the end of the year. A bit of a mixed bag, but that is my current list. Since they will all be fairly new (new powertrain for SE), I don't expect big discounts on any of them, but it looks like the Solara might be the near term best buy for a combination of entry level luxury and some sport/touring orientation.
Supra94, thanks for your input. Have a good weekend.
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Mackabee
I think snakerbill's point (and mine) is that Toyota's excellent sales are in spite of their packaging and distribution systems, not because of them. If they could streamline that part of their business, they would roll right over DCX.
-Andrew L
BTW, I drove the V-6 both with and without the Sport package but could not detect any appreciable difference in handling. Also, the shift points for the auto tranny do not seem to take advantage of the V-6's power. Unless I used the auto shift to keep the car in lower gear, the car was in no hurry to go anywhere. Anyone out there with the same experiences or do I just need to spend more time behind the wheel?
Mac Struts vs. Wishbone Suspension
Do you know if it was a one time event or will they have another on a later date?
Thanks.
Go to http://www.solarastyle.com to see a calendar of events and a description of the promotion.
BTW, I just purchased a Saab 9-3 Arc which is a really sweet car but, aside from being about $5-8K more expensive, is not a direct competitor with the Solara. I do wonder (in some of those rare idle moments), how the upcoming 9-3 convertible will compare to the Solara convertible. That seems like more of an equal match.
Perhaps someone can explain to me the "build and price" process. You first get a listing of the models "available in your area". Next you get a list of options. Does this mean that if a configuration or option isn't listed it cannot be ordered? Or does it simply mean that no such cars exist on dealer lots in the area? (Or does it mean anything at all?)
Unfortunately, some of the new Lexus models aren't that great-looking, but at least it is much more desirable to look like a Lexus than a Hyundai.
Lexus-like styling gives the car "valet appeal."
The pics on the Toyota website and other places are pretty small and not very high resolution.
Unfortunately the event in Garden City was the closest one to me and it has passed. I'll just have to bug a sales person at a dealership for a test drive.
If it is that difficult to install, Toyota should have it available or standard if you order the Navigation/JBL system and installed at the factory instead of having the dealers spend hours attempting to install it.