When will this stop being a thing?

Honestly, it is starting to feel like those on-hold messages that say, “We are experiencing higher than expected call volumes…” After a few years of hearing that, you can’t really claim it’s still unexpected. At some point, it just becomes an excuse.

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I am completely convinced this is all nonsense! Throughout the pandemic, Toyota has been selling fewer vehicles but at higher prices, which has significantly boosted their profits. That’s why there will always be these so-called “supply chain issues.”

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We should also consider the steady rise in the base price of vehicles. The increase is becoming excessive, especially with all the additional fees added by dealerships.

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Yup; ALL BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE DUMB ENOUGH to be paying this…

Yep. I have lost count of how many people post complaints about dealerships’ shady, overpriced tactics. Yet, they still end up buying from them.

Because people often focus on the monthly payment rather than the actual price of the car.

What do you mean? If there is a high demand for new cars, the price doesn’t matter as much as the need.

Slightly used cars can be even worse deals, higher interest rates and the out-the-door cost can be nearly the same as buying a new car.

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There’s a need for a vehicle … but the option of “wanting” a toyota and paying whatever the asking price is… thousands in BS fee’s coupled with thousands more in “market condition” fees… this is what I’m referring to

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In Australia, the base price of the basic Workmate Hilux increased from the high $20,000s to the high $30,000s during COVID, even though standard features were removed. The price hasn’t decreased, and those features are still not available.

I agree. I recently discussed trading in my Corolla for a new Honda. I was fully prepared to buy a new Toyota after 14 years with my Corolla, but the dealers had no inventory and were rude. My experience with buying a new HR-V felt just like it did before the pandemic. Toyota is still operating as if it’s 2021, and I am not sure how long they’ll continue to get away with it, eventually, not everyone will stick around.

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Only the absolute loyalists will stay. Others will just jump ship to another Japanese brand.

I did buy a car, I got a Lexus RX in October 2021, during some of the worst market fluctuations. I didn’t pay extra, had no BS fees or add-ons, and it was less expensive than a Highlander Platinum.

Lexus is still technically a Toyota brand, but Lexus dealerships likely receive better training and are more focused on customer service.

A common misconception about Toyota “keeping supply lower” is that it’s not supported by the sales data. In 2023, Toyota sold 290,650 Camrys, compared to 197,947 Honda Accords and only 30,531 Mazda 3s. For crossovers, Toyota sold 434,943 RAV4s, while the Honda CR-V had 361,457 sales, and the Ford Explorer had 186,799. On a global scale, Toyota sold 11.2 million vehicles in 2023, whereas Honda sold 3.7 million, Ford 4.4 million, and General Motors (across all brands) 6.6 million. The Volkswagen group, including all its brands, came close with 9.24 million sales, but still fell 2 million short of Toyota.

Toyota isn’t limiting production; they’re simply selling so many vehicles that they’re struggling to keep up with demand. Their sales volume is double that of most other brands worldwide, which explains why they’re having the most difficulty maintaining stock levels.

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This is the answer. Toyota cannot keep up with demand.

Most other automakers have plenty of supply, but they are generally less reliable and durable so they are less in demand.

Literally this, THANK YOU

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I’ve never been so patriotic for a company. That was glorious