How long to order from Japan?

I'm attempting to order a Prius IV in Blue Ribbon from Carmax in Laurel, MD. I haven't been able to get an answer yet to the expected wait time if they order a vehicle at this point (early July). Do folks have an idea on what the expected wait time might be?

First, you don't really order from Japan, the dealer doesn't order and the order never goes to Japan or really Toyota for that matter, it goes to "Ports", in a way, massive independent dealer that distributes vehicles to local dealers in their regions. Dealers are alloted vehicles from the "Ports", and if one is close to what you want, dealers can request that vehicle or trade with another dealer that is going to get that vehicle. Toyota doesn't really have special orders from the factory, its really what the dealer can get from the "Ports".

Thanks for the clarification. In my situation is it reasonable to wait for a vehicle per my specification (say I'm willing to wait 6-8 weeks)... or is it really a question of finding a vehicle nearby or in transit? It sounds like they are only willing to trade vehicles within 100 miles.

If what you want is being built then cast a wide net even if you have to go out of state or out of region. You may find it sitting on a lot.

Are you looking for one with SR, Navi, what options?

Agreed, unless he has a reason to stick with a dealer he should see what someone has coming in. They should know what they have coming in for the next 10 days. I know that several cars like I want have been sold within 200 miles of me while I wait on my order.

What is 2010 availability like right now? The two dealers in Austin only have 1 or 2 in stock with 12 others "available" (from other nearby dealers. This doesn't seem like much inventory for a Prius crazy market like Austin.

Exactly, It's not that demand is soooo high; the problem is supply is ridculously low. I've had an order in for 6 weeks now, and so far nothing. This past week, my dealer got one car. Just one car. That's ridiculous.

Honestly, I think toyota should have waited to release the car. I mean, the car has been out for about 6-8 weeks now and each dealer has maybe 2 cars on the lot. Figure there are 100 or so different configs available and you will never be able to find what you want at any one dealer.

I was hoping to get just a basic Prius IV– no nav or SR. Tentatively I've asked the dealer to hold a black model with misty gray interior which they have on the lot.

I placed my order for a V w/ATP back in May and was told August/September. Still haven't heard a thing.

Sounds better than nothing. We have a couple Blue Ribbon IVs coming with Navi. Silver and Winter Gray no Navi.

In theory, you don't actually order a car from Japan when it comes to Prius. Your dealership has to earn one. And, that combination needs to be requested as a normal part of their allocation, or an extra car to fill an order. Each region works differently.

Lordy, wish we were closer. Or, you wanted to pay to ship a car. That's a car I have readily available right away in pretty good colors!!