Comments on: Forbes’ List of Hardest-To-Get Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/ The Truth About Cars is dedicated to providing candid, unbiased automobile reviews and the latest in auto industry news. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:01:07 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Landcrusher http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-569141 Landcrusher Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:05:41 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-569141 Why doesn’t the Nissan Versa sell more? I find it aesthetically challenged compared to the competition, and Nissan just hasn't got the name that Honda and Toyota do anymore. Why doesn’t the Nissan Versa sell more?

I find it aesthetically challenged compared to the competition, and Nissan just hasn’t got the name that Honda and Toyota do anymore.

]]> By: rtz http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-567531 rtz Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:57:18 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-567531 Why doesn't the Nissan Versa sell more? Why doesn’t the Nissan Versa sell more?

]]> By: Geotpf http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-567092 Geotpf Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:36:50 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-567092 <em>trtl5000 : July 2nd, 2008 at 10:59 am Since I purchased a MINI I feel the need to point out that most owners are on a waiting list for MONTHS before their car is delivered. Does that 8 days start when it shows up or is it the odd car ordered by the dealer that gets sold?</em> What it means is that they take all the vehicles of a given model in dealer's inventory and, by the published sales figures, figure out how many days it would take to sell them. That is, if there are 10,000 of a given model sitting on dealer's lots somewhere in America, and they sold 20,000 of them last month, they would have a 15-day supply of that model. Likewise, if there were 60,000 of that same model on dealer's lots, there would be a 90-day supply (or so; assuming a 30-day month here). Now, what I'm not sure about is whether or not that includes vehicles technically owned by a dealer but still in transit from the factory. I suspect it does, which means that actual supplies are lower than these numbers, as in zero or damned close to it for at least the top four models (IE, all or almost all dealers have waiting lists for those models). trtl5000 :
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:59 am

Since I purchased a MINI I feel the need to point out that most owners are on a waiting list for MONTHS before their car is delivered. Does that 8 days start when it shows up or is it the odd car ordered by the dealer that gets sold?

What it means is that they take all the vehicles of a given model in dealer’s inventory and, by the published sales figures, figure out how many days it would take to sell them. That is, if there are 10,000 of a given model sitting on dealer’s lots somewhere in America, and they sold 20,000 of them last month, they would have a 15-day supply of that model. Likewise, if there were 60,000 of that same model on dealer’s lots, there would be a 90-day supply (or so; assuming a 30-day month here).

Now, what I’m not sure about is whether or not that includes vehicles technically owned by a dealer but still in transit from the factory. I suspect it does, which means that actual supplies are lower than these numbers, as in zero or damned close to it for at least the top four models (IE, all or almost all dealers have waiting lists for those models).

]]> By: Geotpf http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-567082 Geotpf Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:30:43 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-567082 The Lexus LX is newly redesigned. Lexus sales are very "streaky", in that new models sell like gangbusters and are impossible to find, but the sales of the older models fall like a rock. Sales were up 230.2% in June (not a typo). In any case, having five of the top ten hardest to find cars, as in Toyota's case, is the type of problem you want to have. That is, if your product is sold out, you screwed up by not building more, but that's a whole heck of a lot better than having it pile up like trash bags during a garbage collector's strike. The Lexus LX is newly redesigned. Lexus sales are very “streaky”, in that new models sell like gangbusters and are impossible to find, but the sales of the older models fall like a rock. Sales were up 230.2% in June (not a typo).

In any case, having five of the top ten hardest to find cars, as in Toyota’s case, is the type of problem you want to have. That is, if your product is sold out, you screwed up by not building more, but that’s a whole heck of a lot better than having it pile up like trash bags during a garbage collector’s strike.

]]> By: Nemphre http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-567062 Nemphre Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:23:33 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-567062 kjc117 : I wouldn't put much faith in cars.com. From my experience they always have outdated listings. kjc117 :

I wouldn’t put much faith in cars.com. From my experience they always have outdated listings.

]]> By: jayparry http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-566422 jayparry Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:56:33 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-566422 wouldnt the 'hardest to get' be the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and a few Lambos? Its not just that there is only a 7 day supply, there is a multi-year wait wouldnt the ‘hardest to get’ be the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and a few Lambos? Its not just that there is only a 7 day supply, there is a multi-year wait

]]> By: kjc117 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-566411 kjc117 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:54:19 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-566411 This is not true in my area. There are 29 Fits, 5 Priuii, 12 Mini's (reg,.S, Clubman), 35 Civics, 32Corrollas, all you have to do is go to Cars.com and perform a search. This is not true in my area.
There are 29 Fits, 5 Priuii, 12 Mini’s (reg,.S, Clubman), 35 Civics,
32Corrollas, all you have to do is go to Cars.com and perform a search.

]]> By: Areitu http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565952 Areitu Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:21:54 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565952 Wasn't there a recent TTAC article about why the LX was hard to find? I wonder what the C-Class and A5/S5 sales figures will look like once you differentiate between a lease and a purchase. Wasn’t there a recent TTAC article about why the LX was hard to find?

I wonder what the C-Class and A5/S5 sales figures will look like once you differentiate between a lease and a purchase.

]]> By: Cammy Corrigan http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565852 Cammy Corrigan Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:07:43 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565852 I'm surprised that the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Malibu aren't on that list. They're pretty elusive cars. Funny that people say that Toyota can't keep up with demand, which is why the Prius is hard to get hold of. Because it's the same reason why the Mini Cooper is hard to get hold of. They're only built in Cowley, UK. One factory + High global demand = Long waiting list. I’m surprised that the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Malibu aren’t on that list. They’re pretty elusive cars.

Funny that people say that Toyota can’t keep up with demand, which is why the Prius is hard to get hold of. Because it’s the same reason why the Mini Cooper is hard to get hold of. They’re only built in Cowley, UK.

One factory + High global demand = Long waiting list.

]]> By: hwyhobo http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565812 hwyhobo Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:57:01 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565812 What? Yukon Denali Hybrid is not on the list? I am shocked, shocked, I tell you. What? Yukon Denali Hybrid is not on the list? I am shocked, shocked, I tell you.

]]> By: hltguy http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565742 hltguy Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:48:25 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565742 adam0331: "I heard some local radio talk show host arguing the economy is good and oil prices aren't hurting" Where was he broadcasting from, Dubai? adam0331: “I heard some local radio talk show host arguing the economy is good and oil prices aren’t hurting”
Where was he broadcasting from, Dubai?

]]> By: hltguy http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565722 hltguy Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:46:15 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565722 Brettc: "Maybe the Aveo and Cobalt are #11 and #12 on the list" That's like me saying I am #51 on People Magazine's "50 Sexiest Men Alive" annual edition. Brettc: “Maybe the Aveo and Cobalt are #11 and #12 on the list”
That’s like me saying I am #51 on People Magazine’s “50 Sexiest Men Alive” annual edition.

]]> By: menno http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565572 menno Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:18:42 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565572 My local Toyota dealer has NO Corollas in stock, NO Camrys in stock, NO Camry Hybrids in stock, NO Yarises in stock and finally got in one pre-sold Prius. The guy who sold me my 2005 Prius (9 1/2 month waiting list - to be fair, I wanted a particular option group and was more than willing to wait) and who sold me my 2008 Prius (first one in town last September, 2 week waiting list) told me that Prius had a 6 month waiting list, and that was about 2 weeks ago. Could be 9 months, by now, for all I know. Hence, this is why I think Toyota sales are down. You can't sell what isn't yet built and sent to the dealer. Note the corrolation between low "days supply" and high demand. I suspect that the real situation on the Prius is virtually 0 days supply, if the actual distribution of the vehicles could be evened out to better reflect where people are waiting on cars. I think I read that nationally, the Prius is on a two week waiting list "on average", but this could be changing by the minute. My local Toyota dealer has NO Corollas in stock, NO Camrys in stock, NO Camry Hybrids in stock, NO Yarises in stock and finally got in one pre-sold Prius. The guy who sold me my 2005 Prius (9 1/2 month waiting list – to be fair, I wanted a particular option group and was more than willing to wait) and who sold me my 2008 Prius (first one in town last September, 2 week waiting list) told me that Prius had a 6 month waiting list, and that was about 2 weeks ago.

Could be 9 months, by now, for all I know.

Hence, this is why I think Toyota sales are down.

You can’t sell what isn’t yet built and sent to the dealer.

Note the corrolation between low “days supply” and high demand. I suspect that the real situation on the Prius is virtually 0 days supply, if the actual distribution of the vehicles could be evened out to better reflect where people are waiting on cars.

I think I read that nationally, the Prius is on a two week waiting list “on average”, but this could be changing by the minute.

]]> By: SunnyvaleCA http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565522 SunnyvaleCA Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:15:23 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565522 I think I can explain the A5: * It's a new car, so there is some initial extra demand * It looks awesome! * Compared to other $40k cars available in the USA, the mileage isn't bad Now if only Audi would get around to giving us the 2.0T engine with variable timing, this car could be flying off the lots. I predict that the new A4, which I believe will have the 2.0T engine available from product launch, will be a hit also. I think I can explain the A5:
* It’s a new car, so there is some initial extra demand
* It looks awesome!
* Compared to other $40k cars available in the USA, the mileage isn’t bad

Now if only Audi would get around to giving us the 2.0T engine with variable timing, this car could be flying off the lots.

I predict that the new A4, which I believe will have the 2.0T engine available from product launch, will be a hit also.

]]> By: Megan Benoit http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565502 Megan Benoit Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:14:58 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565502 Our local Mini dealer (only one serving most of Atlanta) has zilch for Clubmans on the lot... regular minis go very fast too. You pretty much *have* to custom order, just to get one. Oh, and all you haters that didn't like the four stars I gave the xD? Yeah, take *that*. Our local Mini dealer (only one serving most of Atlanta) has zilch for Clubmans on the lot… regular minis go very fast too. You pretty much *have* to custom order, just to get one.

Oh, and all you haters that didn’t like the four stars I gave the xD? Yeah, take *that*.

]]> By: Landcrusher http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565412 Landcrusher Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:07:00 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565412 I believe the MINI supply is a little misleading, trtl. So many of the MINI's are sold custom compared to other vehicles that it doesn't really compare. OTOH, I see zero clubmans on the road, but there are several on the lots. I wonder if they are ready to make deals yet? I believe the MINI supply is a little misleading, trtl. So many of the MINI’s are sold custom compared to other vehicles that it doesn’t really compare.

OTOH, I see zero clubmans on the road, but there are several on the lots. I wonder if they are ready to make deals yet?

]]> By: solo84 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-565402 solo84 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:02:51 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-565402 while i understand questioning the Mercedes C-class on the list, i have to agree with the placement on the list. our C's sell very well here in the great northwest. while i understand questioning the Mercedes C-class on the list, i have to agree with the placement on the list. our C’s sell very well here in the great northwest.

]]> By: 200k-min http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564762 200k-min Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:06:44 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564762 I heard some local radio host talking about this list as the "best selling cars" right now. He was trying to argue that the economy is great and gas prices aren't hurting if the Lexus LX is hot selling. Ha ha! I heard some local radio host talking about this list as the “best selling cars” right now. He was trying to argue that the economy is great and gas prices aren’t hurting if the Lexus LX is hot selling. Ha ha!

]]> By: Michael Karesh http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564722 Michael Karesh Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:02:09 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564722 People like the looks of the new C. And it is the smallest, most economical gas Benz. So no real anomaly there. People like the looks of the new C. And it is the smallest, most economical gas Benz. So no real anomaly there.

]]> By: trtl5000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564712 trtl5000 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:59:45 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564712 Since I purchased a MINI I feel the need to point out that most owners are on a waiting list for MONTHS before their car is delivered. Does that 8 days start when it shows up or is it the odd car ordered by the dealer that gets sold? Since I purchased a MINI I feel the need to point out that most owners are on a waiting list for MONTHS before their car is delivered. Does that 8 days start when it shows up or is it the odd car ordered by the dealer that gets sold?

]]> By: RobertSD http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564602 RobertSD Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:48:39 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564602 I would assume this is based on end of June inventories and June sales rate? Because there were several Detroit cars with less than 30 day supply going into June, including the Focus (21 days) and Escape Hybrid (10 days). I would assume this is based on end of June inventories and June sales rate? Because there were several Detroit cars with less than 30 day supply going into June, including the Focus (21 days) and Escape Hybrid (10 days).

]]> By: MattVA http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564582 MattVA Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:47:03 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564582 Oh boy! I get to be the first to make the obvious joke: How can the Tesla not be at the top of this list!? Can there be a negative day supply? Oh boy! I get to be the first to make the obvious joke:

How can the Tesla not be at the top of this list!? Can there be a negative day supply?

]]> By: brettc http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564542 brettc Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:42:07 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564542 Well that's odd, none of the cars are built by either of the Detroit companies. GM claimed that they could have sold 40000 more 4 cylinder cars in June if they had enough supply. Maybe the Aveo and Cobalt are #11 and 12 so they just missed the list. But I doubt it. Well that’s odd, none of the cars are built by either of the Detroit companies. GM claimed that they could have sold 40000 more 4 cylinder cars in June if they had enough supply. Maybe the Aveo and Cobalt are #11 and 12 so they just missed the list. But I doubt it.

]]> By: AKM http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564532 AKM Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:39:54 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564532 I've seen a LOT of C-class benzes already, more than I saw BMW's 3-series at the same time after their launch. I found that very impressive. It must be said it's a really handsome car. Beside that, incredible how fast the market is changing! Long live gas prices, I say. I’ve seen a LOT of C-class benzes already, more than I saw BMW’s 3-series at the same time after their launch. I found that very impressive. It must be said it’s a really handsome car.

Beside that, incredible how fast the market is changing! Long live gas prices, I say.

]]> By: SupaMan http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/comment-page-1/#comment-564472 SupaMan Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:32:10 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/forbes-list-of-hardest-to-get-cars/#comment-564472 Wow...I can understand the C and B segment cars in this lineup but the Benz and A5? I think a reason for the Lexus LX being in short supply was intentional on the part of Lexus only building these trucks in limited numbers. They've been on sale and I've yet to see even one of these trucks on the road down here in da MIA. Wow…I can understand the C and B segment cars in this lineup but the Benz and A5?

I think a reason for the Lexus LX being in short supply was intentional on the part of Lexus only building these trucks in limited numbers. They’ve been on sale and I’ve yet to see even one of these trucks on the road down here in da MIA.

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