Hi Jeff,
Hi Jeff,
I stumbled on this article ("2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is Special But Frustrated Buyers Still Willing to Wait Months to Get One") while re-reviewing my options of a new car purchase.
Put me down as one of the frustrated but eager/anxious buyers awaiting their prized 2019 Rav4 Hyrbid models. I've researched for years for the perfect next car purchase and I know I want a hybrid/awd combo (I currently drive a 2004 Jeep Wrangler - yes, I drive the same car for many years. Hence the move to a reliable Toyota vehicle at this point). My daily work commute is 52 miles round-trip in NE Ohio. That means cold, snowy winters with lots of lake-effect snow from October through April, so AWD is essential.
I said re-reviewing my options for a new car purchase as I was recently looking around for other hybrid/awd vehicles out there (Lexus UXh, Nissan Rogue) since I test drove the Rav4 Hybrid back on April 13th. It was a base LE model and loved its handling, quiet and comfortable ride along the same stretch of highway my daily commute takes me (or parts of it at least). Sat down with the dealer and made arrangements for a Ruby Flare Pearl Limited model with the cold-weather package, plonked down $1000 deposit and wait for a phone call. And waited, and waited...and still waiting. I called my sales rep a couple of times requesting an update and he was very apologetic, stating that Toyota is overwhelmed with demand and it might be another 4-5 more weeks' wait (initially he said no more than 2 weeks). Realistically, I don't think I'll hear from him until July, or August at the latest. Anytime before the next snow fall would be perfect.
Then I stumbled on your article while researching other options and it gave me hope and renewed confidence in my purchase option. I've waited years for a new car. What's a few more weeks or months? Excellent article. Thanks, Jeff.