If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle that isn’t available in a dealership’s inventory, you have several options as a consumer. Toyota offers a dedicated website for custom orders, allowing you to design your ideal vehicle. Alternatively, you can have a car already at a dealership tailored to meet your preferences.
Is It Possible to Order a Toyota Directly from the Factory?
Absolutely, everyday buyers can bypass the dealership and order a personalized vehicle straight from Toyota’s factory.
Excited about getting a brand-new Toyota? That’s awesome! There’s something special about shopping for a vehicle, whether it’s new or pre-owned, knowing no one else has claimed the driver’s seat yet.
You’ll be the first to settle into that seat, eager to finalize the deal and tweak the mirrors to your liking.
But after visiting multiple dealerships—maybe five or six—you still haven’t found the perfect match. The vehicles are close, but something’s always off.
Frustrated with fruitless dealership visits, you might wonder: Can you skip the middleman and order directly from the factory?
Many manufacturers, including Toyota, provide a custom order platform. On their site, Toyota.com/configurator, you’ll find a section for crafting your custom vehicle.
Unless you’re closely connected to Toyota’s top executives, you can’t build a vehicle entirely from the ground up. However, the configurator lets you select from Toyota’s current lineup and personalize it to your taste.
How Toyota’s Custom Order System Works
Visit the Toyota configurator page, and you’ll see a variety of vehicles available for customization. As of 2022, Toyota offers over 30 models for personalization.
Whether you want an electrified Skylander truck, a Prius Prime, a RAV4 hybrid, or a spacious Sienna minivan, there’s something for everyone. You can even go sporty with a GR Supra.
Ordering directly from Toyota’s factory isn’t quick—it can take several weeks to a couple of months to get your vehicle. But the wait ensures you get exactly what you envisioned, free from the limitations of a dealership’s inventory or mechanics.
If you only need minor tweaks to an existing model, it’s often faster to buy from a dealership and have them make the changes on-site.
Toyota’s Modification Process
After selecting your desired vehicle, the configurator will show available models, such as standard, XL, limited, or hybrid versions.
Choose your model, and the next page will list available engine options for that vehicle and model combination.
The process guides you through available customizations, though not every modification applies to every vehicle. For instance, a truck’s options may differ from those for a compact Prius.
You can pick from various colors and finishes, like matte or glossy. Accessories are also available for purchase once you’ve finalized your vehicle’s modifications.
Need Help? Contact Customer Service
If a specific modification or accessory isn’t listed on the configurator, don’t give up. You may be able to request it through Toyota’s customer service portal.
Custom Orders Through Dealerships
For minor adjustments, ordering directly from the factory might be overkill. Instead, visit a Toyota-certified dealership, where a certified mechanic can customize a vehicle to your specifications.
Dealerships can repaint the vehicle, install custom lighting inside the cabin, or provide emergency kits for roadside issues, like a flat tire.
Typically, dealership modifications are completed in under a week. If a specific part is out of stock, it might take two to three weeks.
What About Third-Party Customizations?
Maybe you already own a Toyota but want to upgrade the brakes, refresh worn upholstery, or boost the stereo system for better sound.
Many auto body shops offer excellent customization services, but be cautious—some modifications could void your vehicle’s warranty.
If your vehicle is no longer under warranty, you’re free to modify it however you like.
Trending Vehicle Customizations
Customizations can be done through dealerships, directly from Toyota, or at third-party shops. It’s helpful to know what modifications are popular among drivers.
Here are three popular customizations:
- Unique paint and designs – Why settle for standard colors like black or white? Choose from countless hues and finishes, such as high gloss, matte, or semi-gloss.
- Window tinting – A favorite for privacy lovers. Check local laws, but most areas allow 20-35% tint levels.
- Underglow neon lights – RGB lighting isn’t just for tech anymore. These lights add flair under your vehicle, especially on dark nights.
Final Thoughts
You can order a custom Toyota directly from the manufacturer, though delivery typically takes several weeks. During the process, you’ll select your vehicle’s make, model, engine, color, and additional modifications.
Accessories are also available for purchase. For third-party customizations, popular options include unique paint jobs, underglow lights, and window tinting.
