A story about contracting a new Alphard, which is currently on order stop, with a stock vehicle

In March 2025, the new Alphard was on nationwide order stop. During this time, I encountered a stock vehicle that was exactly what I envisioned, and I contracted it the same day, with delivery about three weeks later. I will follow the flow until the contract, the delivery time, and the pros and cons of stock vehicles.

Just as I thought about wanting to buy an Alphard, an unexpected turn of events occurred

“Can I order an Alphard right now?” On March 8, 2025, I went to a nearby Wains with that thought in mind. For our family, who are in the child-rearing generation, it was the right timing to consider changing our beloved car, and the Alphard, with its spacious interior and luxury feel, was the ideal vehicle. However, the sales representative said something unexpected.

“Currently, there is a nationwide order stop.”

I had heard that the lead times were long, but I was truly surprised to find out that “orders cannot even be placed.”

I stumbled upon a shiny display vehicle

About a month later, a new Wains opened near my home, and to my amazement, a shiny new Alphard was on display. I thought, “Well, just to take a look…” and casually dropped by, only to receive another unexpected remark from the sales representative.

“Actually, we can guide you to just three stock vehicles.”

Honestly, I had the image that “stock vehicles = unsold leftovers,” but after listening to the details, the conditions were better than I had expected.

・New cars in production (not display models or long-term storage cars)
・Grade is Z hybrid E-Four (4WD)
・Body color is the platinum white pearl mica I had hoped for
・Almost all the manufacturer options I wanted were already installed
・Expected delivery time is within one month

It’s unlikely that stock vehicles with such ideal conditions would come by often. After discussing it with my family, I decided to contract on the spot.

Schedule from contract to delivery

The actual process looks like this.

March 8: Informed that order is stopped at the local dealer
April 6: Found an in-stock vehicle at a different store, negotiated and signed the contract on the same day
April 26: Received a call from the first dealer visited about "order resumption" (delivery time is about 5 months later)
April 26: Obtained an estimate for the Delica D:5 before trade-in on a buyback estimate site and signed the sale contract
April 30: Delivery of the new Alphard (just 24 days after signing the contract!) & handover of the Delica D:5 on the same day

Since the timing of the delivery and handover overlapped, it created a curious situation where two cars were parked side by side at home for just a few hours. The long-years companion Delica D:5 and the newly welcomed Alphard. I felt a little sentimental, but it was the moment I realized, "I'm ready to move on to the next car."

The reality of choosing an in-stock vehicle, advantages and disadvantages

Let’s take another look at this in-stock vehicle.

This time, in conjunction with the opening of Wayne’s new store, several popular models (such as Crown, Alphard, etc.) were ordered for sale, which is why they were treated as in-stock vehicles.

And since it had just been transported from the factory, the mileage was zero, and of course, it had not been test-driven either.

When people think of in-stock vehicles, they tend to have a negative impression of “unsold inventory” or “compromise,” but there are cases where you can encounter a vehicle that meets your ideal conditions, just like this time. In fact, the Alphard we signed a contract for was a Z grade hybrid (E-Four) that came with the manufacturer options we wanted, truly an ideal vehicle.

One of the particularly attractive merits was the speed of delivery. While it would usually take six months to a year, this time the stock vehicle was delivered in just over three weeks from the contract, which felt very fast. This is something unique to stock vehicles.

On the other hand, there are also disadvantages to note. Since the specifications are already finalized, you cannot choose the body color or specific manufacturer options. In some cases, there might be features included that you think, “I didn’t really want this…” and whether you can accept such aspects is a key point of judgment.

If you lack manufacturer options, you might regret it later; if you have too many, it could cost more, making it seem difficult to find just the right balance.

Additionally, stock for popular models is first-come, first-served. When I was guided through the options, I was told, “Everything might be decided within this week,” which left almost no time for careful consideration.

Although the freedom of choice is low, the fact that you can get a vehicle without waiting if the conditions are right is very practical and a major allure.

It just so happens that the stock vehicle is a perfect match

The stock Z grade vehicle we contracted includes all the manufacturer options I wanted, such as Advanced Park, Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Inner Mirror, Universal Step, and Moonroof. Furthermore, it has the body color of Platinum White Pearl Mica that I desired. I couldn’t find a reason to want anything more, and my spouse and I decided immediately, “Isn’t this already enough?”

If you target stock vehicles, you might be able to get one when you want it

At the timing just before delivery, I was contacted by the first dealer I visited saying "orders have resumed." However, the shortest time until delivery is at least five months. Depending on the grade and options, it may take even longer. When I think about that, I really feel that meeting a stock vehicle at that time was very fortunate.

While you can't choose every condition yourself, if you want something "now" and "as soon as possible," I think choosing a stock vehicle is definitely a viable option.

Please also refer to this for the reality of selecting grades and total prices.

【Troubles】 Our Toyota Alphard, the reality of choosing grades and total costs
https://maduro-online.jp/car&bike/22558

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