Why don't we get all the cool gizmos in the USA?

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by midenginebias

Add those options and I think customers would walk away from Scion dealerships for an alternative choice. "A $30,000 Scion?"

The limited options and included features of the car were built purposely for the US market to target a specific price point for younger automotive enthusiasts and more experienced ones for modifications later.

There's a reason why LSD and 4 wheel ventilated discs are standard as opposed to non-performance oriented options such as alcantara seats, seat heaters, navigation system, push-button start, etc.

Did anyone ever think that the reason there is no multifunction steering wheel is because it'll likely be replaced by a quick-hub wheel of a smaller diameter?

People forget how expensive it is to put out an all new vehicle with an entire interior and exterior that is bespoke to the car, instead of crossing parts across the board like Mercedes Benz interiors from C-Class to S-Class or even the BMW 1M; from the M3 mirrors to the Z4 differential, etc.

I'm always confused by this arguement. Having options does not mean they can't offer a baseline model. If you want one without stuff, you can still get it. But for those that do want to pay more for options, they can also get what they want. It's not like they have to only offer one trim (although that seems to be the Scion way). This is how they do it in Japan and probably many places in the world.

[avp1]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

I'm always confused by this arguement. Having options does not mean they can't offer a baseline model. If you want one without stuff, you can still get it. But for those that do want to pay more for options, they can also get what they want. It's not like they have to only offer one trim (although that seems to be the Scion way). This is how they do it in Japan and probably many places in the world.

In low production car like this having many options makes assembly process expensive. Buyers here want to get car of the lot the day they bought it, not waiting months when one is built on order. This again makes multiple trims or options difficult to achieve. And again everyone has a choice either get Scion or Subaru. Consider them as two trims of the same car.

Look, Apple always have only one model of iPhone in production, and nobody complains about lack of choice.

[Rawhyde]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

I'm always confused by this arguement. Having options does not mean they can't offer a baseline model. If you want one without stuff, you can still get it. But for those that do want to pay more for options, they can also get what they want. It's not like they have to only offer one trim (although that seems to be the Scion way). This is how they do it in Japan and probably many places in the world.

I am confused by this too. American cars used to be available with any combination of options the buyer wanted, European cars still are. Go check out the website for MINI or BMW. Toyota, Honda, Lexus, and Acura couldn't care less about what the customer wants. They're gonna build it "their way" come hell or high water. To add insult to injury, the stealerships are very quick to tell you what you "need" or "don't need". I'm surprised that the Japanese companies still let you pick the color you want.

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by avp1

In low production car like this having many options makes assembly process expensive. Buyers here want to get car of the lot the day they bought it, not waiting months when one is built on order. This again makes multiple trims or options difficult to achieve. And again everyone has a choice either get Scion or Subaru. Consider them as two trims of the same car.

Look, Apple always have only one model of iPhone in production, and nobody complains about lack of choice.

Yeah, and no offense, but I think Apple fans are silly in that way. Many claimed we didn't need 4G until Apple finally decided to include it in their phones. As well as not needing a bigger screen size until Apple finally increased it with their new model. Etc... And look at how many people went to Android because of all the choices and customization! (Including myself)

Now I understand that many people don't really care about details. Americans are often impulse buyers and go off of emotions and they are impatient and want things immediately. So they will always get sales from them. But how much money will they be missing out on from those who are enthusiasts and who are picky about their cars and would like options?

But I do understand that it could take longer the way things are, and that's why I suggested they design cars to have the things like seats and headlamps easily swap-able. I don't see why it wouldn't work. It works for other car companies and it worked in the past. So surely there is a way Scion could make more money by doing so. Or at least give that project over to Toyota North America.

And lastly, the BRZ is different enough to not be considered the same car but with more options. I, as well as others, like everything about the Toyota models compared to the BRZ. Sure, the differences are small but they are enough to prevent me from buying a Subaru BRZ. Not to mention the fact that it's much harder to get a Subaru at the moment. But I admit that I keep toying with idea of just putting myself on the waiting list for a BRZ Limited.

[truenosan]

People here complain about waiting a few weeks for their cars. If options were available, the car would be built to order. That would probably take even longer then the already long current wait times.

[whateatsrabbits]

I would have bought the stripper if I lived in japan, I'm glad USA got a LSD and aluminum wheels for the same price. I for one am an American. I do not care about extra options, I care about price. Thats what this car is, a cheap rear drive sports car right? I got exactly what I wanted.

[zoomzoomers]

You don't say... and here I thought they always kept the good stuff away from us because they just hate us.

[ESC POD]

<<------- This guys wants the RA...BAD!! I've been reading about it for awhile...and would buy one in a Heartbeat!! Tomorrow!! I'm not kidding...

Come on Subaru...

[midenginebias]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

I'm always confused by this arguement. Having options does not mean they can't offer a baseline model. If you want one without stuff, you can still get it. But for those that do want to pay more for options, they can also get what they want. It's not like they have to only offer one trim (although that seems to be the Scion way). This is how they do it in Japan and probably many places in the world.

Economies of scale.

It's different in Japan and the UK because the respective markets are much much smaller compared to the U.S., so it's easier to get more profit per car with the additional options and accessories.

Ever notice how expensive BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche get with all the detailed options? Even Lexus sells options in lump packages, and Acura practically includes everything and asks 3 questions; engine choice, transmission choice, Nav. That's pretty much it.

That allows the customer to have the most value for their purchase while the manufacturer can make the most profit at a respective price point.

[SuperDave]

Originally Posted by avp1

In low production car like this having many options makes assembly process expensive. Buyers here want to get car of the lot the day they bought it, not waiting months when one is built on order. This again makes multiple trims or options difficult to achieve. And again everyone has a choice either get Scion or Subaru. Consider them as two trims of the same car.

Look, Apple always have only one model of iPhone in production, and nobody complains about lack of choice.

god that last sentence is so stupid....apple offers the iphone in one spec only in the entire world! there's nothing lacking in the iphone here, vs other places, it's not even a comparable product to make such an argument if they (scion) offered the car, with all the options available for the 86 here, people wouldn't be bitching.

for you to understand, if they offered a gimped iphone here, say without retina display or touch screen options because they thought people in the U.S. were cheap.