Those in the market for a new mainstream vehicle from a brand like Toyota will probably discover the automaker isn't offering the best interest rates right now. Depending on which part of the country you're in, financing for the Toyota Corolla can vary. For example, in Southern California, the automaker is offering 2.9 percent APR for 72 months.

And now a certain ultra-luxury brand is offering rates as low as 1.9 percent. A new bulletin sent to dealers indicates customers interested in the Rolls-Royce Phantom can be eligible for that rate for the same time period. Two totally different types of cars, obviously, but still. Why is this happening?

Likely because extremely expensive brands like Rolls-Royce are not suffering major inventory shortages. Automakers for the common folks, including Toyota, GM, Ford, and Stellantis, are all struggling with their respective assembly lines to balance out chip allocation. Only the most profitable vehicles, specifically trucks and SUVs are receiving those chips. Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and, until very recently, BMW, have largely been immune to the shortage.

The situation is getting so desperate, at least for Toyota, that there have been reported cases where Corollas are being marked up by almost $6,000. Yes, seriously. Even leasing a new Corolla is more expensive than just a few months ago.

Those lease rates are so unattractive that Toyota isn't even bothering to advertise them in some regions. Fortunately, not all mainstream brands have disappointing finance and lease rates these days. Kia, to name one example, still has some solid incentives with some even offering zero-percent financing.

As far as the Phantom financing rates go, it should go without saying that one must have the necessary funds in the first to even afford such a car. The Phantom carries a starting price tag of around $455,000. Add in some features and you'll quickly surpass the $500k mark. At the other end of the spectrum, a new Corolla (normally) starts at $20,025.