codex57

I wonder if they really read these things and take the suggestions into account? I tore them a new one for the most part. Tried to be generally nice and professional about it, but I complained about a LOT. Did it online and just realized I forgot the little extra slip they sent me about whether there's too much brake dust and that the interior gets too dirty too easily. Oh well.

onepointon

They take all of the surveys into account. Sorry your not happy. What are you unhappy about?

MD350

Should have went with the black interior. I remember you looked at it. Yes, it lacks wood. But the other two colors are too light.

codex57

To be honest, it's just minor stuff. I said I'd definitely recommend a Lexus again, etc. I love this car. The major disadvantages I knew and accepted before I bought it.

Just annoyed at things like overhead console buttons not being backlit (can't find them at night), no hook for dry cleaning in the back, small glovebox/weak rubber band for manual, lack of interior storage space, etc. Also mentioned how 08 models still had rough engines and tranny flares.

I knew the interior would get dirty easily. However, I wanted to mention it cuz I figure maybe enough people will complain that Toyota will have some engineers figure out a plastic or fabric that is stain resistant. It's on their little sheet so maybe it's something they're working on.

onepointon

By talking to the trainers at the Lexus Eastern Office, and a few other people throughout the chain, I personally think that they take the comments on those surveys seriously.

I think your input on simple things like that makes a difference. If more people request those 'smaller' things, I wouldn't be surprised if you see them on future cars.

amf1932

Maybe you can answer this question then?
Why is it when Lexus issues a TSB, they DON'T correct the offending problem in future productions of said car?
Case in point: In 2003 I bought an ES300 which developed a rattle in the rear of the car. I found out through one of the Lexus messageboards that a TSB was issued for the 2002 ES300's, but the problem continued for many years....at least up to the 2005 or 2006 models.
If Lexus "listens", than why did it take over 4 years for them to make these production changes on the assembly line?

onepointon

I cannot give a definite answer as I cannot speak for them as a company. But, if you look at a TSIB, there is a box that says "Vehicle Production VIN Number Change" and lists a VIN. If the vehicle is produced before that VIN number (yes the last numbers are in numerical order as they come off the assembly line), the vehicle qualifies for the TSIB. A lot of times they update the TSIB if they find more cars were affected. There is a Lexus data base we can access called "TAS" where records of problems are kept. Its basically a Technical assistance hotline with product engineers and the like that help us out. Thats a lot of where TSIBs come from.

I have seen this happen lots of times. When they discover a problem, they change the way it is being produced and they record the number car that began the updated part(s). Anything before that they will fix IF it is a problem.

YotaCarFan

Are owners supposed to receive a paper survey in the mail? I never received one, and I bought the car 5 months ago. I mentioned this to the dealer a month ago, and subsequently got a phone-survey by "Gallup", which I assume is not the same thing, is it?

MD350

Nope, you should get the famous "survey" in the mail 30 to 60 days after purchase.