Reality Check - paint problem with my new GS
02-25-03, 06:19 AM
#31
EV ftw!!!
Originally posted by Gabeshell
Thanks again to all that have commented and those of you who have sent emails to the dealership. Believe it or not Manaray Lexus Customer Service never even called me back. I had to call them after the date that they said I would hear back from them. After speaking with the Service Manager this past Friday, this was the first that he knew the whole story, he has promised to do whatever he can to work this out. He told me that I hear back from him the beginning of this week. Well I would take that as Mon or Tues. If I don't hear from him by this afternoon then I'll be calling the general manager. Again, thanks.
Thanks again to all that have commented and those of you who have sent emails to the dealership. Believe it or not Manaray Lexus Customer Service never even called me back. I had to call them after the date that they said I would hear back from them. After speaking with the Service Manager this past Friday, this was the first that he knew the whole story, he has promised to do whatever he can to work this out. He told me that I hear back from him the beginning of this week. Well I would take that as Mon or Tues. If I don't hear from him by this afternoon then I'll be calling the general manager. Again, thanks.
02-25-03, 06:53 PM
#32
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I had the same problem with a Pontiac Bonneville which was widespread with 1988 and thereabout Bonneville and Buick Park Avenue and LeSabre. The paint didn't peel, but "faded" off leaving the gray primer coat showing, especially on the horizontal surfaces. It was awful -- I still see cars like that with the same problem never fixed. But even Pontiac repainted the cars for owners who went in and pushed them within the 3-year warranty. Later on, out of warranty, they split the cost of the repaint. Seems like if GM did it, Lexus sure should.
02-25-03, 07:26 PM
#33
Lexus Test Driver
My 0.02 on this: for such a new car to have this kind of serious defect to happen, the solution is nothing less than a Lexus buy-back and replacement WITH compensation for all your trouble. This is plain and simple what a reasonable customer would expect. If that was a Ford, I would also expect the same. Lexus should be ashamed.
So what to do? Keep focused on the issue. The issue is you have this brand new car with a serious manufacturing defect. The defect is such that it is so serious as to hurt its resale value tremendously and you, as the unknowing customer, will have to brunt it all.
This is beyond Lemon. They sold you an "unfinished product"!!! The paint is peeling on a 3-month old car!!!
Lexus has to take it back and give you a new one. If you must compromise, accept a 3-month old GS430.
So what to do? Keep focused on the issue. The issue is you have this brand new car with a serious manufacturing defect. The defect is such that it is so serious as to hurt its resale value tremendously and you, as the unknowing customer, will have to brunt it all.
This is beyond Lemon. They sold you an "unfinished product"!!! The paint is peeling on a 3-month old car!!!
Lexus has to take it back and give you a new one. If you must compromise, accept a 3-month old GS430.
02-26-03, 09:44 AM
#35
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Whitels and Manaray. I would be thrilled to death with your solution. If only that were a possibility. I currently have an appointment with the area rep on March 4th. Not quite a week away. I'll keep everyone informed about what Lexus offers me. I have no intention, at this point, of accepting anything less than a new car. I spoke with the service manager at the dealer and he told me that they had checked the history of the vehicle and can gurantee that no damage had occurred to my car prior to delivery to the dealer. I checked the vehilce at the dealer approximately 2 horus after it was unloaded from the truck and there was no damage to the vehicle. All of this just supports my assertion that the paint on the car is defective.
In one of the previous posts the information for the dealer and how to contact them is listed. If anyone else wants to take the time and send a support email for me please feel free to do so. Any help that my fellow CL members can offer is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again to all who have offered opinions and support.
In one of the previous posts the information for the dealer and how to contact them is listed. If anyone else wants to take the time and send a support email for me please feel free to do so. Any help that my fellow CL members can offer is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again to all who have offered opinions and support.
02-26-03, 04:55 PM
#36
Gabe: Whatever happened to the car BEFORE you took possesion, is NOT your problem,it is THEIR problem. You are entitle to a another new car, nothing less. Shame in Lexus Corp. I can`t believe that such a prestigius brand will be capable of , or allow, thru their employees, such a conduct; It is really appaling .
02-26-03, 07:39 PM
#37
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Gabe, I wish you the best of luck in your resolution. Just some small reminders: this is probably going to take some time. be persistent with your attempts to communicate with the top. Unfortunately the dealer is probably going to make you go through the chain of command. If every buyer who had a complaint got to talk to the head cheese, there would be no need for all those that work under him. That's just part of corporate America. Don't expect the local TV or BBB to be much help. They will probably just send a letter on your behalf requesting for some resolution to be reached. They will probably have two weeks to respond. It will take a long time this way. Remember, the squeeky wheel will get the grease. Parking across the street from their main entrance on a Saturday with a sign that says something like,"Don't by a Lexus, come and look at my car that I bought two weeks ago that Lexus refuses to replace." Check your city ordinances on signs, tresspassing and disturbing the peace. Odds are they will try to have the police move you if you are breaking any laws. Legal advice would be good before you meet with them. Know the laws regarding repairs and replacement. Don't accept any monetary discount. This will most likely deny you of any future warranty in the event that the paint continues to peel again after being repainted. Get everything in writing. Take a tape recorder and ask if you can record the conversation. They will probably say no. You may even ask that someone else comes with you so they can take notes for you of the conversation so that you don't have to worry about it.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
02-27-03, 04:59 PM
#38
If they refuse to replace the car and will only repaint it, you should have them paint it with that color-shifting lamborghini orange paint that costs like $2000 a pint. I'm sure there a few people out there that would pay a premium for such a uniquely colored lexus.
02-27-03, 06:32 PM
#39
Lexus Test Driver
Originally posted by FusionMan79
If they refuse to replace the car and will only repaint it, you should have them paint it with that color-shifting lamborghini orange paint that costs like $2000 a pint. I'm sure there a few people out there that would pay a premium for such a uniquely colored lexus.
If they refuse to replace the car and will only repaint it, you should have them paint it with that color-shifting lamborghini orange paint that costs like $2000 a pint. I'm sure there a few people out there that would pay a premium for such a uniquely colored lexus.
Love the car, hate the dealer!
03-04-03, 07:37 AM
#40
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Well guys, I had my meeting with the area rep today. I will stand firm. The impression that I was left with was that the rep felt that the damage to the vehicle was caused by an external force (cinders). I don't disagree with that assertion. However, I feel that the paint should not peel around the spots where a cinder hits the vehicle. I have to wait until later this week to find out what decision Lexus makes. The rep took paint depth reading and took digital pictures. He said that he will download the pictures to the Lexus paint specialist and he can decide what he thinks. Well, unfortunately I don't have an answer yet, but I already know my options and will exercise them if the need arises. I'll upload the pics as soon as possible. Thanks for your support guys.
03-04-03, 07:51 AM
#41
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Ok guys, here are the pics. If only the car looked just this bad in person. You cannot get a true appreciation by just these pics. You can only see a few of the spots. There are acutally about 15 dime size spots where there is no paint. Here ya go.
Last edited by Gabeshell; 03-04-03 at 07:53 AM.
03-04-03, 07:56 AM
#44
Lexus Test Driver
Re: Reality Check
Originally posted by Gabeshell
peeling paint on the hood, fenders and now it's beginning on the hood.
Latest Post: The impression that I was left with was that the rep felt that the damage to the vehicle was caused by an external force (cinders).
peeling paint on the hood, fenders and now it's beginning on the hood.
Latest Post: The impression that I was left with was that the rep felt that the damage to the vehicle was caused by an external force (cinders).
Did you take your car to Hawaii? You mentioned that Lexus think your car got hit bad by cinder? cuz' ready this: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/...hra/part5.html JUST KIDDING (more sad!)
As many people said in previous posts, there is only one option that Lexus must buy the car back no question ask. Of course, the dealer can't do anything about it @ this point. I'm not sure if you have contact the State Atterney General for unfair business practice from Lexus? I'm just got really emotional about the fact that they are going to make you suck it up a defect material. Did you pay cash for this car? Can you get the bank involve? Cuz, If I know if I loan money from the bank to finance the car, they better get involved since technically the car still theirs!
My prayer is with you and your car man!
One mad Lexowner!
03-04-03, 08:02 AM
#45
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Thanks Chuck...I have filed a complaint with the PA Atty General office. I have not heard from them yet. I have also contacted Kimmel and Silvermen in Philadelphia. They are the nations largest Lemon Law legal firm. Right now I'm in a holding pattern and just have to wait until the end of the week to see what answer Lexus gives me. If they only offer to repaint I'm left with no option but to pursue this matter through an attorney.