tcho82

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I am suprised about the ML system not really being advertised. Usually you would expect to have the ML logo on the tweeter covers or on the speakers or etc..

You always see BOSE or HARMON KARDON stamped all over a car.

About the disclaimer, I didn't state that saying the dealer would be off the hook for it. But usually that is the first thing they could come back with. I've been on COUNTLESS test drives with BMW M3's when I was looking at the time with false ads. Many touting Harmon Kardon upgraded audio, xenon lights, 19s, and upgraded leather. Only to find the stock system, with halogens, on 18's with normal leather/leatherette. Maybe not all at one time, but more often than you'd expect. In the end it is up to the buyer to be diligent and find out. I mean when was the last time you took a salesperson's word on something? Most of the time they don't know jack.

Evitzee

Glad it worked out for you. But I'm curious why you thought Lexus corporate should give you more money for a maintenance item on a 10 year old car? You refused the warranty at time of purchase, and you finagled $200 from the dealer for your trouble, yet you still weren't satisfied. Why is that? You certainly can't blame Lexus for the problem. Just a curious situation.

cip

Sorry forgot to mention how my example fits this situation. Part of the reason I spent the extra $$ on buying from the dealer was that they replaced the front & rear pads, wiper blades, trans fuild, oil change, etc. to prep the car for sale. SO when the brakes went out within 1 month and less than 1,000 miles of driving I felt they were responsible...

talbin

Thanks for all of the information! Here is my plan of attack.

1. Call corporate and let them know about hte situation and ask them some advise before I go to the dealer.

2. Raise hell at the dealer until I get my ML system or get a system installed and have them foot the bill.

3. If they refuse to do anything for me I guess I continually write corporate and the dealer letters until I get what I want.

I will keep you all posted on what happens.

Evitzee

Fair enough....in that case I can see why Lexus could hold some responsibility.

Evitzee

Sounds reasonable ..... make sure you document everything.

CWS

Was there a 'stock number' printed in the ad? Is that stock number the same as the one on your bill-of-sale? If the answer is no, then I think you don't have a case. If yes, then you could win in small-claims court, probably.

RaZoRaMoN

good luck...hopefully it will turn out good for you

ahohnstein

No offense intended.... but if it really took you a month to figure out that you DIDN'T have ML installed, then does it really make a difference? I mean, if you just slapped a sticker on there you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Obviously the sound quaility was good enough before you found this out. The dealer is highly unlikely to install another ML or equivalent aftermarket system. I think you could fairly expect some accessories and probably a substantial credit toward services but not a ML system.

I'm not saying you weren't wronged; you were. Just be reasonable in what to expect. Because, unless that ad in the paper had a specific stock # or VIN # specified, that AD could refer to any of a number of units on their lot. The deal you made was for the car you PURCHASED, not the car in the AD (if that makes sense). Again, not trying to add fuel to the fire, just trying to make a reasonable point.

mwaull

that sux . . . but i cant believe you didnt notice this before-hand

dkaplan435

I understand your concern. I would not have purchased the 350 if it didn't have the ML system. Good luck... the advice given in previous posts is good.

talbin

Ok, so I will give a little more information since everything has been set in motion. I was a little paranoid because I didn't want the dealership to see because I thought one of them may read this forum and know it was me that bougth the car so I changed the details a little bit.

So the listing was on Autotrader.com and it was for the VIN described. I have had the car less then a week. I logged my concerns with lexus corporate and of course right when I call the dealer the guys voice changes really fast and he starts to sound uncomfortable when I tell him the situation. He tells me that he will get back to me. Of course he hasn't and I noticed the car is off autotrader now HAHA. Sounds like I am going to have to play hardball. All I can say is that its good I have lots of printouts from autotrader. BTW, here is the description of the car from autotrader.com

Seller's Comments
SAVE $$$ FROMA NEW IS 350!! OUR '06 IS 350 HAS NAVIGATION, MARK LEVINSON AUDIO, A/C & HEATED FRONT SEATS, LEXUS CERTIFIED, AND IS CHARCOAL ON BLACK!! These new IS sedans are as revolutionary as the first generation and are available now in a IS 250 and IS 350 forms. The engine size is what makes these two models different, the 250's having the 2.5L and the 350's having the 3.5L engine. The IS 350 sedan has a strong rating of 306 horsepower from its 3.5L DOHC 24 valve V6 that has both port and direct fuel injection which makes both of these motors for their size extremely efficient. The styling is great on these as to be expected both inside and out. Our '06 IS 350 has a NAVIGATION system and a MARK LEVINSON audio which makes concert like sound. The IS 350's are built a lot less than the 250 model, so hurry to get this one which also has some options!!

rhsmd

realy the only things the dealer can do is refund the difference or get you a different vehicle.
can't swap in a ML. it's more than just the amp.
different speakers, and there are 14 rather than 13 on the non ML.
hope it works out. enjoy the rest of the car

widlfiresd

Lexus usually has the ML system as part of a package. I am sure you are missing a lot of other features too.

ahohnstein

If the ad listed a stock # or VIN # then yeah I'd say you have a bonified gripe with the dealer. Again, as a previous poster mentioned, it's not as easy as swapping out a head unit. All sorts of things are different between stock and ML systems. Heck, the wiring may even be a heavier guage.... who knows. Sorry to hear this happened to you. I think you SHOULD pursue it but I think your time would be better spent asking for accessories (maybe a free set of tires when needed) and extended warranty, some oil changes, spoiler, etc. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.