Official Car Inquiries Thread

[sucka]

Why does Toyota refuse to service Lexus cars even though the parts themselves have "Toyota" stamped on them?  Am i doomed to suffer from $200 oil changes?  And what if I change my own oil?  Does this void the warranty? 

About your statement on reliability...I think Toyota and Lexus has really been debased quality-wise in this decade.  Not just cheaper, flimsy interiors, but the cars in the 90's seemed much more heavy duty.  I've had an SC400, Camry and Corolla from that time period.  I currently have a GS450 and wife drives a Camry from this current era.  I'm sure it's more than nostalgia, but I really do believe cars were much better built back then.  Sure, the gap allowance between body panels have shrunk since then, but overall the cars don't seem as solidly built as before.  Is this a valid statement?  If so, is this due to the effects of price competition from Korean cars or is this just pure profit taking on their part? I've been brought up in a toyota household and i swear by them, but if they don't get their act together, I may think about switching.

1.  We service lots of Lexus vehicles here, so I'm not sure which dealership is refusing you service.

2.  There's nothing specific in your assessment of the current quality of the vehicles.  The bar has been raised quite a bit over the past 10 years, and even things like timing belts aren't even on the maintenance schedule anymore, due to them perfecting the chain for noise reduction.  Keep in mind as well that the emmissions and safety standards of vehicles are substantially more extensive than they were 10 years ago.

Sweet!  And you charge toyota tech rates no matter what badge of car? Don't think you mention but which dealership are you at?  I'm guessing it's not DVNL, cuz nobody that nice works there.

 

[Frank E]

Does Toyota having anything in the pipeline with a little excitement to it?  The styling across the whole product line leaves me yawning.  Visually a Hyundai looks better, IMHO.  Need a little rear-engined 4 banger!

Apparently they've finally recognized this and are redesigning their full lineup.

http://motoringtv.com/URLthe-face-behind-toyota-s-new-look--p144300

I should hire you.

 

[Frank E]

Question: Can we ask questions about fictional cars like Kitt from Knight Rider, Christine or the Mystery Machine?

The cars are real though, so yes.

What about the Batmobile? Can you get a me a good deal on one?

Yes.

What make of vehicles is your dealership?

I run a Toyota dealership.  Our company owns 7 different manufacturers' dealerships.

Oh man, I'm so glad you started this thread. 

I actually just started negotiating for a Lexus CT. 

Any chance you could be my secret weapon?

You won't get much discount on the CT.  It's demand is outweighing the supply right now.  Dealership markup on that segment is only about 8% anyway.

 

[Sudafederov]

You won't get much discount on the CT.  It's demand is outweighing the supply right now.  Dealership markup on that segment is only about 8% anyway.

Thanks for the tip. 

Apparently the 2012's are going to be here in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully the supply situation changes.

The other question I've been having a hard time trying to track down an answer for (been Googling for a while now with no clear answer) revolves around advertising fees, or in this instance "Lexus Dealership Advertising" fee.

Would it be correct to assume that advertising fees are legitimate if they are part of the invoice price, but not legitimate if they are written in to the buying contract by the dealer?

 

[sucka]

You won't get much discount on the CT.  It's demand is outweighing the supply right now.  Dealership markup on that segment is only about 8% anyway.

Thanks for the tip. 

Apparently the 2012's are going to be here in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully the supply situation changes.

The other question I've been having a hard time trying to track down an answer for (been Googling for a while now with no clear answer) revolves around advertising fees, or in this instance "Lexus Dealership Advertising" fee.

Would it be correct to assume that advertising fees are legitimate if they are part of the invoice price, but not legitimate if they are written in to the buying contract by the dealer?

Wait for the 2013 GS.  That thing looks pretty mean.

 

[Frank E]

You won't get much discount on the CT.  It's demand is outweighing the supply right now.  Dealership markup on that segment is only about 8% anyway.

Thanks for the tip. 

Apparently the 2012's are going to be here in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully the supply situation changes.

The other question I've been having a hard time trying to track down an answer for (been Googling for a while now with no clear answer) revolves around advertising fees, or in this instance "Lexus Dealership Advertising" fee.

Would it be correct to assume that advertising fees are legitimate if they are part of the invoice price, but not legitimate if they are written in to the buying contract by the dealer?

Advertising fees are charged to the dealership on the invoice of the car.  Whether or not the dealership charges them on a separate line, or just includes them in the transaction cost is up to the dealer.

Quite frankly, we can charge for whatever we want, it's up to you if you want to complete the transaction.  With the new laws that are in place since January, With DEALERSHIP ADVERTISING, the price you see advertised has to include everything but taxes and licensing.  With MANUFACTURER ADVERTISING, that doesn't apply since the governing body of car dealerships in Ontario (OMVIC) doesn't regulate manufacturer advertising.  Now most manufacturers have brought their advertising in line with dealership regulations, but not all have...so read the fine print in the ads.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

Thinking about a fully loaded Prius(51mpg) for Christmas,  33 grand, good deal?

They're great cars, just make sure you drive one first.  That regenerative braking thing can take some time to get used to.  Price point for the regular Prius will decrease for 2012 (at least here in Canada).

Next year they're launching a Prius 'C'.  It's a small hybrid the size of the Yaris.

Thanks sir, will test drive for sure.

 

[Sudafederov]

You won't get much discount on the CT.  It's demand is outweighing the supply right now.  Dealership markup on that segment is only about 8% anyway.

Thanks for the tip. 

Apparently the 2012's are going to be here in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully the supply situation changes.

The other question I've been having a hard time trying to track down an answer for (been Googling for a while now with no clear answer) revolves around advertising fees, or in this instance "Lexus Dealership Advertising" fee.

Would it be correct to assume that advertising fees are legitimate if they are part of the invoice price, but not legitimate if they are written in to the buying contract by the dealer?

Advertising fees are charged to the dealership on the invoice of the car.  Whether or not the dealership charges them on a separate line, or just includes them in the transaction cost is up to the dealer.

Quite frankly, we can charge for whatever we want, it's up to you if you want to complete the transaction.  With the new laws that are in place since January, With DEALERSHIP ADVERTISING, the price you see advertised has to include everything but taxes and licensing.  With MANUFACTURER ADVERTISING, that doesn't apply since the governing body of car dealerships in Ontario (OMVIC) doesn't regulate manufacturer advertising.  Now most manufacturers have brought their advertising in line with dealership regulations, but not all have...so read the fine print in the ads.

Thanks for responding.  I really appreciate it.  I've been trying to figure that one out for quite a while now.

 

[Leafaholic99]

Thermostats regulate engine temperature...so if the engine temperature is proper, a thermostat won't change a thing. 

The clicking sound my be debris near the fan motor.

Thanks again for the info, it prevented my Uncle from replacing a thermostat and wasting time/money.

It ended up being a $5 fix, temperature blend door actuator motor needed repairs. Apparently a fairly common problem with windstars!

 

[skippy]

There's a loud knocking noise in my trunk. How do I get her to stop?

Signed,
Frustrated in Milton

 

[Scot4bz]

There's a loud knocking noise in my trunk. How do I get her to stop?

Signed,
Frustrated in Milton

More duct tape...........

 

[Madferret]

Frank - your wife left her wedding ring here, whats your mailing address?
- Promiscuous near Parliament Hill 

 

[Andy007]

I have been building and researching a number of different vehicles.

Suspects:

1. Honda Accord EX

2. Toyota Camry (standard pkg)

3. Hyundai Sonata 2.0

4. Ford Edge

5. Chevy Equinox

I like driving SUV/ 'truckier' type vehicles but drive alot for work so would also like fuel efficiency. Should a V6 engine be manditory if I get an SUV?

 

[Frank E]

There's a loud knocking noise in my trunk. How do I get her to stop?

Signed,
Frustrated in Milton

This is a typical issue for those that live in Milton.

It's probably her bouncing around in the trunk.  Deflate her, then put her back in the box she came in.  Should fix it.

 

[Frank E]

I have been building and researching a number of different vehicles.

Suspects:

1. Honda Accord EX

2. Toyota Camry (standard pkg)

3. Hyundai Sonata 2.0

4. Ford Edge

5. Chevy Equinox

I like driving SUV/ 'truckier' type vehicles but drive alot for work so would also like fuel efficiency. Should a V6 engine be manditory if I get an SUV?

V6 depending on the size of the vehicle.  Bigger SUV's end up pretty close in fuel consumption with 4 cyl. vs. V6.

Personally, I'd go with the Camry.  Check out the new 2012.

 

[Andy007]

Thanks for the info

 

[skippy]

There's a loud knocking noise in my trunk. How do I get her to stop?

Signed,
Frustrated in Milton

This is a typical issue for those that live in Milton.

It's probably her bouncing around in the trunk.  Deflate her, then put her back in the box she came in.  Should fix it.

Tired that, but she just got angry. Your mom is REALLY weird.

 

[Andy007]

There's a loud knocking noise in my trunk. How do I get her to stop?

Signed,
Frustrated in Milton

This is a typical issue for those that live in Milton.

It's probably her bouncing around in the trunk.  Deflate her, then put her back in the box she came in.  Should fix it.

Tired that, but she just got angry. Your mom is REALLY weird.

Frank's was better

 

[Madferret]

There's a loud knocking noise in my trunk. How do I get her to stop?

Signed,
Frustrated in Milton

This is a typical issue for those that live in Milton.

It's probably her bouncing around in the trunk.  Deflate her, then put her back in the box she came in.  Should fix it.

Tired that, but she just got angry. Your mom is REALLY weird.

Frank's was better

OH NO YOU DIDN'T

 

[Bullfrog]

That's quite the mix of vehicles Andy. If you're looking for a mid-size car, I'd try the Subura Legacy. I loved it. The whole midsize class is good though, Sonata, Camry, Fusion, Accord, Altima, etc. In each of these, (and others) I've tried the 4-cyl with CVT when available and enjoyed the ride. One thing I like about the Legacy is that it's CVT is built with chains, not belts like the Altima and others. it's just a solid feeling car. I haven't tried the 2012 Camry though, just the 2010.