Scarlet Pimpernell

So now who's jammy (or jammier)? Well done matey - go get 'em!! But hell yes, ask for a discount...they can't just expect you fork out £800 unplanned squids - at least get a free service, or rubber mats, bootliner, hell the lot! I was led to believe that the "problem" with the MM is that too many people want it - not many cars are selling without (or as many as planned)...so if you want one without (non Sport) you can have in 10 days tops! Or at least that's what my "friendly" Lex dealer told me!

I think Bazza sums this up the best. Everyone who has ever bought a new car before expects things to go wrong - especially a new production model. But it's how the dealers and manufactureres treat you which is key. My car hasn't even arrived yet, but I have issues with the dealers as long as my arm on micky mouse stuff...so even when (!) I get the "expected" issues on mine, I have low confidence in the dealers ability to be empathetic! They have an opportunity to prove me wrong! I've said it before, when you buy a BM or an Audi, the dealers meet your expectation - you know they'll be crap, and so you buy with your heart. Lexus have set the bar quite high. Lexus has built this legendary customer service ethos. I bought the Lex not 'cos of this, I have to say, but it was a perk (the car is better than the opposition). Well from my experience I have to ask where it is, and I appreciate that it could be the dealer that I am dealing with - but hey come on, I thought Lexus were expecting to sell just a few thousand extra cars this year in the UK, even with the new model? That's just 100 or so max from each dealership Maybe a few more? Over a year?...surely they're not so busy that quality and quantity is being so badly traded?? And even if they are, where are the new resources to deal with it all? Bad planning? So yes (and sorry to waffle), I agree that teething problems are normal, but it's how the dealers deal with 'em that gauls you.

Jamboo, I too dealt with Lexus Leicester when ordering my new IS and I felt that there service had slipped since my last purchase. I have the car now and am very happy but then yesterday I received a letter from Lexus Financial Services that I owe them money because there is still an outstanding balance. Even though I traded the car in December! When I ordered the car in November I said I didn't want to have to make an other payment and Leicester agreed, told me to cancel my DD. I've since been told by Lexus FS that Leicester had no right to tell me to do that. I too spoke too Richard the dealer principle, he does like to waffle...new IS is great, exceeding all forcasts blah blah... He did say that he would get Jon Browne to ring me the next day to sort it out because he was not in today. I'll keep you posted. Cheers Saracen - we'll need to meet up for a drink sometime...a stiff Coca Cola! Well my Bank manager came to see me yesterday, and he cancelled my DD there and then 'cos I told him to (but only 'cos Richard told ME to...)! My payment was being taken today by First National for my old car (which I gave them 14th January and they hadn't settled still...). Richard did state that he was personally sending a recorded Del cheque yesterday and that FNMF would "note" the records... Good news is that I got my £6g back yesterday! I better prepare for the hassle this will no doubt cause...such is my confidence at the mo! Why isn't anything b****y simple these days?

:o At least they know how to write! They just need to learn to use a dog & bone! Yeah, like Triggers broom (Only Fools and 'orses) - "I've 'ad this broom for 14 years, it's 'ad 5 new heads and 7 new 'andles" Typical response I have to say. My dealers (!) said that Lexus would not allow the rattle issue to go on. It's not in keeping with the marques reputation for quality/reliability, inspite of the fact that it's not a dangerous thing, and that a call back may occur, albeit during routine maintenance (so your car goes in for it's first service, and as a matter of course they do what they need to regardless of whether you have a rattle or not...). That's what I was told! :duh: Yours confused? You bet! Katyanna3 - When buying a new IS, they state that you would always get a New IS as a courtesy car. Small thing I know, but they have not stuck to their pledge (unless that is dealer specific). Else it won't be long before we all start getting Yaris's!

...and lets face itall of those posting on here are pukka Lexus customers who love the Lex to bits!! So if Lexus GB/dealerships choose to ignore us then it is to their and the Marques detriment (Lexus GB be warned). My poor experience at Vauxhall has meant that I have never bought one again...and as mentioned in the initial thread don't even want to drive a hire car that wears a GM badge... I'm not saying I would do the same here, but so far the experience has not met my expectations...

When you say ICE pack, do you mean the MLS/MM or the supplementary/accessory system with DVD screens for the rear passengres etc? If it's the latter, then I thought the dealers fit that and it would have no bearing on manufacture of the actual car? INCIDENTALLY -ordered January, no firm date yet...though they took my PEX in early!! As far as my dealer said it was a factory fit. And yes its the one with the DVD players in the back. Jamboo...ur a lucky sod! Cheers - I now have to get it...do I trust 'em...? WTS! B) That's what I was told...we're probably on the same boat (literally)...chase 'em and see what they say...

Stethoscope

You are right again, but it is tight around me and just a tweek on the front seat makes it so. Thanks for your concern though. In the event of an accident would "pre-tensioning" work...would the seatbelt perform as it should...? I'd be wary of this and try and get a courtesy car off the garage...I know it sounds like the "inertia" retention clip is stuck in place so it'll probably be OK, but... Fitting what appears to be a working from another car could "go" too. Me suspects there will be a recall...this is far serious a problem than a rattling door or dash...though it fits you, it does not work I believe they test inertia function on cars post 1976??) it may fail an MOT (not a direct issue on a new car...), therefore not roadworthy? Nice, huh?

As ever, thanks for your time and info. I will do this and let you know how she looks, maybe use imageshack and post some piccys too...!!

Havent asked yet why it was cancelled....maybe they got p****ed with customer service As for colour combo....iyt has the same interior as my original choice ( sussex grey leather ) should be nice - still gotta convince wifey that I am not just being tempted 'cos its available March rather than May :winky: Sorry for the bum steer - I though the two slates were variations of metallic grey (i.e. Cadoxton is Graphite) and Brekin was more between Silver and Graphite...which is how I recall seing them at the shop. PS - It's March really, you know you want to (don't worry no one on this forum will tell her...you secrets safe with us) If you like it go for it! Good luck (you deserve it mate)...

Scott - absolutely will email them...and then wait with "a bited" breath!!! I have thought of one more - and that is not charge you £hundreds for doc fees etc when setting up finance...Banks and Buildo's don't charge a penny!! PS - just arranged me finance for mine now, 6.5apr (3.35% flat)...and that's with a Bank! No doc or set up fee's...

Guys and Gals, I know we're getting to the end of our teathers on "crowns slipping" and all of that, but I thought we could put a topic together to tell the dealers what we want them to improve to keep Lexus at the top of the Customer Service tree. We are actually providing clear constructive feedback TO HELP THEM! I know some funny things will be posted, but some serious ones too hopefully (we do have a sense of humour and should flaunt it): 1) Clear accountability, when things go wrong put your hand up and don't be defensive towards the employer 2) Promises made are Promises kept - they tell a customer something, then they forget to do it...until the customer reminds 'em again and again 3) Sw4nky looking showrooms and caramelised bicky's are one thing, but quality of the srvice and interaction is much more important. Went to Sutton Coldfield Lexus, showroom smaller than Leicester, but they were much more pleasant, knew I was not gonna buy from them, but still took me for a 45 minute drive in an auto 250. Leicester wanted me out 'cos it was closing time on my first visit... 4) Keeping the customer informed - email etc is there, most have it, so they should use it. I couldn't get my salesmans to work at all...gave up in the end...he does not know why either! 5) THE BIG ONE - product knowledge - it's poor in every industry, especially the motor industry. You spend £30odd grand or £1grand, the bloke you're buying it off should know more than you do (we're not all t**ts!) and like I've said before there are people on the forum who understand the process's and the products much better then they "experts" 6) Knowing which forms to fill in 7) Honesty about delivery lead times and commitment from the heart - they should be working for you (or at least make you think they are) 8) Careful what they say - suggesting refunding the cost of petrol...£1.15...yeah right...dealers can be offensive 9) Smile more often :D These are based on my personal experiences, and I know you'll have more - so it's over to you if you feel inclined It galls me - having worked in the Customer Service industry for years, having been on (and running) training courses etc over the years, nothing much has improved... "Have a nice day..."

I feel a new topic coming on.... I agree. If die hard Lexus fans are becoming unhappy there is a problem. I am now really looking forward to March, and I fear for the owners of old IS cars who may get the sharp end of the brunted stick, 'cos all the owners of new cars that they can't seemingly handle...

When you say ICE pack, do you mean the MLS/MM or the supplementary/accessory system with DVD screens for the rear passengres etc? If it's the latter, then I thought the dealers fit that and it would have no bearing on manufacture of the actual car? INCIDENTALLY -ordered January, no firm date yet...though they took my PEX in early!! And now for the update...got call - possibly (!) 9th March, so I should be driving it by Monday 13th (my lucky number is 13 )

...good point, and that "parking brake" is fiddly if you're about to try and stop rolling back, trying to use the parking brake with the other foot, and then trying to "dip" it to release it as well, all within 3 seconds before the light changes, or to shoot into a traffic island... I reckon you'd feel as though you were driving a JCB!

Caspian http://auto.kulichki.net/rew/lexus_2006_03.jpg http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/10...145299.1-lg.jpg St Lucia Pearl http://www.motorcities.com/media/image/640...otos-G-640.jpeg I was looking for another St Lucia piccy that I had, but it's gone..it looks too white, and it actually "reflects" colour - the pearlescent is goergeous...you have to be brave though, 'cos some P***k will always say, " B) ...so you got a white one..." Other thing - ask why it was cancelled...possibly the interior/exterior combo is naff...beige in caspian may not look right in MHO! Black or grey would be good... St Lucia - well, I think Black leather would look best...

I think it's a gimmick. My understanding from the gumf was that the Hill Start would only be necessary IF you were parked on a very very steep hill and the Torque converted could not generate enough static tourque at idle to get the vehicle moving forwards without the accelerator being pressed (i.e. too much weight in the car, very very steep hill) etc... So - how often does that happen? You're right in that all auto's will give you some "hill start" plus less chance of rolling back, but this new system would surely stop you from rolling back if it was a very very steep hill? So in a nutshell, it looks as though it don't work!! All the more worrying when you say the TRC light comes on...seems like a fault in the electronics to me... So what's the solution? Use both feet :duh: So all you auto drivers will need to use that left leg...again...you'll need to go on a training course! PS If it's only supposed to work with the Handbrake, then it's half a job in my view...hill start should be for all situations (i.e. does not allow the car to roll back when in a forward gear or D).

Caspian in my view is excellent (it was my second choise - I like Red cars!!). But it's a personal thing. Its a light sky blue metallic if I recall, saw one at Leicester in that colour, but the SE-L was a few too many shillings...on my humble mediocre car allowance... Excellent news!! Not long now :) Cheers Scott - I'm getting all excited... If it wasn't for the fact that I don't drink, a large whisky is called for...all reading this - have one for me! Incidentally - how's yer MPG comin' along?

So, another call back - man in a van on his way with a cheque. They have also asked me to cancel my DD (gulp ) as they are sending a CIP recorded delivery to my finance company... Slightly better news is that ordering systems states my car arrives early March, no guarantees, but 9th March to the dealer....so I could be driving a Lexus 4 weeks plus 2 days from now.... Still unacceptable as whilst the intentions were there, the delivery was not executed (they still had the cheques there), and I'm still not totally happy and all that jazz, but

Spoken to Richard Rhodes. He is Centre manager at Lexus Leicester(dunno if that = dealer principal) Explained the cheques in the post...that I'm still paying for a car I haven't got...etc ZZZZzzzzzzz He "profusely" (I could hear him munching humble pie) apologised. Is aware of the 3x cherished plate transfer form debacle, I mentioned my offence at having been offered the fuel for that visit (!), but of course he said it was mentioned as a metter of speaking ( ) He then said it was not often that they could not match bank finance...brought back onto subject by me! I have asked for the Audi back, as I still legally own it (afterall they never paid me), or 2 cheques - one for me and one for the Audi finance company...he's not sure if he can do that. Still lots of "dunnos" from the dealers... Will call me back! He knows I'll be there later ! PS - mine still will be March for definate - will find out what date! Incidentally, Eunos800 - I mentioned the disdain of LOC members not having a delivery date - he is sure that when the car is ordered on the system, a projected date is given. Situations like your's are questionable and will only happen if the dealer decides not to place your car on the system when they claim to have dunnit. This could be because (and I read this from he said) the demand for IS250 (SE/SE-L) auto MM has far exceeded expectation...I think that your dealer was going to wait until early Jan, hoping for a max 12 week delivery and Credit againt January 2006...but too many others were on the system by then, so you'rs got put back. It could be a dealer c0ck-up? I'd check with them...and tell 'em just how brassed off you are (if you haven't done it already).

Jamboo, I really feel for you in the position you're in at the moment. The way they've treated you (as a new to Lexus customer) is just wholly unacceptable, appauling customer service and downright bad business. Is there any way you can get into the dealership today, go down there and cause a stink. I always find face to face a better way of making sure the sales guy and his manager know how p :tsktsk: 'd off I am. Tell them you're not leaving without 1,2 or 3. It seems that Lexus have completely screwed up with the demand for the new IS, but that's no excuse for poor service. The other thing you could maybe do is transfer your order to another Lexus dealer, I don't know who else is nearby in your area. It should be a simple matter of moving the sale from one dealer to another - contact the new dealer first! I would stick with the Lexus as it really is a lovely car and once you get it you'll be glad you waited and so far (touch wood) I've had not a sniff of a rattle, so yours should be fine. Get down there and give them a piece of your mind!! Scott - cheers mate, once "Mr Rhodes" calls that's exactly what I am going to tell him - we'll be there at 5.45pm today...the wife wanted to go in on her way to work today....that would have been bad! Isn't it just amazing how much more caring the members on this forum are than the dealers - and we're not even making £thousands off each other or have ever met! I really have to say that my experience at Lexus Leic was full of hope to start with...and like you say, this quality .v. quantity drop off thing is not acceptable - let's face - they're forecast to sell just a few thousand more cars in the UK with the new IS. That's like 50 more cars throughout each dealership over the year...it's nothing! This is what I hope Lexus GB are looking at on these "ferorums!" This is also why I think that the Brand gets so many plaudits. Lots of passionate, great people involved...at the customer level...!

I would suggest that you find out when it's coming...and will it be the right colour... 'cos you know what they say about sods law!

When you say ICE pack, do you mean the MLS/MM or the supplementary/accessory system with DVD screens for the rear passengres etc? If it's the latter, then I thought the dealers fit that and it would have no bearing on manufacture of the actual car? INCIDENTALLY -ordered January, no firm date yet...though they took my PEX in early!!

I am extremely angry! I haven't felt like this since I bought a VX Astra Starmist new in 1990, and suffered the worst experience imaginable then...since then I have never boight another Vauxhall, I even tell National/Alamo not to deliver VX's! I have been very polite so far. Now I do not trust the dealer one iota. I have been lied to several times. Inspite of a promise last Thursday of the cheque in post for my £6g and the finance compant settlement (just shy of £3g), neither has materialised. My next £336.20 Direct Debit for my old Audi is due tomorrow....on a car I gave to Lexus Leicester nearly a month ago (14th Jan). I still have no idea when my new car is coming...all I know is that it will be "some time" in March. I spoke to my Audi Finance company this week and they have told me that I CAN'T CANCEL my DD as I will have been deemed to have defaulted, and a promise from a dealer is not good enough. This whole saga is unacceptable at the least. I have left a message for Mr Rhodes (whoever he is) at Lexus Leicester to call me...some senior bloke that Jon Browne (Business Manager) reports to. I am not going to settle for any promises, either: 1) I get £10,000 back today (i.e. £9000 for the Audi plus my £1000 deposit) 2) My Audi back if they have still got it PLUS £1000 deposit and I go else where 3) £9000 back today (and I will settle the finance with the finance company) AND a guaranteed date for delivery date for my new car (guestimates, or comments like "...we're confident.." or "...we're sure..." will not be trusted on recent experience). this in writing and I pullout if for whatever reason the new car does not turn up... If they can't do 3) above then it's 1/2), and I go back to John Fox and buy a new Audi, suffer poor customer service, but be happy with it as they will have met my expectation (as I know they're cr4p)...or just run the Audi until 2007 and buy a new New A4! Worst mistake ever, buying a Lexus, in my view, not because of the car (which is a gem) but the crap dealer! What hope is there of them ever fixing a rattle or me ever trusting them again?!

Actually, the Klasse AIO product is both a polish and a sealant in one. AIO contains the same acrylic resin used on Sealant Glaze. It can be used by itself as a "cleaner wax" to clean, polish and protect the paint in a single step. If you want additional protection and gloss, you apply Sealant Glaze over AIO. ~ David So is this guy telling the truth when he says that Car Lack 68 is the same as AIO? There may be slight difference in the formula, but Klasse is manufactured by Carlack, GmbH in Germany. Excellent guys, so having previously only gone from Turtlewax (!) to Simoniz and back to Turtlewax ( :o) )... would you say that this is a good product (i.e. CarLack68) and if so, which additional Sealant Glaze would you recommend? I suppose I could then finish it off with a good quality carnuba or other non abrasive wax for a deep shine? TIA...