glenshkolar

An update...

Toyota Canbverra honestly wiped their hands of the car, saying it's got nothing to do with them...even though Toyota Australia says you can take you car into any dealership for service/repairs etc.

The car was kept for more than 4 weeks and repaired (not told exactly how). The noise was much better for a few weeks but gradually become more noticeable again...given the siugnificant push back from Toyota last time, I'm thinking about getting a solictor and taking this further.

I honestly can't be bothered dealing with this and paying a lease for another 2 years...listeining to this noise and the loss of re-sale value...not good.

I don't think I will even buy a Totoya again, not because the car had an issue...all cars do at some stage...it will be because of the lack of assistance and resolution from Toyota. I seriously don't understand why they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on advertising, when word of mouth does just as much...and it was proven in am experiement late last year that a family had influenced the thoughts of around 12,000 people when it came to the purchase of goods and services.

It really doesn't take much to address an issue, and iot seems there are some good delaerships out there, Canberra is not one. But Toyota Australia themselves are slow to respond and show a lack of empathy...when it's their product and serviec on display.

All I can say from this experience, unless they tunr around 180 degrees, I will never buy a Toyota again.

Ohh - if you need a loan car and the delarehsip is reluctant to give you one, then you can ask Toyota Australia Customer Care...they can authorise payment for loan cars so the dealership is not out of pocket...other than that you can seek finalical losses form your local Court...if you are out of pocket for 6 weeks then it's worth it.

Best of luck everyone...

All I can say is tell your family, your friends, co-workers and other of your experience...we all have choices for our next new car...will it be Toyota?

Latest update...

Canberra Toyota Fyshwick wiped their hands of the problem, and only after contacting TA was a guy finally organised to come from Terry Sheilds Toyota to review the problem...apparently they are the technical experts in that area and have one of the only facilities around to carry out repairs in that area.

The guy came down (Peter) and came for a drive and said he could hear the noise and said it was relatively normal and that some noise should be expected. He agreed to have the car looked at up in Sydney though because I explained to him the nopise was louder at other times, particularly after driving it for a while. Finally the car was dropped off to Fyshwick last Tuesday and sent to Sydney. Friday I was told they identified the noise was coming from the Diff and have ordered parts (from overseas) fix the issue.

One thing I have to note...TA say you can take you car to any dealership in Australia for servicing or warranty repairs, but Fyshwick (Jo - Manager) wiped his hands of the problem and said it was nothing to do with his dealership. Even when it was finally organised through TA and Fyshwick to send the car to Sydney for repairs, Fyshwick stated the wouldn't provide a loan car as "it's got nothing to do with us". Very poor attitude from this particular dealer...I don;t understand why they think anyone would buy another Toyota when they have to service/repair their car with this experience?! Finally TA orgainsed a car through Fyshwick on my behalf, agreeing to pay for it themselves, and thank go...as I have beenw ithout my car for 1 week and could be for at least another or more...why should I pay for a hire car when a new car is faulty!

I suggest if you suspect an unusual noise to report it early, to ensure it's on record and don't accept 'it's normal'...otherwise you won't get action and it will affect your re-sale value down the track (if not your enjoyment of the vehcile).

Good luck guys!

I've been to Toyota Fyshwick a number of times and got no joy...see my thread about 'whine in the transfer case'

They are friendly, but no action thus far...to be honest it's the service and aftre-car which is why I change manufacturers...and this is my first and maybe my last Toyota

hi guys,

The whine got more and more noticeable after time, and you shouldn't have a noise at 40,000km's...its not a cheap car...you need to report it...get it fixed...the more who report it the more they will take action...apparently some noise dampening technology in the transfer case doesn't always work...whilst there should be normal engine and road noises, anything which becomes noticable and distracting should be taken care of...mine is very loud now.

I would urge anyone who is experiencing even a slight noise to report it immediately to ensure they are covered later in case it gets worse...I replace my vehcile every 3 years and do on average around 100,000kms+ and never had this experience...but this is my first Toyota so maybe it's a Toyota things?!

I have even noticed the noise in one of our fleet fo Klugers in the Dept...and its being monitored.

A Toyota tech is coming tomorrow to test drive it, so I will let you know how Toyota respond to this issue...depending on the outcome it could be my last first and last Toyota...

Hi everyone,

I noticed a whine in the transfer case which started just before 20,000kms...going at speads above 60kms per hour (under power). Some speeds its more noticeable than other times, and the noise has been identified by Toyota as a whine in the Transfer Case, potentially requiringa re-build. Although Toyota are reluctant to actually get on with the work, stalling for months. They are not 100% it will fix the problem so I guess reluctant to spend the money on it.

Is anyone experiencing similar, if not watch out for it and report it immediately to be covered?

Hey I have exactly the same issue...I bought the mat seperately, in November and found atear in it a week ago (about 2 inches)...more like a split...and I have only ever put groceries in the back

Think we can support each other by getting a new mat, with both our experiences

email me at glen.shkolar@defence.gov.au

I queried this with my Toyota dealer and recieved the following response:

"Uv cut glass is 99%uv protected. The Grande comes with the Privacy glass on the rear glass which is U/V and heat reduced.We are tinting the front 2 windows so all Glass will be 99% u/v 60% heat reduction &40% glare reduction."

Thanks, have amended the application to only the front windows.

What is this?

Hey guys

My new AWD Grande (facelift) arrives next week and I'm looking for advice on what any experience is with particular paint protection products.

I have had apint protection before, and although people say it isn't worth it I beg to differ. I had it applied and a couple of months later a child kicked the car embedding minor gravel particles into what appear to be the paint...I simply took it back to the detailer and he washed it with warm soap and reapplied the protection to the affected area...and I couldn't see any damage or imperfections...it paid for it's self. It was only around $500 including interior anyway, and 2 years later still had a deep shine to it.

1. But now my detailer has moved on and looking for someone in Canberra/Sydney who has a solid reputation.

2. Also I want to know who has experience with a 'new'? paint protection product containing 'glass plexin' which doesn't contain any wax, polymers etc etc...apparently it bonds to the surface and has a 5 year warranty (without the need for maintenance)? This company http://www.paintprotectiondirect.com.au has further info on it, but there doesn't seem to be too many detailers using this product?

Any advice would be appreciated.

cheers

Any comments regarding the middle seat for the Kluger?

This is a reasonably unique feature of this car which some surely find very useful and others may not.

What are people's experience?

The Kluger is on top of my short list to buy but this seat is my only doubt.

Thanks,

Michael.

I haven't got my new Kluger yet...but have driven some from Hertz...and the passengers who sat in the middle seat said it was more comfortable than any other middle seat they sat in, I remember their comments because I thought it was odd the middle seat was so comfortable...doesn't look like I would want to sit there...but they liked it.

That was my impression too. For such a 'non-seat' it felt ok.

Did your passengers sit in it for long?

Thanks for the feedback,

Michael.

We had a return trip to Cooma over night, so 3hrs in total...over 2 days.

I'm putting tint on the front 2 windows of my Kluger.

Sales guy said the privacy tint on all other windows was a film (not coloured glass) and offers high UV protection. I haven't validated this though, but it better!!!

I understood the privacy glass is actual coloured glass (either with or without UV protection depending on what you read), not film. I can't believe there is so much inconsistency with what dealers say, unless it's in writing i tend to take everything with a pinch of salt if you know what I mean.

My car is currently on the ship, not sure how long that takes...but hopefully not too long.

Mine hasn't even been built yet :(

Saying Dec build, but also Dec delivery? I'm not holding my breath that I'll be getting it this side of XMas...

Hey Happs,

Are you using the Toyota tracking website to know where your order is up to?

Mine was in production for about 1 1/2 weeks then went to in transit (ship), is your's still saying scheduled for production?

Cheers

To what percentage are they doing the front two wind ups? Also any mention of cost for the clear UV film?

Hi,

I don't know the technical details other than they are matching the front window tint to the rear (identintical) and understand it's slightly over the legal limit in the ACT. The total cost for the front windows and rear windows (clear) is $350.00.

Any comments regarding the middle seat for the Kluger?

This is a reasonably unique feature of this car which some surely find very useful and others may not.

What are people's experience?

The Kluger is on top of my short list to buy but this seat is my only doubt.

Thanks,

Michael.

I haven't got my new Kluger yet...but have driven some from Hertz...and the passengers who sat in the middle seat said it was more comfortable than any other middle seat they sat in, I remember their comments because I thought it was odd the middle seat was so comfortable...doesn't look like I would want to sit there...but they liked it.

Hey guys,

I have organised for the two front windows to be tinted the same as the factory rear windows...and I was advised the rear windows are only privacy tint, not UV protected. I have been told of a 'clear' UV window film that can be placed onto the rear windows to provide the UV protection, which will help protect the people and the life of the interior.

I also spoke to a friend who had this clear UV tint put on some of his house windows...and after 5 years when he went to wash the curtins, he found the ones whcih were not protected by the UV clear tint fell apart and the others were fine.

Not sure if anyone else investing in this?

Hey PhilG, where are your pics of your nudge bar?

My car is currently on the ship, not sure how long that takes...but hopefully not too long.

I had my 10000 km / 6 month service yesterday......Toyota DISADVANTAGE at Fergusons Toyota Hurstville

As part of the deal when I purchased my black 2010 Kluger AWD Grande the dealer agreed to pick up the car from my home and leave a loan car, service the vehicle and return it.

It was picked up at 8 am yesterday, it was immaculate.....3,500 klm on it.

The dealer returned it a few hours later, I had an upset baby in my arms so I did not go and inspect the vehicle.....just paid the $170 and that was it.

A few hours later i went to go and put the car in the garage, I noticed how poorly they washed the vehicle, dirty water marks everywhere. Then I saw the paint in the sun and swirl marks everywhere. They must have had a 17 year old with a rough or dirty rag wash it. I was really not happy, i spent two days polishing the car only weeks ago and all swirls were removed.

Then I inspected the vehicle further, my receipt clearly stated that they rotated the tyres. I have aftermarket rims and they DEFINATELY DID NOT ROTATE THE TYRES. Each rim is a little different, and i know my vehicle meticulously. In all other walks of life I’m sure this blatant ripping off people is known as a crime.

Since I know for a fact that they didn’t do the tyre rotation it really makes me think that they probably didn’t do anything in the service except give it a crappy wash and scratch it. It really makes the $170 look quite expensive

Oh......What a feeling.

I would like to warn all owners to stay away from Fergusons Toyota Hurstville. They are shonky back yard operators

This concerns me a little bit, this is where I have ordered my new Kluger from (arriving in November)...

I don't know why dealerships don't pay more attention after they sell a car...because you won't ever buy a car from them again if they don't service you well...my last car was VE SS V from Holden in Canberra but they serviced they didn't provide a good experience when dropping off for service, quite rude sometimes...so I told them I would never buy a car from them ever again...and now switched to toyota.

I might get mine serviced by another dealership...

Has anyone seen one of the Booter cargo mats? It seems to be deeper dished and still quite flexible.

http://www.booter.com.au

Hi Jolt,

The website you refer to is more expensive than the genuine toyota cargo mat, then add on frieght charges and it's even more expensive...also add on the fact the genuine toyota part comes with better warranty.

Don't think the website offers any real value at all...

The previous Kluger models in Australia with beige interior have beige carpets.

Te picture shows the beige interior of a Toyota Highlander (Kluger) in the US, which has dark brown carpets - are we getting that in Australia?

Anyone know?

k2.bmp

A couple of things:

1. PhilG - can't wait to see the pics of the nudge bar (have ordered it too but like to know what it looks like - so post away)

2. Question, I saw the new Toyota Highlander with beige interior actually has dark carpet on the flooring (looks good)...is that something the new Kluger will get or is Australia continuing with the old beige flooring from previous models?

Someone please let me know!

Is that AWD or 4x2? And what do you mean by FBT value?

Grande AWD, FBT value is the value of the lease - no GST (not included in other words)

Hey,

I'm in ACT but non available here...not until next year on factory order.

I have found 3 available in Australia in November, and will be asking my leasing company contact them Monday to get it...got it for $59,000 (FBT value) including nudge, side steps and tow bar.

Cheers

I've just been told that the Grande is $400 cheaper, and other models are more expensive...this is good news!

Still traying to find a dealer with black/biege in their new stock so i don't have to wait for factory order...

Hey guys,

I'm trying to order a new grande kluger, blak/biege... does anyone know if there will be stocks available once the official launch happens???

I would hope dealers ordered stocks?