PaulMT

You do realise that the Aurion is built from the gen6 Camry chassis which is an evolution of the gen5, gen4, gen3, gen2 and gen1 which dates all the way back to the early 1980's! Also our Aurion is the "Asian Camry" that is sold throughout Asia and badged as a Camry as opposed to our Camry which is based on the "US Camry" styling.

I read that as Toyota pushed to become No.1 manufactuer worldwide they did let their trademark quality slip and that this is now being turned around with new leadership by the Toyoda family.

If the new Prius III is anything to go by this is definately true.

Fair call, your right about the Aurion/Camry. I guess they all have significant "history"

I feel guilty now because when I started this thread I was really ****** off at Toyota and their standard of service.

If you re-read my post you will see I listed faults, but was mostly concerned about the attitude of Toyota to remedy the problems quickly with as

little disruption to me as possible. I have tried a couple of dealerships, and I am on good terms with them all but I just think they are the worst car

dealers I have ever had to deal with.

I also said I probably wouldn't buy another Toyota Aurion and I meant it. I have put my money where my mouth is and take possession of

a shining brand new Black XR6 Turbo next week.

I am not stupid enough to expect this to be trouble free, as I said in my post, I have been lucky enough to have owned many new cars, but,

I love power and I think the new FG Falcons and especially the XR6T and F6ET are the best they have ever produced and are the legacy of a very long and well respected series of

development.

prometheus said the Aurion had been around longer, this is just not true. Both Commodore and Falcon have and are basically the result of years of developmental change. I know motors change and body elements change etc, but they essentially the same car throughout and are built on the experience of previous models. Aurion is only at Series II and a few years old so is very new, though the motor is well proven.

Anyway thanks to every one on this forum that has contributed even without knowing, to my Aurion experience of the last 22 months.

Toyota (if you even bother to read this, you lost one new car sale every three years)

C U All

Just to add, my SX6 id February 2008 and has the metal oil line.

Hi Everyone

Now I have posted on here a few times or more so I am not new or a troll looking to inflame the community.

For the record I am in New Zealand - so what the hell am I doing here, you might ask! well, I am an Australian living overseas who enjoys this forum immensely and has benefited heaps by reading the various posts, especially from generous people like DJKOR to mention but one; and just to add NZ doesn't seem to have a Toyota Owners Club (maybe I should form one???)

So what's this all about then.

I have just come back from an 850km 3 day business trip visiting my customers with big distance in between and I have been thinking... (I'm told that's dangerous for me)

You can see from my sig' that I have a Aurora Gold 2008 SX6 with a few mod's that I think make for a very stunning car.

I have had people come up to me in the street just to talk about this "strange" Toyota.

After the trip I concluded to myself that I love this car. It is exhilarating to drive, quick powerful and staunch on the road. It doesn't quiet rip it up in the really tight corners but if you have balls and nice wide tyres like I have, you can leave most others in your wake. All of that said I have to also list the negatives I have experienced with this car and Toyota's service.

I have owned or had many company cars, all new and of most of the predictable brands, Holden, Mitsubishi, Ford and none have been perfect by any means.

I came to Toyota after my company said I could buy any 6 cylinder car I wanted and I tested them all (except not the XR6 Turbo but I did test the XR6) and I found the negatives of all that power on the front wheels was balanced by the sheer sophistication that the Aurion brought to the market.

But I have been constantly disappointing with Toyota's attitude to service. I had heard that they were the best but sadly this has not been my experience nor has the Aurion stood up to the rigors of being a "reps" car.

Here's my list of problems...

From New

- Faulty speakers - replaced then replaced by me with aftermarket

- Faulty Toyota Bluetooth - replaced

- Rear Bumper not fitted correctly and came adrift - replaced

- Rear Demister not working - Fixed

- Centre Console not fitted properly - refitted

- Dash Rattle - removed and refitted twice and then after huge arguments with Toyota NZ finally I got the propriety fix (spacers) Dash out three times.

- Pulling to the left - fixed with camber/caster kit

- Knocking in steering - Steering Rack replaced, wheel alignment screwed up 3 visits got it fixed

- Stopped on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere and car wouldn't restart. Roadside assist

- Battery replaced

- Lugs holding drivers floor mat broke - replaced

- Stone found it's way through grille and punctured the AC coil - Insurance fix

- Mesh fitted behind top and bottom grilles to avoids a repeat of the above - my expense

- Steering lock does not work replaced

- Centre console flopping about again, booked to have it refitted

- Drivers Door has sagged 3-4mm to be fixed with centre console

- Exclamation light and Stability control light comes on randomly in hot weather - to be looked at

Well that's it and not to much of it to do with the motor which is the best thing about the car.

It just gets me that everything has been a hassle to get fixed. The steering knock was the worst because they

basically said I was imagining it.

I have done 67k in 23 month's and make my living from a car so I think I don't imagine to much when it comes to my vehicle.

Anyway, I still like the car and I know not everyone has these same problems but If I was to decide to replace it tomorrow I seriously doubt I would buy another

Aurion and that is the shame of it.

Everything bar the stone through the AC coil is, was or will be covered by warranty although I felt Toyota could have been magnanimous about the refrigerant leak and said

"hell, Paul you've had a rough ride, this ones on us"

But no they didn't see it that way!

That's my vent for today...

For the price the dealer offered it to me for (500$ extra for Scotch guarding) I think id rather go home and do it myself. I don't see how their product could be that much better than something you buy off the shelves. In any case, I've also been trying to find some UV protection for the dash, was looking at those Meguiars wipes, but I might just get the gold class foam. Does it apply on the door trims too because the door grips feel a bit like plastic and don't feel like the dash material at all.

It never cost me anywhere near the price you stated but in any case when it's done professionally if something goes wrong you have some come back, when you do it yourself you don't! and, I think they generally do a better, more thorough job than you can do at home.

It was applied to seats, headrests, carpets, mats and fabric inserts on the doors.

I had my SX6 upholstery Scotch Guarded as an optional extra at time of purchase.

I live in my car, eat in it, Drink Coffee in it and am on the road a lot for business with all the accidents that inevitably happen

while trying to multi task with a phone, burger, drink, stereo, GPS and driving!

So far the upholstery looks, as new. Any mishaps have all vacuumed out and a light wipe with a damp cloth has left it all looking pristine

so I would recommend Scotch Guard as a very worthwhile proactive protection.

Does anyones cruise control not work when going down hill?

is that normal?

I use cruise control a lot and I can certainly say it holds going down hill as good as any cruise control I have ever had.

The car will gather some momentum due to gravity but if you haven't got cruise set close to the speed limit it will keep you within the limit.

im waiting for the part to arrive so my local toyota dealership can replace it...

im so happy for this forum though... its made all my services/warranty claims easier...

i tell THEM what to look at, and 98% of the time, its right... lol

Same here! :-)

Though in this instance I went in pre prepared with the Intermediate Shaft Spline and they found the Steering Rack was the issue.

That was also mentioned in this thread so I new they were on to it.

The way they explained it to me (and it seemed to make sense) If it was the spline, the "knock" could be forced by making lateral steering movements where-as the "knocking"

I had which could be forced by braking and then surging forward was more likely to be something in the rack. I use the "" because knocking is not really an accurate description of the feel it was subtle but noticeable to me because I am driving so much.

This forum certainly helps to keep Toyota dealers honest :-)

**** UPDATE ****

Had my 60k service yesterday and today and the "clunking" in the steering looked at.

This had got worse, and the front right suspension was very noisy.

Anyway they have replaced the entire steering rack and it's now BRILLIANT!

I can't believe how straight the steering is now as it was wandering really bad and pulling to the left also.

This has all gone, the steering is straight, no pulling and no noise. Of course no clunk either.

I hadn't noticed how bad the steering had become. I was so focused on the noise and clunk of the steering I had

let the handling deteriorate.

All good now :-)

PaulMT, they did mine between 09:30am-3:30 pm.

DJKOR, mine was warranty but the invoice that came with the job was just over $400...similar to your quote.

boxerboy, I think they were quoting Toyota time not real world time! In any case I would rather they did this and planned on me having the loan car just in case.

DJKOR, is the wheel alignment required after either of the two fixes you've talked about?

This would be ironic because I have spent a little money and a lot of time to get the steering right, i.e. not pulling left.

It's still not quite there and I was going to have another visit to the alignment place but thought I would wait until after the repair.

It will be interesting to see if Toyota get it right.

Thanks for the investigation, DJKOR. I have the same problem in my SX6 which is now at 59k. It's exactly as you have described the knocking. Very easy now to reproduce, by breaking or at slow speed tappng the brakes. I spoke to my Toyota Dealer about it and suggested what I had read here previously about the intermediary shaft spline and he said they had a a couple of RAVs with this but had not had a V6 yet and that if it was that it would be a B&%$@ to get to and remedy. The would want the car for a day and maybe overnight and offered a loan Yaris.

Now, I am happy with their response and my car is going in for the 60k service next week, but having read your description of the investigating you have done, I'm not sure it is the shaft as earlier described. It is definitely a "clunk" albeit a very subtle to most, huge to me feeling in the steering column.

BTW, I do have camber bolts fitted now, but they were only done a month ago. I rang the Toyota agent not long after my last service at 45k after a long business trip away and said I was feeling something but it was subtle. It's now not subtle and always there!

Looking to see what your going to do DJKOR :-)

Mine came with double sided tape already fixed.

I had them painted, and then stuck them on. They fitted perfectly both sides and have never moved since, and, I have been through car washes with them

as well.

I have my phone hooked to bluetooth but used to keep it in the nearest cup holder.

I now have a Pro-Clip, which is a screwless fitting suitable and designed for two dash points on an Aurion.

One is just above the top right hand centre air vent and the other is left side of the centre console.

Both use the same holder but are designed to clip in without permanent fixing.

Mine is by the top vent and it's the best thing I ever bought! My signal is now much stronger in the car and I clearly see the phone.

I am also going to get another one for the secondary position for my iTouch.

Check these out they are really well made, don't move or rattle and aren't too expensive. I found the American company very professional and easy to deal with. Delivery was about a week.

I can't speak more highly of them. Over the years I have had more than I can remember car kits and this is the best so far in my opinion.

Below is the mounting pad, that screwlessly fits your car. Then you screw the holder to this as shown further down. My phone is a Nokia E71

But I am also ordering the iTouch charging mount and holder now.

Top Fitting - Doesn't show the holder that you also buy specific for your phone or device

Side Fitting - I am getting the connector and iTouch holder for here.

Here's two options for my iTouch. The holders for all devices look more or less the same, but fit your device very snug and secure with easy access

Here's the link to Pro Clip's site in USA

Hope this helps......

Yeah your Aurion is going to look great!

I really like the VIP look, can't wait to see pic's when you have it all done.

I have a Jayco Penguin which is a bit bigger and heavier than yours and I tow that with my SX6 no problem at all.

I do have load levellers and would strongly recommend them to you as making a hell of a difference to the overall "stiffness"

I am also having electrics fitted to activate the brakes. I've never had a problem pulling up in a short distance, but I drove a similar 5mtr caravan the other day with a car fitted out for electric brakes and was very impressed at how much better the overall braking control this feels.

The fuel consumption does go up for the obvious reasons, but it's all worth it when you get to wherever your going, pop your camper up and pull a beer out of the fridge - Ahhhhhhhhh :D

Well, I feel kinda silly now, been trying to piece out what that noise was for a while!

Naaah! Join the club, I new what it was; but when I replied I said it was the Traction Control and I meant ABS - honest

yeah toyota are LUG - CENTRIC i started a thread on it the other day :)

Lug - Centric

Hey thanks jaderd for the link and your effort to post that really good information, I'm not sure how I missed that :-)

Hey gang,

Just wondering if any of the AT-X owners (not sure if sportivo owners get this) get a "thudd" sound when taking off. I spoke to a guy from Toyota and he said it was the traction control turning on? The sound doesnt seemt to a damaging one so I'm taking his word for it just thought I'd ask you guys.

Also -I'd be gettin new tyres in (sportivo Rims :D) and would it be better if I took it to a wheel shop and get them to fit it and do some wheel alignment and balancing or just fit them myself?

What do you guys think.

Thanks

They're right! It is the Traction Control "kicking in"

I have had lots of trouble with wheel balancing my bigger wheels and tyres.

I have now found out why. Toyota wheels apparently need to be balanced - fixed by the wheel stubs not the hub as most garages or tyre places do.

As soon as I found a tyre place that uses the wheels nuts to centre the wheel the balancing was perfect.

I can't remember the phrase - something like Hubcentric" or something,

and yes your tyres will most likely need balancing but not necessarily alignment.

Hi all,

Just want to show a photo of my new deck that i got installed today. :D

Looks good!

I had a single din and found the compartment below the HU was really handy.

I was looking in my boot today and noticed a) I don't have a boot light and B) a plug with + and -

Does any one know what this is for? Is it the connection for a boot light?

Well I can confirm that my SX6 does have a boot light that comes on when the boot's opened, the light is identical to yours, so I am guessing if your lights not working that plug not connected is possibly the cause?

This may be of interest to some of you looking for a decent phone holder for your car.

I have been looking for a good mobile phone car holder for my Nokia E71

The ones that stick to the windscreen I didn't like and I didn't want to screw into the dash.

Then I found this American product that has a no screw fitting for the Aurion available for by the top ac vents or down the left side of centre console.

I have ordered a non charging swivel kit for the upper ac vent position because I find I get better reception up higher.

Web Site

Pro Clip

Also I found this review of the product that is interesting also although it is specific to my phone, it does show the easy operation and use of the device.

Review of the Pro Clip

Not just for Aurions but they seem to have a solution for heaps of different makes and models.

What colour though?

Green FTW. I actually love this effect. Would only work on a green Aurion though.

WOW! that is amazing!

I don't know what I would do with my cars interior, but the imagination is running wild at the moment.

Well they are different and it's good to see variety available for people to choose but for me the originals fit better because they replicate the surround of the spotties and so is properly tied into the overall theme.

I think it would look ok but like DJKOR said I would look at either slimming the "spokes" by painting black edges of whatever thickness or alternatively painting the centre of the "spoke"

I don't think all black would be so good, having said that they would be very different!

The engine covers look real good when painted up. You boys have done a great job. I particularly like the dark Toyota badge too. Would look great against my SIlver Ash Aurion.

Have any of you guys seen or considered painting the centre console and changing it from that ugly looking silver? I did it on my Supra years ago but it was a pain in the ***** and and I don't know if i could be bothered again.

That's a very interesting idea!

Would also need to do the two silver "stripes" on the doors and across the dash to tie it all in.

What colour though?