Associate
For over 25 years now I have purchased either Toyota or Lexus vehicles. I like the reliability and I am too old for hooning around, I need something for light off-road use, and with significant cargo space, so their RAV4's and RX's meet my requirements.
My financial position means I cannot afford a brand new Lexus but, due to the excellent reliability, I have purchased (over the years) 4 second hand Lexus's (Lexi??) all of which have served me well.
Last year, I was in a position to purchase a new vehicle. I was tempted by a newer second hand Lexus RX, but realised I could purchase a new Toyota. I bought a RAV4.
Recently, I received an email from my local Toyota dealer inviting me to purchase "Protection Plates". After googling this I learnt that car thieves are now targeting RAV4s and some Lexus models, then by-passing their security via connecting a box of tricks to the cars CANBUS system, accessed via the front headlight. There are videos on line showing how easy this is and cars being driven away in around 2 minutes with the thieves gaining entry and taking the car electronically. It is very scary how quick and easy this seems to be!
Anyway, these "Protection Plates" are designed to prevent the thieves gaining easy access to the connection needed to connect to the CANBUS.
The Toyota dealer wanted to charge me £70 to fit these. Apparently Toyota are happy to provide the parts FOC, but the labour comes down to the customer. This involves removing the front bumper and headlights so I understand.
What I find disappointing is that owners of the Lexus models with are also affected by this security flaw are being contacted by Lexus and offered the "Protection Plates" supplied and fitted FOC.
When you consider that Toyota and Lexus are the same company this seems unfair and has left a rather unpleasant taste.
I contacted Toyota UK and asked for an explanation. I was told that "Both brands, Toyota and Lexus, have made separate commercial decisions..."
Now, I may understand this if the cars in question were the cheaper end of Toyota's range. After all they are looking to make a profit. But I believe the RAV4 is at their higher end, when optional extras are added it is easily possible to have a RAV4 cost equivalent, or even more, than a similar Lexus.
I am getting towards retirement age, and my plan was to use part of my retirement package to buy a new Land Cruiser. I'm now feeling this is something I'm probably not going to do, as it appears to me that Toyota don't value their customers and only see them as ways to get additional income.
Of course, I could still buy Lexus but, as they are owned by Toyota, this is something I am also now unsure about.
Is it me, or is this decision by Toyota somewhat foolish and short-sighted? After all, for the sake of £70 (the actual labour cost to Toyota would be significantly less), they have now alienated and disappointed me, and possibly other customers, and put in jeopardy my on-going brand loyalty and future purchases.
Be interested to hear the wisdom of the OCUK motors community on this.
My financial position means I cannot afford a brand new Lexus but, due to the excellent reliability, I have purchased (over the years) 4 second hand Lexus's (Lexi??) all of which have served me well.
Last year, I was in a position to purchase a new vehicle. I was tempted by a newer second hand Lexus RX, but realised I could purchase a new Toyota. I bought a RAV4.
Recently, I received an email from my local Toyota dealer inviting me to purchase "Protection Plates". After googling this I learnt that car thieves are now targeting RAV4s and some Lexus models, then by-passing their security via connecting a box of tricks to the cars CANBUS system, accessed via the front headlight. There are videos on line showing how easy this is and cars being driven away in around 2 minutes with the thieves gaining entry and taking the car electronically. It is very scary how quick and easy this seems to be!
Anyway, these "Protection Plates" are designed to prevent the thieves gaining easy access to the connection needed to connect to the CANBUS.
The Toyota dealer wanted to charge me £70 to fit these. Apparently Toyota are happy to provide the parts FOC, but the labour comes down to the customer. This involves removing the front bumper and headlights so I understand.
What I find disappointing is that owners of the Lexus models with are also affected by this security flaw are being contacted by Lexus and offered the "Protection Plates" supplied and fitted FOC.
When you consider that Toyota and Lexus are the same company this seems unfair and has left a rather unpleasant taste.
I contacted Toyota UK and asked for an explanation. I was told that "Both brands, Toyota and Lexus, have made separate commercial decisions..."
Now, I may understand this if the cars in question were the cheaper end of Toyota's range. After all they are looking to make a profit. But I believe the RAV4 is at their higher end, when optional extras are added it is easily possible to have a RAV4 cost equivalent, or even more, than a similar Lexus.
I am getting towards retirement age, and my plan was to use part of my retirement package to buy a new Land Cruiser. I'm now feeling this is something I'm probably not going to do, as it appears to me that Toyota don't value their customers and only see them as ways to get additional income.
Of course, I could still buy Lexus but, as they are owned by Toyota, this is something I am also now unsure about.
Is it me, or is this decision by Toyota somewhat foolish and short-sighted? After all, for the sake of £70 (the actual labour cost to Toyota would be significantly less), they have now alienated and disappointed me, and possibly other customers, and put in jeopardy my on-going brand loyalty and future purchases.
Be interested to hear the wisdom of the OCUK motors community on this.
