Jump to content


blkls

Regular Member
  • Posts

    29
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by blkls

  1. I am curious how your test drive went. I have about 20,000 on my 2007 LS460. I cannot recommend this car to anyone. There have been endless recalls/TSB's. The 8 speed transmission is horrible when it comes to downshifts and highways speeds and on ramps. The navigation/telephone lockouts are endlessly frustrating. The suspension allows too much body roll but still doesn't completely isolate from even small pavement imperfections. The list goes on and on. Try an S class and A8L before you purchase...
  2. First, I was mislead by the salesman (as were many). Many were not told of the issue until after the sale like myself. Others were outright lied to (told that an override existed when in fact it had been removed). As to the bumper sticker, it is not childish. Here is why. Everytime someone sees it and takes the time to visit the website, they learn something. They might not care about this issue. If once they read about it, they still chose to buy the car, then they are at least doing so with all the facts. However, consider that over half of the people on that site would not have purchased the car had they known about the issue (like myself), it may well cause people to chose a different vehicle. I am not going to get rid of a car that is six months old. I would lose too much money on the deal. This issue will however cost Lexus much more than they made on the sale. I've already cost them that much just by virtue of the people I talked out of buying cars because of this issue and more importantly, the heavy-handed way they have treated us. Customers were lied to and the company's only response is to, in essence say, "too bad". If I am boring you, please don't read my posts anymore. In the coming months, I will be even more vocal (just in more visible places than this). I have had issues with companies behaving badly in the past. With some persistence, I have prevailed every single time. This time will be no exception. Many people would just "except" as you put it. They would give up and give in. I am not like that. I feel that I am right and they are wrong. I will not give up until I am either compensated for the cost of the system or given a patch to remove the restriction. As Mr. Bates has already received a full rebate, the precedent is already set. If I have to, I will make this a legal issue. I'd rather avoid that but I'd rather make money for some lawyer then give in. That is my final word on the issue (at least here) I would like to be updated in how your complaint is proceeding. I have the same complaints with my LS460 and would like any information possible on how/if you get any satisfaction. It seems to me that SWO3ES has a biased interest in Lexus? The LS has many problems and is far from the "perfection" the company implies. I think this is the perfect place for Lexus owners to voice their concerns/complaints and do not think it is appropriate for members to "shut down" the discussion. If SWO3ES does not feel there are any problems with this car, I think he ought to go drink some more KoolAid and let members have an open discussion.
  3. I have to agree with needone... For a car that I looked so forward to buying when it came out, the LS460 has been a major disappointment as well. I can empathize with needone that when participants in this forum voice their concerns, "Lexus die hards" assume the problem is with the operator and not the car. I know the manual from cover to cover. THE CAR IS THE PROBLEM--and stop assuming it is operator error please! I have never owned a car with as many recalls and problems as this car. I have been through all the TSB's: transmission reprogrammed, the mirror noise fixed, side glass replaced, brake pad replacement/repair, etc. If I wanted to have this many trips to the dealer I would have bought another Audi A8L. And don't get me started on the LS transmission--the worst transmission I have ever owned ! As powerful as the navigation system is, I too have found it nearly useless when I need it most--finding my way when lost. Pushing the voice command button repeatedly for entering a simple destination or phone number is useless and overly complicated. I think the bottom line is that Lexus over-engineered "safety features" into the car that makes it much less pleasurable to drive and LESS safe. I do not see myself buying another Lexus.
  4. It is a definite "thud" that is FELT--not heard. It is strong enough to jar the entire car. It reminds me of the sensation one would get with a warn out drive shaft that allows a lot of "slop" in the driveline.
  5. What does the software upgrade change? Please drive the car some--especially on the highway/acceleration ramps to make sure ou can live with the transmission. I still am not happy with the "clunk/thud" generated with downshifts at highway speeds...but otherwise I have been relativley happy with the car after the two "fixes" you have mentioned.
  6. The headlight arrangement is far from perfect in my opinion. I have experienced the problems as others have listed with no help from the dealer. The lights are not adjustable enough and the low beams are grossly inadequate for highway driving or driving in the "country".
  7. Thank you for your response but as stated, I have already had that update completed. It only helped with the "jerk" when accelerating from a stop--not downshifts at highway speeds and the other transmission issues I have outlined...
  8. I have also had the transmission update and it resoved the dis-engaging torque converter issue. I agree that the transmission is still not as advertised. It definitely has a flare between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 3rd. It is much worse when the engine is cold but improves after running through the gears once and the engine starts to warm up. It is odd that I read this forum again tonight because of several of the previous comments about improving the transmission's performance by putting it into pwr mode. I was about ran over when trying to merge at highway speeds today. There are times when the transmission hesitates so long that it is a safety risk. As I was accelerating onto the highway at a moderate pace I noticed a car rapidly approaching. I floored the car (past the downshift switch on the gas pedal) and it took at least a second for the car to downshift into the right gear. It first tried 5th or sixth and then jumped down another gear. I have been very disappointed with this transmission. I doubt it is entirely the mechanics to blame--at least 80% programming. Even if the car is programmed for "old people" to drive, one would expect nearly instantaneous acceleration for a 380 hp car. On the rest of the way home, I tried the car in pwr mode and the transmission downshifted to the lower gear directly--much improved over the "regular mode". The dealer performed the "wind noise fix" successfully. If we could just get the transmission to behave and shift smoothly between gears Lexus would be much closer to their "Perfection goal".
  9. Latest news - the factory is sending in a rep to examine the car. The dealer's service folks are not exactly proud of that, particularly after they're top suspension man and best trained tech sayt he car rides rougher than it should. "Definitely not the Lexus luxury we'd expect." The dealer now has 3 460L's exhibiting the same issue to some degree, one worse than ours, one slightly better. They're hunting for Michelin tires to retrofit but there is a shortage in this area. They've done one of the 3, not ours, but have no owner feedback as oif yet. It is beginning to feel like they (Lexus) have a real issue here and that our car is on the tip of the spear. The dealer still contends the issue is only with people that have a lot of Lexus experience and are familiar with how they are supposed to ride - that makes me feel good all over and sounds pretty ironic. Anyone else out there with a "rough rider"? I believe my car rides rougher than espected for a car like this. Also, there is a pronounced "thump" with sharp bumps/potholes that I did not expect. Please let us know what the Lexus rep does/recommends.
  10. I have had to make two trips to the dealer to have the low beams raised and the high beams lowered--and I still do not notice any improvement. I still prefer the "old" halogen sealed beam headlight instead of the HID lights with the sharp cut-off...
  11. Please see my topic "Clunking into gear" now on page 2 of the forum. The transmission is designed to go into neutral after a prolonged stop as a gas saving measure. The HOLD feature and snow mode cancels this "feature". I have been told by Lexus their are no plans to fix this--so if you want a smooth take-off, drive around in snow mode...rediculous in a car like this!
  12. I have had the wind noise repair completed by the dealer with absolutely no improvement in this annoyance.
  13. I have had mine for 2 months and 4K miles. I have noticed absolutely no diriveability problems. It feels just like the 430 did and drops speed as soon as I let up. The gearing is certainly different and reducea engine braking in the higher gears, but there is no throttle hang up or engine lag on deceleration. I'm certain they will find your problem. I find that I do tend to drop over to manual shift and drop a few gears on deceleration, but if the engine were not already in a deceration mode downshifting wouldn't really help. I have noticed that the transmission does not allow for significant engine braking. I agree that it is related to the relatively high ratios of the 8 speed transmission. I doubt that there is any "fix" the dealer can perform. I have noticed the "creeping at standstill" as well. As I have mentioned in another session, the transmission goes into neutral if sitting still for any length of time. If you are in a heavy traffic situation, the clunking in and out of gear is a real problem... I have started using the "hold" feature more regularly in normal driving situations to alleviate this problem--but it is not useful in heavy traffic (stop and go traffic) due to the need to apply throttle to release the brake. I have obtained the smoothest operation in ect "SNOW" mode. The transmission does not go into neutral and the electronic throttle response is smoother. I still get more clunking from this car than I have had in any previous car. Aggressive downshifting at highway speeds are particularly jerky... The bottom line is that Lexus needs to fine tune the "wonderful" 8 speed transmission that they have been promoting so heavily. I keep waiting for a service bulletin for a reprogramming of the car's transmission...
  14. I had the repairs completed by the dealer as well with no noticeable improvement...
  15. I finally heard back from Lexus. There is an official service bulletin that adds some "padding" to the mirrors to quiet them and their is a recall for a "noisy pulley" in the engine compartment. Other than that, there are no service bulletins in regards to the replacement of the windshield, side windows or seals. Maybe the mirror repair is the first step in a more comprehensive solution from Lexus. I urge all LS460 owners to call Lexus customer service (not just their local dealer) to let then know about your concerns. I have been told by Lexus customer service that each complaint is looked at individually, but if they receive several complaints regarding the same issue, a solution will likely come "more quickly"... Please, if there are any other service bulletins in regards to these issues, please list them on this thread for all to see. If we could get the wind/engine noise, transmission, and NAV issues corrected...what would be left to fix???
  16. I purchased an LG VX8600 when I purchased the LS460. I have Verizon service. The phone was easy to set up with the car and it was easy to transfer all of my cell numbers into the car's address book using the instructions on the Lexus site. I would highly recommend the phone. If you are interested in others, check out the Lexus site that will show you all compatible phone--AND FEATURES. http://www.lexus.com/models/LS/accessories/bluetooth.html
  17. It does not change at all in ECT PWR mode--but it goes away entirely in SNOW mode. When others are in the car, I end up driving around in SNOW mode to smooth things out. It is unfortunate when passengers notice the SNOW light on the dash and ask why it is on...and I have to explain that this 70,000+ car has a jerky transmission...
  18. After you are stopped for about 20 seconds or so, try to take your foot off the break and on the gas quickly and accelerate smoothly when the car is warmed up...
  19. Mine is as smooth as silk... Is it really "smooth as silk"? I have not been impressed by the smoothness of this transmission. The downshifing at highway speeds is poor at best. With a modest push on the gass, the car clunks into a lower gear. Try using your cruise control lever to accelerate from 55 to 65--at least two shifts/clunks...to get up to speed.
  20. I wonder if the thicker windshield and additional insullation is in response to the loud (tic.tic.tic.) fuel injection system? Let us know if you get a service bulletin number.
  21. I appreciate your posting. While I disagree with our assertion that the folks who might sign any sort of letter or petition would be held liable, I do agree that viewing a DVD while driving (as I'd indicated in the initial posting) certainly wouldn't be a function that I'd ask to have activated while in motion. Rather, to restate here for clarity, I think the basic features allowing navigation selection, phone and music selection is sufficient. Everyone else -- RFeldes has had a say; what about anyone else who is frustrated with the "lock outs" in our new Lexus LS460's? I would be happy to sign a petition that would allow the use of the feaures you have mentioned.
  22. I use a Valentine 1 just right of the mirror in my LS 460. Be aware of the radarbusters' web site as they cannot sell Valentine 1 detectors and therefore would have no reason to promote them. The Valentine 1 is the best detector available. Period. Buy one and you will never regret it. I have owned mine for several years and am impressed with the company's quick turnaround time for service and upgrades.
  23. I have never heard of a transmission doing this either. It seems to me to be a good idea in theory but is not enjoyably in the real world. When you use the brake hold feature, you do not have the same clunk because the transmission engages before you start to move. If you use the snow mode, it does not go into neutral--presumably because Lexus realized a jerky transmission in the snow would likely break traction. So I am sure it is a programming problem rather than a mechanical malfunction--and that is why I am asking fellow Lexus enthusiasts for help in getting Lexus to see the light.
×
×
  • Create New...

Forums


News


Membership