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Toyota Cost Cutting, really grinding my gears.
I guess I have not much to do today, the city has shut down again as we had another freezing rain storm. So everyone at work either did not come in today or they have left and gone home. On this forum, I honestly find the criticism of any brand more valuable than the praise. So here is my issue. When my parents took ownership of their new Avalon, they method something that was a little odd, my father said that when he goes to open his driver side window, sometimes the passenger side window would open as well. I did not think much of it, however when I borrowed his car for a week, I noticed it as well, it seemed to happen more when it was dark out at night. Well yesterday, we were at the car park and there was newer Toyota's as well as older ones, I finally figured it out. Toyota in an ever so cheap way, removed the power window button spacer between each window switch. Here are some pics to see the issue: I am not to pleased with something so small and seemingly irrelevant, but if people are not aware of something like this, then who knows what else they could cost cut in the future, or maybe already have (example, Toyota removed the door lock for the newer 4Runners) Pics coming any minute. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...ee59c5795.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...bc4af5857.jpeg Previously, it was impossible to open both windows with one touch, now it is very easy to do if you are not precise. Anyways, the good news is that the Lexus ES350 uses the spacer. So it must be a Toyota cost cutting thing... |
I think it's more of a design flaw than cost savings. Realistically speaking, how much can Toyota save on that thin strip of plastic, given the relatively low volume of the Avalon. Plus the amount of plastics used on the giant grill tells me Toyota isnt trying to save a tenth of penny.
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Originally Posted by situman
(Post 10431796)
I think it's more of a design flaw than cost savings. Realistically speaking, how much can Toyota save on that thin strip of plastic, given the relatively low volume of the Avalon.
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Originally Posted by situman
(Post 10431796)
Plus the amount of plastics used on the giant grill tells me Toyota isnt trying to save a tenth of penny.
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Well, two things, Jill. First, I agree with you that Toyota/Lexus has been steadily cheapening their interiors, trim, and sheet metal for years...that is nothing new. (I myself have posted in Car Chat about it many times). Second, though, with or without a switch-spacer, one must still watch what switch he or she is actually pulling up with their finger.....it only takes a couple of seconds or so with your eye off the road, so it's not like texting or fumbling with a cell phone. Most switches in today's cars are lit at night, to help make it easier in the dark.
Speaking of cell phones, BTW, I got a new one today (first new one in a LONG time)....will do a thread in Clubhouse about it. |
Originally Posted by mmarshall
(Post 10431989)
.....it only takes a couple of seconds or so with your eye off the road,.
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I would take the first one with the chrome tips and no spacer vs the black plastic and a spacer. That doesn't look like cost cutting, simply design. I would have zero issues operating those switches. Unless someone has legitimate shakes, I don't see this being an issue, just a complaint :dunno:
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Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
(Post 10432010)
I would take the first one with the chrome tips and no spacer vs the black plastic and a spacer. That doesn't look like cost cutting, simply design. I would have zero issues operating those switches. Unless someone has legitimate shakes, I don't see this being an issue, just a complaint :dunno:
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
(Post 10431989)
Well, two things, Jill. First, I agree with you that Toyota/Lexus has been steadily cheapening their interiors, trim, and sheet metal for years...that is nothing new.
Just compare the previous Camry and Avalon to the current Camry and Avalon, the new ones are huge improvements and I don't see any place where they slipped. Same is true of the new ES and the old ES. I mean, maybe theres no divider between the switches, but the new Avalon's interior is WORLDS better than the old Avalon. Much better materials, technology, displays... |
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
(Post 10432016)
Its very easy to dismiss it. Next time drive one of the more modern Toyota's, try and keep this in mind.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...0a8d6dadc8.png |
Originally Posted by SW17LS
(Post 10432028)
I actually strongly disagree with this. For a while, this was the case but IMHO this trend is all but reversed in the last few years. All the new Toyota/Lexus models are a clear step up in interior material and interior/exterior trim quality. Its starkly clear in fact.
Originally Posted by SW17LS
(Post 10432028)
but the new Avalon's interior is WORLDS better than the old Avalon. Much better materials, technology, displays...
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Originally Posted by SW17LS
(Post 10432028)
I actually strongly disagree with this. For a while, this was the case but IMHO this trend is all but reversed in the last few years. All the new Toyota/Lexus models are a clear step up in interior material and interior/exterior trim quality. Its starkly clear in fact.
Just compare the previous Camry and Avalon to the current Camry and Avalon, the new ones are huge improvements and I don't see any place where they slipped. Same is true of the new ES and the old ES. I mean, maybe theres no divider between the switches, but the new Avalon's interior is WORLDS better than the old Avalon. Much better materials, technology, displays... |
Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
(Post 10432035)
My friend has a new body style Prius and the window switches look like this example. No problems. When one puts their finger on the switches the tactile feel can differentiate it's two separate buttons with the space between the two switches. If one has 'fat' fingers then perhaps its possible to press both, but I don't have any problem with this. Sounds like you just have a preference for a spacer. nbd
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...0a8d6dadc8.png |
Originally Posted by situman
(Post 10431796)
I think it's more of a design flaw than cost savings. Realistically speaking, how much can Toyota save on that thin strip of plastic, given the relatively low volume of the Avalon. Plus the amount of plastics used on the giant grill tells me Toyota isnt trying to save a tenth of penny.
And agreed, it can't really be an Avalon-only part. This has to be a parts bin piece, making its way into redesigned Toyota products. |
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
(Post 10432045)
Why do feel the Lexus models would keep the spacer?
My above responses are that spacer or no spacer, I can operate a window switch :p |
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