SHAME TOYOTA SHAME
I am an aged pensioner, a disabled age pensioner.
The only outdoor experience I really enjoy, or for that fact, am capable of doing, is kayaking.
Enough about my personal life.
Last year I purchased a 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Never really thought that I would purchase such a car, but I was impressed. It was quiet, reliable and had very good fuel economy.
I purchased roof racks for it so I could go kayaking. The only problem I found with the Toyota Camry was that the ground clearance was too low for some of the roads I would be driving on, so I researched SUV’s and, in particular, the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid.
The Toyota Rav4 Hybrid had very good reports and it seemed to fit the bill for my purposes, so in August of this year [2020] I purchased one – an ex-demo, [December]2019 RAV4 GX Hybrid.
‘Pop’ – that was the sound of my expectations and dreams bursting.
‘RECAPTURE YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE’ Toyota’s official web page says of the Rav4. Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth for me.
I rang up my local [Penrith N.S.W.] Toyota place to get a quote on a ‘supply and fit’ for a set of roof racks. Imagine my surprise – no -dismay, when having told the accessories person that it was a Toyota Rav4 GX, his exact words were ‘I was afraid of that’.
He then explained to me that Toyota DO NOT make a roof rack for the Toyota Rav4 GX model. They make them for the GXL and Cruiser models, but NOT the GX model.
$39 500 of my savings, hard earned savings, had just been spent on a car that was unable to do the one thing that I wanted the car to do.
There was no point in continuing my dismay with this person, so I decided to contact the Toyota head office to complain.
Oh yes, the Toyota head office was very ‘sympathetic’ to my plight and ‘understanding’ how such a situation could cause me to be upset, but there was nothing that Toyota could do, Toyota didn’t make roof racks for this model and that was that.
Toyota’s solution, and this is the real kicker, was that I should contact the agency I purchased the Rav4 GX from [Mansfield Toyota, Victoria], then take the Rav4 GX back to Mansfield Toyota [which meant driving the vehicle down to Albury, place the vehicle on a tow truck so that it could be transported over the Victorian border] and, get this, then TRADE IT IN for a GXL or Cruiser model, one that takes roof racks [which meant that I would have to wait until Toyota put the upgraded model on a tow truck, bring it back over the border so that I could drive it back to Sydney].
That’s right, Toyota’s solution was for me to spend another $6 000 to $12 000 on another car so that I can fit roof racks that would cost me about $600 to supply and fit.
Well, here’s an idea, why don’t I just hand my keys over to you, Toyota, and then you GIVE me an upgraded Toyota Rav4, at no expense to me – problem solved.
OR, here’s another idea Toyota, make roof racks for the Rav4 GX model.
I don’t care that this Rav4 GX will read my text messages to me or that the wipers will come on when a drop of rain hits the windscreen or that a little yellow light flashes on the sideview mirror if there is a car next to me [when I was learning to drive, they taught me to look over my shoulder to cover the blind spots and to turn the wipers on when it rained], I just want to be able to use the vehicle for the purpose I bought it for. I want to be able to put my kayak on the roof racks of my new, retirement present to myself, Toyota Rav4 GX.
Again I say, $39 500 spent on a vehicle that is unable to let me do the one thing that I want to do.
SHAME TOYOTA SHAME
Yours
Christopher Bancroft – very disgruntled Toyota owner
My New RAV4 Hybrid Experience
closed Comments
- 1
- 2
Yep, solid research.
Or he could buy this, spend… I dunno, based on this rant, a couple of hours to fit this roof rack and never had this rant in the first place.
I bought a car with these racks. When I took off the racks to adjust the position, its done quite extensive damage to the roof. Its made massive square indents. Maybe the previous owner made them too tight, but you'd think you'd want them tight. Factory would be better if possible.
They normally come with paint protection stickers.
I had them on my car years ago. No problem. It just have been done up way too tight or they've overloaded the bars.
The bars typically only have a gross max weight of 50kg (75kg for this particular bar, 100kg max for the vehicle but you'll need to find a higher rates bar). That includes the weight of the bars. Imagine hitting a bump at that speed and the weight comes crashing down. That's how roof racks damage cars.
How great would it be if there was a website where sellers and retailers could list customers like this. It would help other businesses avoid transacting with them. Really would save society the snowball situation we have with buyer vs seller. Just weed out the bad buyers, leaving only people with, the at the very least enough basic sense to make a purchase. This would reduce after sales complaints and lift the quality of feedback to something more accurate across most markets.
Consumers complaining publicly because they can't accept or admitt their own short comings can damage small and even big business unduely. Shame.
There are lists like that for the rental market and they're regularly abused. Difficult tenants get put on that list of they stand up for themselves.
How is Christopher's post damaging to Toyota I don't quite understand.
His location is Sydney as well and he bought from Victoria. So he drove interstate! Wouldn't be surprised if he ignored quarantine protocols.
Edit: I should learn to read more thoroughly.
Thank God this is the top post. Also, and shoot me for this, I hate people starting things off by saying how unfortunate and unlucky they are and wanting me to feel sorry for them.
Spot on @tessel.
The opening line “i am an aged pensioner, a disabled aged pensioner”.
It just sets the tone for a entitled whine that follows.
“Aged pensioner”. IDGAF.
I don't want to be mean here and I'm not really teasing others with disabilities but "disability" doesn't always manifest physically.
Member Since
14 min agoIs there a TL DR version OP?
Op purchased a car without asking if you could get roof racks for it.
Op now finds out you can't get roof racks for it.
This is somehow everyone's fault but his own.
Well summarised.
10/10
Brendaaaayum that burnSeems like a classic Boomer problem to me
Seems like a classic Boomer problem to me
Don't be like that mate. We aren't all wandering about like Uncle Arthur jabbering to ourselves and trying to hide the pee stains on our pants.
Toyota DO NOT make a roof rack for the Toyota Rav4 GX model.
Why then is this Toyota dealership selling them?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Toyota-Rav-4-Aero-Roof-Racks-GX-…
Suits: Dec 2012 to Current Rav 4 in all grades except aug 2017 onwards GX model.
I guess you need to read the full description. OP has 2019 GX.
From the description:
Suits: Dec 2012 to Current Rav 4 in all grades except aug 2017 onwards GX model.
LMAO
Oh well, can't be right all the time. lol
Imagine if he bought them…guess what his next forum post would be! 😂
Buy a small trailer will be easier to get on and off too.
Pretty sure he doesn't get off that much. :(
Well he is a disabled aged pensioner…..
$40k spent and yet you didn't bother asking a simple question that you deem important when buying the car. I find that bizarre.
I loathe to say this. But. OK Boomer.
And you still said it
I was thinking this the whole time reading his story.
Welcome to Ozb. Nice vent, but unfortunately you could have saved everyone from reading it if you had done your research or even more simply asked the sales person during the purchase process. It's about asking the right questions. Could you not just get an after market roof rack. Why is it Toyota's error. Just saying. It is a laugh also for Toyotas suggestion, but I'm hoping that was a joke.
LOL
https://www.prorack.com.au/cars/toyota/rav4/2020/gx5doorsuv-…
There you go, 3 seconds on google for an aftermarket option. You're the worst type of retail customer
Moderators. Close thread.
He is the male version of a karen. Oh god. He's the reason every retail person hates their job. Something stupid that he did he blamed it on everyone else. The worst type of person actually…
Can I aslo mention this sales example. Salesperson says a small Yarris was perfect for my new families needs. You can fold down both rear seats to put the large stroller in it. Come on. Do your own check and be fully aware that even if the salesperson says it does something you need, check yourself that it actually true with research.
Fold down the back seats to put in the stroller and leave the baby on the side of the road. Perfect solution, sold.
I know. Obviously the guy didn't have kids. We said um we think there might be an issue with that. Was then directed to the 2001 RAV4 at the time. Great little car.
Have you checked for aftermarket roof racks?
Don't be ridiculous now
Hi OP!
Please rate your experience!
***** Excellent
**** Great
*** Average
** Not recommended
* SHAME TOYOTA SHAME, F@%#!£& SH1ET CAR NO KAYAK FRIENDLY ROOFIE!Thank you and please come again.
What does being an aged pensioner, disabled or otherwise, have to do with anything? Caveat emptor Christopher, do your homework next time.
People love to throw that one out there for the sympathy card.
Poor aged disabled pensioner purchasing a brand new 40k vehicle… makes you wonder why they need tax payer funded gov't benefits in the first place? Maybe they should fund their own lifestyle instead of the gov't.
Like - who cares??
yeah as previously posted
https://www.prorack.com.au/cars/toyota/rav4/2020/gx5doorsuv-…Please Karen somewhere else.
From what i've heard they've been bloody good cars (12 month waiting list supports this). Just because Toyota didn't have a roof rack for it doesn't mean its an engineering failure.
Well, here’s an idea, why don’t I just hand my keys over to you, Toyota, and then you GIVE me an upgraded Toyota Rav4, at no expense to me > – problem solved.
The level of entitlement here is disgusting.
OP didn't do the requisite research one the ONE requirement he had.
If I needed a car that can carry a double pram, I would take measurements or indeed test that I can fit said pram in there, not assume or test my luck after the purchase.
OP is the reason why companies should be allowed to tell customers to F Off publicly and be lauded for it.
They are allowed to
Our Mr Bancroft is spreading his complaint far and wide
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Christopher%20Bancrof…
Google is down. Can't leave neg review & rating there.
Hi FB & OzB!
haha guy only has 4 friends on facebook… Seems about right ;)
And the car in his profile pic has roof racks. :P
Traded the RAV4 in for a jeep it seems! :)
He's also getting similar responses.
Link down now :p
You think you got it tough…
I purchased a new Ferrari to do the one thing I love in life, towing my boat.
When I received my Ferrari I asked for a towbar to be fitted, they told me Ferrari’s don’t have towbar options! Now I have a $350k car that can’t do the thing I love most.SHAME FERRARI SHAME!
350K new Ferrari? No such thing in Australia.
Wasn't the Cali around that mark?
The cheapest Portofino for sale in Australia is $450k+ onroads, so probably $500k on the road. You could easily option on to $700k without trying.
You're living in the past if you think the Cali is a current model. It was first released 12 years ago.
You're living in the past
So is bloom:
I purchased a new Ferrari…
When I received my Ferrari…This is called past tense., however I dare say bloom got one helluva deal for a "new" 350K Fezza.
Should have posted the deal.
That's nothing. I purchased an aged pensioner to go downhill mountain biking and write positive RAV4 Hybrid reviews for me. Turns out he can't do either. Completely wasted my hard earned money.
Wait, hol up
L00l
I bought a roof rack for a 2019 Toyota Rav 4. I then enquired with Toyota if they had a Rav 4 GX to fit it. Turns out that they don't make a Rav 4 GX to fit my roof rack. I spent $875 if my hard earned money on a roof rack that I can't use.
SHAME TOYOTA SHAME
I am an aged pensioner, a disabled age pensioner.
The only outdoor experience I really enjoy, or for that fact, am capable of doing, is kayaking.
$39 500 of my savings, hard earned savings, had just been spent on a car that was unable to do the one thing that I wanted the car to do.So many things wrong here, all not related to the 'issue' at hand….. But sure, so to be clear, the only thing you can do as a 'disabled pensioner' is lift a kayak out of the water (after spending hours paddling) and up above your head onto the car roof?
Anyhow, Did you ask if the car could have roof racks installed? Did you do any research before hand?
Christopher Bancroft – very disgruntled Toyota owner
It would appear this is more true
Christopher Bancroft - someone who doesn't research what they are buying!
He is disabled in the head
SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A LIFT KIT FOR THE CAMRY
or just buy aftermarket racks you muppet
I think this is the best post of 2020
Lockdown makes me feel like this guy!
Nah heaps on here, but on par.
Who uses their real name lol
a very disgruntled Toyota owner
Spackbace mysteriously quiet on this one haha
I am an aged pensioner, a disabled age pensioner.
Do you introduce yourself like James Bond all the time?
so I researched SUV’s and, in particular, the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid.
Clearly not. This PDF on the Toyota website says no roof rails for your variant. It would be the first thing I check if it was that important to me.
You also could have asked before you purchased it, if it really was
the one thing that I wanted the car to do.
People make mistakes, no big deal, but don't blame Toyota for this one. Just install after market ones already mentioned (something you also haven't researched or considered?) and maybe ask mods to delete this post to avoid further embarrassment/criticism/ridicule. I'm surprised Toyota didn't suggest them, but I suppose it depends on how confrontational you were…maybe they think you might be silly enough to take their offer…not sure how they could have got that idea?
Spackbace mysteriously quiet on this one haha
You'd think this is the most "grumpy old man" complaint we hear, but it isn't 😉
Now I want some war stories.
People complain the screen isn't high res enough 😛
The windscreen wasn't 3D enough?
It looks like the OP is trying to spread the good new on FB.
the time he spent on writing and posting these post, why didn't he ask the most important question for his purchase?
Boomers have had just about everything spoon fed to them. When something doesn't go their way it is the greatest injustice in the world.
mate, happy to take it off your hands mate. $20k
OP - you didn't do your own research and assumed something. Now you want to blame the company for the most important thing that is missing.
Not one person thinks your situation is unfair. To be honest it is more unfortunate for you but this has nothing…mind you nothing to do with Toyota.
Whether they make an accessory or not - you don't have say. You don't like it - move on. Sell the car and get one from another brand that suits you.
SHAME CHRISTOPHER BANCROFT SHAME
In the time you spent writing your whiny 700 word rant (I checked) you could have researched to see if your car could do "the one thing that I wanted the car to do". Several times over. If you are too inept to do so, try to find a family member or friend to assist you before you waste everyone's time.
SHAME CHRISTOPHER BANCROFT SHAME
Yours
CaptainCabinets - Person who researches purchases before they purchase
I agree it’s a bit rough they sell an SUV without a roof rack option. But there are aftermarket options that are not very costly. Why get so worked up?
Mister, you just assured me that I could speak.
Look, I'm under what? Gentlemen, this is a Hybrid Rav 4 manifest.
Have a look at the headlock here, see that chap over there? he- GET YOUR HAND OFF MY P*NIS!
This is the bloke who got me on the window tinting people.
Why did you do this to me, for what reason, where is the roof rack? Added at extra cost? A succulent Japanese roof rack!
Oh, that's a nice headlock sir, oh, ah yes, I see that you know your genuine accessories well. Good one.
And you sir, are you waiting to trade my Hybrid Camry? How dare - get your hands off me! Ta ta, and farewell.
This comment has made my day 😂
just take it to a mechanic in bankstown, I am sure someone will know how to fit roof racks
Don't have to get everything done the 'normal' way.
Are you slagging or praising my old hood? :D
As a former Bankstownian, I think it's a vote of confidence in the innovation, out of the box thinking and improvisational flair that can be found in Bankstown. Bankstownians don't have time for the 'normal' way!
Just get some aftermarket ones and stop crying at something that was your own fault
Another one post wonder from a new Ozb sign up. Clearly designed to get us foaming at the mouth re the post.
For me, I'm just trying to picture a disabled aged pensioner lifting a kayak up to the roof of current RAV4 (which has grown to be a pretty big car!).
Why do you assume the disability is physical?
This dude could be like Lurch.
I think Christopher B understands he did a fart and now his been ridiculed by ozbargainers.
Geez and they say millennials are the generation that take no ownership of their actions
So you live off government money and drive a new Rav 4 while I work and drive a pos. Seems fair. Let me guess, you also own a house, get franking credit refunds, etc. Too much avocado toast is the problem hey, not greedy oldies. Anyone with that level of coin to drop on a car for kayaking should not be getting a pension.
Rhino racks might fit?
- 1
- 2
So you purchased a car without checking if you could get roof racks on it, then signed up and posted to ozbargain about it for some reason, and it's Toyota's fault?
Also, how the hell is a disabled pensioner putting a kayak on the roof of a rav4?
Shame Christopher, shame.