A neat fact

[007Runner]

I called today to get a update on my 4Runner. I was told that it would enter the USA by January 16, 2007 and that I should have it by the end of January.
I asked if they have a vin# yet. The dealer told me it has not even been built yet. So I said how the fu## is it going to be here by January? Riding the bus with stinky people is enough to piss any body off!
The customer relations manager said calm down. It will actually be built in the next few days. This just made me more agitated. Then he said relax it only takes 13 minutes for the actual assembly process. Wow, I hope it is a lucky 13 minutes.
They get a fax every morning with updates on all their ordered vehicles. They actually know the exact day my 4Runner will leave Japan, but they don't have the exact assembly day. This is how they know when it will get here.
Talk about counting your chicks before they hatch. He said it is ass back wards, but this is how it has worked since he started many years ago. The entry into the USA is January 3rd to the 16th. He always tells customers the later dates to avoid headaches from anxious customers. I think he just told me that I am a pain in the ass without actually telling me that.
They see new cars every day. I think he forgets that getting a new vehicle is an exciting time for most people.

 

[jpalaska]

I feel your pain, Bro'
The waiting is the worst part. But in your case, being told that your 4Runner doesn't even exist yet doesn't help your anxiety either.
I really find it hard to believe that a 4Runner can be assembled in 13 minutes.

From looking at the vehicle specs in your signature, you are going to get an awesome T4R! The wait is going to be worth it, though you might not feel that way right now. Believe me, there's nothing better than actually seeing your new baby for the first time, then climbing in and turning the key. What a rush!
Hang in there!

JP

 

[dingo]

13 minute build time?!?!? Riiiight. I smell bs. The usual dealer bullcrap that is fed to the customer just to keep them at bay and quiet. I would call them every other day and show up unexpectedly at the stealership to keep them on their toes. Demand to see some actual proof of correspondence between the dealership that is ordering your runner and the factory. Ask them if you can see those "faxes". Imo they are the ones being a pain in the ass when they don't give you the honest truth or just a straight answer. I hate when stealerships dick with their customers. They said January 16, make them stick to that date.

 

[drake3]

Dude, Dingo is right. 13 minutes for a build time is TOTAL BS.

Now before I give you written proof, just think about 13 minutes and what has to happen to assemble a car. The assembly line is THE model of manufacturing efficiency, but your car has to be painted which alone usually takes about 10 hours. Assuming everything is already painted think about how many connections have to be made in the engine compartment when the engine is installed. 13 minutes is a nice prime number for an engine install unless you have to put a dash in, mount transmission, seats, doors and wheels. In Georgetown KY they try to keep time at each assembly station down to 55 seconds. There are more than 13 assembly stations on the line.

You can find Toyota's build time goals here: http://www.baselinemag.com/article2/0,1540,2011957,00.asp

Try to get a VIN #. Until you get a VIN # then your baby is not born yet!

 

[007Runner]

Dude, Dingo is right. 13 minutes for a build time is TOTAL BS.

Now before I give you written proof, just think about 13 minutes and what has to happen to assemble a car. The assembly line is THE model of manufacturing efficiency, but your car has to be painted which alone usually takes about 10 hours. Assuming everything is already painted think about how many connections have to be made in the engine compartment when the engine is installed. 13 minutes is a nice prime number for an engine install unless you have to put a dash in, mount transmission, seats, doors and wheels. In Georgetown KY they try to keep time at each assembly station down to 55 seconds. There are more than 13 assembly stations on the line.

You can find Toyota's build time goals here: http://www.baselinemag.com/article2/0,1540,2011957,00.asp

Try to get a VIN #. Until you get a VIN # then your baby is not born yet!

Very nice link, looks like a 28 hour build time. I shared this link with the dealer and told him if the vehicle is not delivered as promised don't bother calling me. I will purchase a Lexus GX470. They have so many of these sitting on the lot in so many configurations I will not need to order. I will have a new vehicle by the end of January one way or another. I blame my self for not putting my foot down sooner.

 

[Northof49]

Ehn, doesn't sound like cause for alarm yet. They just built the first 08 Tundra's a couple weeks ago and the entire North Am debut will be in Feb.

 

[toto]

The Tacoma is assembled (with paint) in 22 hours.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=105515#

Don't panic yet... I was surprised when I bought my 4Runner in mid-March and it said it was made in February.

Save your money - wait for the 4Runner rather than going over to Lexus.

 

[FlipIam]

The Tacoma is assembled (with paint) in 22 hours.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=105515#

Based on the article above, a Tacoma truck takes 22 hours to assemble and a new one comes off the line every 82 seconds.

Maybe the manager meant that a new 4Runner comes off the line every 13 minutes (instead of 13 minutes to build).

 

[Uneek]

I got mine Feb '06, built Jan '06 and originally ordered Nov. '05. Getting a Toyota with the specific options is difficult, but in the end having a Toyota with exactly what you wanted is very well worth it.

 

[007Runner]

I really just want the 4Runner. In a few areas the 4Runner is more advanced then the Lexus equivalent. The Lexus which will cost me $12,000 more does not even have rear led tail lights. 18 in tires are not available. The same headlights and navigation system. The Lexus has old fashioned levers instead of the more modern dials for engagement of 4wheel drive. The 4Runner in my opinion seemed to handle better the Lexus. The Lexus seems too tall and looks a bit goofy.

Lexus does not deal, and they even had the nerve to tell me that they refuse to discuss invoice price, they only deal down a bit (maybe $1000 from sticker). I refuse to purchase any vehicle like that. My 4Runner better come through.

The only things in favor for the Lexus I feel is : The front seats are amazing. The dash is nice, but not really a huge improvement over the 4Runner, and the kinetic dampening system makes the Xreas look pathetic.

I just hope the $1000 rebate is still on when I get my 4Runner, I plan on using it to make the front seats more Lexus like if possible. Those front seats in the Lexus are really nice, but the premium they want is not worth it.

 

[Uneek]

I just hope the $1000 rebate is still on when I get my 4Runner, I plan on using it to make the front seats more Lexus like if possible. Those front seats in the Lexus are really nice, but the premium they want is not worth it.

The rebate will only go up. I highly doubt, the rebate will go away. It's unlikely there will be a sudden surge in demand for the 4Runner unless it's the next gen. My sales rep told me there has only been one time with the Corolla where waiting (month end and a few days until next month) has cost a customer more money because the rebate shrinked/disappeared.

BTW, there's no way I'll get the GX, even if it was $12k less than the 4R with that barn door in the back.