Creaky plastic - 2007 Lexus ES350/Camry

[proteus220]

Just an FYI post here:

Went to Taste of Lexus event in Orange County, CA this past weekend, and upon test driving the 2007 ES350, I noticed how the interior was pretty much identical to the 2007 Camry. Nicer layout with the NAV and leather, but what surprised me was the the center console area, where the gear shifter is, creaks just like the Camry. Applying any kind of pressure on it causes it to crackle.

I thought that the ES350 would use different plastics (higher grade) but apparently not.

Hopefully, some Toyota rep will read this and pass the info onto its parts supplier. The quality of the plastic (in certain areas) is not acceptable in an "average joe" vehicle let alone a $35k automobile.

[drjames]

Really? You really think they look the 'same'? That said, I test drove the new ES about a month ago and felt that the interior plastics were of a better quality than the Camry as expected. But didn't try pushing on the lower dash, do didn't hear any creaking.

http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/L...s2007/Dash.jpg

http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/T...s2007/Dash.jpg

[xpeed]

Then don't press on it if you don't like the creaking noise. My Gen 5.5 camry creaks only when you press against it but while I'm driving, it doesn't creak at all. But that's me, I'm simple minded.

[proteus220]

The point of not pressing on the plastic if one doesn't like the noise is obvious. However the creaks happen at slight to moderate pressure on the plastic, which also occurs on rough roads. Since the plastic is creaking already, given time, the plastic "could" become brittle, and the creaks will eventually evolve into incessant rattles.