Afternoon all,

Is it normal for the minor features to be missing on some cars on TOPix?

I have searched a 2014 vin number for a Range Rover, but as I say the “minor features” tab is missing?

Last edited by Goodfella on 25th Jan 2021 12:55pm. Edited 1 time in total

The only information on Topix for my car is what engine and what gearbox! Year built and how many doors
Absolutely nothing else! Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged 2006
Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.5 2017
MG TF 2003

Previous Cars of note
Land Rover Discovery 2
Jaguar Mk2 3.8 - Company car
MG Midget 1974 - Concours

Ok I’m starting to wonder if TOPIX has removed the minor features tab, I’ve searched three different VINs (All 2014+) and none are showing the minor feature tab?

Hi there,

I have just checked and the minor features tab has indeed disappeared (it used to be there for my FF, but is no longer present)

Thankfully I printed the minor features list for what was soon to be mine out a while ago whilst I was checking specifications before I finally lit the fuse and bought it - but that doesn't help you.

W. 2017 - L405 SC - WOW! just WOW!
2014 - L405 4.4
2010 - L322 3.6 - Carried me 100,581 miles then broke big-time

There are 10 types of people in this world;
Those that understand binary,
and those that don't.

Well that’s crap!

I dropped the the chaps at TOPix an email and asked them what the situation was and here is their reply.....

======================
Q: I can no longer locate the 'minor features' section for my (or any other) vehicle - has that feature been knowingly removed?

A: I have reviewed the information supplied and can confirm that a valid subscription for the vehicle is now required in order to view the information contained within the 'Features' and 'Minor features' tabs. Please purchase any subscription for the required time for the vehicle.
======================

Which is a shame, as this was a key part of my decision process when purchasing my new car.

W. 2017 - L405 SC - WOW! just WOW!
2014 - L405 4.4
2010 - L322 3.6 - Carried me 100,581 miles then broke big-time

There are 10 types of people in this world;
Those that understand binary,
and those that don't.

Yes thankfully my search for a car was over just as they decided that seeing the minor features was to generous..

Just cost me £25 for my build sheet..

Wrecker79 wrote:

I dropped the the chaps at TOPix an email and asked them what the situation was and here is their reply.....

======================
Q: I can no longer locate the 'minor features' section for my (or any other) vehicle - has that feature been knowingly removed?

A: I have reviewed the information supplied and can confirm that a valid subscription for the vehicle is now required in order to view the information contained within the 'Features' and 'Minor features' tabs. Please purchase any subscription for the required time for the vehicle.
======================

Which is a shame, as this was a key part of my decision process when purchasing my new car.

W.

Same for me out here in the USA. I've been actively looking for a 2009 RR Autobiography. The names of the models out here are slightly different than in the UK. I'm not sure but I think the FF RR may be the Velar out there?

But, out here it's common for an advert to say it's the Supercharged but actually be the Supercharged with the Autobiography package. The only way to really know is by either seeing the badge on the back of the car or if it has 3 knobs on the back of the center console indicating it has 4-zone climate control.

I could look up the VIN on TOPIx and the Features tab would say which climate control it had.

I was told the same by TOPIx that I had to purchase a documents subscription. Out here the least expensive is $63 USD per month! While useful it's not worth that much just to know if it's the Autobiography!

What makes this even worse is it's also common for dealers (both independent and the mains) to advertise a vehicle before it's even on their forecourt! I'll call and ask and the sales person won't know anything about it. And since I'm looking at vehicles across the whole country it's not as though I can just drive down to talk to someone in person.

I sent a reply to TOPIx asking if there could be some arrangement to allow access to just that one area for a much lower price. I have not heard back.

I knew that it could be expensive for the maintenance of a Range Rover, even if I do the work myself, but I never imagined that it could be that expensive just to investigate potential purchases!

Thanks for letting me vent a bit .

Larry.

Hi Larry,

Perhaps as Range Rover owners and potential owners, we could collectively put enough weight behind a letter/email to the customer services department of Land Rover and point out the folly of their ways....

Who on the forum is good at writing persuasive letters?

W. 2017 - L405 SC - WOW! just WOW!
2014 - L405 4.4
2010 - L322 3.6 - Carried me 100,581 miles then broke big-time

There are 10 types of people in this world;
Those that understand binary,
and those that don't.

Hi W.

I agree. I think a good start would be for people to send a politely worded e-mail to Land Rover explaining how access to this information is useful to those looking to buy a used Land Rover and should be available free as a marketing tool to help to bring more people into the Land Rover family.

I would suggest sending the e-mail to these two addresses:
TOPIxDiagnosticFeedback@bulkmail.jaguarlandrover.com
jlrdssg@jaguarlandrover.com
topix@jaguarlandrover.com

Maybe someone here would be the right contact? John Lindo perhaps?
https://media.jaguarlandrover.com/en-us/contact

If someone has a bit of time it could be helpful to look at the executive organizational charts to see who's at the top of the group that controls TOPIx and to send that person a letter too.

Thanks,
Larry.

I have written to the support person who replied to my message, requesting the name of the decision-maker and stating why I thought the 'minor features' feature should be returned to general availability rather than a paid-for feature - I currently await his/their reply.

===========================
Thank you for your prompt, but disappointing, reply.

Can you advise to whom I can speak to understand the reason for this decision, please?

I am a private owner of a Range Rover (my fourth) and I have used this resource extensively during my searches for the ‘correct’ car for me (at the time) to ensure that the options and build were as I desired, not being in a position to purchase a new vehicle that was built to my specification, I have to search the for-sale advertisements and have had to ask for the VIN and subsequently determine if the vehicle meets my requirements, as sometimes the sellers description leaves a lot to be desired.

Historically I have used the TOPIX resource to do this and have found it very useful and ensured that I did not travel to view an unsuitable vehicle.

I know that I can (now) purchase a temporary TOPIX access charge to view this information, however I would be reticent to pay each time I wanted to search for the build details as, for instance, my last search entailed me looking up the individual specifications of more than 14 vehicles over a period of two months before I found one that suited my needs.

I hope that you can understand why I question the decision to move this information to behind a ‘paywall’ when this detail helps potential and existing owners make the correct decision and helps in keeping the secondary market for these excellent (but highly ‘personalisable’) vehicles active.

Thank you in advance, and best regards
=========================== 2017 - L405 SC - WOW! just WOW!
2014 - L405 4.4
2010 - L322 3.6 - Carried me 100,581 miles then broke big-time

There are 10 types of people in this world;
Those that understand binary,
and those that don't.

I'll write them as well. I have been looking for a RR for my better half and topix made the search easier.
On Autotrader you see either options not listed or over stated. Topix helped me buy my first RR.

This site worked for me, posted by another member on here

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-lookup/SALGA2JE7DA108965

Hope that may help?

Dave 2013 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8
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