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Comments
Didn't help that when I went in to look at the XC90 the salesman I encountered was more arrogant than most MB sales people.
And at that time I hadn't learned of Lexus' plans to scrap the always flaccid VC in favor of the ML AWD engine torque distribution system in the new RX330.
I really do like the looks of the RXxxx over ANY of the others and while I often denigrate Lexus for their earlier motto, "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" I must admit that I have more faith, OVERALL, in Lexus than any other automotive manufactuer. Well, maybe more like equal to Porsche, but restricted to its 911/996.
Except for Lexus' dealer service shops/policy, the're the ABSOLUTE PITS!
What they may need, eventually, is a AWD "mode" switch. To switch between an X5 AGGRESSIVE mode for actual adverse roadbed conditions, and the "soft" mode that Lexus seems to favor, at least for the soccer mom RX "minivan" series.
It bothers me still that when it would have been so very simple, and less expensive, to make the RX300 a true AWD vehicle at the onset, Lexus didn't bother. I suspect they must have had a reason for that and sincerely I hope that same reason doesn't carry over into the design specification of the RX330 AWD ecu firmware.
So we asked him what that included. He was on and on, rattling off all kinds of crap, including getting a transmission flush, which he said is highly recommended since we have AWD and live in the Northeast.
I asked him why that wasn't in the manual. He said the manual was written "for the entire country, from Alaska to Florida" and "since we have severe temperature changes, it's recommended". So I asked him why they didn't put a "transmission flush" in the "optional" service for "severe duty". He didn't have an answer, except he highly recommends it.
In the end, we told him to do exactly what Lexus/Toyota engineers recommend in the book. So he photocopied the book and attached it to the work order.
Final price? $93 and change.
Don't get suckered into buying "recommended" services. Just follow the book and all warranty items will be honored.
-Craig
Other than normal wear or failed items, until you reach 90k, no Lexus (actually most modern day passenger vehicles) should need more servicing than oil, filter and pollen filter each 7500 miles, and an engine air filter every 15k miles.
I have the oil changed at the Toyota dealer for $25 and, after being ripped off for a $150 15K service, only visit the Lexus dealer for warranty service or when I have an hour to kill for a free car wash, Krispy Kremes, good coffee, and use of their phone!
My dealer explained to me that I really needed to do that because I have AWD and live in the Southeast... =:-0
Anyway, brace yourself for the 30k, which was supposed to cost $450 or $475! The list of useless line items was always topped by the $10 engine cleaning solvent, which I found out was a $1.29 bottle of STP gasoline additive. Watch out, major fraud alert!
Every major competitor has a chance, so long as their manufacturer is willing to "participate" in the joint marketing campaign with Motor Trend. If Lexus wants the RX330 to participate MORE than the others ...
Here in our area, Lexus of Bellevue and Toyota of Kirkland are under the same ownership.
If you look, seriously, at the suggested 30k maintenance schedule in you owners manual would the suggested services add up to $100.00?
I would bet not!
I may try Toyota, or do my own oil change.
The Lexus dealer wasn't going to do anything differnt than the Toyota that I took it to except the car wash as I had them give me a point by point list. Guess this Lexus offers a $700 car wash!!
Tell the Lexus service writer you want ONLY those things defined by the factory in the owners manual as recommended for your mileage and/or time period, NO EXTRAS.
I'd have the service writer write it down on the service order in just that manner and don't sign it until it's written to YOUR satisfaction.
BTW- I really miss the exclusively RX330 forum. I looked forward to the latest info on the RX330. Does anyone think it will be brought back? Host??
albell Jan 6, 2003 2:56pm
Steve, Host
The silent majority really is silent, but in this case silence is NOT golden.
Personally I would vote for individual thread for each model year.
As it is now RX newcomers must "thread" their way through almost 7000 posts in order to become current on their model year. Seems onerous and having had to do that myself it is!
Silence cannot be construed as either support or opposition! Else, the Bull Moose Party could have assumed power based on the silence of the majority! :-)
tidester, host
Did I miss the voting process? Sienna's future forum is still on, like many others. I don't really care about the current dated RX300, but now I am forced to know about the $100 car wash.
I will try to check around and find out the 330 production date. One thing for sure, I will be placing my order as soon as I can because I don't want one that is built in N.A. I am wondering if there is a way to specify that if the RX is dual source from Japan and Canada at the same time.
And there's a part of the VIN code that will tell you where your new RX330 was manufactured.
Jeff, this is the "old" RX 300 discussion. Unless you're thinking of something else? I put a link up to the Japan-made vehicles here:
steve_ Jan 7, 2003 10:43am
Steve, Host
The main reason I ask is b/c of the fact that I should be able to get a RX300 for around invoice (and possibly low financing) as compared to MSRP for when the 330 hits.
Although my opinion is mute, I agree with essweb. I don't care to sift through posts on $100 car washes and service prices of the current RX300. I just want the info the new RX330.
No offense to anyone!
How about a nice 330 review? (Autoweek)
Steve, Host
The new RX has
bigger engine – barely enough considering the competitions,
more room – still not enough room for a third row seat,
more standard features like curtain airbags – considering the Kias are doing that.
It would not provide innovation technologies like the Benz and BMWs, well unless Honda or Nissan is doing it.
To me as a consumer, that is exactly why I need the greatest and latest from Lexus or Toyota: I will get all I can get. On a more positive note, at least you can be almost certain that those technologies will work on a Toyota. That is especially true when it comes to safety items like the curtain airbag, you don’t want to be the one who cause the OEM to recall its entire fleet.
I think the new RX330 has some nice new innovations like active headlights, air suspension, rear camera, knee airbags.
I went from the Nissan Murano board straight to the Lexus RX330 board when the Murano disappointed me after months of anticipation. I have a feeling the Lexus will not disappoint!
I do think that maintenance and all aspects of the RX 300 or 330 are relavant and that combining the threads was appropriate.
As for me, I like the new features of the RX, but question if I should have to pay MSRP for them because Lexus says its a hot vehichle and that is what they want to sell them for. However, I don't know if I would get a 03 RX 300 since its basically the same as what I have in my 99, even if I could get it at invoice, which I think you can. I am in the mood for something different and can't decide between the RX and the GX.
Off to wash my RX, thanks for reading.
As far as whether you should have to pay MSRP: you don't. But the 330 WILL be feeding some pent up demand, and there will be a long line of those customers who will pay sticker as a result. Once that demand is satisfied, you can expect to deal, but not before!!
I believe this has something to do with a not yet outmoded economic priniciple regarding supply and demand. (Around my house, that means I supply what SHE demands!)
http://www.lexusuae.com/rx330/content/rx330.html
You will most certainly find lots of similarities between both models....including expensive car washes. Also many of us 300 owner's will be looking to move up one day. Keep the models together,
I suspect that when the 330 hits the showroom floor, 300 leftovers will be going for "cost" with some interesting incentives.
Pete
Others say don't buy a car assembled on Monday (warning up day) or Friday (hurry home day).
Compared to $107 from TireRack and $115 from Costco (130+Tax-installation-discount), this is a very good deal!
I have 4 Goodyear Integrity's with about 40-60% tread left. Any suggestions on what to do with those?
That's what I'm doing. My Integritys have about 200 miles on them and they've been plastic bagged and sitting in an outside shed for 2 years now - just waiting for their "Welcome Home" party at my Lexus dealer.
I think you'll see the RX330s come into dealerships with Michelins as standard if the recent auto shows are a precursor. About time.
I'm going to write the check and pick up a Mercedes Benz 2003 ML320 next Monday noon. I just found out the 2003 RX300 carsdirect price is just $400 over invoice (expires 2/3/2003) which will give me a really good price compared to ML320. Is there any dealer incentive going on RX300?
Thanks. I definately will call Lexus dealer Monday morning and any information will help.
Jeff