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Comments
dealer13 "Kia Sorento" Oct 21, 2004 6:21am
thanks!
Steve, Host
I live in Texas now where 7 out of 10 vehicles is an SUV or Pickup. I chose the FX as my "Fun Car" because I liked it every since it was a concept and the crash compatibility with larger vehicles on the road. Also I am A Big Guy so I don't fit to well in a lot of smaller cars. The FX has plenty of room and comfort for my needs. It also served me well on a 2500+ mile tripmy family of four took last year. I am looking at a sedan/coupe (m45, Pontiac GTO) for my next fun car purchase but do not know if I can give up all the features and driving position of the FX.
I like the RX and if they put an adjustable suspension with a good sport setting and a beefier steering wheel on the 400H that may also make the list.
For what it's worth, I had checked out a used E-Class and a '99 GS400 before I settled on my '00 5-series. This was back in May-July 2002. Even though it was only the 6-cylinder 528i, it was equipped with the sport and premium packages, and I found it to be more interesting to drive than the other models. I liked its steering, handling, and road manners the best. The GS400 was faster, but, in comparison to the BMW, it didn't seem as fun to drive, imo. For the cockpit, I liked both the BMW and the Lexus GS interiors more than the MB. When you consider other factors, such as customer service and long-term reliability, I certainly see why the GS might be at the top of your list.
We used to own a '99 Miata, which was the best value in a sports car we've ever owned. Driving this with the top down almost always brought a smile to my face. I agree that it probably wouldn't be the same if you equip it with an auto instead of a stick. I also like many aspects of the RX-8, except for the poor fuel economy. I think Edmunds is averaging only 17-18 mpg on their long-term RX-8 tester. I've seen other RX-8 owners complain about poor mileage within these forums. There is something about that little rotary engine that drinks down the gasoline. I find it amazing that a practical and reasonably powerful SUV like the RX330 gets better gas mileage than a little lightweight sports car! In fact, I believe the RX330 2WD model has a higher highway EPA rating than either the RX-8 or the IS300.
It's great when we can agree to disagree.
We were looking at the eight cylinder models because in the used car market, they seem to give you the best bang for your buck. I also think the Bimmer was the most fun to drive, but I agree that in longevity and reliability, the GS400 has a decided edge.
Things have been somewhat hectic around here, so the burn to buy our "fun" car has cooled somewhat. We aren't in dire need at the moment, so we intend to savor and enjoy the "hunt", as you aptly put it. We will definitely let you know what finally ends up in our garage.
Never did hear if you and your family took a road trip to Clear Lake in July, or decided on a different destination. We were there in early July before travelling out of state for the remainder of it. Happy motoring!
But FYI, since my wife is a stay at home mom, it was agreed I would be using it more of the time for business or our trips to the lake, when we weren't towing anything. As it turned out, my wife prefers driving our Explorer, and like a good husband, I acquiesced to her wishes and now am the primary driver of the RX330.
Thanks-
Thanks-
Oh, nevermind, you found it.
Steve, Host
True?
So, I drive back home and try to figure out how badly damaged the tire is. I got some pliers and pulled it out. The nail was about and 1 inch long. The surprising thing is that the tire didn't deflate at all. I checked it out the next day and the tire seems to be find.
I will eventually have to get a new tires, my tire tread is showing signs of wear already. Anybody know a good place to get some new tires. I have the 18 inch rims. The dealer charges $215 a piece for Michelin tires.
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Subject
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Discussion Thread
Response 10/27/2004 09:41 AM
Dear Mr. West,
Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction regarding the 2005 RX 330. We appreciate your interest in this vehicle.
Per our technical department, the 2005 RX 330 does not have a viscous coupling LSD. The vehicle has adopted a full-time all-wheel drive system. We are sorry for the misinformation.
If you would like to discuss your concerns further, you can also reach the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time.
Sincerely,
Lexus Customer Satisfaction
Customer (Willard West) 10/26/2004 04:59 PM
The current 2005 RX330 e-brochure indicates that the 2005 AWD RX330 has the viscous coupling again.
Is this actually true or is this a typo?
Willard West
PS: I would never pull out a nail on my own. Most tire dealers (incl dealers that do not sell that brand of tire) are willing to assess and repair a flat. For about $10, they dismount the tire, examine the puncture, and apply an appropriate plug.
Steve, Host
Nowadays, many places don't even dismount the tire. They simply insert a plug, and off you go. It takes all of ten minutes.
Good to hear you are enjoying worry free times in your RX. Your husband can't go wrong with either the GS or the LS. I know the LS430 is a sweet ride. The GS is due for a facelift next year. You might want to wait until you see one. Good Luck.
Steve, Host
Thanks
I'm checking into the RX 330 and was wondering if someone could give me a measurement of the cargo floor length when the back seat is folded down. I haven't been able to find this measurement anywhere. I have to carry a piece of equipment from time to time and this measurement is important as to whether the RX330 would work for me or not.
Thanks,
HS
The cargo floor length will vary a little based on the location of the front seats. For my normal seating position (I'm 6 ft tall), I measured 71" along the cargo floor from the back of the driver's seat to the rear door. (In all honesty, I could easily move the seat forward at least another 1", maybe 2", to provide a little extra cargo space, when needed.)
This measurement drops by 3" if the cargo is greater than 3-4" tall, due to curvature of the seatbacks. This measurement will drop a little further for tall (>2ft) cargo, due to the curved rear hatch door.
Hope this helps, and hope these measurements work for you.
HS
The idea is to use the servomotor to vary the stearing ratio as circumstances warrant. But the big part of this "invention" is to be able to counterstear against your input should the vehicle not be able to remain stable with your wider, unmodified, inputs.
Touted as being faster reacting than the current, VSC, PSM, etc, brake modulation method.
Sorta like that airbus that went down in the french forest years ago, the fly-by-wire system decided that the pilot was asking to climb too rapidly and so it "counter-steared" the elevators to prevent the airplane from climbing above the trees.
Gee, the computer didn't see those trees!
Not saying that Lexus' active stearing is the same as above.....
steve_ "Toyota Highlander" Sep 12, 2004 11:33am
Steve, Host
But in the end the simulations indicated that although the airframe would have likely been severely overstressed to the point of being scrap metal the likelihood that, had not the firmware limited the climb level, all would have survived was confirmed.
Regardless, I'll always make my own call to recover from a skid, if I crash it will definitely be pilot error.
No, the airbus firmware flaw is based on actual fact.
I am headed your way for Thanksgiving, but I'm going to be swamped with family obligations. But thanks for the offer!
Steve, Host
i am headed to my wife's brother's for turkey day. they have two rx330's. we'll show in our explorer for the umtienth(?)time.
You will be able to see significantly farther down the road but still will not be "glaring" into oncoming driver's eyes.
This shows where the vertical and horizontal screw adjustments are located and a basic description of how to adjust the aim.
Now take your car to to your dealer's service tech and ask them to make an adjustment of the aim. Just a few ticks upward makes all the difference in the world.
If for some reason they won't do it, saying that it's "in spec" etc. just adjust it yourself or have an auto mechanic help you out for cheap. Just don't adjust them TOO MUCH! Just a little bit will go a long way.
Then I adjust to move the driver's side beam pattern to the right just ever so slightly and then upward slightly. Adjust in small increments until the pattern is correct for night driving.
Talk about it in the Lexus RX 400h discussion.
Steve, Host
Thanks,
Steve, Host
1. Exclusive Thundercloud Metallic paint and gray leather interior.
2. Special five-spoke alloy wheels with contrasting color.
3. More aggressive front grille.
4. Special edition emblems on front doors and floor mats.
5. Black Bird's Eye Maple interior wood trim.
I love it. My RX is Bamboo Pearl and on most days I can't even see it. It has provided excellent protection... no rock chips in the places where it was installed. My husband opted not to get the clear bra for his Mercedes and now he regrets it. We will have to spend a small fortune fixing the rock chips on the Benz.
Hope this helps...
Alan
Why doesn't Lexus have a fix for this?
The odor from the evaporator is that of "dirty gym socks"....
For a permanent fix for the latter see:
http://www.airsept.com/eed.html
More information?
Google search for wwest & demist
Or:
wwest & odor
Good reference to the airsept.com web site.
Not saying it doesn't "breed" otherwise.