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For anyone who really, REALLY wants to reduce the noise levels when the roof is open, you might want to consider installing a moonroof wind deflector. They are not expensive. We had one installed on our MDX, and it worked great! We could cruise at 65mph with the roof fully open and all the windows shut, without any helicopter noise. In fact, we would carry on conversations without having to yell at all... unless we were mad at each other, that is.
We haven't installed a deflector/shield on our RX330 because the noise doesn't seem all that bad to us, and also because of cosmetic reasons. We prefer the modern, clean lines of the RX330 without any add-ons, whereas the MDX had a "boxier" appearance.
go to the local "the world of Japanese spoiler/wing" store and I am sure they can find something for you. Or you can ask them to install one of those stylish spoiler/wing that they used on the Civic and have them installed it on the roof of your RX, that should take care of the noise :-)
Many thanks to all who have made suggestions for dealing with the helicopter noise. ede31 and others have suggested using the "not open all the way" option for the moon roof. I do and it doesn't help. cotmc, mfullmer and others have suggested a wind deflector, but I guess that's not available yet. Like rx4me #454, I find the noise deafening, not a marginal irritant. The boom, boom, boom actually hurts! Since some folks here don't have this problem, maybe it's like the dash rattles where either your rx has them or it doesn't have them. I'm wondering if the severity of noise I'm having is related to the rattle I mentioned a while back from the "sunroof pan rubbing against the headliner cross bar." In that case the dealer insulated the crossbar which eliminated the rattle when the moon roof is closed, but then the rattle reappeared even louder when the moon roof is open. I can hear this rattle when travelling under 25 mph, over 25mph the helicopter sound drowns it out. I'll let everyone here know what comes of this.
Once again, thanks to all who have made suggestions.
Katherine
Thanks
Caryn
Or special glue kit from Kragen will do it.
But be prepared to have your eardrums become VERY pained!
I had my winshield replaced for free a few years back (I use GEICO)...
Good luck!
twm01
It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that windscreens with only a small crack in them can shatter in a minor accident, or worse, no accident at all. Replacing a damaged windshield before it injures someone is far more cost effective than paying injury claims as well.
Regarding going to the dealer. This is usually not necessary. Most reputable glass companies will get the factory OEM glass if you ask (most of the time they get OEM regardless). In fact, in both of my cases my dealer referred me to a glass company.
Steve, Host
Windshield Replacement - No Extra Cost to the Insured!
If you have Florida-based comprehensive, state law provides that your insurance company waive the deductible for windshield repair or replacement, which means no extra out-of-pocket expense for you. In Georgia, the deductible will apply on replacements, but many insurance companies will waive the deductible amount on windshield repairs.
City or combined highway/city is such a large variation, 15-19MPG, I stopped calculating.
01 AWD RX300.
I immediately researched the "clear bra" products on the internet. I found a site http://www.speedfilm.net that listed a professional installer in my area. They have two different types of film available. One is made by 3M with a 2-year warranty and the other is made by Llumar that has a lifetime warranty. The Llumar film is new to the market and is totally invisible vs. the 3M film that is slightly opaque due to the adhesive compound they use. The Llumar film is a bit more expensive but with the total invisibility and lifetime warranty it was a no brainer to have this brand installed. I had the film installed on the front bumper, around the front grill, the side view mirrors and small strips placed on the edges of all four doors for door edge guards. I paid $450 for the entire installation and am totally thrilled with the results. You cannot see this film on my RX330 unless you are standing within a couple of feet of the vehicle and then you have to really look very close. An amazing product. The installer was very professional and took his time to make sure everything was right. The installation took about 5 hours total and he even came to my home and performed the installation in my garage!
Changing the fluid every 15K miles sounds really excessive.
1. R/R cabin air filter
2. R/R engine air filter
3. Clean throttle body and adjust idle Can
4. Inspect ball joints, dust covers, brakes f/r,drive shaft boots, exhaust pipes and mountings, top off fluid levels, fuel systems,hoses, nuts and bolts on chasis and body, steering linkage, tires, oil and filter change, courtesy car wash.
Air element refi - $29.13
Element sub assy - $15.46
Oil filter - $ 5.41
Gasket - $ .92
Oil - $12.40
Total cost - $332.05, a complete rip off!!
They also fixed the dash rattle, turned the brake rotors due to excessive wear,addressed the paint chips but did nothing about them.
They also received their 3rd poor rating on the survey for their service, service writer, and their filthy loaner cars. My dealership really bites the big one. They have been calling to apologize and offer me freebies in the future. I told them that if I can afford a $50k automobile I certainly can afford an oil change or tank of gas. And that my opinion can't be bought!!
Ray
Suppose, you are leasing a 2004 RX330 for 3 years and 36,000 miles with no intention of keeping it at the end of the lease.
What does the owners manual say must be done at the minimum to prevent voiding the warranty?
Note: This is not the same as what the Lexus dealer "recommends" you do on the dealer's suggested service schedule.
If you did only the minimum service and had it done at Jiffy Lube, Walmart, Firestone or independent mechanic etc., what should that cost over the term of a 3 year lease?
It sounds as if the Lexus dealers do much more than required and overcharge for it too. Makes the free maintenace on a BMW look really attractive considering it includes absolutely everything including wear items such as windshield wiper blades and brake pads during the first 4 years.
Steve, Host
The recurring problems I've read about are concerning paint chips, both numerous and premature. They seem to be happening to the light colored cars. Although I have been fortunate to avoid these as well, I do feel the paint on the RX330 is too soft! I have chipped the Neptune Blue paint on my RX on two occasions. One time, when loading an item into the rear foot well, I accidentally bumped the door jamb on the rear driver's side and chipped the paint. Another time, while washing the car, I accidentally let the hose nozzle bump the side of the car, below the door guard strip. This also left a paint chip. Both times I felt that the paint chipped much too easily, and that the paint has very little abrasion resistance and is much too brittle. As a precaution, I am now using a plastic nozzle, just in case, and have bought a bottle of touch up paint from Lexus, for about $5.99.
I would monitor and document any future fading, and even photograph the car. When you take it in for the 1,000 mile check, the dealer will wash the car for you. Check it again then. Don't give up on hounding the dealer. Threatening to go to Lexus and giving the dealer a less than favorite report could also work. What the dealer said to you is ridiculous. This should not be happening to any new car, much less a $40K+ Lexus!
That's why I am installing clear bra on my silver RX330. The paint is still flawless as the first time I drove it 9 months ago.
Mercedes has new paint that is designed to be very scratch resistant.
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/Projects/c2c/cda/c2c_DCComPrint/1%- 2C%2C0-5-7145-1-165309-1-0-0-0-0-0-13-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0%2C00.html?P- rintLayout=243
New Mercedes, BMW, AUDI are all prone to have paint chip.
Does anyone have any comments on towing a trailer in the 3200 to 3400# range with or without the trailer Package from the factory?
Handling, overheating, breaking?
I do not have the factory package and wondering the impact on the vehicle.It seems morethan capable to handle it.
The injectors they use are very efficient, but the trade off is the noise as they open and close.
I would expect Lexus to have an answer at some point soon.
Yes, I have also heard this and been to my dealer. They have said Lexus is looking into it, and there is no disposition as yet. It is worse in the cold weather. That is when I noticed it.
The injectors they use are very efficient, but the trade off is the noise as they open and close.
I would expect Lexus to have an answer at some point soon.
There can be no doubt that the engine and transmission will work harder with a towed load than otherwise. Engine overheating will be self-evident because the A/C is disabled as the temperature rises so I would worry most about over-heating the transmission fluid and causing damage there that would not be noticeable until too late.
However, I would never attempt extended towing of a load that was over recommended weight capacity, especially with a vehicle which transmission would cost $6000+ to replace.
There are after market tow packs. Boat hitch places, U-Haul, and the Lexus dealer can install them.
Feel the engine is weak for a 330cc and noisy as well. Great over the road car though. Long days driving don't bother much at all.
As for routine maintenance - oil change and filter every 5000 miles. Use 5W30 Castrol. (About $15 at local Firestone place) Tires balanced and rotated every 6-8 thousand ($9.95 on special at Firestone).
Jack H.
katherine
Would you kindly post the new TSIP number for the insulation cover fro the A/C lines when you get it. This will be a big help to many of us as the Lexus service writers will always back down when you hit them with the actual Lexus TSIB number.
Thanks!
You can research via this web site: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
http://www.mycarstats.com/
For full text you can ask the dealer or get it from alldata.com (often your library will have a subscription).
Steve, Host
Just want to know if Lexus has fixed the problem yet and if the newer ones has the same problem.
The dealer said they have a new car coming in with the options I want. Don't know if I should wait a little bit before I buy the car.
I am enjoying my first SUV.
A manufacturer wouldn't warn you about low fuel when you have no gas left. It is a warning, meaning you have 50-60 miles left to go. What was your computer saying you had as a range?