While I'm at it, I just wanted to say thanks for the detailed explanation on windshield fogging. At first glance, I thought your long post was going to put me to sleep. To the contrary, I found it very clear and informative.
By the way, if not for you, we might not own our RX330 now. Back in June 2003, we were oh so close to purchasing a base version of the Volvo XC90 2.5. I had researched the RX330 quite a bit, but our local dealers were not discounting them. We couldn't quite justify the price, considering our budget. When we were about to place our deposit on that XC90, I read your brief post here in Town Hall. You stated to another potential buyer that southern California dealers were starting to discount RX330s up to $3000. A few days and several out-of-state price quotes later, we drove west and purchased our RX330 from Ontario (CA) Lexus. Although we still appreciate the classy lines of the XC90, we have no regrets with our last-minute audible.
No....I wanted the Goodyear tires because I have a relative who works in a related industry (this person does NOT work for Goodyear or Michelin).
As I mentioned in a much earlier post on a similar topic, both Michelin and Goodyear make excellent tires...so you can't really go wrong with either choice. If my dealer hadn't given me the choice, I would still have the Michelin tires on my RX.
Had a 2000 RX300 now have a RX330 for the past 6 months. The 300 was like driving a bus with its wide turning radius. It was a dog in a parking lot. 330 is a great improvement with respect to this.
The 330 handles a little better, has a little more power but I find that it has more engine noise when accelerating to the point that I feel it is laboring. I never expected a newer model Lexus would be noisier.
My transmission makes a "clunk" when slowing down. The 300 did not. When going maybe 35mph and want to pass, when I step down on the gas it seems to shift into about 3 gears before it finds the one it wants. This jerks the hell out of the car. Another big dislike I have of both models is that the tranny won't shift into 3ed gear (4th on 330) before the temperature gauge is half way up. This occurs in cold weather. I hate racing a cold engine.
Does anyone have a 330 with a rear wiper that really cleans the rear window. Its design puts very little pressure on the glass. So little, that if the water on the back window is dirty, as it is where I live 6 months of the year, it won't clean. And, how about that step back into the dark ages with a rear wiper that won't flip out for cleaning. For the do it yourselfer, how do you like the location of the oil filter? Believe it was designed by Masters and Johnson.
Gas milage not quite as good as in the 300 yet Lexus rates the milage higher. Little white lie???
Guess this was all done in "the pursuit of excellence".
It's not often that I get a chance to vent. Do I like the car?? mostly yes.
I haven't found it yet, please describe it's location. I'd like to be able to keep doing my oil changes.
In an aside, on tires, the 2000 RX had Goodyear Integrity tires, which sell for $57 apiece at TireRack. Simply garbage, so it cost me over $500 to replace them very quickly with Michelin LTX. The Michelin MXV4 should be a superior tire.
Thanks for the tip about the cargo net being installed by the dealer. I went exploring and under the little locks for the cargo cover, are two small pop-off discs. Underneath is a 6mm screw, which when replaced by a screw-eye, is the attachment points for the cargo net. There are allready some hooks at the bottom. I happed to have a cargo net that fit a Pathfinder and it is exactly the right size, I bet someone could fina a net and install it themselves as I did.
The normal position for driving is the 4 D position. There are two selection points there, 4 and D. D is the normal positon which allows overdrive. 4 is really the equivalent of 4th gear and it goes no higher. This allows for engine braking which some would find desirable in hilly regions or hilly neighborhoods. To notice the difference, put in in each and note the tachometer postion. For better mileage, use D on the highway.
I'm on p 247 of the 6oo+ page manual and I learn something everytime I pick it up; it's that different from the RX300.
I was perfectly happy with my 300 – a swift, silent tourer, moderate hauler, and totally reliable companion. When I traded for the 330 at 80k last spring I expected just a newer version of the 300, but the 330 has proven to be a far more luxurious vehicle with (finally) reasonable performance. It is at least as big an improvement over my 300 as the 300 was over my last Suburban. (!)
Fuel consumption can’t really be compared, as my 300 was an AWD, and the 330, thanks to initial unavailability in the Sunbelt states, is a FWD. My mileage is considerably improved on the highway, but the city mileage and small part of the highway mileage was likely compromised by the AWD feature.
I am not a fan of the FWD, being somewhat squirrelly on acceleration – particularly on low-traction surfaces. A slight amount of torque steer is made more unnerving by the intervention of the TRAC – unless you are prepared for it. Will I buy another? You bet I will but this time make it an AWD, please.
All things considered, aside from the improved turning radius, which vehicle do you prefer?
Have you shared your thoughts about the noise,transmission, and rear wiper with Lexus?
The person I spoke with also said the 330 is larger and very plush, but he did not notice more room inside the vehicle and thought the larger size was not needed.
I am debating if I should keep my 2001 with 50,000 miles or purchase a 330. It is the old story of trading when the present vehicle is worth more?
Anyone have any idea when the 2005 RX330 is coming out?
Don't need to buy in a hurry, but wonder if there may be a 3rd row seat and possibly any fixes in the hit and miss transmission problems. Other than that I can't imagine any other real changes... maybe make 18" wheels standard...
Will the 2005 RX330 role out at the same time as the 400H???
I'd probably go for the 330 mostly based on looks.
I'll be talking to Lexus when I go for the 5000 mile oil change. I don't know what they can do about engine noise as I understand it is caused by an exhaust manifold that is not made of metal. The rear wiper can be easily fixed by Lexus if they WANT to.
The transmission is another thing. The car was built in October so I am assuming it has the update but will check. In any case, the tranny is warranted for 6 years so if you don't keep a car that long -- not to worry, I guess.
It actually is a very nice car and I highly recommend it. It's just that it could be perfect except for a few things. And, some owners might not even notice them.
I also did not notice any increased interior size. I believe the added exterior size all went into looks, however I don't feel the added size effects drive ability.
Hi, I have asked before but haven't gotten an answer; do I have to buy premium gas? I hope not.
I just got my RX 330 Monday and still have 1/2 tank but wondered if I should add regular now and alternate when 1/2 empty. Sure would appreciate any advise from you.
http://www.irontoad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Sto- re_Code=LSC&Category_Code=2004rx330 This url will bring up some RX330 parts at Irontoad.com. Included is the cargo net at only $24. I assume that includes the hardware. To install my net, I finally went to my motorcycle mechanic and he bent a 6mm bolt so that would accept the hooks on the net. Now, I have one of the few RX330 cargo nets in existance!
All things considered, aside from the improved turning radius, which vehicle do you prefer?
Have you shared your thoughts about the noise,transmission, and rear wiper with Lexus?
The person I spoke with also said the 330 is larger and very plush, but he did not notice more room inside the vehicle and thought the larger size was not needed.
I am debating if I should keep my 2001 with 50,000 miles or purchase a 330. It is the old story of trading when the present vehicle is worth more?
I have a question for gardencar about 3500# Lexus Hitch, price was $265. That's the right part number, right? Did you have to special order it?
I've being trying to find hitch and I asked a couple of Lexus Dealers, they only had the tow package for $640 and some said Lexus doesn't even make them.
Also, about installing it. There's only 6 bolts to put it on and did you have to take off the tie down bracket for the install?
The RX330 will never have a third rear seat. The design does not accomodate it and Lexus has made available two other SUVs for those that want a 3rd row.
The 2005 RX330 will come out around the same time all MY vehicles come out since there are no real changes being made to it (Sept/Oct). The 400h is due out in the first part of 2005.
Since they only have parts for the previous generation RX (300) that is probably why you had to have some custom modifications done. They are totally different vehicles. I wonder if they will have one for the 330.
That link for a cargo net at IronToad is for the RX330. As pointed out in an earlier post, a member had a cargo net installed on her RX330 by the dealer.
Wait just one darn minute. I happen to know that the member who had the net installed is not female.
However, come to think of it, the RX330 is really my wife's car. And she is female. So..., never mind!
By the way, that Iron Toad price on the RX330 cargo net is much better than I expected. Assuming it is the same net that is sold at the Lexus dealers, it is a good quality net. I have used Iron Toad in the past with my '99 BMW to order a couple of accessories. I definitely recommend them. If you use them for a cargo net, make sure the mounting hardware and instructions are provided.
I am curious and would like some input from those that have purchased recently. Are you finding the pricing to still be close to MSRP or are there deals out there? I was doing the budget thing on a NAV RX330 and with an MSRP of around 44k and invoice around 38K. Any input on the prices being offered would be appreciated.
I have a question for gardencar about 3500# Lexus Hitch, price was $265. That's the right part number, right? Did you have to special order it?
I've being trying to find hitch and I asked a couple of Lexus Dealers, they only had the tow package for $640 and some said Lexus doesn't even make them.
Also, about installing it. There's only 6 bolts to put it on and did you have to take off the tie down bracket for the install?
I recently purchased a RX330 with premium package. It comes with some wood trim, which looks very nice with black leather. However, I saw a demo RX330 with a full set of wood trim in the show room, and that car looks 10 times better. The dealer charges $695.00 to install the aftermarket wood trim dash kit. Is there anybody know where I can purchase the kit? My friend said it was not difficult to install the wood trim. But I don't know where to buy the kit. Thank you.
and have the dealer do it. Yes, I know it can be done MUCH CHEAPER if you buy the kit and install it yourself... BUT from experience I can tell you it can be quite challenging to get the wood kits to line up exactly right.. when they are warm during installation they get all soft and gooey and it can create problems.
Also, with time, some of these aftermarket kits CAN start to fade and warp.
Doing it through the dealer will get you professional results under warranty. I know, $700 bucks is ALOT of money but at least for me, it is worth it on a 40K vehicle that you'll be loving for years to come.
Would you mind naming the dealership? I have been watching Autotrader and Ebay and reading the Edmunds Town Hall. I also want the all wheel drive with navigation. I have seen about 3 used vehicles on Autotrader equipped as I want for 40,000 to 40,500 dollars.
You got a new vehicle at this price! I am impressed ! Did you have a trade in? If so, how did they treat you on the trade in?
Help. I love the lexus, but can't decide on the 18 inch wheels or the 17 inch wheels. Does the handling improve with the 18's, does the ride suffer? Or should I stick with 17's and save a couple hundred bucks? What do you guys think? Thanks a lot.
My new RX330 is much quieter than my 2000 RX. It has the Michelin tires and it's been said here that the Goodrich tires are quiet also. My 2000 had the Michelin LTX tires and I can't believe the tires are the difference. No wind noise, no road noise, just a quietly playing audio system. Big improvement! Even the automatic wipers seem pretty smart. A cup holder on the left side? Left-handers must be happy!
Mfuller's email is marked public in his profile. Instead of posting your email here where the spammers can grab it, I suggest you just email him directly. Click on the poster's name to get to their profile.
I have a '99 RX300 and am inteested in buying a RX330. From everything I have read and learned from owners and tire dealers, I can expect a harsher ride and fewer miles on either the 17 or 18" performance tires. In fact, these tires are not even available at some dealers should a replacement be needed. While the 17" tires are standard, I find it impossible to get a RX330 with anything but the 18". For those of you who have owned a 300 and now have the 330, do you have an opinion re. my concerns? Thanks
I have the 17 inch tires on my RX (Goodyear's for anyone who is interested).
You can barely tell the difference between the 17 inch and the 18 inch tires when they are side-by-side. My dealer happened to have examples of both on RX's when I was shopping.
So in terms of physical looks, only a tire pro or someone who spends more time than they should staring at tires will be able to see the difference.
IMO, in terms of ride, I think the 17 inch tires are better. They are less sport-like and therefore provide more cushion.
When I bought my new 01 AWD RX300 and upgraded to 17" wheels Michelin had just come out with a 17" tire of the proper dimensions. And it true, I'm sure, that the selection of 17" tires will always be lower than 18" tires.
Or like me, you can increase the number of applicable tires by adding wheel spacers all around. My 1.2" spacers also allow me to use snowchains only on the rear and not endure the hazards of snowchains only on the front as Lexus dictates.
I have the 18" with Michelin's and really like the look. For resale alone, I would get the 18". Many including myself, think the 18" give the RX a much sportier look. I had an RX300 and I always though the wheels and tires looked to small and unappealing. My .02 get the 18". What's a couple hundred $$$ more when your putting out nearly $40.000 and it will add to the overall look. I also find the 18" very easy to clean too. P.S. No rattles here!!! Also got 24 mpg driving 80+ mph on a recent 2500 mile trip to FL and back to IL. I love my 330!!!
I got my pdf copy (thanks for doing that for us). I recall I had those for my 2000 RX300 and never changed anything. You get used to how the thing works and move on.
So, if anyone finds something that seems much better, perhaps they would post it here. Thanks.
The concern is not the extra cost for the 18" tires nor the looks. I want the best ride possible and not at the expense of appearance. I frankly think many of the performance tires/wheels look like "hot wheels" and look too small for the car. Consumer Reports have recently had two negative articles about the performance tires re. wear, ride and hitting things on the road. Thanks.
This is what my computer said driving at night in IL coming back from FL. I was driving 80+ most of the time. The computer indicated average of 76 mpg on the computer getting the stated 24 mpg. Sorry if I miss represented myself. That was my best tank of gas on my trip. I got 22.5 to 23.5 consistently on the interstate from tank to tank of gas driving. The computer registered average 74 mpg to 76 mpg. On such a long trip you watch these things just to pass the time. Overall I now get about 19 to 20 mpg overall city/highway. Just had my 5,000 mile check, I run regular and I have the AWD. This gas mileage is still a bit less then I got from my 1999 RX 300 AWD.
Seriously, I think you meant MPH and not MPG. BTW, you have up to a half hour to edit your messages after posting them and before they become "permanent."
Yes!!!!!!!!! Sorry,Sorry,Sorry!!!!!!!!!!! I brought it up. It was an average MPH of 74 to 76 with MPG of 22.5 to 23.5 on the computer. I was not trying to "Pull your Leg" just made a typo error. Relax guys. This is just a Town Hall, not a court of law. I'm not a mole from another Town Hall board. I'm just very happy with my RX330 that has had no problems and got what I felt was very good gas mileage on a long trip and wanted to share.
Comments
While I'm at it, I just wanted to say thanks for the detailed explanation on windshield fogging. At first glance, I thought your long post was going to put me to sleep. To the contrary, I found it very clear and informative.
By the way, if not for you, we might not own our RX330 now. Back in June 2003, we were oh so close to purchasing a base version of the Volvo XC90 2.5. I had researched the RX330 quite a bit, but our local dealers were not discounting them. We couldn't quite justify the price, considering our budget. When we were about to place our deposit on that XC90, I read your brief post here in Town Hall. You stated to another potential buyer that southern California dealers were starting to discount RX330s up to $3000. A few days and several out-of-state price quotes later, we drove west and purchased our RX330 from Ontario (CA) Lexus. Although we still appreciate the classy lines of the XC90, we have no regrets with our last-minute audible.
As I mentioned in a much earlier post on a similar topic, both Michelin and Goodyear make excellent tires...so you can't really go wrong with either choice. If my dealer hadn't given me the choice, I would still have the Michelin tires on my RX.
The 330 handles a little better, has a little more power but I find that it has more engine noise when accelerating to the point that I feel it is laboring. I never expected a newer model Lexus would be noisier.
My transmission makes a "clunk" when slowing down. The 300 did not. When going maybe 35mph and want to pass, when I step down on the gas it seems to shift into about 3 gears before it finds the one it wants. This jerks the hell out of the car. Another big dislike I have of both models is that the tranny won't shift into 3ed gear (4th on 330) before the temperature gauge is half way up. This occurs in cold weather. I hate racing a cold engine.
Does anyone have a 330 with a rear wiper that really cleans the rear window. Its design puts very little pressure on the glass. So little, that if the water on the back window is dirty, as it is where I live 6 months of the year, it won't clean. And, how about that step back into the dark ages with a rear wiper that won't flip out for cleaning.
For the do it yourselfer, how do you like the location of the oil filter? Believe it was designed by Masters and Johnson.
Gas milage not quite as good as in the 300 yet Lexus rates the milage higher. Little white lie???
Guess this was all done in "the pursuit of excellence".
It's not often that I get a chance to vent. Do I like the car?? mostly yes.
In an aside, on tires, the 2000 RX had Goodyear Integrity tires, which sell for $57 apiece at TireRack. Simply garbage, so it cost me over $500 to replace them very quickly with Michelin LTX. The Michelin MXV4 should be a superior tire.
We have the Michelins on our RX330, but we had a loaner with the Goodyears. I thought the Goodyears were MUCH quiter than the Michelins.
I'm on p 247 of the 6oo+ page manual and I learn something everytime I pick it up; it's that different from the RX300.
Fuel consumption can’t really be compared, as my 300 was an AWD, and the 330, thanks to initial unavailability in the Sunbelt states, is a FWD. My mileage is considerably improved on the highway, but the city mileage and small part of the highway mileage was likely compromised by the AWD feature.
I am not a fan of the FWD, being somewhat squirrelly on acceleration – particularly on low-traction surfaces. A slight amount of torque steer is made more unnerving by the intervention of the TRAC – unless you are prepared for it. Will I buy another? You bet I will but this time make it an AWD, please.
Have you shared your thoughts about the noise,transmission, and rear wiper with Lexus?
The person I spoke with also said the 330 is larger and very plush, but he did not notice more room inside the vehicle and thought the larger size was not needed.
I am debating if I should keep my 2001 with 50,000 miles or purchase a 330. It is the old story of trading when the present vehicle is worth more?
Thanks
Don't need to buy in a hurry, but wonder if there may be a 3rd row seat and possibly any fixes in the hit and miss transmission problems.
Other than that I can't imagine any other real changes... maybe make 18" wheels standard...
Will the 2005 RX330 role out at the same time as the 400H???
I'll be talking to Lexus when I go for the 5000 mile oil change. I don't know what they can do about engine noise as I understand it is caused by an exhaust manifold that is not made of metal. The rear wiper can be easily fixed by Lexus if they WANT to.
The transmission is another thing. The car was built in October so I am assuming it has the update but will check. In any case, the tranny is warranted for 6 years so if you don't keep a car that long -- not to worry, I guess.
It actually is a very nice car and I highly recommend it. It's just that it could be perfect except for a few things. And, some owners might not even notice them.
I also did not notice any increased interior size. I believe the added exterior size all went into looks, however I don't feel the added size effects drive ability.
I do believe you'll be happy with the 330.
I have asked before but haven't gotten an answer; do I have to buy premium gas? I hope not.
I just got my RX 330 Monday and still have 1/2 tank but wondered if I should add regular now and alternate when 1/2 empty. Sure would appreciate any advise from you.
This url will bring up some RX330 parts at Irontoad.com.
Included is the cargo net at only $24. I assume that includes the hardware. To install my net, I finally went to my motorcycle mechanic and he bent a 6mm bolt so that would accept the hooks on the net. Now, I have one of the few RX330 cargo nets in existance!
Have you shared your thoughts about the noise,transmission, and rear wiper with Lexus?
The person I spoke with also said the 330 is larger and very plush, but he did not notice more room inside the vehicle and thought the larger size was not needed.
I am debating if I should keep my 2001 with 50,000 miles or purchase a 330. It is the old story of trading when the present vehicle is worth more?
Thanks
I've being trying to find hitch and I asked a couple of Lexus Dealers, they only had the tow package for $640 and some said Lexus doesn't even make them.
Also, about installing it. There's only 6 bolts to put it on and did you have to take off the tie down bracket for the install?
I'm glad you're happy with the Lexus Hitch.
The 2005 RX330 will come out around the same time all MY vehicles come out since there are no real changes being made to it (Sept/Oct). The 400h is due out in the first part of 2005.
Wait just one darn minute. I happen to know that the member who had the net installed is not female.
However, come to think of it, the RX330 is really my wife's car. And she is female. So..., never mind!
By the way, that Iron Toad price on the RX330 cargo net is much better than I expected. Assuming it is the same net that is sold at the Lexus dealers, it is a good quality net. I have used Iron Toad in the past with my '99 BMW to order a couple of accessories. I definitely recommend them. If you use them for a cargo net, make sure the mounting hardware and instructions are provided.
Thanks
I've being trying to find hitch and I asked a couple of Lexus Dealers, they only had the tow package for $640 and some said Lexus doesn't even make them.
Also, about installing it. There's only 6 bolts to put it on and did you have to take off the tie down bracket for the install?
I'm glad you're happy with the Lexus Hitch.
tidester, host
Congratulations! Let us know how you like it. I just hit 10,000 miles in my Flint Mica FWD, NAV, LEV, RSES.
http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/2004-lexus-rx-330-wood-dash- -trims.html
Also, with time, some of these aftermarket kits CAN start to fade and warp.
Doing it through the dealer will get you professional results under warranty. I know, $700 bucks is ALOT of money but at least for me, it is worth it on a 40K vehicle that you'll be loving for years to come.
In any case, good luck!
You got a new vehicle at this price! I am impressed ! Did you have a trade in? If so, how did they treat you on the trade in?
redrider@webtv.net
RX. It has the Michelin tires and it's been said here that the Goodrich tires are quiet also. My 2000 had the Michelin LTX tires and I can't believe the tires are the difference. No wind noise, no road noise, just a quietly playing audio system. Big improvement!
Even the automatic wipers seem pretty smart.
A cup holder on the left side? Left-handers must be happy!
indiana197@hotmail.com
Steve, Host
You can barely tell the difference between the 17 inch and the 18 inch tires when they are side-by-side. My dealer happened to have examples of both on RX's when I was shopping.
So in terms of physical looks, only a tire pro or someone who spends more time than they should staring at tires will be able to see the difference.
IMO, in terms of ride, I think the 17 inch tires are better. They are less sport-like and therefore provide more cushion.
Or like me, you can increase the number of applicable tires by adding wheel spacers all around. My 1.2" spacers also allow me to use snowchains only on the rear and not endure the hazards of snowchains only on the front as Lexus dictates.
P.S.
No rattles here!!! Also got 24 mpg driving 80+ mph on a recent 2500 mile trip to FL and back to IL. I love my 330!!!
Pardon me for being skeptical! :-)
tidester, host
So, if anyone finds something that seems much better, perhaps they would post it here. Thanks.
Now I KNOW you're pulling our legs! ;-)
Seriously, I think you meant MPH and not MPG. BTW, you have up to a half hour to edit your messages after posting them and before they become "permanent."
tidester, host