Lexus RX 330

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  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    ... that no one will ever be able to describe in words.

    And thanks for not even attempting it here! :-)

    tidester, host
  • jeff186jeff186 Member Posts: 95
    Can someone please tell me how many revs the engine turns at these two speeds? Thanks.
  • finch3finch3 Member Posts: 113
    Nice write-up in this month's issue (July).
    An example: "This is a car of subleties. It takes awhile to notice that the interior doesn't glare on bright days. Shapes and textures absorb light rather than bouncing it into your eyes. And all the mirrors are self-dimming."
  • 1016rosa1016rosa Member Posts: 10
    I've been looking at the RX330 for about a month. I had a 2001 325 BMW Wagon that the dealers would not give me anywhere near enough trade in value. I sold it myself and received $8950 more than the trade that they offered. I then stopped into nexus of Marin, San Rafael, CA and found that they had 4- 330's in stock. All were equipped the same and were the same price. On my first attempt to deal a month ago they laughed at me when I offered them a deal at $2500 below MSRP. They winced at $1000 and tried to steal my trade. The 330's were all different color combinations and I wanted the Mica/Gray one. The price was:
    Base Price AWD $36,425.00
    Towing package 160.00
    18"alloy wheels 215.00
    Heated front seats/rain sensing wiper 665.00
    Premium Plus package 3,440.00
    Wheel Locks 66.00
    Cargo Mat 92.00
    delivery 575.00
                     Total MSRP $41,638.00
      I bought the vehicle for: 38,500.00
    This price reflects $3138.00 below MSRP
    The dealer cost was $36,944 plus the Hold Back of 2%
    I timed it right, 5:00 P.M. after the sales manager had went home. It was a slow day for sales and they needed one. I'm sure that they would have taken,if pushed, my first offer of $38,000. My wife was too embarrassed for me to continue grinding on the guy, so I accepted the price. We drove it home less than an hour after my first offer.
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    Great job of negotiating! From other reports that I've read it appears that you may have bought the car at the largest discounts so far, at least from those that I've seen. It seems that discounts are much harder to get in some areas than others, as most are still paying MSRP or close to it.
  • rjr57rjr57 Member Posts: 7
    I just noticed on the Lexus web site that the ML/Nav package is no longer available. I heard that Lexus might discontinue it because the base sound system was already quite good. I also noticed they now offer the rear seat entertainment system with the performance package.

    A question to anyone who has the performance package, or has tested it - Is the overall handling/suspension adequately differentiated to warrant the additional cost? I'm used to driving German cars which are generally a little tighter (albeit less reliable), and I am worried that if I don't order the performance package the ride will feel a bit too soft for me. Any comments on the ride quality and handling aspects would be appreciated.
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    I drove both during extensive test drives and the VP-equipped model was definitely firmer and the handling was noticably crisper. The non-VP car still handled quite well, however, and I think most Lexus buyers would actually prefer the softer ride. But like you my wife and I are coming from German cars and wanted the Lexus to at least be close in handling prowness, and were willing to give up a little ride smoothness to get it.

    My suggestion would be to drive each one, over a variety of roads, and see for yourself.
  • squacksquack Member Posts: 27
    ML/Nav package is available. Perhaps they are sold out in your zipcode.

    Try 27616, you'll see ML/Nav with the Performance Pkg.
  • adb3adb3 Member Posts: 112
    IMO, if it is a crisper and tighter ride you seek, then the VP option is worth the money. But, to be sure, you should test drive it yourself.
  • blackrx330blackrx330 Member Posts: 25
    The performance package still rides great - in fact its smoother on the road than my '01 MB C320 (traded) or my '01 MB ML320. On a long trip I've noticed that it is significantly less tiring than my German cars. But it still handles pretty good - not sloppy at all.

    The main thing you're going to see on the performance package are alot of gadgets - first you get the adjustable ride height - it lowers something like 1/2" at 50 or so MPH or can be lowered any time manually by a switch on the dash (next to the cig. lighter). There's also an exit feature that drops the car even lower when you turn it off.
    Second, you get the transmission that's like the steptronic / tiptronic in German cars. When you put the car into drive you can pull the shift lever to the left and then toggle it up and down. On the dash a numeric display illuminates to tell you what gear you're in. The regular RX has a conventional shift gate.
    Third, you get the headlamps that turn with the car - this only works over 20mph I think but is pretty effective.
    Lastly - appearance - you get the graphite polished wheels and you don't get the wood wheel, wood shift handle or wood trim plate surrounding the cig. lighter.

    If you want any of the specs - particularly on the adjustable ride height - from the owner's manual let me know and I'll post them.
  • scottphillipscottphillip Member Posts: 249
    Here is a link to a new review by one of my favorite auto journalists.

    http://autos.msn.com/vip/job.aspx?make=Lexus&model=RX%20330&a- mp;src=reviewers

    You may need to cut and paste this link.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Wow.... and wouldn't it be nice if the designers would just throw in the towel and give us all nice beefy real external rain gutters again? Like on the MB G-Wagon?

    Steve, Host
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I am doing a research on RX330 for my friend. He is thinking to have these options on in addition to the AWD.

    * Rearview backup camera - How difficult to use it at night? Will you able to see anything in the dark?

    * Power rear door - Is there any switch inside the cabin or only the remote? Is there any safety feature like open when the car is in "Park"?

    * Navigation system - Is it voice actived or touch screen?
  • tomtomtomtomtomtom Member Posts: 491
    Rearview camera - you will have a clear veiw around 5' to 8' with the light provides by your backup lights.

    Power rear door - one in front, one on the bottom of the rear door and one on the key. you can only open it when the car is in Park

    Navigation system - Touch screen only, no voice activation.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Thanks for the info. I think I need to test drive one to see how the rearview camera operate in the dark area. I would imagine other back up sensor (with no camera) on some minivans and SUVs work better because it will beep when you get closer to an object. For the power rear door, is there a sensor to detect an object when closing or opening? For the navi system, so it doesn't have a voice respond neither, right?
  • tomtomtomtomtomtom Member Posts: 491
    Yes, I believe there is sensor around the weather strip. The sales actually put his finger around that area and the door went back up. Nav, it has voice guidance(to tell you where to turn) and no it will not take command when you speak to it...just like my wife :-)
  • mtroymtroy Member Posts: 45
    The automatic rear door goes up too high in my garage, so it's hitting a wood beam on my ceiling. Once it senses the obstruction, it goes down and closes by itself. Is there any way to program the rear door to stop a few inches lower?
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Good job :)

    I would have not taken that deal at all myself, but then we have not yet had the luxury of having 4 of them in ground stock!

    $3,000 off of sticker is a VERY strong price, cheapest I have seen yet. We as a rule arent going any better than $1K off of MSRP. but then we sell 50+ RXs a Month and have 3 left until July 6th... and those 3 are all at the port.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Has anyone experienced accidentally opening the power door, either by accidentally hitting the release buttons inside the car or by unintentionally pressing the remote button? And is there a cancel/override feature for the power door?
  • wco81wco81 Member Posts: 594
    It would be nice if they had a PDF of the manual.

    Once I was riding on a co-worker's new Passat and I asked about some feature. He handed me the thick manual but I didn't want to go through the thing and I don't recall a simple index.

    Imagine just being able to search through so much text in a matter of seconds.

    All these manuals were composed on a computer so it would not take much tto convert the original files to PDF and post them on the web site.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    TO activate the power rear door the car must be unlocked AND you need to hold the button in for 2 seconds or so.
  • trillium1trillium1 Member Posts: 10
    The design of the operation of the power back door certainly has safety in mind. The wireless remote can only open the door AFTER the doors are UNLOCKED, and you have to depress the button for 1 second continuously. (This can be reprogrammed by the dealer to one touch.) There is a defeat button in the glove box to disable the power function.

    In response to the question posted by MTROY, the manual has a section on Jam Protection in which it states that "if the jam protection function operates continuously at the closing operation more than 2 times, the back door will be stopped at that position." Don't know exactly what this means and I have not tried to jam the operation of the door to test it. Will the door stop opening at the height of your garage at the 3rd time?

    Question for anyone with the power door option:

    I find it very convenient to press the button on the back door to close it (particularly for my wife who finds the door a bit heavy to close manually). However, this operation takes a few seconds to do and I have to wait until the door is closed BEFORE I can lock all the doors with the remote and walk away. The two functions apparently cannot be combined. It would be nice if pressing the remote lock button will AUTOMATICALLY close the back door and lock all doors at the same time. Does anybody know if this can be programmed?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Your comments lead to a couple of more questions on the topic:

    I assume the power back door operates on a separate button (from the unlock button) on the remote. So what happens if you try to activate the power door WITHOUT unlocking first? Does it simply do nothing, or beeps or flash lights , or something to warn that you haven't done it right, or does the back door just pop open like a regular hatch/trunk but just won't rise up?

    Also, as trillium mentioned, if you are impatient about waiting for the power door to close in order to lock the car, can you simply pull the door down and slam it shut manually (even if you have NOT defeated the power function using the glove box button)?
  • adb3adb3 Member Posts: 112
    If you try to engage the power door function without unlocking the doors, nothing happens. No beeps, no lights, nothing.

    I suppose if you are impatient you could hurry the door along (after electronically engaging it to close) and manually close it. Personally, I wouldn't try that without knowing the electronic/mechanical functionality involved--may cause unwanted damage. You always have to option of manually closing (or opening) the door without electronically engaging it.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    This may not related to RX330. But on my new Camry with power trunk release. I can get the trunk open without UNLOCKING any doors. But I have to press and hold the trunk release button for about two seconds. I am sure this may not the same on the RX. Anyone can confirm this? And would that be a small motor involve for the power rear door, to get the close completely?
  • blackrx330blackrx330 Member Posts: 25
    I have the power rear door on my RX330. There is a motor on the driver's side near the hinge that pushes the door up and pulls it down.
    There are three door control switches:
    1. On the key - the button must be held for approx 2 seconds. The same button opens and closes the door. (There are three buttons on the remote - lock, unlock, and tailgate).
    2. On the dash - next to the power mirror switch. This must be held for appox 2 seconds and also opens and closes the door.
    3. On the rear door - left of center on the bottom of the door. This button only closes the door - as it can not be seen or touched when the door is closed. Although, I think pushing it while the door is closing will cause the door to reverse and open. The button does not have to be held for 2 seconds.

    In any case, the car must be in park with all doors unlocked for the rear door to open. If you try to open the door which out it being unlocked nothing happens - no noise, no lights.... nothing. If you try to lock the car with the tailgate open or in motion (or with any door open) there is a long beep letting you know that something's not closed.

    There is an anti-pinch feature but it is not in the weatherstripping. Just like a power window, if the door senses resistance - anywhere - it will reverse. And, its not really that slow. How fast would you want a big door like that swinging? If you can't wait then do it manually.

    Someone has commented on how their RX door hits their garage ceiling - and alot of folks have complained about how the GX has a side hinging door. At a total height of nearly 6'3" the GX is 8.5" taller than the RX (and 1.8" taller than the LX) - imagine what that door would hit if it hinged upward. Maybe that's why it swings to the side?
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Thanks for the info. The power rear door is a good option (individual or part of the Premium Plus Package) to consider. By the way, I am wondering the vehicle height on Lincoln Navigator or Ford Expedition with rear liftgate. Maybe the side hinging will not work on these wide rear door.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Just a few minutes ago a salesman at Lexus of Bellevue said he had been told by Lexus that the torque distribution for the RX330 is 60/40 F/R.

    Whether it's actually 75/25 like the RX300 remains to be seen.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    The power rear door actually involves 2 steps. One, to pop it open like a conventional hatch. Then two, to raise it electrically by pressing the tailgate button again. So if one so wishes, he can pop it open and manually raise it.
  • blackrx330blackrx330 Member Posts: 25
    The operation is one. Push and hold the button and it unlatches and raises in one operation.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "You always have to option of manually closing (or opening) the door without electronically engaging it."

    I thought he meant you can choose not to use the power feature to raise and lower the rear door. I guess I misunderstood.
  • adb3adb3 Member Posts: 112
    No, you didn't misunderstand. Once the doors have been unlocked you can manually open and close the rear door without engaging the power buttons inside the 330 or on the remote.
  • rjr57rjr57 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks to all for their responses to my earlier question on the performance package - they were very useful. I understand there aren't that many produced with the perf pkg, and I haven't been able to catch one at my dealer. I have two questions:

    Are the tires all weather tires, as opposed to low profile summer tires?

    Secondly, any comments on the look of the wheels compared to the 18" wheels offered on the other models? I happen to think the five spoke wheels available with the non-perf pkg look pretty sharp - how many spokes on the perf pkg wheels?

    Thanks again.

    P.S. I'm looking forward to returning my 2000 Audi A6 2.7T off lease. It's had a full replacement of several front-end parts, and all the brakes including rotors due to mechanical flaws, and now I'm waiting for them to replace two faulty catalytic converters and both turbos. The engine light is on more often than my headlights. It's all under warranty, and the service is top notch, but the car has become a real problem.

    I just called VW and they are refunding my Touareg deposit; I don't need these problems all over again. We will likely become a two Lexus family - my wife loves her LX470.
  • knockknock Member Posts: 10
    My RX330 does not have the towing package and I need to carry bikes. But when I checked with the Lexus service dept., I was told it's not available yet but maybe 6 months later just like the launch of RX300. And even when the after-market option is available 6 months later, it will cost no less than $1k to install by the dealership.

    Does anybody know if it's ok to install any 3rd party's towing hitch?
  • tsmith67tsmith67 Member Posts: 19
    I am in the process of ordering an rx330 and was told I would have to wait 6 to 10 weeks to get the options I wanted if I wanted the rear seat ent system. The salesman told me that an after market system was just as good if not better and I could get the car much sooner if I went with an after market system.

    Would like opinions or advice on the factory system versus an after market console system. Not sure what to do. Consumer reports suggested to go with the factory system. More that 1 salesman suggested the after market system.

    Thanks
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Dealer margins are higher on aftermarket products.
  • ctk1ctk1 Member Posts: 79
    I rather have the factory installation b/c it come with special radiator and tranmission fluid as almost same price as after market.
  • tomtomtomtomtomtom Member Posts: 491
    Most aftermarket systems use RF to feed the audio signal to the headunits. The sound will never as good as the hot-wire system.

    By the way, anyone here has the multi-panel sunroof? How do you like it? I haven't seen one yet.
  • ctk1ctk1 Member Posts: 79
    Here in Boston,dealer told me it take 2-3 week for AWD rx330, premium plus pkg & rear DVD. I was told the car was on boat enroute to New England region. Also I was showing the after market DVD (audiovox) build in both front headrest. It look nice at first but in detail it's not fit like factory installed and for the same price as factory. I rather go with factory build single screen hang from ceiling.
  • j4ydubsj4ydubs Member Posts: 8
    >It would be nice if they had a PDF of the manual.

    >Imagine just being able to search through so
    >much text in a matter of seconds.

    You can view the RX330 manual online (in PDF format). It's broken out by sections and you can do a keyword search on it. It's not a single PDF though. Each section of the manual is a seperate PDF. It also has the Navigation and OM Supplement (Maintenance) manuals there.

    Just register your Lexus on the lexus.com website under "Owners". Then select your Lexus under My Garage and select Owners Manual.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Is it Lexus of Watertown? They quoted me $396?? ($41262 MSRP) for AWD with Premium Plus Package. It was in stock properly two weeks ago. How much more for a factory DVD player? He say it was the best he can do at this early production stage. And he won't take my offer for $1000 over invoice, about $38K.
  • jesinglejesingle Member Posts: 4
    Has anyone in the DC Area had any luck dealing on the RX 330 with the Premium Plus Package? Being that this is the first car I'll be purchasing, I'd like any advice for a good (and realistic) target price. Thanks.
  • adb3adb3 Member Posts: 112
    Good luck on trying to negotiate in this area. In general, dealers are still moving pre-orders with very little on the lot. The last time I was at my dealer was a month ago so maybe the landscape has changed since then. No harm in trying.
  • ctk1ctk1 Member Posts: 79
    Yes Lexus Watertown with AWD, Prem plus pkg & DVD for 41,200.
    I can get a lower price from Lexus of Palm Beach, FL, but it take 30 days order AWD and 15 days ship from FL to MA.
    My wife need car, so I decide to goes with local.
    DVD option cost 1,840. It's expensive, but I think my kid will happy with it. Good thing is I can switch the sound from cordless head phone to car audio when DVD play. It's convenient for young kid (1-3 year old) who does not like to have a headphone stuck to the ear.
  • ctk1ctk1 Member Posts: 79
    Yes Lexus Watertown with AWD, Prem plus pkg & DVD for 41,200.
    I can get a lower price from Lexus of Palm Beach, FL, but it take 30 days order AWD and 15 days ship from FL to MA.
    My wife need car, so I decide to goes with local.
    DVD option cost 1,840. It's expensive, but I think my kid will happy with it. Good thing is I can switch the sound from cordless head phone to car audio when DVD play. It's convenient for young kid (1-3 year old) who does not like to have a headphone stuck to the ear.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    DVD should not be a 2+ month wait.. usually that's a car we can get within 2-3 weeks at worst. We actually have one available right now...in fact I am looking at it as we speak. First one I have had available in ground stock in weeks. And it's available because the person who ordered it could not get approved. Personally, I think $41,200 is a very good price right now. I'm in Jersey and would pass on that deal I think.

    I don't see an advantage to an aftermarket DVD.. they can be a little cheaper, depending on where you go to get them.. although I do like the rear headrest way of doing it personally. The aftermarket systems we sell also play through the car speakers. The difference is, if you are leasing an aftermerket DVD system CAN NOT be residualized on a lease, it must be amortized over the term of the lease so it doesnt pay at all if you are leasing (Your cost goes up).

    Bill
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Maybe I'm wrong but can't you buy at least two portable DVD players for the price of one captive one?
  • tomtomtomtomtomtom Member Posts: 491
    a laptop with 15" lcd. However, I just spent $900 on a in dash DVD system for my other car...so just forget what I just said.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Our Editors' Review has been updated:

    2004 Lexus RX 330

    Steve, Host
  • cfgrosscfgross Member Posts: 54
    I would not buy an aftermarket DVD for all the reasons mentioned, plus one. We test drove an Acura MDX that the dealer had installed an aftermarket system in. Despite its having been installed by "a car stereo expert who we have been using for years, the best in the business, etc, etc", the unit in the ceiling rattled something terrible when driving on smooth roads. We didn't do any serious bumps, but I'm sure that would have been interesting.

    We took home our RX330 a week ago today after waiting about 4 weeks. It is premium plus, Nav and DVD. It is Crystal White, which was our second choice (Bamboo was first).

    Craig
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