Lexus RX 330

JBaumgart

According to research done by several folks on "another forum" it is now confirmed that you cannot order this combination anywhere in the U.S.

cbest1465

I am hearing differently. I hear it can be "special ordered" and could take from 3 to 6 months to come in. I was thinking Lexus was/has been waiting for demand before they start producing ones with those combined options.

On a second note with power door locks - maybe this can be set up using the C-BEST programming. Your dealer has a list of items that can be programmed on the 330.

adb3

I always assumed you could special order just about any combination of options you wanted. The pressing question is whether you are willing to wait on it versus selecting one of the pre-determined build packages that are more readily available.

JBaumgart

"I hear it can be "special ordered" and could take from 3 to 6 months to come in."

I know there have been several people who've tried - their dealers actually put in orders for the VP + ML - and they were rejected by Lexus. At some point in the future they may allow it, but right now they apparently will not build it this way.

adb3

Interesting review although I disagree with the gas mileage. I'm getting much better than what's indicated in the article. An unique take on how a man vs a woman view the same product.

http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?myrec- - - =227

bodble2

A few posters (me included) have asked about what can be done with CBEST. Here we are in the digital information age, how come there isn't a list somewhere, anywhere, on the Net for public consumption? Even the Road Map to Mideast peace isn't cloaked in so much secrecy!

wwest

The road to mideast peace is cloaked within the Bush administration's lies and deceit!!!

buckeyedon

This person continues to malign his credibility. This time with political drivel that matches his repetitive rants and self-generated fantasy comments in the vehicle world. He should know help is available...even in helpless cases.

wwest

I'm well beyond helpless, Like Chris Reeves, I believe in truth, justice, and the american way.

tidester

Let's drop the political talking points and stick to the topic. Thanks.

tidester, host

avery1

I like off topic comments once in a while. Makes the board more interesting and the posters more real. This helps one evaluate their on topic comments.

tidester

Actually, I agree with that. However, replies to gratuituous political slams tend to exponentiate in both intensity and volume rather quickly so it's best to avoid them.

tidester, host

wwest

of "camp" responses, prevents escalation.

wwest

Text taken from MY2002 Toyota Sequoia owner's manual, page 230, 2nd sentence of 2nd paragraph, left column. Yellow CAUTION high-lighted text.

"Be careful when accelerating, up-shifting, downshifting, or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden acceleration or engine braking, could cause the vehicle to skid or spin."

NOTE: "ENGINE BRAKING"

(DO NOT LIFT YOUR FOOT FROM THE THROTTLE QUICKLY!)

Or else quickly shift into neutral.

The Sequoia is predominantly a RWD biased vehicle, what did you suppose will happen with a FWD or AWD with front torque biasing?

Same manual, Page 143, center column yellow high-lighted CAUTION note.

"Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of the vehicle and power against 4 wheels (4WD mode) or rear wheels (2WD mode) cannot be maintained, even though the active traction control system is in operation"

I read this statement as verification of a firmware time-out to prevent the ABS pump/motor from being over-taxed and over-heating due to continuous pump activity requirement.

This statement would likely also apply to ANY Toyota or Lexus vehicle with ACTIVE Trac and/or AWD using braking to apportion torque, HL, 4runner, GX470, RX300, RX330, Sienna, and obviously the Sequoia.

You likely have only about 45 seconds of continuous Trac or AWD "duty", then you're left with a vehicle that has 3 open diff'ls.

And obviously the ABS and VSC would now also be non-functional until the time-out expires (unless you need to do a restart cycle??) and the pump can again be activated.

jeffmust2

...any one that has the time to read owner's manuals...of vehicles he/she does not apparently own...has WAY too much time on their hands.

Better off sticking to out-of-context political statements on an automotive board.

Sheesh.

wwest

First I develop an interest.

Then if the dealer will not "loan" me an owner's manual I buy one.

If I remain interested then I purchase the shop manuals.

THEN I negotiate a purchase.

jeffmust2

...parents were happy to see that procedure completed.

bodble2

I LIKE that. Do I have permission to plagarize?

blackrx330

Later today I am going to take delivery of a new RX330. I am excited as I have waited a couple of weeks for the car to get off the ship then "traded" to my local dealer. I have ordered the FWD Black with Black interior with the performance package, navigation & laser cruise. Has anyone driven the performance package RX330 yet? How much difference did the multi-mode air suspension make? I was only able to drive a standard RX prior to making the order. When I ordered my primary objective was to get black with black interior. The performance package was the first of that color combination to come available and I thought with the graphite polished wheels that it would look a little more sporty.
There are not many comments in any of the on-line forums on the features of the performance package - like the "steptronic" type transmission, adaptive front headlights or air suspension. I haven't seen any comments on the laser cruise either. I don't guess many cars are coming equipped with these. There has not been any information really discussed on user definable C-Best features either. I'll be sure to tell everyone about how they work.
I am leaving a beautiful '01 MB C320 with 30k miles that has been in the shop about 40 times in its 30 months - electrical problems, persistent total head lamp and tail lamp failure, fuel leaks, transmission leaks, you name it. It will be a relief to get into a car that won't spend half its time in service

stever

This came up long ago, and I'm not sure if Willard was in on that thread. I read large sections of a Quest manual before I purchased that van. I didn't take it home, but had an idea of what I wanted to skim (d-i-y maintenance stuff mostly).

Congrats on the new ride, Blackrx330! (don't forget to double-check the tire pressure - dealers often forget to fix that when they prep new cars).

Steve, Host

bodble2

I borrowed a manual from the dealer for 1/2 day before buying my CL. However, I don't think I would buy one for I car I don't own or have no foreseeable intention of owning though.

adb3

I also have a black-on-black AWD performance pkg with NAV. I've had mine almost 2 months (first one in my local area). If you find the time, please go back and read through the posts as I and others have commented on the various options such as the air suspension and sequential shift mode. Bottom line, I have all the options you mentioned (except laser cruise) and I can honestly report that everything works as advertised. The air suspension in "low mode" gives the 330 a more sporty feel during cornering and overall handling manuevers. The sequential shift works great--sends me back to my stick shift days and the adaptive headlights really do provide greater visibility at night during cornering.

I believe you will be quite happy with your purchase. This is my 3rd Lexus, so I've been previously spoiled to believe that high-quality vehicles can be produced from day one. I ordered my 330 almost 2 mos prior to arrival because I was convinced after my research that it would be a winner. I've not had one iota of disappointment. The 330 is my wife's main vehicle and she absolutely loves it, but even though I drive a GS during the week I longingly look forward to putting the 330 through its paces on the weekend. And while not knocking the excellent 300, with the 330's edgier styling, I don't mine one bit as to who sees me in it.

tidester

Do I have permission to plagarize?

It's not plagiarizing if you have permission.

Feel free to use it!

tidester, host

tmark58

Bought a 99 RX 300 and have over 50K. Not a single problem. Looking to jump to the 330, but one dissapointing thing is that Lexus as no satellite radio option. An expensive stereo option, with basic FM and CD. I think Lexus is offering a lot of fancy options like NAV and cameras, but missed the boat on sat radio.

Satellite radio is awesome (have it at home). Already Mercedes, Infiniti, Audi and others offer it either as standard or option. 100 stations commercial digital sound.

Hopefully Lexus will jump on this quickly. I really do not want to install an aftermarket XM radio in a brand new 330.

TM

wco81

Is it really going to be a permanent fixture? Will that many people be clamoring for it?

I hear the next big thing may be digital radio where existing radio stations can convert to digital with minimal investment.

Better sound quality and no subscriptions.

Dump that XM and Sirius stock now.

blackrx330

Thanks adb3; I'm going to go back and look for the older postings.

I took the car last night and it looks great. I'm afraid that I won't be able to keep the black looking as good day to day as it does now though. I'm pleased with the ride of the performance package with the air suspension - not having driven other Lexus vehicles - it is much smoother than my MB C320. But, the C320 was tight and a completely different car.

I agree with you - one of my greatest apprehensions about the RX was whether it was a girl's car. I think with the 18" graphite polished wheels and black on black it will look sporty enough. What do you think about the dark chrome emblem sets? The car does not have much chrome - the darker emblems may look sharp. Anyway I'm looking forward to the versatility of being able to put the dogs in the back and the mountain bikes on the roof and getting out and enjoying myself easier than in a small sedan while still being able to get on the highway for a fast road trip.

adb3

Congrats on getting your new 330. Concur, the tradeoff for the black color is that it tends to show more dirt between washings. But I really like the color on the new style. The darker emblems would probably look sharp, however I like the stock chrome treatment--it sets off the emblem and lettering really well.

borg1of2

I got to experience Sat radio this past week in Chicago. Hertz is putting it in the rental cards, or maybe its Cirius. Its a good way to get people to think about new stuff for automobiles. Nav got a kick that way.

Anyway, My opinion of Sat Radio in a car is that it sucked. During all my driving I never could listen to a complete song without it cutting out and having to synch up again. And in some area it took minutes to synch up and then it was only active for seconds. If you go under a bridge it goes out and then takes several seconds to re-synch.

It is probably a great feature for a home that isn't moving and is only affected by weather. But in a car, I wouldn't do it now that I've experienced it. JMHO

cfgross

We just got back from the dealership where we placed our order for Bamboo Pearl, Premium Plus, Nav and Rear Entertainment. They expect to get one with their next allotment due to "land" on May 27. They expect delivery by mid-June. I guess it takes a few weeks to clear customs, unload the ship and transport to the dealers. I'm willing to wait patiently, but my wife is a bit antsy (it's her car). She could have driven home today in one with the exact equipment, but in Black Forest Pearl. I like the color, but she was set on Bamboo so it's her own fault she has to wait.

I must say that they did a real nice job with the interior, and the Birds eye Maple with the tan interior is beautiful (but I'm partial since that is the same wood I have in my '03 Jag S-Type). I never much cared for the interior on the RX300. The leather is very soft and high quality. Anyone know who the supplier is? It is every bit as nice as the Connoly leather in my car.

Craig

great_canadian

Just picked up my 330. Flint Mica (graphite) exterior, black interior, Sport Package. Incredible machine! Excellent feel on the road while still maintaining a sweet, luxury ride! I was seriously looking at the FX35, but decided the the 330 offers so much more (and I think the unusual look of the FX would wear on me after a while)- more discussion on this available to anyone who's curious.
Now, to my question. When I take my foot off the gas (and coast - no brake) the car begins to slow steadily (like its in too low a gear and engine braking), then at about 40Kmph it seems to "let go" and coast faster. I know this..car (truck? - seems to nice to call it a truck) has many tech features involved in braking and thought this was just one of the quirks, but it does seem strange. I would be very interested in some insight as to what mechanics are involved. Oh, and did I mention that this was an incredible machine! Man I love this thing.

marcnyc

I live in northern NJ and wonder if anyone has any experience with Manhattan Lexus and Englewood Lexus, positive or negative. Also, are there any factory lease deals on the new 330? What options/packages are available for vehicles in this area? Thanks.

wwest

was another poster's description of the feeling of the transmission "up-shifting" to prevent engine braking on the front driven wheels.

For me it has been most noticeable just before coming to a stop, but I have noticed it at higher coasting speeds but more rarely.

I suspect it's a way of avoiding the need for an over-running clutch like Cadillac added to their FWD vehicles some years ago now. On a slippery surface engine braking at the front can quickly lead to a very hazardous situation.

With computer/electronic controlled transmissions it has become relatively easy to solve this problem in other ways.

newlexer

After some searching, I found a company that had RX 330 rubber/vinyl cargo mats IN STOCK. I asked a few other companies, and they said they wouldn't have anything until the fall.

It fits just right, with a decent lip to prevent spills from spreading.

Weathertech:
http://www.weathertech.com/store/vehsearch.asp?make_id=30&yea- r_no=2004&veh_id=1013&veh_opt_choice_id=0&item_group_- id=1

newlexer

I dealt with Matthew there. He's been helpful and reasonabily good with follow-up, so far. Both he and a customer service person called to check on our level of satisfaction two weeks after getting the car. Minimum discounting similar to other dealers, however.

He was able to locate a performance/nav package, so we didn't need to wait four months, as we had been expecting.

mhe

I took delivery of my Bamboo Pearl/Ivory RX330 a week ago, and love it so far. This is my first Lexus. It is AWD with Premium Plus package. I was a little concerned about the transmission after hearing complaints from some ES300 owners, but found none of the discussed issues on mine so far.

Lots of automatic features, but I donot like all of them. When I bring the car to dealer for the 30-day check-up, I will ask for some reprograming. For one thing, all 4 doors are locked up when the car starts moving, but only driver's door is unlocked when engine shuts down. I usually keep some stuff in the back seat, and do not want to unlock them every time. Will ask to see if I can disable the auto lock feature.

BTW, is there a cargo net accessary for the RX330?
Also mine comes with towing package, but there is no hitch on the back. I want to use a bike rack that goes to the hitch.

cfgross

Does anyone have a list of the features that can be turned on/off or programmed by the dealer(or know of where to get one) ? I would like to be able to have the car configured the way we want it prior to delivery as part of the dealer prep. Thanks.

Craig

j4ydubs

I got this from another forum (posted by Kbach). It's a procedure for programming the door locks on the GX470, but it also works on the RX330. the key is to only hold the locks for *5* seconds. I like option (d). Works well.

-------------------
You can set the following auto door locking and unlocking functions. All times must be EXACT or it will not work.

(a) Locking linked with the shift position
All the doors are locked automatically when the selector lever is moved out of the "P" position with the ignition switch in the "ON" position. This is supposed to be the default setting for new vehicles.

(b) Unlocking linked with the shift position
All the door are unlocked automatically when the selector lever is moved to the "P" position with the switch in the "ON" position.

(c) Locking linked with the vehicle speed.
All the doors are automatically locked when the vehicle speed reached 12 mph or higher. However, if any door is unlocked during driving, the auto function will not operate until the unlocked door is opened once.

(d) All the doors are unlocked automatically when the driver's door is opened within 10 seconds after the ignition switch is turned from "ON" to the "ACC" or "LOCK" position.

Setting the functions
1. Close all the doors.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
3. Within 10 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position;
+To set function (a)
Push and hold the front of the power door lock switch for 5 seconds with the selector lever in the "P" position.
+To set function (b)
Push and hold the rear of the power door lock switch for 5 seconds with the selector switch in the "P" position.
+To set fuction (c)
Push and hold the front of the power door lock switch for 5 seconds with the selector switch in any position except "P".
+To set function (d)
Push and hold the rear of the power door lock switch for 5 seconds with the selector switch in any position except "P".

All the doors are automatically locked and unlocked when you release the power door lock switch. This indicates that the function is set. If all the doors do not lock and unlock, the time the switch was held may have been too short or too long. Perform the procedure over again starting at step 1.

If you want to cancel a function, repeat the procedure. Each time you perform the procedure, the function is set or cancelled.
------------------

John

ctk1

What's good deal and people pay for the new rx330?
I get an internet quote,$1,700 off MSRP from Lexus of Watertown. And Ira Lexus for $1,000 off.

lok888

I am doing a research for someone who is looking for a RX330, possible trade his '00 RX300. It sounds like you have a good deal. He wasn't so sure what package he is looking for. Can you tell which packages, options, color, waiting time you have with these price?

jill25

I also have a Flint Mica 330 with the light gray carpeting. I was worried about the light color and have put clear mats over the gray. That way the mats stay clean, but you can still see them. You can purchase clear mats that are custom fit for the 330 off the web, but I just went to my local hardware store, bought some clear carpet runner and cut to fit. It looks pretty good.

jill25

I ordered a cargo net from the dealer when I picked up my 330. It only comes in black, and cost around $35. When it came in, the dealer installed it. It works really great.

JBaumgart

Where did you see the clear mats on the web? We have an RX330 with the Light Grey interior on order and I would be interested in checking to see what's available.

tomtomtom

The sales told me to do the same but I personally don't like rubber mats, they look kind of cheesy and the dirty water would stay on the mat until I wipe it off. My wife and I have thought about putting in a set of black floor mats (hoping they would look ok) since the upper dash is black but Lexus' parts department doesn't have the floor mats out for sale yet...We are buying a SUV but didn't want the car to be dirty...

bodble2

Why bother with ugly rubber mats, clear or otherwise, to spoil the look of the interior? It wouldn't be too expensive to just buy a new set of Lexus mats and throw out the old ones if they get too dirty. Or even buy an extra set when you take delivery of the vehicle to ensure you will have the same colour and design a few years later.

ctk1

It's Premium plus package, no specific color yet. It's first initial quote from Tom Christopoulos of Lexus Watertown.I haven't call him yet cuz I am also looking into the BMW X5 and the new VW Touareg comming this June...July.

patelni1

I am looking to purchase a 330 and am wondering if anyone has a Sales Rep/Dealership to recommend in the Houston Area.

tomtomtom

They look bad when they are dirty. They are expensive to clean and I cannot throw them away every time they got dirty. They are not expensive but ain't cheap neither.

bodble2

I don't mean to trivialize the issue but they don't get that dirty that often, do they? I had one car years ago with beige carpeting and I thought it had remained acceptably clean for the first 3 - 4 years. And besides, you can always throw some rubber mats in only when you'd be venturing into "dirty" situations, such as camping, hiking, etc.

soldier2020

Hi
I am Mark Lund , aka soldier2020, on the edmunds.com discussion board.
 I am a military doctor assigned to a medical center in Fort Bragg North Carolina. I am Trying to buy a lexus RX 330 or GX470
I want to surprise my wife
She is an army nurse currently deployed to Iraq with a combat support hospital since Jan 03.
She is expected back Mid Jun 03 . She debriefs through Fort Campbell , Kentucky for three days on redeployment stateside
I wanted to surprise her with a new loaded or nearly loaded Lexus SUV
Trying to use internet buying services but not ease
I am really motivated as Our anniversary is also mid Jun 03, 7th !
Help
Need to Find the Volume dealers in south florida and atlata and such
Military pay okay but not unlimited
Thanks
A Soldier Medic

tomtomtom

Well, I guess my wife was kind of upset since it got dirty on the second day she got her car (it was raining) and she gave me an ear full after that. I did want to get a black interior but she said it would be too hot in summer (I can understand).