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Comments
2. When you are driving with another in the passenger seat you DO have a navigator. That's why it is foolish to disable the system. If it's okay for the passenger to look at a map while your driving, why shouldn't it be alright for them to run the navigation system. What if you had a portable GPS or even a paper map? Should you have to put those in the trunk will driving and be force to pull of the road to use them? It's ridiculous.
3. As an instrument-rated pilot, I can tell you that the aircraft is NOT always stable during flight. Pilots must often change way points while actively flying the plane. It's just like driving. Pilots have a saying: "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate". It means "fly the plan first", "navigate second", and communicate third. We live by these words (or die by them). Perhaps some drivers (the ones that do not understand Lexus gaff on the Nav system) should take driving a little more seriously - as if they WERE flying a plane.
So...how would that would translate into "piloting" a car...perhaps as..."Drive the car first...punch in data in a Nav system second...and use your Cell Phone third" - right?
Sounds just like what Lexus had in mind for the RX.
Just curious...is your other idea that the passenger seatbelt sensor should be linked to the Nav so it allows the in-place passenger to input data? Therefore it can somehow tell that a passenger in the right hand seat is doing the data input - and not the driver?
A lawyer's paradise.
And there are BOLD pilots.
Strange thing is they're not very many OLD and BOLD pilots!
If you really are a pilot then you very well know that there are vast periods of time in which the (non-autopilot equipped) aircraft does not require your full attention, or not even any attention for that matter.
Be that as it may, I once used your argument to beat a "bear in the air" speeding ticket. The idiot was flying along I90, special VFR with low cloud cover in mountainous terrain.
Personally I have been campaigning for the elimination of all non-critical front viewable displays with any type of motion or animation capability.
Only the Japanese would think that "I Agree" would stand up in court.
If your RX330 is a little noisy you should check into this.
"On certain early (doesn't give any dates) 2004 Model Year RX 330 vehicles, due to a manufacturing error in the two exhaust manifold converter assemblies, an abnormal noise could be generated from the exhaust system."
It goes on to say that you should contact Lexus dealer for free replacement. They estimate 2 hours for the work.
1-When the height selector is set to N is that the automatic mode? If not how do I set it to automatic?
2-Do I have to keep pushing in the Easy Access button each time I start the car or does it stay on?
3-I don't mind the voice with the navigation however the beep is going to drive me crazy any way to turn it off and still have the voice?
Thanks in advance
Alan
PS If anyone is waiting for a similar equipped model I cancelled a Flint mica when the Silver came available. Let me know and I can give you more info.
Here's the skinny: I'm on the fence... XC90 or RX330, and have been back and forth for months now, really. One factor that's up in the air is the awd and traction control system of the RX330. I thought I had read that the trac system of the RX330 will 'time-out' if it's used a bunch. Well, I figure with 6-8mths of snow possibly on the ground, it's going to get a ton of use. So, can you explain how it works, and if there is a chance that the trac system times out? If it does, is ABS also effected?
Thanks guys!
Thanks in Advance
Alan
All of the automatic brake activation systems, VSC, Trac, BA, etc, are dependent on the ABS pump/motor having the ability to rapidly and continuously, at least for short periods, replenish the highly pressurized brake fluid.
The ABS pump/motor is of about the same size and capacity of the one that drives your windshield wipers, fractional HP at best. Luckily the volume of fluid it must very highly pressurize is relatively low.
But here's what I actually know about the subject.
1. The ABS pumpmotor on my 01 AWD RX300 timed out after about ten to twenty seconds of continous VSC use/requirements. It re-enabled after restarting and driving 50 to 100 yards. It may have re-enabled after "cooling" off for a few moments without restarting, I don't know.
2. A Sequoia owner posted a complaint that his Trac "bailed" after about 45 seconds of continuous wheel spinning in mud.
3. A Lexus factory representative admitted that the RX330 ABS pmp/motor did have a firmware timeout limit but wouldn't say how long (or short)it was. He said that in all of the demostration driving/testing he had done it had never timed out even once.
4. To test my theory I created a small hydraulic leak in the "traction", hydraulic accumulator, side of the braking system of my 92 Lexus LS400. Upon starting the car the ABS pump/motor would cycle ten times ("run" to raise the brake fluid accumulator pressure to reach/trip a high pressure switch, shut off, pressure would slowly leak down, etc.).
After the tenth pump cycle the icon showing ABS/Trac failure would illuminate but could be cancelled by simply turning the ignition off and restarting the car.
Given the size and capacity limitations of the 92's ABS pump/motor I can't say as I blame them. But while it isn't likely, at all, that the timeout would occur due to continuous ABS activity it is certainly concieveable that the need for Trac could endure long enough that it disables both ABS and Trac.
I contacted Mercedes to see if the ML might have the same ABS pump/motor limitations and was told that it did not. I'll place some faith in the MB statements just as soon as someone proves that hell has frozen over.
My guess at this time is that if you feel you will at some time really need "stellar" AWD/4WD performance then do not rely on any system that needs to have the brake fluid pressure replenished, and certainly not electrically.
While I don't think I would ever buy a new 4runner myself, too big and bulky and overweight, I think it to be about the best SUV choice for on-road adverse wintertime weather circumstances.
I expect I will purchase the new RX330, or maybe wait for the hybrid version next spring, but I will provide my adverse weather condition on-road capability with snowchains and 1" tire/wheel spacers so they can be used.
Same thing can be done with the RX.
It's a beautiful winter morning. 6" of fresh white goodness has fallen overnight and I pull the RX330 out into the morning air. Let's say that I have to trudge through the slippery white stuff for a while, and the trac system is doing it's thing full-time for literally blocks. Then come to the main street, which has been plowed, but is icy. The abs pump is 'hating it,' and I pull out onto the street, head down to the light to get onto the parkway, but since it's icy, I need ABS. If trac has puked out on me, do I have ABS?
To me, this would be a serious deal-killer. The last thing I want is a system that can't handle your typical snowy day without 'issues.'
I posed this to the Lexus guy and he, of course, said that my assumptions were unfounded and wrong. Like I'll believe that without serious research.
Thanks again for the information.
Would you mind sharing with us, where did you buy it from and how much?
I'm trying to locate that package without any luck in California.
Thank you in advance.
Your statement about pulling out of the garage into a snowy day reminded me.
Between Christmas and New Years of 95 we had the first serious snow storm(s) here in Seattle since 18/12/90.
I backed our 92 Jeep Cherokee Limited out of the garage right into 18 to 20 inches of "layered" snow, 8" of snow, slight melt, freeze, 8" of snow, slight, etc, etc.
The Jeep had an AWD system which I now believe to have been simply three open diff'ls. Just beyond our garage is a slight incline which the Jeep would not climb, pushing 20" of snow and caked ice "sandwich", not even in 4WD mode. I was only able to get it out to the main road, 100 yards, after installing chains on all four wheels.
If that should ever happen again the RX will get its snowchains while still in a nice dry garage.
If I lived in Anchorage I would op for the new 4runner (6 cyl), regardless of my earlier statements. And Anchorage is the only reason I might ever consider the Cayenne.
I see you already own a Volvo so maybe I shouldn't go on to say that I consider FWD, or front torque bias AWD, to be extremely hazardous in adverse roadbed conditions.
Sorry, but those are my beliefs.
Also, any opinions on the ride of Performance Package vs. Non-Performance Package vehicles? I've heard the Performance Package improves ride stability significantly.
Thanks in advance.
So I just have to be sure yay or nay if the abs works no matter what, or if it gets shut off if tracs is in overload. Of course, I'm asking the same question of the Volvo... because they use electronics in their TRACS and other vehicle control systems was well.
By the way. I heard a rumor that Lexus (Toyota) will be building the RX in Canada soon and that they may offer more combinations when that plant comes on line.
I have also heard the the sequential shifter (aka TipTronic), which is only available with the Performance Package, is not very responsive or impressive. That's too bad, because the standard gated shifter on the RX is very nice and I was hoping the sequential shifter would be even better.
After replacing it, I still hear a light buzzing noise on an uphill under accelaration.
ckdedmon - from everything I've heard, your dealer is correct. So far they are not building the Performance Pkg/Mark Levinson combination.
On the extended warranty, I got it - it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500-1800 - can't recall exactly. I believe it takes the major components of the original warranty out to 8 yrs/90k miles. While I won't own the car that long I think it will help my resale in a few years and make it a good car for my brother's family.
Thanks.
One theory is that dealers will only certify cream puffs and will send the rest to auction.
But to address your question, Willard, I think the dealer will just point you to the F&I department and sell you an extended warranty.
Steve, Host
A neighbor friend of mine bought a 2-year old (at the time) used '99 LS400 from our local Lexus dealer and for a $500 extra charge the dealer had it certified for the extra time interval and 100k miles on the odometer.
I purchased a certified '95 LS400 in 1998 from a different Lexus dealer and it had several mechanical problems unresolved by the "128-point" meticulous certification process. In follow-up discussions with the service personnel at that dealership, the claim was made that somewhere around $200 is paid to Lexus by the dealer wanting to sell a used Lexus as certified. Don't know if that's the right dollar figure today but it seems reasonable given the $500 fee charged to my neighbor a couple of years ago.
Either way, it's a cheaper route than buying an extended factory warranty. The downside on a certified warranty deal - if I recall - was that it ends with your ownership and cannot be transferred to a new buyer (at least in Lexus Land).
I will not be agreeing with Willard again this decade.
1. An extra 2 years/20,000 miles (whichever would come first) which would give you up to 6 years/70,000 miles total for $1,255
2. An extra 3 years/50,000 miles (7 years/100,000 miles total) for $1,855.
If you sell the car before the expiration, these costs would be pro-rated and you would get money back, but the first 4 years/50,000 miles would be "earned" so you would effectively start using it right away even though the standard warranty is still effective. We decided to wait to make sure we will keep the car past 3 years/36,000 miles - which we think we will but you never know - before purchasing the warranty. Lexus gives you this option, but the price is not guaranteed (although they have held the line on these prices for seven years, according to the dealer). The key is to remember that after 3 years/36,000 miles the option to purchase expires. By then you should have an idea of how "bulletproof" the car is too, and whether or not you really intend to keep it. Option No. 2 above appears to be the best deal and is what we will do if we decide the warranty is in our best interest, but we'll wait until early 2006 before making our decision.
Note: the terms of each dealer's offer will vary, so read the fine print!
Actually I once bought an extended warranty for a used 1990 Mercury Sable (in 92) from Toyota. Walked in off the street, the Toyota FM didn't blink an eye.
Also, is anyone getting the vehicle for less than MSRP? I am in NJ. Thanks.
I went to see what Flint Mica looked like at my local Lexus dealer(Lawrence Lexus) and saw a Silver, went inside and asked the salesmen (who 3 days earlier told me I would have to wait a few months) about the car on the lot and was told a deal fell through. That was Friday. Picked up my car Wednesday night.
You're not going to get much more than $1000 off in this area. The car is hot.
Alan
On a slightly more serious note, has anybody had a serious mechanical problem with their Lexus that caused it to be disabled? From all that I have read, Mercedes has a very good reason for offering drive-by technicians. The average reliability for many of their models, including the M-Class, has been down in the dumps.
Like Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfield, at the moment.
The more excuses/explanations they give, the deeper the hole becomes.
Last night I noticed Fox News "fair and balanced" was lending a hand with their shovels, on attack mode, not excuses nor explanations.
My, how times do change.
Let's stick to Lexus!
tidester, host
Yet another hybrid story (will it really arrive next year?):
The evolution of the hybrid (San Antonio Express)
Steve, Host
My concern is that I'm coming off of driving BMWs for 8 years, and I appreciate the cornering ability inherit in their cars. I like the smoother ride of the Lexus, but I'm concerned about the amount of body roll in cornering. I was hoping the air suspension would have a better effect on the vehicle.
Anyone else have any opinions on this subject?
Thanks for your help.
Hard right turn, stiffen up the right side, heavy braking, stiffen up the front, etc. Plus, "stoop" for entry.
On my 92 LS, before the dynamic setup capability, I re-adjusted the height sensors so it rides about an inch lower than the factory.
Very stable vehicle, as I expect will be the RX330 or the RX hybrid when I get around to buying. I plan to adjust the height sensor on it too.
But mine will have 1" spacers all around and 17x8 BBS wheels.
Someone asked about the 3 panel roof. I first was dealing on the 2 wheel drive in my color, Flint Mica/gray interior. It had a 3 panel roof. This was in late April. I have looked at many dealerships and none have seen one except for the above described one. They say that Lexus is having problems with the roof (leaking and rattling) and are not delivering any until the problems are solved. You can't get the roof rails or entertainment package with the 3 panel roof. Has anyone had any luck programing the door locks (all) to open when placing the vehicle in park? Reference page 30 of the manual. How about the error with the outside tempeture display?? 100 degrees and the display shows about 86?? Why no lumbar for the passenger seat?? I had to stop a Brookstones in Marin and buy a Tempur-Pedic cushion for my wife. The seat was killing her. Don't even go there, I know what your thinking. 5 foot tall, 110 pounds. She was in a hole and the small of her back was too low and bothered her shoulders. Why doesn't Lexus take a lesson from BMW pertaing to the operation of the moonroof tilt? BMW has one push/slid control and when you tilt the roof the sliding cover opens enough to allow ventilation and when you want to open the roof, you slid the control and the tilt "parks" and the roof opens without having to go through Lexus' fumbling motions. An answer to a lady that was concerned about the "confused" transmission. When you traveling at non freeway speeds, simply tap the transmission controller to the left into 4th gear and if needed pull it back to 3rd. This works almost as well as the Tip-Tronic transmission. OK, I can go on much longer even about the dumb way to set the seat possition memory but you already think that im some kind of 'Whacko" No, I just love cars of quality and make no mistake, the 330 Lexus is a great car with outstanding quality. But, It is a "Chick" car and I'm not a bottle blond chick.I'm a 55 year old guy that buys high and sells low way too often. If you want, just ask me and I'll go into the survey that I made for the last 2 weeks while working in Sonoma and Marin County. The male/female radio proves my point. I'm on my 4th tank of fuel and the best mileage was the last one at 19mpg. How are others doing?