Lexus RX 330

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Comments

  • grampajoelgrampajoel Member Posts: 13
    thanks for the info on your clear bra installation. Unfortunately I am in the NY metropolitan area and although it gets mighty cold here, I will have to scour the area for body shops etc. who will install the clear vinyl for a better price than I have been quoted. That's good advice on the cold install and I will keep it in mind. Thanks again. Grampajoel
  • myk_amyk_a Member Posts: 70
    IIHS details here.

    Related Articles:
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    - Tests: SUV Minor Crash Means Major Repair Bill
  • tailhook2003tailhook2003 Member Posts: 7
    To grampajoel
    Try XPEL.com. That's how I found an installer for the clear film for our new RX. Cost installed was about $250 and a lot of these guys are window tint etc. businesses and factory trained installers.I'm very happy with this product and installation especially with the "lovebug" and other bugs that have midair collisions with the front and mirrors here in Fla.In spite of the fact that salesmen have told me that Lexus paint is nick resistant I've gotten numerous nicks on my GS and previos RX and ES. Cheers.
  • wco81wco81 Member Posts: 594
    What kind of warranty are you getting from 3M and the installers?

    Any chance that this coating in any way damages the paint?

    I remember the clear coat treatments that they sold and some body shop people told me that such treatments actually accelerated the decay of factory paint jobs, particularly on metallic paint.
  • lehighlexuslehighlexus Member Posts: 94
    If it damages the paint, it will be alot less than a regular bra on the vehicle. There's no way stones and dirt can get underneath it
  • tailhook2003tailhook2003 Member Posts: 7
    To grampajoel&wco81,
    Yes,I think that 3M may be the only manufacturer of this product.
    There's 6 or 8 year warranty with a $4000 or$6000(not exactly sure of the time or amt as I can't locate my paperwork right now.)coverag if damage from the film occurs.
    Try the clearbra.com site for more details.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    While the RX scored a "Good" and "Best Pick" designation, I'm disappointed it didn't do slightly better.

    http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_midluxsuv.htm

    It "only" got an "Acceptable" for Head/Neck injuries. The dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, which isn't good.

    For a new design, I would have hoped for a "Good" in all categories. The previous RX had one "Acceptable" score as well, albeit in a different category.

    Overall it's a very safe vehicle, but it should have done better.
  • mvd1mvd1 Member Posts: 30
    Has anyone had the front dash/windshield rattle service done per TSB NV00603? What is the fix and did it work? I'm not too excited about having my dash torn apart on a 1500 mile car if that's what's needed. The noise certainly distracts from what is supposed to be a luxury SUV experience. Drove some friends to dinner Saturday night and they joked that their Chevy Malibu didn't have any rattle like my RX 330. Thanks for any replies!
  • r1_97r1_97 Member Posts: 181
    Is this related to TSB NV00503 - transmission shifting adjustment?
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    I'm with you on the noise. I complained to my dealer at my 1000 mile service but the dealership wasn't aware of the TSB (neither was I). I am about to schedule my 5000 mile service. The first thing on my list is the dash noise.

    I am not thrilled with the thought of having my dash torn apart BUT this will also be my last Lexus if they don't fix the noise. It is worse than any Honda, Ford or GM product that I have owned. What makes matters worse for me is that our Mercedes C230 dash doesn't have a single rattle or bothersome noise (and the RX cost a lot more than the C230).

    I know this doesn't help you... just wanted to know there are others out there with your complaint. I will update the board after my service (but knowing my dealership... it will be after the first of the year before they can get me in).
  • mvd1mvd1 Member Posts: 30
    r1_97 - no, NV00603 has nothing to do with the transmission re-program TSB. This is an annoying dash rattle towards the front of the windshield.

    lovemylexus1 - thanks for the comments. Like you, if this doesn't get resolved without causing other problems, it will be my last Lexus. As I mentioned on a previous post, I traded a 2000 Infiniti I-30 on the RX that was never back to dealer for anything besides routine maintenance. I expected the same for the RX. Keep us updated on your dealer experience with the rattle.
  • maohumaohu Member Posts: 7
    I want to remove the roof rack on my 330. At least the cross-body rails and preferably the lengthwise rails as well. Anybody tried to do this on their own?
  • scottphillipscottphillip Member Posts: 249
    I have Nav/ML & RSES. I am in Florida. The system does sound better than the standard. I never use the RSES.

    I am not sure what's being shipped in my area now. I bought mine in the summer.
  • indiana97indiana97 Member Posts: 58
    Has anyone had a after market RSES installed in their RX330. I am interested. I have the premium plus option on my RX330. Any suggestions, recommendations or opinions??? Thanks
  • rx4merx4me Member Posts: 58
  • indiana97indiana97 Member Posts: 58
    Rear Seat Entertainment System RSES which is the DVD player/tv tuner. There are many aftermarket RSES such as Audiovox, Panasonic. Some are self contained and others seem to have the monitor just behind the moon roof with the dvd player installed under a seat. Someone who has the factor unit, do you know who makes it for Lexus? Also what size is the factory monitor. I see some aftermarket RSES have as large as 12" screens. I haven't asked my Lexus dealer if they can install one. I would think that their price will be high if it can be installed.
  • ukulele2ukulele2 Member Posts: 21
    Does anyone have an RX with the Mark Levinson/Navigation package without the rear seat entertainment system? 1 dealer I spoke with in Connecticut said there's no RX out there with the ML system, while I've also read somewhere that if you want ML you also must get RSES. I want ML without RSES and curious to know if there's any RX out there that has that. Really hope I can get an RX with ML without RSES.
  • laterldflaterldf Member Posts: 37
    Yes, there are such critters out here, including mine. But I bought it in March right after they came out. Don't know about how they're configured now however. later, ldf
  • scodianascodiana Member Posts: 7
    I had the same questions about getting ML without the RSES. I have no use for the RSES, and I'm also irritated about the other mandatory options that come with Nav, such as the tow package and the larger wheels. I'd prefer to have ML and the laser-assisted cruise control!

    As far as I know, the only configurations that are being manufactured right now with Nav are with RSES/ML or without RSES and with the regular stereo. I posted here a week or so ago asking for opinions on the standard stereo, and the response was positive. I'm just about tone deaf anyway, so I'm okay with the standard system.

    I hear that you might be able to get ML without the RSES if you special order, but it will take months for delivery. I imagine you'll pay more for a special order as well.

    Sheri
  • ukulele2ukulele2 Member Posts: 21
    Just spoke with a local dealer around Boston regarding RX w/ML. He said that they'll have to special order it since he's never seen one with it (I assume we here at the Northeast don't get ML?). He said the special order will probably take 18-22 weeks. Sounds waaaay to long and I'm wondering if he's just bluffing. I'm willing to wait, but no more than 3 months. Does anyone have experience with special order, and can you bargain/get a good price if you opt for that route?
  • scodianascodiana Member Posts: 7
    I think the lack of ML is nationwide - they used to be configured with it, but no more unless you get RSES.

    I've heard special orders take around 4-5 months. I would think that if you're going to special order, you'll probably pay a premium... so if you're going to go that route, why not just get the RSES (which comes with ML)?

    Sheri
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    Delievery for our special order took 80 days from the time the dealer placed the order with Lexus. It was originally estimated to be 90-120 days, which they admitted to giving just to be conservative so customers are not disappointed. So it would appear that your dealer is exaggerating just a bit.
  • ukulele2ukulele2 Member Posts: 21
    Thanks for your info. Did you have to pay a premium for the special order or you had a good bargain?
  • wallie502wallie502 Member Posts: 13
    I just bought my RX two weeks ago. After a few days of driving, the trip computer displayed about 13 miles per gallon. After I filled up the tank again (with premium fuel), the display reset and I still only achieve 14 mile per gallon. I admit I do very little highway driving, but Lexus claims 18 miles per gallon during city driving. I'm not sure how I could be so far off. Has anyone else experienced extremely low gas mileage or problems with the trip computer?
  • lovemylexus1lovemylexus1 Member Posts: 101
    I suggest giving your RX a few more tanks before you make a final determination on gas mileage. I was also disappointed with my mileage on my earliest tanks of gas.

    But, my city mileage average has improved in the three months since I purchased the RX. It now averages between 17 and 19 mpg. And as I mentioned in an earlier post, I recently averaged 25 mpg on a highway trip between Madison and Chicago.

    Also, my gas mileage improved considerably after I had the transmission update performed at my 1000 mile service check.

    Finally, I wouldn't waste money on premium gas. My RX runs just fine on 87 or 89 octane.
  • fsc1555fsc1555 Member Posts: 42
    ours is not special order - a friend wants savanah with premium plus and nav and rear camera - sticker price was 42,478 I was able to get at least 34780 off the sticker price(for my friend) and i got premium plus sticker price 40,128 with 31280 discount. he tried to trade with other dealers but to no avail - he ordered both of them probably end of october and hoping will be here by next week ( less than 2 months ). not sure what the diff with trying to put in in their allocations and special orders?
    I hope we got a good deals!
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    You should still be able to negotiate the price on a special order, although typically dealers are a little more anxious to deal on their vehicles already in stock or on the way. If your specific configuration might be considered a little unusual, the discount might be less as the dealer might be concerned that you could back out of the deal, leaving them with a car that might be relatively difficult to sell to somebody else. In our case we were able to get a reasonable discount that we were happy with.
  • myk_amyk_a Member Posts: 70
    I sure am glad I got my RX330 a month ago! We have Snow/Blizzard conditions today/weekend here in NJ and it performs VERY, VERY WELL!

    All systems - Traction Control, Stablity Control, Electronically Controlled Transmission, and AWD works in concert to keep me on the road and in the direction I wanted to go. No slippage or skidding!

    You'd still have to be cautious and wary of other drivers/vehicles, of course! :)

    Have a safe & joyous winter!
  • engrbillengrbill Member Posts: 6
    I concur with myk_a. I too had to drive yesterday from the Middletown area to north NJ. The RX handling was excellent, very stable and sure. Obviously one must still be careful not to get too confident but really quite impressive. The heating & defrosting did an excellent job of keeping the cabin comfortable and windshield clear (w/o A/C). I set the heater for split floor and windshield and then toggle back and forth between full defrost when needed just by hitting the defrost button. Worked great. Happy winter motoring!
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Unless you had the dealer set the C-best parameters otherwise, not linked to defrost/defog/demist, the A/C operates automatically in defrost but without an indication to the operator.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Who knew?...

    ...Ya gotta just love it.

    lol
  • bmwbob277bmwbob277 Member Posts: 15
    It's sure hell to go through life being as dumb as all of us other posters' are.
    God bless West!!!
  • tsheertsheer Member Posts: 23
    I'm going to start an RX330 NAQ (Never-Asked Questions) list. "Does the AC operate during defrost?" will be the first entry.

    Any suggestions for #2?
  • johnnieliujohnnieliu Member Posts: 34
    I too was concerned about gas mileage. However, from when we took delivery of the car(20miles on the odomoter) till today(1300 miles on the odomoter), we have averaged 21 MPG. I verified tha accuracy of the trip computer, with hand calcs, and our trip computer is very accurate. The best mileage we had was 300 mile round trip mostly freeway, 70MPH average speed, 32 PSI tires, 24.5 MPG. Overall, I am very pleased with gas mileage.

    My gas mileage was the same before and after ECM update.
  • adpcsadpcs Member Posts: 59
    Besides guessing, how can we (the consumer) find out the residual value on a car when leasing? In particular, I am trying to find out my monthly lease payment before I go to the dealer and make a deal. I plan on going for an RX330 with an MSRP of $42,400 for 48 mo / 60K Miles, or 60 mo / 75 K miles. I plan on trying to buy the car for about $38000. With the current sale going on in Texas we will pay only 1.2% sales tax when leasing.
  • myk_amyk_a Member Posts: 70
    Most Appealing Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle Lexus RX 330 (2004). Click on the "Press Release" Link for details.
  • gteach26gteach26 Member Posts: 576
    Do a search for the "Leasing Questions Ask Here" board here on Edmunds -- there you'll get good info on leasing specifics for ANY car you are interested in (including residuals)... in fact, the info for a similar RX may have already been posted over there.

    If you're looking for a publication to buy or a specific website with residual figures -- I don't know about any other "golden" sources.
  • adpcsadpcs Member Posts: 59
    Thanks for the reference. That board is VERY helpful!
  • rex17rex17 Member Posts: 1
    I'm amazed that RX 330 doesn't come with pre-wired Satillite Radio capability. Does anyone have info why, or if. Or, will they in the future.
  • myk_amyk_a Member Posts: 70
    Well, it's probably because satellite radio requires a monthly subscription fee. Not everyone needs/wants to pay such fees. I think having opted to just have the standard cassette and 6-disc in-dash CD changer instead is ok. Would have been nice if the changer was MP3-compatible.

    In any case, a satellite radio (and mp3 for that matter) receiver can be purchased and installed separately from either Circuit City, Best Buy, or any electronics store.
  • scodianascodiana Member Posts: 7
    .... is an audio input into the stereo, so I don't have to use a cassette adapter or FM transmitter to use my iPod in the car. I really don't understand why manufacturers haven't done this yet.

    I looked at an Acura (car), and it was set up for XM radio - had the logo right there on the stereo panel.

    Sheri
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If I read the information correctly the new BMW X3 will have this feature.
  • wco81wco81 Member Posts: 594
    Supposedly there is a third party device which will let you connect the iPod to almost any car stereo, through the interface for connecting a CD changer.

    It gives you a Firewire port to recharge the iPod while you have it inside the car. But it won't be cheap.

    ipodlounge.com is the forum for all things iPod.
  • rj37rj37 Member Posts: 3
    I placed a special order for an RX330 in late April and received it in early Sept so it took about 4 ½ months. The dealer quoted 3 – 4 months for the special order, which was built in Japan. I was able to get $1K off of the MSRP. Probably not the best deal but I was able to get the exact color and options that my wife wanted.
  • windy6windy6 Member Posts: 57
    We have just about narrowed our search down and the RX330 looks like the finalist. However about 2 days after the test drive my wife brought up that she thought the engine/exhaust was noisy on accelaration. (She does things like this often, at least she didn't wait until we had bought to say "why did you buy that car, then engine is too noisy).

    Anyway my key question is didn't Lexus used to run December sales specials? "December to remember" so some other catchy name. I figure end of year, and late in month is probably a good time anyway.

    Most of the ones outfitted like we wanted had an MSRP right at $39,000, plus maybe $100 or $200. Are they dealing on these or is the economy and Lexus sales doing that well. We are in the Austin, San Antonio, Houston Texas area.

    Thanks

    windy
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Lexus typically shoves more vehicles to their dealers in December so good deals are waiting for you and your checkbook to show up.

    An average deal on a $39k msrp unit depends a lot on where you are located; in TX you can probably land that puppy for $2k or even more off MSRP. $39k msrp means there's not a great deal of options on it since the base is $36k or so. Some AWDs go as high as $45-46k with all the goodies.

    Send an email or fax to all the Lexus dealers within a radius that you are comfortable driving and give them the color and options you desire; you can get it serviced at any dealer with no problems. They don't require much in the way of service anyway. Pick the best price and go for it.

    Good luck it's a great vehicle!
  • naticknatick Member Posts: 1
    thinking of buying a RX 330 and have a few questions. do people think the HID headlights are helpful or do they blind the oncoming drivers. is the ml system worth it ( did they take a speaker out of the 300). how does it compare with the acura mdx
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    The best automotive improvement of century.

    OEM optics have auto-leveling and sharp cutoff so as not to offend on-coming drivers.

    Aftermarket stuff, actual HID without auto-leveling, and pretend HID, higher wattage halogens "colored" to "look" HID are the most likely offenders toward on-coming traffic. Lots of trash out there at the moment.

    If you really don't need AWD for adverse roadbed conditions (ice and snow, NOT talking off-road here), don't ever seriously rely on the GPS/nav, and know how to quickly defog the windshield when it suddenly and spontaneously fogs over (turn up the HEAT,quickly), then the RX will be a perfect purchase.

    And with all of the above shortcomings, almost all of them shared by the MDX, the RX330 is still the overall best SUV in this class.

    Hopefully the feds will crack down soon on the aftermarket HID stuff.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    No upscale audio system is worth it in the automotive environment with a +70db ambient noise figure. With the advent of CDs and MOSFET high voltage high power amps the need to upgrade OEM supplied audio systems has all but disappeared.

    Notice I said "NEED" not "WANT".

    If you "want" an ML system and can afford it, then by all means......
  • buffnboubuffnbou Member Posts: 12
    natick: I have had my RX for about 10 weeks now and love those HIDs-very bright but not blinding to oncoming vehicles-the cut off is extremely sharp to minimize or eliminate potential blinding. Wait till you hit the high beams-they really light up the night.
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