Lexus RX 330

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Comments

  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    No, I did not have any issue with the "low tire" warning indicator when the tires were rotated. The rotation included balancing.

    I think Discount Tire charges a little more for a rotation/balance, but nothing near the price of what Lexus charges.
  • tsmith67tsmith67 Member Posts: 19
    To save even more money, I have my lexus gs 300 and rx 330 serviced at the toyota dealership. They often run specials for 14.95 for oil changes and a local tire company provides free tire rotation.
  • nycanyca Member Posts: 232
    How much oil does the RX330 take, how many quarts? That's one important thing with the German cars, they take 7-8 quarts of oil, that helps their change intervals be longer.
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Cotmc, thanks for the great money saving tip on tire rotation. When the Lexus dealership does your oil change, do they still do the vehicle inspection like the brakes, ball joints, chassis, steering linkage, air filter, etc.? Who changes the air conditioner filter, and how often? I'm still debating wether to stick with the 5,000 mile intervals or go to synthetic and 7,500 mile intervals?

    Smith67, I will try and see if my local Toyota service department will be as accommodating as yours about the 5,000 mile service intervals. Thanks for the tip.
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    I was looking at all the scheduled maintenance for the RX330 from the 5,000 mi to the 150,000 mi service. Aside from the 5,000 mi services being on the high side for basically an oil change, tire rotation, and vehicle inspection, the major maintenance at 30K, 60K, 90K, and 120k were downright "inexpensive", especially for my area. Relatively speaking, that is. The 15K mi services were only a few dollars more than the 5k's. The "biggies"-- 30k intervals were about $250, and the 60K's were well under $500. Did the maintenance become less costly than in the RX's because of improvements on the current model, or has the RX historically been "inexpensive" to maintain? By comparison, when my LS hit 120K, I had to shell out over $1,000. Now, I'm not complaining, just pleasantly surprised. Or maybe the Edmunds Maintenance Guide is being overly optimistic?
    Here's the link if anyone wants to check out your future maintenance costs: http://www.edmunds.com/products/maintguide/index.html
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    I didn't have time to check out the link (Sorry, gotta run for a weekend trip!), but based on the numbers you were describing, I think Edmunds is being optimistic. I was quoted something close to $250 for the 15K maintenance service from my dealer.

    As far as a simple ($30+) oil change service, I doubt they inspect all the items you described. I just don't believe that these items need to be inspected every 5000 miles. I'll pay for the full "5K" service probably at the 20K or 25K interval, while saving some $$ on the other. I'm guessing the 30K service will be $400 or higher. (Sigh!)
  • bobfloydbobfloyd Member Posts: 32
    My Lexus Dealer charges $49.95 for the oil change.
  • wco81wco81 Member Posts: 594
    Just saw a commercial, with George Foreman. It's $19.95 plus free tire rotation.
  • doubletrackdoubletrack Member Posts: 26
    Anyone know if an oil change and filter service for an RX 330 is EXACTLY the same as for a new Highlander? Some of you apparently are getting better pricing at Toyota, so I'm curious (only 1 Lexus dealer in my area). Also, I've never tried synthetic oil like Mobile 1. Any ideas?
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Doubletrack,

    Here are my opinions on synthetic. Bear in mind that I am not a mechanic, nor do I change my own oil or are interested in doing so. However, I have used both synthetics and synthetic blends and have read about the subject.

    In general, synthetic blends are better for older engines, around the 50k to beyond the 75k mile range. Supposedly, full synthetics have great loosening and softening properties that might knock the sludge that is holding your seals or pistons tight in an older engine, and actually cause a decrease in power or even increased oil consumption in older, dirtier engines. This is why synthetic blends are recommended here.

    On newer engines like in our RX's, full synthetics would be great after an initial break in period of 5,000 to 7,500 miles with regular dino oil. Some people use synthetics to extend their oil changes and therefore, trips to the service station. How long you can extend the oil changes is a topic of hot debate. European manufacturers and even Corvette, recommends 15,000 mile intervals when using synthetics. IMO, this seems pretty long. Even though synthetics can go much longer than dino, without breaking down and losing viscosity, an oil filter is still an oil filter and can only hold so much gunk. I have heard of people who try and address this issue by replacing the old filter and then topping off with new synthetic to replace what's lost during the oil filter switch.

    Some people think synthetics are a way to save money, even though they cost up to three times as much as dino oil, because they are planning on extending their oil changes more than three times. I would look at synthetic as more of a way to cut down on one or two less yearly trips to the service station and therefore, saving time rather than money. Synthetics are also a way to ensure your engine will run trouble free for way past the 100k mark, if you are planning on keeping it for a long time.

    If you lease your vehicle or buy new every few years, then save your money and stick to regular dino oil. It definitely works and we got along with it just fine, before Mobil 1 came along! And if you have the time to stop by Jiffy or Sears or the dealer every 3,000 miles, then good old dino oil will do just fine.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I drive them forever and run dead dino at 7,500 mile intervals.

    Love the oil wars :-)

    Engine Oil - A slippery subject Part 2

    Synthetic motor oil

    Steve, Host
  • pulisubspulisubs Member Posts: 39
    Hi,

    We are looking to replace our '97 4Runner Limited 4WD. Its been running great but we are entering the 'maintenance' phase where I need to shell out of my pocket for any maintenance :-(.

    We are looking at both the RX330 FWD (We moved to Orlando from Cleveland and don't really need the 4WD/AWD anymore) and ES330, among other vehicles. Part of me wants the RX for the driving height. Having gotten used to the 4Runner height, its tough to go back to a sedan.

    For us, it basically boils down to decent fuel efficiency while enjoying luxury (another reason I'm getting rid of the 4Runner - 14-15 miles to a gallon just doesn't cut it anymore for us).

    From what I've read in both discussion forums (RX and ES), both are excellent vehicles, with traditional Toyota/Lexus smoothness and solidity. What kind of efficiency are you guys getting on the RX? KBB says 20/26 for FWD, which is pretty good I think (certainly better than my 4Runner). Are you guys really getting close to 25/26 in highway driving?

    All things being equal, I don't mind spending the extra 3K-4K for an RX330. I say 3K-4K because I only intend to have leather (which is standard in ES and disappointedly not in the RX) and HID.

    Any suggestions? Advice?

    Thanks
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Have a look at the Toyota Sienna.
  • doubletrackdoubletrack Member Posts: 26
    Thanks gardencar and host for the oil info. Still sounds slippery....I may try the Mobile 1.

    Pulisubs, on RX mileage, my RX FWD is 3 weeks old and I'm getting 22 mpg avg. (town/suburb./hwy) and 25-27 Hwy IF I use 89 octane. (My mileage was low the first 500 miles, then got much better.) 87 octane is getting around 24-25 highway. I'm glad I didn't get the AWD, but it was tempting. I went with the FWD because in my area at least, AWD's with DVD ALWAYS come with the 2K+! Nav pkg....footnote: The factory DVD is great and fully integrated, also plays CD's or radio and has built in 110 AC converter in rear compart. for game boxes.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Hey, another transplant from the "Mistake by the Lake"? I grew up near that same area, before eventually moving to Dallas and settling in Arizona. I sure miss the beautiful fall season, but certainly not all those grey winter days.

    Anyway, we have a FWD RX330 with over 12K miles on it. We typically put 87 octane in it. With a combination of neighborhood, urban, and freeway driving, we typically get between 21.5 and 22 mpg. I think 26mpg may be achievable on the highway, as long as you don't try to go to fast. Out here, we have 75mph speed limits, and the added wind drag (common with SUVs) reduces our fuel economy when cruising at 75-80mph.

    If you think you need the cargo space, go with the RX. If you want a change of pace with a very nice mid-sized car, go with an Acura TL! I really like our RX, for the sport wagon that it is, but I don't care much for the ES as a sedan. It's too much like a Buick.
  • pulisubspulisubs Member Posts: 39
    wwest:
    Its a bit late for the Sienna, we already have a '04 Quest in our stable, which we love BTW.

    doubletrack:
    The mileage looks same as our Quest, which is encouraging.

    I would have gone for the DVD but we already have a dual screen DVD in our Quest. And that's going to be the family vehicle.

    cotmc:
    Surely love the weather down here. Although I didn't grow up in the Cleveland area (grew up in the country that's ostensibly taking away all the jobs these days), but spent 10 years there. Certainly miss the fall, and just a little bit of the white stuff but won't trade the sunshine for anything.

    I did consider the TL 6-Spd, the G35 6-Spd and a used 5 Series.

    I need to test drive the TL but I'm not a big fan of Acura's interiors in general. I believe that since we spend more time inside a car than outside, I should like the interiors better. And no manufacturer does better in interior quality than Toyota/Lexus, IMHO.

    The G35 topped Car & Driver (or was it Motor Trend?) comparison tests but to me, the steering wheel, the interiors look too much like our Quest. So, wanted something different.

    I'd have loved to own a BMW 5er but in general their reliability seems to go downhill as the miles keep piling. Since I don't want to spend 40+K on a new one, I'm not left with many choices.

    But I tend to agree with you. I test drove an ES300 a few years ago when we had owned a 97 V6 Camry. I didn't find any difference except for the luxurious decor inside.

    We plan to test drive the Lexus this weekend. I'll post more then if I have some questions.
  • dardson1dardson1 Member Posts: 696
    Just got a new RX for my wife. I spent three weeks driving her '01 ES300 while doing a private sale. Absolutely great vehicle, but I normally drive a nice and tall Tahoe. She insisted she wanted something tall next time around. I have to agree. Much as I enjoyed driving the sedan, I realized why she wanted something taller. You're in a hole these days in a sedan. Can't see when backing out, can't see when trying to turn, and can't see at an intersection. Everyone else (nearly) is in something higher. As the knees begin to go I also realized you gotta kinda fall into the low sedan. She loves her new ride. There's no particular reason it oughta cost 5k more than the very nice sedan except it's what everyone wants for all the reasons I mention.
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Pulisubs, I completely agree with you about the interior being as important if not more so than the exterior, since we spend the majority of our time inside, driving, not outside, admiring. When it comes to fit and finish and quality interiors, no one does it with more taste than Lexus.

    All the previous posters have given you great reasons to go with the RX over the ES. This is no surprise as this is the RX forum. If you also posted in the ES forum, I'm sure that they are giving you good reasons to go with the ES. I bought the RX330 to replace an LS400, and was apprehensive that I would sorely miss the smooth and quiet ride of the sedan. Fortunately, this has not been the case. The RX330 has turned out to be the most versatile vehicle we have ever owned, after having owned many European and Japanese sedans, three SUV's, and a sports car. It is without a doubt, the most pleasing to drive of any car I have ever owned. I say pleasing rather than most exciting, quiet, smooth, agile, or quick. The RX is like a jack of all trades but master of none. It does so many things so well: it is quiet enough, quick enough, smooth enough, agile enough, luxurious enough, roomy enough, utilitarian enough, all while being handsome enough.

    The only pros I can think of for the ES are the lower maintenance, gas bills, and price. However, the RX has historically held its value better than the ES.

    If you didn't already have the Quest, I would say it would be difficult to give up the utility of an SUV for a smaller sedan. However, since the Quest is your family vehicle, the ES330 might do just fine. But then again, so would the RX330 but with more panache.

    Finally, I would earnestly ask myself, "Will I feel a pang of regret every time I see an RX330 coming down the road, as I drive wistfully by in my ES?" Good luck and happy hunting.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    I completely agree with gardencar in that the RX330 seems to be an excellent jack of all trades. As you are aware, it still provides some of the ride height to which you are accustomed. You get much more storage space than a sedan, plus the easy capability to fold the 40-20-40 split rear seats for hauling longer loads. Although the RX does lean a bit when cornering, it provides a nimble ride that handles fairly well, especially with the 18" wheel option. I can't imagine any SUV with a smoother ride.

    I had an ES as a loaner, and while driving it, I honestly thought our RX had a richer looking interior, as well as a better sound system.

    By the way, the RX is primarily my wife's car. My own driver is a used BMW 5-series, one of the options you mentioned. Mine is a 2000 528i Sport which now has 54K miles on it. I bought it 2 years ago with 29K miles. Only problems I've experienced were very minor: A bulb and a sensor needed to be replaced. Even so, I would never feel comfortable owning this sedan after the warranty expires; which is why I bought it as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from the dealer, which provides me with extended warranty coverage up to 100K miles (or 6 years from In-Service date). It's a great car that I thoroughly enjoy driving, but I sometimes find the cabin and trunk to be rather small for this class of sedan.

    I completely agree with you on the G35!
  • johncdnrockiesjohncdnrockies Member Posts: 33
    Well Gardencar, we made the obligatory visit at the show (made it back from Washington DC with lots of time to spare). Spent a couple of hours with Faye in the Luxury car segment. After a couple of minutes in the GX, she came back with "the RX will do just fine". Guess that seals my fate.

    My skiing buddy happened by while we were there and we wound up visiting the "other" SUV's. Knowing she was dealing with two huckers from the slopes, Faye figured it was time to make a ladylike retreat. Good move on her part as every vehicle we inspected required a firm grip on the A pillar handle to scramble up.

    J
  • pulisubspulisubs Member Posts: 39
    Finally, I would earnestly ask myself, "Will I feel a pang of regret every time I see an RX330 coming down the road, as I drive wistfully by in my ES?" Good luck and happy hunting.

    I think you hit the nail right on the head. That might actually settle it for me. It increasingly seems like RX for me.

    Thanks for all the help. I went through as much in detail as I could these board/forums and gained invaluable information.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    always greener.

    Then you get to have that pang of regret watching that especially beautiful ES330 go by.

    Human nature.

    If we didn't have winters here I'd be buying an LS.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    And if you were driving that new LS430 and you saw an ES330 coming down the road, would you have a pang of regret?

    Looks like pulisubs won't, either.

    The LS430 is a very attractive luxury sedan.
    The ES330 is a .... hmmm...

    Did I mention the LS430 is a very attractive luxury sedan?
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Pulisubs, you are very welcome. I really gained much insight myself and found this board very informative when we were shopping around. This board also has very helpful and courteous posters like cotmc and wwest, who can agree to disagree and engage in humorous, good natured banter.

    I know you would not regret getting an RX330, especially one with a later build where Lexus will have fixed all the small gremlins of earlier models. By the way, just at this last fill up, I have gotten my best gas mileage to date on combination freeway/city driving. It was 19 mpg. Finally, the BMW 5 series is a great car but only the '99 model has a better than average reliability rating from CR, last I looked.

    Wwest, I don't think you would feel a pang of regret watching that beautiful ES330 go by if you were in your awesome LS430! You make a good devil's advocate.

    Cotmc, my sentiments exactly, regarding the interior of the RX versus the ES. Also, the stereo probably sounds better in the RX because acoustics must be improved in the larger cabin.
    About the BMW 528i, you have echoed my fears about getting a pre-owned Beemer that is not CPO. I have toyed many times with the idea of getting a pre-owned 5 series but remembered the hefty maintenance required by my last German car. However, it is a beautiful vehicle in every aspect, and there are many possibilities when we are ready to replace our other vehicle. Cotmc, you are driving the best of both worlds!
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Hey, John. Thanks for the interesting post. Like you, I liked the GX470, too. What's more, here in the U.S., we could have expensed it in one year as its GVW is over 6,000 #. The tax savings would have been equal to an enormous discount from the price of the vehicle. However, like you, I chose to listen to my better half. I am glad I did, because I now really prefer both the exterior and interior of the RX330. IMO, I think the wood treatment on the GX was a bit over the top.

    To be curious, as you are an MB, C class owner, did you ever consider getting an M class SUV?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    AS I wrote that I was thinking how similiar the two vehicle really are, the RX330 and the ES330/Camry.

    Both FWD, same engine. The only two advantages the RX would have is ride height and cargo capacity. He already has cargo capacity in the van and I (were I living in FL)would offset the ride height for the quietness, superior comfort and fuel economy of the ES330/Camry any day of the week.

    And no, where I live I would never have any pangs of regret driving an LS430 (RWD, quiet, comfort in the extreme, and RWD) and seeing the most beautiful ES330 (FWD) going by.

    Did I forget to mention the ES is FWD?
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    of the RX330 over the ES330 other than ride height and cargo capacity.

    Likewise, I could never describe the ES as having "superior comfort" over the RX330. I had an ES330 as a loaner, and I was glad to trade it back for our RX after the service was completed. The RX has a nicer interior.

    My ES vs LS comparison was tongue-in-cheek, as everyone could probably surmise. The ES vs RX comparison is indeed more valid, but I seriously don't think many RX330 owners will care enough about a couple less dB of road noise or an additional 3mpg of fuel economy.
  • johncdnrockiesjohncdnrockies Member Posts: 33
    Wwest, you can have our '01 C320 which is pure rear wheel drive and WE get your RX330. You'll be driving a RWD, cotmc can harass you regarding it's handing characteristics and everyone on the board can have on-line entertainment ... probably for months on end (assuming we don't peeve our Host Steve in the process). :-)

    On a more serious note (you can tell I have just returned from 3 days of great skiing), gardencar, I did try the M320. It drove like a truck, but handled corners nicely. Quality ratings were the key factor which had us drop it early in the search. They are pretty poor for the M series.

    Btw, Willard, quality short falls (mainly electrical) also apply to our C320. You definitely do not want to trade for your fine machine.

    John
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    John,

    I would not likely find any fault with the handling characteristics of a C320 (except maybe on snow and ice?). I do like RWD on cars. Really. That's why I drive a BMW.

    Be careful if wwest appears to accept your trade. Last I had read, Willard owns an older (2001?) RX300. And don't expect him to have an RX330 to trade to you anytime soon. He had recently reported that we convinced him to buy a new BMW X3! (You got it -- a RWD biased AWD system!)

    By the way, the very best on-line entertainment was provided by the comedy team of wwest and jeffmust2, who I dubbed the King of Town Hall sarcasm. I enjoyed his wit. Don't know what happened to him...
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Willard, I disagree with your statement that the ES330 has superior comfort over the RX330. As cotmc said, the RX330 has a nicer interior. As to your statement that the RX and ES are very similar because they share the same engine, it makes as much sense as saying the E320 is similar to the ML320 because they share the same engine.

    I can think of more advantages than the two you mentioned, in addition to what cotmc already pointed out. The RX has AWD option, which can come in pretty handy during a tropical rainstorm that Forida is famous for. The RX also has greater towing capacity than the ES. The RX also has a roof rack. One last thing, unlike the ES330/Camry siblings, no one will ever mistake the RX330 for a Highlander.
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Thanks for the link. I'm a little late with this, but saw how you posted the link to the article on several forums. It's great to know our RX's are getting the props they deserve. It would be great to see some of the X5, X3, and XC90'rs reactions to this article if some one posted the link on their forums. Hmmm...
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Hello everyone. I ordered my RX330 (AWD, Nav/MLevinson) on February 28, 2004. It is being built in Canada and the build date was 3/8/04. Does anyone have any experience with how long it takes from "build" to delivery from Canada?

    Thanks in advance.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    At very first glance I was ready to dash out and trade-up to an RX330 so I could do the trade. Then reality set in and I realized it wasn't a C-320, a Cessna 320, but a C320. Damn didn't know about those, MB I suppose.

    But I stand by my analysis, were I living in FL and didn't really need AWD, or even the RXes symbolence thereof, the ES330 would be my first choice if restricted to the RX otherwise.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I would have figured you for a Piper Cub - taildragger and all :-)

    Wouldn't one of those tricycle gears out front be more prone to ground loops? j/k'ing!

    Steve, Host
  • johngreisjohngreis Member Posts: 70
    You mentioned that you would get your RX with HID's. I have them on my RX330 and don't believe they are worth the price. They have a very sharp cut off point vertically. You can see great ahead of you until the cut off point and then you see nothing. City driving this is no problem but, when on the highway, doing 50 to 70 MPH and you can't use your high beams, you outrun your headlights in a fraction of a second.
    I feel they are dangerous under these circumstances.

    That, of course, is a personal opinion.

    Good luck on your choice - and you won't go wrong with the RX
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Steve,

    Sorry to slap you on the wrist, but PLEASE, let's try to stick to the topic at hand: the ES330.

    mfullmer: Ordering a Lexus from the factory seems to be a rare occurrence. I may be wrong, but it seems most of us purchase directly from dealer inventory, incoming stock, dealer allocation, or dealer trade. Perhaps having a factory in Canada will provide more opportunities to custom order an RX330?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Never got beyond a C-210 (FWD), but really wanted and test "drove" a C-337 (AWD) a few times.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Here is how the process was explained to me, regarding the Canada built vehicles. Since I wanted an AWD, in Atlanta, I had to order it this way.

    The factory allocates the cars to the dealers. These allocations are (in my dealers case) put on square pieces of paper on a board. The allocation is for a RX330 FWD or AWD and a build date.

    The dealer tells the factory how it wants the vehicle configured before a certain cutoff date. Fortunately the cutoff date for the 3/8 built AWD one was the Monday after I ordered it. All they had to do is fill in the options and it was done.

    I just wanted to clarify that it wasn't an order specified by me, but an already allocated vehicle that I chose early enough to specify the configuration.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Sorry to slap you on the wrist, but PLEASE...

    Not to worry! I sent him a TOU letter! ;-)

    tidester, host
  • johncdnrockiesjohncdnrockies Member Posts: 33
    ... I KNEW we could provide some chuckles thanks to my offer to Willard. Never thought about that Cessna connection though.

    cotmc's comments about generally ordering out of North American dealer stock is supported by our local retailer as well. They were quoting a 2 week (standard configuration) to 4 week delivery scale in Canada at this point. A factory order from Japan (for example the multi-panel moonroof unit we were interested in) was running into 3+ months.
  • rparisrparis Member Posts: 368
    How do most people feel about how good the rain sensing auto wipers work as I do not particularly care for them.
  • alolewisalolewis Member Posts: 36
    The one time I have driven in the rain I thought they worked well, better than constantly turing the wipers on and off (the range of intermiittent wipers never seem to be the same frequency of the rain).
  • buffnboubuffnbou Member Posts: 12
    I like them, the few times it has rained out here in Vegas---better than constantly fiddling with the wiper lever in my prior vehicles. So far, so good on this end.
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Rparis, I think I know what you mean. I like the rain sensing wipers once they get going. But,IMO, they are a little slow in getting started. Just when I feel that the windshield is getting too blurred by unwiped drops and when I can stand it no longer, the auto sensing wipers kick in. It's a bit too suspenseful. Also,I have found them to be less functional during heavy fog or light mist. They are not perfect as I sometimes have to manually activate, but I'm generally glad to have them.

    johngreis, thank you! Finally there is someone else taking issue with the HID's. I agree with you 100%. They are great in the city, but out on the highway, they are easy to outrun. The most dangerous situations are mountain driving. I posted several pages ago how I kept outrunning my HID's coming down the winding, twisty roads of the St. Helena Mts. one night. I had to use my high beams, frantically switching back and forth for oncoming traffic. I've never had to use my high beams with halogens in the same situation. It is distracting, to say the least, having to take some fingers off the wheel to disengage the high beams, especially when negotiating treacherous mountain roads without guard rails. One slip of the wheel could send you plunging over a cliff! I wonder if there is a solution for this?

    Oh yeah, before Willard or someone else sends me this smart aleck retort, I know you can always just slow down, but it's still aggravating.
  • ladyofluxuryladyofluxury Member Posts: 93
    But what real advantage does the HID have over regular lights?
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I don't understand how one could "outrun" the lights when it going down a "treacherous" twisty road. Maybe out on a freeway but please, going 35 or 40 miles an hour you aren't going to outrun light. It sounds like the problem is you are not adapting to the situation. A dark, twisty "mountain" road is meant to be a place where you adapt to the situation, including how much light you have.

    Luxury - HIDs are brighter and whiter than halogens. They also use less energy than halogen and last longer. What people are talking about is that they throw light a shorter distance.

    European cars have been using HIDs and Xenons for many years. There you have many, many other factors including more grazing livestock in roads, no street lights, higher speeds.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    I like the HID headlights, as they do light up the road better than standard halogen lights. However, I agree that these particular RX330 HIDs seem to have a pronounced cut-off point; more so than the HIDs on my previous '99 BMW.

    Then again, that BMW would cause several oncoming cars to "flash" me at night, as if I had my brights on. (No, I didn't. Really.) We have never had anyone flash us while driving our RX330 -- not even during spring break, unfortunately.
  • rparisrparis Member Posts: 368
    I do not think they are worth extra money. Many times I have to turn them on manually anyway.

    What would be nice is when one has on high beams -auto dimming when a car approaches in the opposite direction which is an option I had on my Lincoln many years ago.
  • ukulele2ukulele2 Member Posts: 21
    Does anyone have any idea what changes will the 2005 RX330 (not the 400h) have? I want to get an RX330 but can't decide whether I should get one now or wait for the 2005 model. I read somewhere that the 2005 Toyota Highlander V6 will have more horsepower, so I'm assuming that will apply to the 2005 RX330. Any idea?
  • gardencargardencar Member Posts: 293
    Unless someone has gone down very steep, twisting roads at night it may not be easy to explain. Since the RX330 HID's have a pronounced cut off point, as cotmc and others have stated, I find they are not lighting far ahead enough or high enough, to warn me of an upcoming twist or bend in the road. And believe me, I am not going anywhere near 40 miles an hour around those bends. If by "adapting" you mean slowing down, I am. It is aggravating that I can go down the same mountain roads faster and without using my brights, in my older Explorer. The RX is a newer better handling car, except on winding roads at night, especially downhill, because the HID's don't illuminate adequately, IMO.
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