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Comments
While I'm at it, I just wanted to say thanks for the detailed explanation on windshield fogging. At first glance, I thought your long post was going to put me to sleep. To the contrary, I found it very clear and informative.
By the way, if not for you, we might not own our RX330 now. Back in June 2003, we were oh so close to purchasing a base version of the Volvo XC90 2.5. I had researched the RX330 quite a bit, but our local dealers were not discounting them. We couldn't quite justify the price, considering our budget. When we were about to place our deposit on that XC90, I read your brief post here in Town Hall. You stated to another potential buyer that southern California dealers were starting to discount RX330s up to $3000. A few days and several out-of-state price quotes later, we drove west and purchased our RX330 from Ontario (CA) Lexus. Although we still appreciate the classy lines of the XC90, we have no regrets with our last-minute audible.
As I mentioned in a much earlier post on a similar topic, both Michelin and Goodyear make excellent tires...so you can't really go wrong with either choice. If my dealer hadn't given me the choice, I would still have the Michelin tires on my RX.
The 330 handles a little better, has a little more power but I find that it has more engine noise when accelerating to the point that I feel it is laboring. I never expected a newer model Lexus would be noisier.
My transmission makes a "clunk" when slowing down. The 300 did not. When going maybe 35mph and want to pass, when I step down on the gas it seems to shift into about 3 gears before it finds the one it wants. This jerks the hell out of the car. Another big dislike I have of both models is that the tranny won't shift into 3ed gear (4th on 330) before the temperature gauge is half way up. This occurs in cold weather. I hate racing a cold engine.
Does anyone have a 330 with a rear wiper that really cleans the rear window. Its design puts very little pressure on the glass. So little, that if the water on the back window is dirty, as it is where I live 6 months of the year, it won't clean. And, how about that step back into the dark ages with a rear wiper that won't flip out for cleaning.
For the do it yourselfer, how do you like the location of the oil filter? Believe it was designed by Masters and Johnson.
Gas milage not quite as good as in the 300 yet Lexus rates the milage higher. Little white lie???
Guess this was all done in "the pursuit of excellence".
It's not often that I get a chance to vent. Do I like the car?? mostly yes.
In an aside, on tires, the 2000 RX had Goodyear Integrity tires, which sell for $57 apiece at TireRack. Simply garbage, so it cost me over $500 to replace them very quickly with Michelin LTX. The Michelin MXV4 should be a superior tire.
We have the Michelins on our RX330, but we had a loaner with the Goodyears. I thought the Goodyears were MUCH quiter than the Michelins.
I'm on p 247 of the 6oo+ page manual and I learn something everytime I pick it up; it's that different from the RX300.
Fuel consumption can’t really be compared, as my 300 was an AWD, and the 330, thanks to initial unavailability in the Sunbelt states, is a FWD. My mileage is considerably improved on the highway, but the city mileage and small part of the highway mileage was likely compromised by the AWD feature.
I am not a fan of the FWD, being somewhat squirrelly on acceleration – particularly on low-traction surfaces. A slight amount of torque steer is made more unnerving by the intervention of the TRAC – unless you are prepared for it. Will I buy another? You bet I will but this time make it an AWD, please.
Have you shared your thoughts about the noise,transmission, and rear wiper with Lexus?
The person I spoke with also said the 330 is larger and very plush, but he did not notice more room inside the vehicle and thought the larger size was not needed.
I am debating if I should keep my 2001 with 50,000 miles or purchase a 330. It is the old story of trading when the present vehicle is worth more?
Thanks
Don't need to buy in a hurry, but wonder if there may be a 3rd row seat and possibly any fixes in the hit and miss transmission problems.
Other than that I can't imagine any other real changes... maybe make 18" wheels standard...
Will the 2005 RX330 role out at the same time as the 400H???
I'll be talking to Lexus when I go for the 5000 mile oil change. I don't know what they can do about engine noise as I understand it is caused by an exhaust manifold that is not made of metal. The rear wiper can be easily fixed by Lexus if they WANT to.
The transmission is another thing. The car was built in October so I am assuming it has the update but will check. In any case, the tranny is warranted for 6 years so if you don't keep a car that long -- not to worry, I guess.
It actually is a very nice car and I highly recommend it. It's just that it could be perfect except for a few things. And, some owners might not even notice them.
I also did not notice any increased interior size. I believe the added exterior size all went into looks, however I don't feel the added size effects drive ability.
I do believe you'll be happy with the 330.
I have asked before but haven't gotten an answer; do I have to buy premium gas? I hope not.
I just got my RX 330 Monday and still have 1/2 tank but wondered if I should add regular now and alternate when 1/2 empty. Sure would appreciate any advise from you.
This url will bring up some RX330 parts at Irontoad.com.
Included is the cargo net at only $24. I assume that includes the hardware. To install my net, I finally went to my motorcycle mechanic and he bent a 6mm bolt so that would accept the hooks on the net. Now, I have one of the few RX330 cargo nets in existance!
Have you shared your thoughts about the noise,transmission, and rear wiper with Lexus?
The person I spoke with also said the 330 is larger and very plush, but he did not notice more room inside the vehicle and thought the larger size was not needed.
I am debating if I should keep my 2001 with 50,000 miles or purchase a 330. It is the old story of trading when the present vehicle is worth more?
Thanks
I've being trying to find hitch and I asked a couple of Lexus Dealers, they only had the tow package for $640 and some said Lexus doesn't even make them.
Also, about installing it. There's only 6 bolts to put it on and did you have to take off the tie down bracket for the install?
I'm glad you're happy with the Lexus Hitch.
The 2005 RX330 will come out around the same time all MY vehicles come out since there are no real changes being made to it (Sept/Oct). The 400h is due out in the first part of 2005.
Wait just one darn minute. I happen to know that the member who had the net installed is not female.
However, come to think of it, the RX330 is really my wife's car. And she is female. So..., never mind!
By the way, that Iron Toad price on the RX330 cargo net is much better than I expected. Assuming it is the same net that is sold at the Lexus dealers, it is a good quality net. I have used Iron Toad in the past with my '99 BMW to order a couple of accessories. I definitely recommend them. If you use them for a cargo net, make sure the mounting hardware and instructions are provided.
Thanks
I've being trying to find hitch and I asked a couple of Lexus Dealers, they only had the tow package for $640 and some said Lexus doesn't even make them.
Also, about installing it. There's only 6 bolts to put it on and did you have to take off the tie down bracket for the install?
I'm glad you're happy with the Lexus Hitch.
tidester, host
Congratulations! Let us know how you like it. I just hit 10,000 miles in my Flint Mica FWD, NAV, LEV, RSES.
http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/2004-lexus-rx-330-wood-dash- -trims.html
Also, with time, some of these aftermarket kits CAN start to fade and warp.
Doing it through the dealer will get you professional results under warranty. I know, $700 bucks is ALOT of money but at least for me, it is worth it on a 40K vehicle that you'll be loving for years to come.
In any case, good luck!
You got a new vehicle at this price! I am impressed ! Did you have a trade in? If so, how did they treat you on the trade in?
redrider@webtv.net
RX. It has the Michelin tires and it's been said here that the Goodrich tires are quiet also. My 2000 had the Michelin LTX tires and I can't believe the tires are the difference. No wind noise, no road noise, just a quietly playing audio system. Big improvement!
Even the automatic wipers seem pretty smart.
A cup holder on the left side? Left-handers must be happy!
indiana197@hotmail.com
Steve, Host
You can barely tell the difference between the 17 inch and the 18 inch tires when they are side-by-side. My dealer happened to have examples of both on RX's when I was shopping.
So in terms of physical looks, only a tire pro or someone who spends more time than they should staring at tires will be able to see the difference.
IMO, in terms of ride, I think the 17 inch tires are better. They are less sport-like and therefore provide more cushion.
Or like me, you can increase the number of applicable tires by adding wheel spacers all around. My 1.2" spacers also allow me to use snowchains only on the rear and not endure the hazards of snowchains only on the front as Lexus dictates.
P.S.
No rattles here!!! Also got 24 mpg driving 80+ mph on a recent 2500 mile trip to FL and back to IL. I love my 330!!!
Pardon me for being skeptical! :-)
tidester, host
So, if anyone finds something that seems much better, perhaps they would post it here. Thanks.
Now I KNOW you're pulling our legs! ;-)
Seriously, I think you meant MPH and not MPG. BTW, you have up to a half hour to edit your messages after posting them and before they become "permanent."
tidester, host