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We know that and we were just having a little fun with your obvious typo. We do appreciate your sharing your experiences. Thanks!
Carry on!
tidester, host
In early July we'll be taking a long trip across Arizona and up through the Bay Area of California. By then, we'll have over 15K miles on our RX. I'll report back our overall average fuel economy. By the way, knowing what the fuel prices will likely be in California, we'll typically be running 87 octane!
Another benefit should be longer treadwear. The 17" wheels come with "S"-rated tires. The 18" wheels come with "V"-rated tires, which are a couple grades up in performance from "S". Quite likely, the 17" tires will be a harder compound in the tread, allowing them to wear longer.
For my wife and I, we wanted the look and better handling of the 18" rims and tires. Although these tires may not last as long as the 17" tires, they will have stronger sidewalls and better build quality (based on typical "V" vs "S" tires).
In my opinion, Lexus provides a better choice of tire models for their 18" rims than the 17" rims. For instance, I believe the RX330 comes with Goodyear Integrity or Michelin LX4 tires when equipped with 17" rims, and the Goodyear Eagle RS-A or Michelin MXV4 S8 when equipped with 18" rims. We've driven the 17" Goodyear Integrity's on our previous MDX, but I think our current Goodyear Eagle RS-A is a better tire.
There is no downside to this because as soon are you're underway, the doors all lock. Actually, you could change that also, but I think it's good to lock the doors when moving, unless you expect to be sinking in a lagoon or something.
For my BMW, we had our two smart keys programmed so that my own key unlocks all 4 doors with one button click, while her key requires a 2nd click to unlock the passenger doors (similar to our RX330). It's too bad Lexus doesn't offer similar unique programming capabilities for each key. (Or do they??)
My AWD RX330 averaged 25.5 miles-per-gallon on the trip.....most of which was straight highway driving on relatively flat terrain.
I calculated my average speed from my trip computer readings at 62.5 miles-per-hour (this reflects some minor street driving I did along the way). On the highway, I normally set the cruise between 70 and 72MPH.
And for anyone interested.... I had 88 octane fuel in the tank.
Please tell me the name of the dealership that you purchased your 330 from. The price you paid is very good!!
tidester, host
2-anyone towed a boat with a FWD 330? How goes it?
Things I didn't like were TOO BIG, it just felt as bulky as my hubby's Explorer, console interferes with seating position for middle rear passenger, it really is a 4 passenger car 5 th person is not going to be comfortable, use of chrome and wood, one or the other please!, worse gas mileage regardless of epa ratings, sloping lines of rear interfere with practical use of rear cargo area, noisier to drive.
Overall, I was happy to give it back and get my smaller 300 back. Other than the large turning radius I just like it better, it is the right size for ME, not for everyone I know. If you are one the fence, wait for the hybrid version to come out and see what you think of it. With only 50K on it, yours ought to be good for a long time yet.
Good luck
Peggy
Any other pricing insight off of MSRP from those on the board? TIA
Scott
Anyway, I was just at my lexus dealer this morning and saw one produced 03/04 with the multi-panel roof.
Just to clarify for non-RX330 owners: The center console can slide forward and backward. It may be moved forward all the way to the front dash. The release lever is within the cupholder compartment. My guess is that the dealers are sliding the console further back because they don't expect any rear seat passengers while these cars are out on loan.
About the tires, I completely agree with cotmc. The improved looks and handling are worth the extra money and small penalty of increased road noise. Gotta go for the 18" wheels. You will make up for the extra expense at least in ease of sale, if not increased resale value when the time comes.
About the tow hitch, battambangblue, if you still need it, the part umber for the 3500# hitch is PT22848045. The price was $265 at Serramonte Lexus in the SF Bay Area, and they did have to order it. Your dealer should have heard of it by now. As far as installing, I had a reputable body shop put it on for $50, so I'm not sure if the tie down bracket had to be removed. I know that the storage compartments had to be, in order to fasten the holding brackets for the hitch. Sorry I'm getting this info to you so late!
Now, a towing report. I decided not to tow my bass boat to the Bay Area, from Clear Lake; a distance of 110 miles, much of it up and down winding mountain roads. I opted to dewinterize it and detail it at Clear Lake, instead. However, I did tow it the much shorter distance between the storage area and the launch ramp. For that short distance, the RX handled the 2500# boat with ease. There was no apparent strain on the engine and although it was naturally not as quick, the engine did not seem to labor while towing. The rear end did not drop excessively, and the brakes were more than adequate for stopping the combined weight of boat and vehicle. Although the RX330 will not be my primary tow vehicle, overall, I think it can handle a 2500# vehicle quite adequately.
Happy driving to all!
I wonder if Serramonte Lexus, would be able to ship it. Glad to hear you had fun on your towing trip! And thanks again for the reply.
$400 is an usurious price. Do not pay it! I know that a previous poster, doubletrack, I believe, purchased the hitch plus installation for $400. Don't forget, if you have Lexus install the hitch, they will charge you about $200, making the price of the tow hitch plus installation, a grand, whopping total of $600! Outrageous!!!
Could it be the price they quoted you included installation?
Good luck to you and happy hunting!
Regarding hitches, I decided to check further into a Curt hitch. The last info reported within this forum on Curt hitches (I believe from Gardencar) was that they weren't originally designed to wrap around the 18" spare tire. Some sort of spacer would need to be provided along with the hitch.
I first called Curt's distribution center located here in AZ, and that fellow did not know of any issues with mounting their hitches on an RX330 equipped with 18" tires. Next, I called Curt Manufacturing's home office and asked to speak with one of their hitch experts. Thank goodness, this next gentlemen knew all the details of this issue. He explained that Curt had already performed a design modification to their hitch, so that all new RX330 hitches would not require any spacers. I asked if he was certain that all their distribution centers stocked only the updated version of this hitch, and he responded with an unqualified "yes".
I should also mention that there wasn't a large supply of RX330 hitches available in their distribution centers. They didn't have any in AZ, and there were only two of them in TX.
I was also given the name and number of a couple Curt hitch dealers near my side of town. One of the local dealers wanted $145 + shipping costs from TX. The other dealer wanted only $110 + $25 for the shipping from TX. (Note: I believe there would have been no shipping charges if I was willing to wait a few weeks for local inventory, but I wanted the hitch more quickly.) I gave them a $20 deposit over the phone last Friday, and my hitch should be arriving today. They also offered to answer any of my questions if I have any trouble installing it; or if I give up, they will do the job for $60.
Since this hitch is primarily to be used only for a bike rack, I am not worrying about hooking up a wiring harness. (BTW, these prices did not include a harness!) Hence, I really don't expect any problems, just as long as I have the strength to loosen those 6 bolts!
And also, did your Rx330 have the extra big radiator and transmission cooler when you bought it. The tow hitch I saw at the dealer had a sticker that read 2000lbs., with the tow prep package it would be able to tow 3500lbs. I asked the parts guy and told me it was rated for 3500lbs, but I forgot to ask him if that was due to the tow prep. package.
Here's some advice if you are planning to install the hitch yourself. Fasten a large, flat piece of plank or plywood to a floor jack. You can use a car jack, if you can stabilize it to keep it from tipping. The plank or plywood should be large enough to hold the hitch steady after you place the hitch on top of the wood. Back the RX into position above the whole shebang, make final adjustments to position the hitch exactly into place, and jack the hitch right into position to fasten the bolts.
Before you do any of this, you will first have to fasten a pair of left and right brackets, included with the tow hitch, onto the frame of the vehicle, on the rear underside.
Good Luck!
About the tow hitch ratings, the first Lexus hitch had a max tow capacity of 2500lbs., whether your vehicle had the tow pack or not. The newer hitch can be used to tow up to 3500lbs, but only with a tow pack equipped RX. The 2500lb. rating they put there is the tow vehicle's maximum capacity, if not equipped with a tow pack. Therefore, the higher rating of 3500lbs. is the tow hitch's maximum capacity, while the lower 2500lb. rating is the tow vehicle's maximum capacity, if not equipped with a tow pack.
Good luck and hope this helps!
Again thanks, gardencar!
Ladyofluxury, great to hear from you again and glad to see that you have not become ladyoftoyota, or have you? To answer your question, with my AWD RX,I have been getting 16.5 mpg in the city, 22mpg on the highway, and 18 to 19.7 in combined driving. I obtained these numbers the old fashioned way, using a calculator at the pumps. I found the trip computer to be a tad optimistic. The numbers where much lower during the break in period, for the first 1500 miles or so. Hope this helps, and good luck with your research!
Finch3, I have heard that some owners have gotten even more miles past what the computer predicts on the cruising range. I remember running the tank down to the warning light once, and thinking that the car could still go longer than the five miles showing on the trip computer. However, I try to fill up shortly after passing the halfway mark because prices of gas are constantly fluctuating (almost always upwards) in the SF Bay Area.
I remember a post where someone, I think doubletrack, commented how they would prefer if the doors did not lock automatically, once the car was in motion. You can disable this feature by depressing the Lock/Panic button three times in succession. Make sure the lights flash and the alarm chirps all three times. The next time you get in and drive away, the locks will remain unlocked. To reset the locks, simply repeat the procedure the next time you get out of the car.
It depends on how fast you drive and other factors. The 300 miles is an estimate. I'm not sure whether the estimate is based on the computer's assessment of your driving habits - someone else here may know. Anyone?
tidester, host
To me, the Black Onyx looks best vs the Savannah. I hear that the Black will show chips and scratches more than any other color. I live in the sunny South so I'm sure the Black Onyx will absorb lots of heat. The Black Onyx also doesn't come with clearcoat, like the other colors. Anyone regret their choice of color? I need to close my deal soon and I don't want to regret my color choice since I plan to keep this car for a long, long time.
P.S. Gardencar I'm always around, lurking mainly. I have been quite busy as well because we recently relocated offices at work, and next Monday my husband and I are closing on a new home. So it's been extremely hectic, but I'm always around. Hopefully, I will be posting in the 'Buyers' section soon enough :-) And as always thanks for your informative post, you are a great help!
Overall if you enjoy detailing and pampering your cars like my spouse and I do, get the onyx black. If you like running your RX through the car wash, hate to wax and detail I would strongly suggest another color. I have said it before and will say again, all the RX colors look great. One last thought. When I look at RX300's and see a shiney Black Onyx one they still look the least dated of all the RX300's. Good Luck with your decision. Any decision will be a good one.
ladyofluxury, I have a Fwd and it gets 18-20 town, 25-28 hwy, much better that a 4Runner would get (that's why I didn't buy the 4Runner). The 330 has a smaller engine and more favorable rear axle ratio (but of course lesser tow capability). Overall, I prefer it to the 4 Runner because it is one smooth machine on the highway (most of my miles) and the Dvd is great.
battambangblue, my 2500# hitch receiver at Lexus (NC) was $499 installed, w/wiring (they wanted $599). Then, thanks to the earlier posts, I learned about the 3500# hitch, which was installed for free because of the "error" in the marketing materials.
I think another option would be the Curt Hitch that sells for $118, plus $17 for shipping. But I saw a post that said before it wasn't designed for an 18' spare wheel. And now supposedly they have fixed the design. Havn't seen someone post, if they ran into any problems with the new design of the Curt Hitch. Wondering if they are any good or equal to the Lexus Hitch?
You're quite helpful gardencar! Any other things you have learned about Rx330 that would be of use? Thanks!
Battambangblue, you are probably right about the hitch and tow pack costs. As for the Curt hitch's quality, I don't think you have to worry much because tow hitches are fairly straight forward in design, and they are good for at least up to their ratings. Over the years I have used many brands, such as Valley, Draw Tite, and even U-Haul, and have been happy with all of them. Just remember to wash them along with your car, rinse them off after submerging and launching your boat, and an occasional wipe down with WD40 is always good to protect against corrosion.
I don't know if Lexus is even making their own hitches. They could be out sourcing them. Wouldn't it be ironic if after all this, they were commissioning Curt Manufacturing to build them? I decided to go with the Lexus hitch, hoping that at least Lexus had designed it, and because it came with the wiring neatly mounted on the side (the receiver cover with the Lexus logo on it was also a small plus.) I think you'll be fine going with Curt. I know that cotmc has a Curt hitch on order that he is planning to install himself. You can wait until he posts his opinions regarding the hitch, before you order one. Cotmc always has interesting and detailed posts and they are also very reliable. Good luck.
Ladyofluxury, you can take my mileage numbers as the low end of the range, since I tend to drive faster than slower. It's great that doubletrack is getting such great mileage. I'll have to change my driving habits to get numbers like his. By the way, you don't have to change your name. You are doing the wise thing by researching thoroughly and not plunging into the large investment of buying a car. If you keep your cars for a long time, it is important to get the right one. However, whatever choice you make, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.
From my perspective, it seems you might be torn between the utility of the 4runner and the luxury of the RX330. Don't sell the RX short in the utility department, though. I'll have to confess I was guilty of that. However, I re evaluated after my experience yesterday. My wife, baby, and I took a trip to the Half Moon Bay nurseries, a trip usually undertaken in our Explorer because of its taller cargo bay. We took the RX since we only expected to get some low bedding plants. Instead, I ended up shoe horning four pots of sunflowers, a large pot containing six two to three feet tall foxgloves, a stroller, a large tackle box, a roadside power jumper, and most impressively, a large tree rose and pot over five feet in length. I only had to fold down the rear left seat to fit all this plus some miscellaneous baby parapharnelia. Needless to say, I was pretty pleased with the cargo capacity in the RX. Unless you are constantly in need of hauling large amounts for a business or a hobby, you probably will rarely need all the cargo capacity of the 4runner. For the few times that you might, there are countless gizmos to increase cargo capacity in the RX, from car top carriers, to platforms and even enclosed boxes that will attach to your hitch, eliminating roof strain and decreasing road noise. In the RX, you will always be bathed in luxury and comfort. However, there is only so much you can do to a 4runner, to make it more comfortable or luxurious. Just my 2 cents! Good luck to you and have a good time on the hunt.
I performed the install solo, as my better half was chatting with the lady from down the street while occasionally stopping to ask, "Are you sure you don't need any help??" I started by grabbing an empty chlorine tablet bucket and placing the driver-side corner of the hitch on top of the upside-down bucket. The bucket held the hitch bracket about 2 inches below the mounting frame. Then I lifted the passenger-side portion of the hitch bracket carefully around the muffler and held it up while installing the middle hitch bolt (on passenger side) into the frame. The rest was very easy, except that I needed to borrow a longer ratchet extension from my next-door neighbor, in order to tighten the bolt closest to the muffler.
The hitch is a nice-looking (imo) matte black tubular design. It is rated for 3500 lbs of towing. I guess it will suffice for our foldable bike rack! Our RX330 did not come with the tow prep package, and I am not currently planning on installing the wiring harness. (The hitch dealer seemed to indicate they could install the harness for me, but I didn't discuss any details with them.) During lunch today I stopped by the Lexus dealer and picket up a "Lexus" rubber end-cap for the hitch receiver.
By the way, this should confirm that the Curt hitch works just fine now with 18" spare tires. Curt did a good job with the tolerancing of their hitch design for this tire. I'm guessing there is only about 1/16" tolerance between the top of the tube and the edge of the spare tire cover. In other words, this hitch does not hang lower than absolutely necessary!
gardencar: Thanks for your assistance, and for your kind words!
Seems like they want to harvest phone numbers.
I truly commend this site for making the car buying experience more informative and fun as opposed to being stressful and tiresome. I have learned so much from the time that I have frequented these forums and other information packed sections. One of my favorites being the 'Comparison' page of course :-) To all, keep up the good work and keep on posting your experiences here to inform us prospective and those current owners who are looking to learn more about their vehicles. I will soon join the 'owner' side as soon as I make my decision.
I am think about getting one for utility use.
any recommendations?
Thanks.
I assume you'll be using it to power a lap top, portable DVD player, or something similar. Prowatt makes good small inverters with one to three outlets. They have audible alarms to warn you when your battery drops to 10.6V. West Marine and US Boat stores carry them, or you can get them online. I'd ask Lexus service first, before getting an inverter. Good luck.
Because I powered several small devices at once, I plugged the inverter into the 12v outlet in the rear compartment and connected the single 110v outlet to a powerstrip. The original "brick on a string" power supply for my old IBM laptop ran VERY hot, but caused no problems with the inverter - evidently it was a problem for the manufacturer who recalled the power supply and replaced it with a much cooler-running unit.
My RX330 (w/RSES) has a built-in inverter that has the advantage of being switched from the driver's seat - once you understand the "braille" method of determining which is the "on" position. Wish it had a warning light of some kind... Are you listening, Lexus?