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Comments
I miss the park assist of the LS430. I think that "parktronic" and the rear-camera are great aids.
So that must mean they are building them again.
A car manufacturer cannot take responsibility for human error.
I do not have the navigation system (and thus the rear camera) on my RX... too much money for something that I personally think is a potential distraction.
But, as I reviewed all of the options before I purchased my RX, a number of reviews indicated the back-up camera basically only showed what was immediately behind the RX. I was left with the impression the camera doesn't give you a good "side" perspective. Plus, given the location of the camera, it is reasonable to assume even a small amount of dust and/or dirt will impair the view of the lens.
If I'm wrong on this, someone please correct me. But even if I am wrong, the camera cannot be a substitute for the human eye.
As for the potential blind spots...I am the first to admit that I had a hard time adjusting to the RX the first few weeks I owned it. But, now that I am used to the vehicle, I don't think there are any more blind spots than in any other vehicle I have owned. I will say that I do triple check before I back out of a parking space.... mainly because I dropped roughly $40,000 on a vehicle and I want to do everything I can to protect it.
Finally...I agree with the person who stated they wished the RX had a rear sensor system. I would personally find THAT much more useful than a rear camera.
As far as the picture it gives, it can take a while to get use to but what I find it really usefull for is paralell parking. You can see your bumper as well as the car behind you and this aids in getting closer than most people would ever go alone.
I also wish the car had sensors. I've had them on a car before and they work great to warn you of close things.
Although I love the RX I have to wonder why Lexus has let it fall so far behind it's other vehicles in Technology and quality.
Other things that I wish they offered: Smart entry/start. This is available on the LS as well as on the $20k Prius!
What is with the passenger seat? Why is seat height control conspicuously deleted on the RX? Every other Lexus has the full 8 way controls.
Automatic recirculation mode. This has been available on all of the other models (don't know about IS) for a couple years now. Why not the RX?
Just questions that baffle me.
The dealership has taken 2000 dollars off of the MSRP. I have a 2000 ML to trade. It is a V8 and loaded. I suggested a price that I thought was fair. I know they need to make a profit.
They came back and quoted a much lower price based on the Manheim auctions. I understand wanting to make a profit, but the wholesale auction price to dealers is a whole lot lower than I anticipated. What do you think about this?
The "talk" to me and tell mehow far away I am from any object when backing up.
Don't forget the details (miles, color, etc. Read back a page or two in there to see what info to post).
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
But that's a FLAWED design feature.
It is those times that the interior air is typically HOTTER than the outside air. Putting it automatically in recirculate forces the A/C to work a lot harder than it would if FRESH were used along with high blower to force the HOT cabin air out the exhauster while the A/C cools the already cooler outside incoming airflow.
Going into recirc mode AFTER the cabin air temperature is below the outside temperature would make a LOT more sense.
It can be extremely hazardous to use recirc during cooler weather when the windshield is more prone to fogging over.
The base problem is really that Lexus' (NipponDenso, Denso USA) HVAC design engineers cannot understand the physics concerning human comfort nor the physics of humidity and cool or cold windshield surfaces.
Coming soon to a car of european manuafacture is a climate control system that uses an MRT (Mean Radiant Temperature) sensor along with an air temperature sensor to determine the proper/best climate control mode, heating vs cooling, AND when to supply heated airflow to the interior windshield surface to prevent that surface from declining to, or close to, dewpoint.
Do not automatically switch the climate control system to cooling mode. Or develop a sensor system that can determine when the human body is subject, predominantly, to radiant cooling (lack of sufficient radiant heating from the surrounding landscape).
Provide a separate climate control airflow path/source for maintaining the windshield interior surface above dewpoint.
Provide a POWERED exhauster port so that non-climatically caused high humidity excursions can be quickly exhausted from the cabin. (Just picked up two wet and sweaty snow skiiers or the A/C just went automatically off-line.)
Provide an electronic noise cancelation system to reduce the cabin ambient noise level below 70db so those that are sucker enough to purchase upscale audio systems can sorta appreciate them.
Provide enough suspension clearance at the rear wheels so one can use snowchains safely.
And finally.....
Provide a majority of the engine torque, natively, to the rear wheels or in the alternative at least 50% of the engine torque to the rear.
Complaining about not having a camera system or why auto air recyling system turns on. I can only deduce that these people know very little about cars and driving. Those people need to get a GM car with all the little gadgets and devices. Never mind the build quality or safety aspects.
I just love it, someone who never had a backing-up accident, has two, and loudly (very loudly) complains that it's the RX's fault. Give me a break and everyone else that has brains enough to appreciate this fine vehicle.
Problems with the lens being covered with dirt, pollen, or rainwater can be quickly resolved with a quick wipe of the thumb as you enter/exit the car – if you can remember to do it.
Bringing in the 85F outside air through the A/C to cool it down by 40F(??) whilest exhausting the +100F cabin air is a lot more efficient than trapping (recirc) and cooling the cabin airflow.
Additionally its also a good idea to keep the system in "Fresh" until the interior surfaces have cooled somewhat.
Use your body comfort sense to tell you when the interior surfaces have cooled enough to convert to Recirc.
- turn ignition off and then place in park
- place in park and then turn off ignition
I was always told the first was better, or does it make any difference?
While pressing on the brake, apply the Parking Brake
Shift into Park
Turn vehicle off.
The ignition key cannot be fully turned off while the shift lever is anywhere but Park or Neutral.
On the RX330, I believe the calculator resets every time you turn off the engine. If that's not true, somebody please let me know. If it is true, it's of no use in checking your mileage on long trips unless you always keep your engine running.
Thanks
Personally, I wouldn't be too anxious to trade your 530i for the RX330 unless you are growing tired of having to always shift your own gears; your 530i has been unreliable; or if you need more storage capacity. Don't get me wrong -- we really like our RX330. It's reasonably quiet; very smooth; it has a luxurious interior; it handles very nimbly for an SUV; and it runs on 87 octane gas with reasonable gas mileage. It's also nice to have a little higher view of the highway up ahead.
On the other hand, it leans quite a bit in turns (if that matters to you), the transmission is not nearly as responsive as my BMW's 5sp automatic, fuel economy doesn't come close to our BMW, and the seats are not as comfortable. (The 5-series seats probably tie with the Audi A6 as being the most comfortable seats we've ever owned.)
I am interested in your comments about the seats in the RX not being comfortable. Can you elaborate on that? Are the seats too firm or soft, or lack of lumbar support? Thanks. Jason
In fact, I never would have purchased the Benz if I was going to be the primary driver of it... because I thought the seats weren't all that comfortable when we test drove the car.
Had my 1000 mile checkup today and no flaws. Had them reset the locking system so the remote will unlock all the doors with one click. That'll work for us.
Saw my RX300 on the lot. With 53,000 miles on it, they're asking $26,000; lots more than they paid me, but then, I'm not in the car selling business.
Thanks
Jason, cadrvr: I never intended my remarks to be a strike against the RX330 seats. For the most part, I do not have any complaints against them. I just don't rank them among the most comfortable seats I've owned. If I rated the RX330 seats on my own personal seat comfort scale, I would rate them a 7+ or 8- out of 10. I find them slightly on the "soft" side, but they do not lack support. From what you are saying, you might find these seats to be nearly ideal for you.
On the plus side, I like the RX330's power adjustable lumbar support, as well as the soft leather. On the negative side, I wish the passenger seat had more than just a 4-way adjustment! (No seat height, lower cushion angle, or lumbar adjustment for the passenger.) I also wish the front seats had a slightly longer lower seat cushion.
I find the "standard" seats in my 528i to be nearly perfect for myself. They seem to fit me like a glove, without being too firm. They lack lumbar adjustment, but I find the fixed lumbar support to be ideal for my body.
cadrvr: Doesn't your 530i have fold-out cup holders behind the center console, next to the rear A/C vents? I agree they aren't very useful, except for small drinks and soda cans. They also tend to break too easily! Regarding how you might miss driving a stick shift, you may really grow to appreciate an automatic transmission. Just in case, you might want to consider the Performance Package. If I remember correctly, this package includes a clutchless manual shift ("manumatic") mode. It's not as fun as a stick, but at least it provides some compromise, so that you don't have to go completely "cold turkey"!
I'm bringing my RX330 in tomorrow for the one month service call. They'll check it and wash it.
A friend of mine, who also owns a Lexus, says he always tips his service guy. I've never heard of this? Is he loony? Is this a Lexus thing? Please advise - do I tip the guy tomorrow? Frankly, I think I've already paid enough $$ for this vehicle, service should be free. Am I a cheapo??
I personally wouldn't do it at a dealer, but I've been known to hand out donuts or candy bars for non-food service.
Steve, Host
In New York, you will have to tip everyone who touches your car.
Guess I'll go in empty handed today and see what happens.
Things I like so far:
Power tail gate
Adjustable rear seats
The ability to watch DVD with the RES in the front when in park/emg brake
The sound system sounds is very clear
Reverse camera
What I didn’t like:
The NAV is not as intuitive as I thought.
Where is there any place to hold coins?
When I move my driver seat as low as possible, I can’t use the front tilt of the seat?
I will have to get use to the parking brake
I am doing a 600 mile trip this weekend; I will post another update at after the trip.
Stick shifts are difficult to find in mid-sized sedans these days, but much more scarce within wagons or SUVs (at least here in the U.S.) Even the very sporty Infiniti FX SUV or the smaller Lexus IS300 sport wagon do not have a stick shift option. (Grrr!)
Question- What experience is required to be a service writer?
Possible Answer- I have a friend who manages the parts department of a large dealership. He told me the dealership once tried having an experienced mechanic take the job of service writer. It did not last long, as this service writer nee mechanic had the lowest service "sales" of all of the writers. Why might that be? Hint-service writers get a commission on every service performed.