Lexus RX 330

wwest

trust a dealer not to sell you cheap aftermarket chroming....!!

jeffa2

How many sets of golf bags can you reasonably put in the back of an RX330 without putting down any of the back seats? Can you get 4 sets in?

The wheel wells look like they get in the way and the slope of the hatch doesn't look like it helps much either. Is the cargo area wide enough for most golf bags with clubs?

bennb

Soooooo ... you're telling me not to get it done by the dealer?

johngreis

I do it all the time - with the back seat slid back all the way.

chopper1

bennb,
Have used an out of dealer source on two of my Lexus'(most recent my wife's 2004 RX),and have been totally happy with the chrome work.They are absolutely orignal RX Lexus rims. Four costing in the $800 range.AAA Rims of Holland,Michigan. They have a web site.
The plating is actually done in So. Cal. where they really do a lot of that sort of thing.
I suspect that the dealers get theirs from sources such as this and ring up 2-3 times the cost.
                               We had the other set on a 2002 ES and they looked as new at the end of two years.

Chopper

finch3

Yes, the wheel wells do constrict the width needed. On a trip, when the car is loaded, I take out the woods and the bag fits close to the seats.
The space behind the wheels will take four bags, no problem. If you folded the back seats down, you'd have room for a ten-some!

bennb

What should a person expect to pay for the clear bra? ... and what parts should he have done on the car. On the demos I've seen, it seems to be just on the back of the mirrors and part of the way up the hood and around the headlamps a little. Can't tell it it's on the front bumper for sure or not.

Thanks again to all who help each other out on here!

niraj724

I got my 330 about a month ago and loving it.
I need help with two things:
1) I only use the remote to operate the power door. I found the button below/left of the steering wheel for the back door , but even after pressing that, the door doesnt open. is there something wrong with the vehicle or i am doing something wrong?

2) for the first time I had someone in the back seat, they couldnt open the door from inside to get out and i had to open the door from outside after pressing the button on the remote twice. How do i fix that?
thanks in advance

mfullmer

I answered these questions in the "Problems" board. Your owners manual answers them also.

indiana97

Make sure that the interior doors are all open before you try to push the rear door button at the driver seat. If you do this, the rear door button will work. That happeed to me too. Same goes when you try to open rear door with opener. Have other doors unlocked first. Read the manual too. If I do the above, my rear door opens.

niraj724

thank you.

bachfire

Prices on clear bra installations vary greatly from city to city. Here in the Atlanta are prices go from $550 to $700 per vehicle. I had the clear bra installed on my new RX330 about three months ago and could not be more pleased with the product. No one can see the film until they get to within 2 ft. or the vehicle and then I have to point it out to them. I live in the Atlanta area and had two vehicles done at the same time so I received a rather substantial discount. Had the film installed on my RX330 as well as my wife's 2004 Infinity G35 Coupe by a company called "Speedfilm". The film was installed on the front bumper assemblies, the painted area around the grills, on the painted side of the side view mirrors and also on all passenger outside door edges. One great advantage I found with this particular company is that they come to your home location and perform the installation right in your garage. No need to drive your vehicle to their shop location and leave it with them for a day. The total installed cost per vehicle was $450 each. Speedfilm carries two types of film. One made by 3M and the other made by LLUMAR. I chose the LLUMAR film due to the fact that it is virtually invisible and has a much longer warranty then the 3M product. Speedfilm uses a computer plotter/cutter to cut the film exactly to a template stored in the computer memory for your particular vehicle. The fit was perfect on both of our vehicles. You may want to check out their web site at http://www.speedfilm.net to check them out. This is truly a great product and a rather small investment to make in keeping the paint on the front of your RX330 always looking like it just left the factory!

bennb

Just was at my dealer and he had a list of all the changes from the 04s ... yours probably has the same now. They knew of an 05 Lexus on its way to the dealership now ... can't remember the model. They thought the RX would start showing in about a month or so.

Some of the changes I recall that seemed important:

-- Bluetooth will be offered

-- AFS offered separate from the Performance Pkg, but Sales Manager made it sound like AFS would show up on most lots along with the Navigation System; if you want it separately you'd need to order and that might take 4 months.

-- 4th Generation Navigation

-- More Production % will be packaged with Nav than in 04 (up to 40% from 26% last year)

-- Compasses in all rear view mirrors (what ones don't have them now? Maybe the Nav?)

-- Passenger seat will be 8 way power like the driver.

-- Some other ones that seemed minor as far as I recall.

Want to know all ... go to your dealer ... it was a top attached spiral notebook.

dorothyk

Do you know if the 2005 Lexus RX330 with have voice-activated DVD Navigation (4th Generation Navigation?) and/or SmartAccess keyless entry/starting system?

gardencar

To those who are wondering about those HID's on the RX330. Yes, they are aimed lower than on other SUV's.

I spoke to my Lexus service tech and he acknowledged that he had received complaints from other owners as well. I tried to get him to aim them higher but he said he was not allowed to do that without checking with Lexus corporate. I am still waiting for a reply as he said it would take about a month to hear back.

Johngreis, I agree with your opinion about the HID's and posted some time ago, getting pretty much the same incredulous responses from almost the same people who answered you. I think what caused it was their literal interpretation of the phrase, "outrunning the HID's." What is meant is that the HID"s are aimed too low and don't illuminate far ahead enough. This is especially a problem when travelling on winding mountain roads, particularly downhill.

I will let you know what my mechanic says about aiming the HID's higher, as soon as I hear back.

gardencar

This reply might be too late, but I've been away and busy.

I have to admit, I was somewhat disappointed with the RX330's handling on my first trip to the Santa Cruz Mts. There was too much body roll, IMO. However, it handles so much better than our Explorer.

If your primary concern is handling, you should look at the Bimmer X5's, X3's or the Infiniti FX's. Just remember, the X5 and FX have far less cargo space and the X3 is far less luxurious!

doubletrack

I had a difficult time seeing with the HID's at first as well. You can adjust the height with the set screw pretty easily (best at night against a wall)- I recall the right side one is under the plastic cover. The left side screw is east to reach. Use a larger phillips. I overdid it at first - they change more than you realize-- until you drive it.

johngreis

I guess that some people can't understand the concept that during the time that you see something in your HID's (low beam), get to the break pedal and get the vehicle stopped, you will have run over what it is you were trying to avoid.

I also raised the lights using the garage wall as a reference.

wwest

I haven't found the need for adjusting my HIDs but back in the Halogen bulb days I adjusted the low beams such that the right low beam was slightly higher but definitely "tracking" the right side of the road and then I adjusted the left low beam so it was also predominantly illuminating the right roadside but just beyond the right low beam.

No complaints from oncoming drivers this way.

Works especially well for 90 to 92 LSes.

jody1

I am presently trying to decide whether I can make the adjustment to an SUV for the first time and buy the RX330 or go for the ES330. I'm not great with spatial concepts and am not sure I would feel secure and could make the adjustment to the RX. I don't like heights, but did test drive my friend's RX and did fine in the neighborhood; I'm just not sure how I would feel at high speeds on the interstates.

Could some of you experienced drivers help me out with this decision. I'm a 58-year old female. Do you think I should just stick with a sedan, or are there great advantages to the RX? Thanks.

r1_97

The higher center of gravity on an SUV makes it lean over a little more than a sedan around corners. It's called "body roll." However, I think you would feel more secure going straight in the RX. The suspension on the RX is a little tighter than on the ES. At high speeds on the interstate, you'd probably not notice any difference going straight or even around mild curves. My guess is that you're a conservative driver so you would not zip around corners in any vehicle- something you don't want to do in a SUV.

My wife loves our RX and its view of the road from high seat level.

Take your time and do another test drive - this time longer and on different types of roads, then make your choice. You won't go wrong no matter which model you chose.

johnnieliu

I had my dealer adjust the HID's on my wifes RX330 several months ago. It was written up on the service order, and was completed by the mechanics. I noticed the difference right away when I got back the vehicle. Its still however still low in my opinion, but much better than before. I would have prefered it have the same aim as the DRL, but that might start to blind other vehicles.

maxhonda99

I would suggest you take a comprehensive test drive of a new RX330 on a variety of roads, since you seem to be mostly concerned about interstate driving, take it out on one. I'm sure the Lexus dealer wouldn't object to you taking it out on a extended test drive. Some Lexus dealers will even let you take one out overnight.

wwest

Buy the air suspension model and always run it with the lowest level selected. I upgraded our 01 AWD RX300 to 17X8 wheels and 235/65-17 tires using 1.5' wheel spacers all around so I could use snowchains on the rear when necessary. The 17 diameter of the wheels also gives an extra bit of stability as does the extra width. More tread on the road will somewhat affect fuel economy adversely but will yeild a lot of extra traction should the need arise. Obviously the overall wider stance inproves stability greatly also.

One of the things my wife really likes is the view from the "top"! Kidding aside, the bonnet is sloped such that what you see out the front is the roadbed only.

You don't say what area of the county you're at but in harsh wintertime conditions, snow and/or icy roadbed I would never recommend a FWD vehicle to anyone, RX or Camry.

The BMW X3 does have a fairly harsh ride and with RWD or Rear biased AWD is likely the all around best choice for adverse roadbed driving condition.

Had I not been able to solve my snowchain need as above I would likely be driving an X3 today.

bennb

It will be a 4th Generation (not sure what that is for sure, not tech savvy) Navigation. Not sure about the smart key part.

jody1

Thanks for your help. Your comments were great, and I will follow your advice and go for a varied test drive. Thanks again.

Firebird_EOU

Can get 1k over invoice on 2004 model.

Is the adaptive lighting on 2005 model standard or cost extra (if so how much)?

What is the difference on the nav., does it allow key entry while the car is moving? I guess the bluetooth integration will be available.

stevestein

From what others are saying on the LS board, dialing out on bluetooth may still be a problem. Go to that board and search the discussion using bluetooth.
4th gen nav is new SW and data, and includes the bluetooth.
Adaptive lighting is extra, but bundled with the HIDs instead of in the performance package only. Someone else a little ways back said they believe they would come with NAV cars, and there would be a higher percentage of NAV cars than in 2004.

sandiegotom

A couple of other Lexus sites have threads citing news articles and NTSB/Lexus bulletins regarding replacement of transmissions and fuel pumps in certain (13,000!!) 2004 LS430s. It appears that the recalls apply to cars built between July 2003 and January 2004, but you need to check your specific VIN. The transmission problem involves an internal metal piece that can break off and jam the Park function. The fuel pump problem involves a pump impeller that can become distorted and stop the pump. Affected owners will receive letters from Lexus, but you might not want to wait...

Tom in Vista

bennb

That was me that said there'd be more NAV vehicles ... seems Lexus is kind of dropping the allocation with the Premium Plus with the 18" rims, etc that comes out to $41,938 presently. Packages sent out will be the premium pkg you see now that is $41,2.. and then bump up to the Premium Plus WITH Nav ... they were also limiting the Premium Plus pkgs toward the end of the 04 models I was told. Saw the allocation sheet and they're bumping the Prem Plus with NAV from 26% production to 40% production. Guess they want to push people up into a higher pricing by sending more out with NAV and not doing the premium plus pkg. Of course you could always special order I guess.

I dunno ... I negotiated on an '04 with Premium Plus with Nav (which I didn't want) to about $40,600 on a sticker of $44,288 but decided to wait till the 05s hit. Not sure if the AFS will be packaged with the NAV, but I guess I'd assume so since it seems people on here think it's packaged with all HIDs for next year. It was kinda funny that AFS was in a lot of their ads, yet was only available on the Sport Pkg.

stevestein

Bennb -
I walked away from the same NAV+Prem 44,288 for 40 even. Couldn't get my color choice in June, and while waiting for it in July decided I wanted a 2005 because of the bluetooth. I got the price because it was part of a two car deal (got an SC).
I'll pick up the RX in Oct when my LS comes off lease. I'm sold on NAV, and wouldn't get a car without it now, so if they boost the percentage just increases the supply from my perspective. I susperct the NAV cars will also have the equivalent of a premium plus pkg either built into the NAV option or as an additional one that is shipped as part of the typical configuration. I'm not expecting too big a splash with a strong bump in demand for the 05 since they will essentailly be the same car as the 04. I got a sheet from the dealer with all changes for 05, and it said AFS and HID would be packaged together, so unless Lexus changes it's mind that's what it will be.

teebo

What is AFS?

tidester

AFS = Active Front Lighting System (what happened to the "L"??)

Basically, they are headlights that swivel appropriately when you turn the steering wheel.

tidester, host

bennb

Yeah, I know they'll have the premium plus on the NAV equipped one as well, but just thought it was a little shady to just throw all that in with the NAV for people who might not want NAV, yet want the premium plus and the 18" wheels ... it's my understanding that the cars will be sent out without 18s on the Premium Pkg. So, in a sense they're pulling people up in price who otherwise may not have wanted a Navigation system, but since it will be the car on the lot with the 18s and Premium Plus they will feel inclined to go that route. Now the price will be higher as well b/c you'll have the AFS along with all that was on the $44,288 package as well.

stevestein

I think it's more about packaging the car with what most people will want so it won't sit on the lot than trying to pull people up in price. If anything the poor state of the dollar will cause more of a price hike than anything else. This also lets them go for economy of scale and efficiency in production. That's why you see a few "standard" configurations for each model. In the RX it was pretty much Premium, premium w/NAV and Prem/Nav/DVD. It was the same with the LS I got in 2001 and the SC I just got. When you walk on the lot there will be three or four MSRP numbers you will see and that's about it. The benefit for the consumer is that you get the features at a greatly reduced price than if everything was added in separately. I saw the same things with MB before I "discovered" Lexus. They had "standard options" such as the alarm system. The salesman said he hadn't seen a car come in without one in his seven years there.

bennb

Sorry, I don't really buy that, but that's OK ... if it didn't make them more money they wouldn't do it ... like how there's a cargo mat and wheel locks on all of them, etc.

bennb

Well there used to be the standard config of Premium (no HIDs, 18s) for around $41,208 ... then the Plus with 18s, etc for $41,938 ... then the Nav for $44,288 ... then the Levinson, etc pkg. So now they've eliminated the Plus Pkg was my point. If you want some of the most popular option you will have to jump up to a Nav and AFS most likely in 05 whether you want them or not ... or else special order. They know how to market and do this.

dgrayson

What???

The poor state of the dollar means that hey actually make more money by importing. That is why we have a huge trade deficit with a weaker dollar...

stever

Toyota Motor is mostly insulated from US dollar fluctuations though. link. (ISA.org)

Steve, Host

stevestein

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that Toyota had such a high NA percentage, althought I'm not sure how canadian production insulates them from US $ fluctuations. I also wonder how much is "final assemblay" and how is original content. The 2 cars I have now both came off the boat, as I believe do a reasonable percentage of the RX's do. I don't think the yen is too strong now either. I wonder if those shopping the euro brands are seeing price increases from the $ tanking against the Euro.

mjmboardwalk

I went and looked at the 04 RX 330 and the dealer had a few Demo's that they are looking to sell..all with Prem Plus Pkg for $37K....each had only a few thousand miles on them...Any experiance or advice?

windy6

Without looking up the MSRP on the Premium Plus that doesn't sound low enough. IIRC most posters here got at least $3500 off on Premiums and more off on Premium Plus, for new units. IMO 1500-2000 miles is a demo, more than that is a used car.

Check in the pricing thread for average discounts on Premium Plus packages, the check the cost of ownership per mile, that should give you the TOP price you should pay for a demo.

Good luck

mfullmer

Actually a Demo can have as much as 4k and the difference between used and demo is whether or not it has been registered. As long as it hasn't been registered, it is a demo.

mfullmer

I'll assume that it has the 18" wheels also (haven't seen one without). The MSRP on those are around $39,500 and the Inovoice is around $35,300. Right now you can get a new '04, Premium Plus and 18" wheels for right around $35,800 so no way would I pay $37k. As with anything though, negotiation is the game, especially with a demo.

mjmboardwalk

As a follow up, the Demo they were offering is AWD. Are you saying I can get a an rx 330 new '04, Premium Plus and 18" wheels for right around $35,800???

Thanks!

mfullmer

Nope! All of the Demos here in the SE are 2WD and they don't even have any new AWD for sale on the lot. I had to order mine and wait 6 weeks. An '04 AWD with Premium Plus and 18" Wheels stickers for around $40,955. Invoice is $36,600. You should be able to get a new one for $37,300. Since the miles are pretty low, $37,000 isn't too bad. However, I would start at invoice since it is a Demo.

doubletrack

Anyone had problems with their 2004 RX330 veering left, esp. at higher speeds? It's kind of a light steering feel, and the car will gradually change lanes if you're not paying close attention continuously. I have to constantly keep the steering "right-ward". My dealer has re-aligned front and rear twice, finally replaced the tires (changed from Goodyear to Michelins - their decision), and it's still not exactly right. I'm considering a lemon law claim. Most everything else on the car has been OK. Any ideas?

docrock143

I just closed a deal for my fourth Lexus vehicle from a Maryland dealer (2004 RX330 for my wife). I got an LX470 last year from the same dealer, financing through Lexus Financial Services(LFS) with a rate of 4.45%.
I have top tier excellent credit...before I meet with F & I manager Monday, any information on current best rates I could expect from LFS for financing?
Thanks and best regards,
Alan

mfullmer

Rates are way up. I know Toyota is at around 5.25 right now. Try a credit union before you go in. I just got a loan for my new Solara Convertible for 3.95%

stever

The definition varies by state - in Ohio, for example, a demonstrator can have 6,000 miles on it and still be sold as new, but it has to be disclosed as a demonstrator (not that 5,999 miles on the clock wouldn't clue most people in <g>).

In New Mexico, any car that has been used as a demonstrator is defined as a used vehicle and cannot be sold as new (link).

Steve, Host