Lexus RX 330

borg1of2

I wanted to post to all my experience at the Lexus LUV driving event. This one was held in Boca Raton FL. They had an awful lot of ammenties with welcome tent, kids tent (adults could play too), and a food and car preview tent. The food was excellent and they kept it stocked all day. They had an RX, GX, and LX in the tent and rotated throughout the day presentations on each of the vehicles. You could also sit in them and ask questions of the people there. Kind of like a show room, without the sales pressure.

The fun part. They had 3 test tracks, one for each of the vehicles and there competitors. The GX and LX had off road courses made up dirt and sand made into steep hills, soft hills, bumpy terrain, etc. The RX was only driven on a road course that was about 2 miles of driving on the local roads.

In the RX area you could drive at least 3 different configurations of the RX, I only drove one, which felt very similar to my current RX. However, it did feel a little different inside. Just as comfortable as always though. You could also drive an MDX, BMW, XC90, and MB. I drove them all except the MDX. The BMW and MB had the best power feel in the engine, the XC and BMW were very stiff rides and not very comfortable seating. Overall, I still love the RX and I think the improvements they have made are excellent.

I also drove the GX course. It handled excellently and I didn't get stuck at all. The bank that leaned the GX over 60 degrees scared the you know what out of my wife, but it didn't even feel like it would roll over. The ride was very very comfortable. Definetly an exciting vehicle to drive. I also drove the bigger BMW here as well. Again, it handled the course well, but was stiffer in ride and comfort. They also had an avaiator that they had to pull from the course because it got stuck and couldn't be driven in the conditions, it was raining and things were very muddy.

I didn't drive an LX, didn't want to tempt myself. Over there they had an esclade, which got stuck a lot, MB, Range Rover and other big SUV's.

Overall it was a great experience and Lexus did a great job!!!

cbest1465

After reading borg1of2's posting, I can't wait to attend this event in May.

It was mentioned you could drive the RX in 3 configurations, would that be FWD, AWD, and Performance?

I currently have the Silversport edition RX, which does drive differently then the regular AWD version.

It would be great to "test drive" the AWD and performance RX to feel the differences in the two.

Also, does anyone know what can be programmed on the RX using CBEST which the dealer has to do. I seem to be getting conflicting information.

Would Lexus Customer Service know?

adb3

Reviews on the 330 are starting to trickle in. This particular review certainly sums up my feeling about the vehicle. However, to be fair, not all reviews are as glowing as this one, but in general the 330 is receiving very favorable kudos. I suggest that anyone shopping in this market segment check out reviews on all competitors (there are some very strong offerings out there), then go to your local dealers and test drive them yourself.

http://www.car-data.com/xpage.reviews/rp.template.asp?msg=lexus&a- mp;model=rx330&writer=da

borg1of2

Unfortunately, I didn't inquire as to the exact configurations. I just noticed that they had different setup. One had a NAV, the other had the extra large Moon Roof and the third had the basic configuration with leather in all of them. I really didn't think to ask if one was performance or AWD. I know they didn't let you take the RX on the off road course, even though several people tried.

I don't know if they are bring these with them or getting them from the area. I know the ones on the road course were trashed due to the rain and mud. I would hate to be the detailer on those vehicles. If they are getting them from the area, then I don't think they had an AWD, since they aren't sending a lot of those into FL right now.

ctk1

Does anyone know the new RX330 engine using timing belt or timing chain ?

tomtomtom

Thanks. I better go make some calls.

bodble2

Yes, I'd be interested about that too. Is there a complete list somewhere that lists all the adjustments that can be made?

afg

Hi from denver, just purchased a white AWD, "basic model", $41K and change. Brought my '99 RX300 for trade. I asked immediately which number did they want to work with Sticker or trade in...Got a great Trade in $$$...considering all the dings, windshield dings, broken antennae, and being an "old" model, had about 45K mileage, they gave me $20K, didn't want to hassle selling on my own. Figured they didn't want to have me telling everyone that they would deal on the sticker so they gave me more for my trade-in. Should get my car in another week. Thought the salesman told me that Lexus only alotted 350 cars for the western region for the first 3 months. SOunds fishy but...

tomtomtom

I heard the same thing from the dealer the other day about only a small number of cars are coming to the West Coast. As for trade in, I would have the new car's price done before mentioning anything about a trade-in. Then I would tell them if I don't get the price (have to be reasonable) I wanted for the trade-in I wouldn't buy the new car.

02whttrib

We've owned our Bamboo pearl RX for 2 weeks and I thought I would vent on some things I like an some I hate. Got the Nav and DVD, ML, heated seats, rain sensing wipers.

The bad first. The RV mirror will not tilt up enough for me to see out of it, it is useless. This is due to the sensor of the wipers located behind the mirror. This is very annoying. I have an 02 Mazda Tribute I use to work in and it has lots more room and power, stereo is as good. My transmission has a problem downshifting at times, steep hills and quick stops. The DVD player rattles over rough pavement. The sunroof is tricky to get closed. It has one button too many, a tilt and slide, but the slide will tilt, I know I'm confused too. I'm 6'2 and it's hard for me to feel comfortable in the RX. That special someone's shoe heel bent the scuff plate on the passenger side on day #3, it appears very thin.

Ok now the good. Quiet, A/C very accomodating. Nav system is great, although having to agree with the legal disclaimer every time I shift into drive is annoying. Rear camera is super handy, rear power door is cool and gets lots of stares. The lighting inside at night is great, really cool details in door handles, drink holders, under dash, scuff plate LEXUS sign illuminated with lights on, love it all. Easy to replace A/C cabin filter. Like the remote built into the key. Fit and finish is first rate. The DVD can be viewed thru the Nav screen with the e-brake depressed and vehicle in park, my neighbors must have thought I was insane the first week we had it, mobile theatre is an understatement. The wood steering wheel and shifter are beautiful. Gas mileage is phenomenol for this type/wt vehicle. Averaging around 25 MPG. 1100 miles without any failures.

YMMV.
Ray

lenscap

My friend noticed a small ding in his scuff plate a few days after picking up his 2003 ES 300. He notified the dealer and they ordered him a new one, which arrived just a few days later. He went to the dealer and they installed it in minutes.

If the ding in your scuff plate bothers you just say the car must have come that way and you just noticed it. The dealer should order you a new one.

tnguy1

I also have ordered a bamboo with NAV/ML, rear DVD. How do you like the color? Overall, if you had to do it again, would you buy the same car? Were you able to get any discount off the MSRP? Thanks in advance.

rcf8000

I test drove the RX330 after driving the Sienna, and ended up buying the Sienna. Neither one offers much "sport", but the Sienna sure wins on "utility". It's no Lexus, but the drivetrain is the same (I actually thought the engine in the Sienna was quieter) and I expect the reliability to be just as good. Also, I like the styling of the Sienna better. I got a red XLE FWD model with package #14. It's a gorgeous paint job. The only thing I wish it had is a memory driver's seat, but my wife and I have worked out a seat setting where we only have to move it forward and backward to accommodate each of us. If there's an image problem driving a minivan, I think I can handle it (never had one before-I did have an RX300 for 4 1/2 years, and loved it).

m45guy

As a surprise on a recent trip, I sprung an RX330 show book on her. I really wish you could get both the sport package and the giant sunroof, but so it goes.

At this cost, I can see it being a 20-year keeper. Sheesh!

Kelly B
giving up new car ownership after this one....

tomtomtom

Now, all you need to do is to find that lead and hot-wire/ground it so you can watch the DVD while driving :-) Oh, one day we might need to press the "OK" button on the cell phone before we can use it.

02whttrib

One of the most beautiful colors I have ever had on a car. It looks grayish in the early part of the day, silver in the mid, and greenish at night, no I'm not too far off my rocker it actually does this. Guess the hues the sun plays off the color. I ordered early, dealer got a base pkg in BP and I checked it out as I was reluctant at first, loved it the moment I saw it. I paid MSRP because someone was threatening me if I lost the "hard to get color" I'd be in the dog house.

Regrets? I would love to have been able to purchase a VW Toureg (sp?) but with their reliability rep and the local dealers rep I passed. I think the new RX is a great vehicle.

I'll sheepishly try the scuff plate trick, hangs head in shame. As for that large sunroof, it looks like it would be troublesome with rattles and leaks.

It's going into the dealer next week for it's 1k check-up.

I was showing off to my brother the Nav and it would not work while the car is in motion. I was devastated until I read the manual. You can only input while stopped. I hate stuff that makes me look stupid. Thanks Lexus for keeping me and mine safe.

Ray

tomtomtom

Do car/Navigation system makers actually think we should stop in a bad neighborhood with our expensive navigation equipped car and do the input?

wmquan

The new Sienna is an extremely competent vehicle and certainly an alternative for some RX330 buyers.

However, please note that the AWD trim of the Sienna does not allow for a spare tire and thus comes with Run-Flat tires. While run-flats are nice technology, they currently produce a somewhat harsher ride due to their stiffer sidewall. Nice that you can put snowchains on it, but putting on alternate tires, including snow tires, are going to be a problem because of the lack of a spare storage area.

jeffmust2

"Do car/Navigation system makers actually think we should stop in a bad neighborhood with our expensive navigation equipped car and do the input?"

Their lawyers certainly do.

tomtomtom

That's other reason we should find that lead and hotwire/ ground it so we can use the Navi while driving.

wwest

Sorry, the RX series has had all of the ECU's networked at least since my 01. Can't even get the HIDs to be bi-level with decoding the network communications in and out. HID ecu will not send leveling commands to the leveling motor above a certain speed.

Signal that tells the HID & nav ECUs that the vehicle is above a certain speed is embedded in the network "packets".

wwest

The first thing I would do is discard the run-flats in favor of nice, quiet, smooth running Bridgestone Turanzas. If I were concerned about not having a spare then I would stow one in the rear on those occassions.

The only advantage I can see for the RX over the Sienna is the lack of a memory driver's seat.

mhe

Could some new owners comment on the performance of the 5-speed transmission? I test-drived RX-330 3 times, twice at dealers, and once at Lexus event. I felt the transmission does not shift smoothly during dealer testing, but it seemed to be fine at the Lexus driving event. Kind of weird. Wondering if I am the only one or maybe I just need to get used to it? It is certainly not what I expected. Has Lexus fixed the problem found on ES-300?

The sales at dealer told me the transmission is learning my driving habit as the car has just about 12 miles on it. Does it make any sense at all?

A dealer got a Breakwater Blue ready for me to drive away, but the color is so close to what I am currently driving, so he offerred a Bamboo Perle in bound next weekend. The transmission is the only concern. Otherwise, the car feels great.

adb3

sparks11

Hi,

I have been haggling with my local dealer here in central New Jersey, and I was wondering if you would mind sharing the discount you received on your RX330. This will be my fourth Lexus in 3 years from them and they are really annoying me with the price they are quoting.

Thanks.

r1_97

I finally did it. Bought fwd, 18" wheels and prem+ pkgs. No nav. Got $2k off MSRP and Mission Viejo Lexus(So Orange County -CA) will deliver to me in San Diego (about 50 miles)
tomorrow. Test drove demo + favorable comments here convinced me.

solomonsga

I am interested in purchasing an RX 330, but do not want a gas guzzling SUV. Could someone tell me what gas mileage you get, specifying whether it is city/highway/or combination.

wco81

Lexus advertises 20/26, "Best in Class."

Read thru this whole thread about the upcoming hybrid version and speculations about its mileage.

adb3

City--18.5
Hwy--25

lestat6009

I can't say what I got off MSRP online (promised dealer I wouldn't say) but it was more than 1k and less than 2k off.

Good luck

s852

It's not useful when we don't know if a trade-in was involved. This is almost like people quoting lease payments without saying how much money they put up front, how many months the term is and how many miles are included.
If a trade in was involved it throws off the entire deal because you don't really know if you would have got the same price, paid less or had to pay more if you had not muddied the deal with mixing your trade in into the deal.
Another issue is dealer financing. If you use dealer-provided financing and buy dealer installed accessories, you may get a different price because they are making extra money for those items.

r1_97

My deal was $2k off msrp - cash, no trade.

Now my question: Manual pg. 550 says: "Octane Rating 87(Research Octane Number 91) or higher."

I'm confused. Which is it? What is recommended by the experts?

bentwrench

There are two common methods of measuring octane- Research octane method and motor octane method. Will not go into the differences in test engines and conditions since you didn't ask. The Research Octane is usually higher than the motor octane. The number on the pump (sometimes called road octane)is the arithmetic mean of the two. This would be the 87 referred to in #442 above.

To put it simpler, use 87 octane.

carboy84

Does anyone on this board have the Laser Cruise control option. If so, how do you like it and was it worth the 600 dollars. I am going to be special ordering a car if I can't find one with the cruise control and was wondering if it was worth special ordering one vs picking one from the dealers inventory with all the options that I want except the cruise control.

Thanks

r1_97

Thanks bentwrench for octane info. I guess there's no advantage in using 91 octane over 87. Salesman said he recommends mid grade 89.

I like the car but there's a hi tech learning curve. I'm up to about page 50 of the 500+ page tome they call a manual.

Anyone know if the daytime running lights can be turned off?

If I forget to turn off the headlights when I park and leave the car, will they turn themselves off after some period of time before the battery is drained?

lestat6009

Like R1_97, My price was straight out purchase. No financing, no lease, no trade in.

Close to what R1_97 got off MSRP but not quite that good.

wco81

A co-worker showed me a thick manual for his Passat. Too bad they couldn't take their cue from the tech industry and have a quick guide to supplement the manual.

Also a PDF version would be nice, something that's searchable.

sparks11

Thanks for the price quotes. I was offered $1,500 off sticker, but considering I was buying the fourth Lexus in three years from the same sale rep, I figure he and the dealership could do better. I am looking to buy, with no trade. Got my ES300 for about $600 over cost. I guess they are trying to make some of the profit back on my next one. I'll wait, and if necessary, I'll buy something else.

cbest1465

The daytime running lamps can probably be programmed using the C-BEST programming feature. Your dealership has a full list of features the RX has. Check with them to see if it they can program to not use daytime running lamps.

Turning off the headlights - of course if the switch is in "Auto" mode then the lights will go off in 30 seconds. If not in "Auto" mode, pressing the lock button twice will turn them off.

Again if you wanted the lights on longer after turning off the vehicle, you can opt for 60 seconds - one of the C-BEST features.

Hope this helps....

r1_97

If lights are on manual(not "auto") mode, and if I forget to turn them off when I park, will they turn off by themselves before the battery drains?

Can I get a list of "C BEST" features on line?

r1_97

The RX330 is a new and "hot" in demand model. That's why the dealers can retain a higher margin than on the older model es300. As the model year moves forward, the negotiated price will decline slightly. The downside with waiting is loss of use of the new car during the interim and possible price increase/US$ currency devaluation.
The US$ hit a 5 month low against the URO and probably the yen as well (I'm not sure).

cbest1465

Actually if you have the lights on manual mode - they should go off within 30 seconds after locking the vehicle.

I have been trying to get an actual printed list of all the features - not having any luck.

I called Lexus Customer Service - asked about the features - wouldn't send me a copy, but did ask what I was looking for. Plus the dealership (Service Dept) has them. I have an old list for the RX300 - but do not have one for the RX330. There are added features - automatic door locks, power rear door, etc.

r1_97

I park the car in our garage and usually don't lock it while it's in our garage. The lights are not set in "auto" mode. If I forget to turn off the headlights will they turn off by themselves before the battery is drained?

borg1of2

Actually here is how my RX works when I pull in the garage. I always run with my lights in Auto.

When I enter the garage and if I take my time turning off the car, which does happen. The headlights end up turning on. After I exit the vehicle and close all of the doors, the lights, interior and front headlights, all turn off automatically.

If I have the lights in the On position, the lights still go out in the garage after about 30 seconds. Again, you have to have the doors closed and the engine off.

Good Luck.

r1_97

I guess the implication of what you say is that the lights will stay on IF the mode in not "auto" and the car is not locked when parked in garage.

tomtomtom

Easiest way to find out is to leave the lights on and you set your alarm clock for 5 mins. Go back to the garage to see if the lights are still on. Or leave the lights on next time when you wash your car. By the way, my wife bought one last week in cash with trade in. We had the dealer accepted the price first ($1400 under MSRP) than told them we have a trade in. Trade in price was $2000 higher than other dealers offered.

samang

Thanks for posting your prices everyone. I kinda feel like a sucker now. Mine is coming in the next couple of days. The deal was MSRP, but dealer throws in additional tint for front 2 windows. However, they are letting me drive a demo 2003 ES300 since we dropped the trade car in last Saturday. Trade was a decent deal, probably $1000 more than I would have gotten elsewhere (ie: non Lexus dealership), but about the same if I sold it myself.

I was surprised that they matched financing rates from peoplefirst.com. I walked in with 4.39% 60mo, Lexus beat it with 4.24%. Considering their first offer was 5.5%, and my credit union is 5.75%.

But then I am in Dallas, and haven't seen any deals mentioned in town. Can anyone share prices in the DFW area? Thanks.

bodble2

I know the keyless entry/security system "beeps" everytime you press the lock or unlock buttons on the remote. I think it's good that it "beeps" everytime the lock button is pressed, because sometime you do need to beep it a second time to confirm locking. But in regard to unlocking, can it be programmed to beep only the first time the unlock button is pressed since I see no reason why anyone would need it to beep after the first door is unlocked. Part of the "problem", if you can call it that, is that it gives off a dual "beep beep" everytime you press unlock. So if you want to open all the doors, you may end up pressing 2 or 3 times, in which case you would get about 1/2 dozen beeps, which becomes kind of annoying for bystanders. I realize it's not a big issue, but still, if it can be programmed, all the better.

coldh2o

Would like to hear how the dealers are pricing the RX330 in the NY/NJ area. I am interested in purchasing soon but would hate to pay sticker price.

Has anyone dealt with Prestige Lexus in Ramsey, NJ or Lexus of Englewood, NJ?

jhk_db

I picked up my RX330 at the end of April; it's been great so far. The only issue I have is with the dealer-installed DVD player. When the kids are watching a DVD using the wireless headphones (set at 88.7FM as a default), the radio reception in the car suffers noticeably. Has anyone had a similar experience? If so, is there a fix?

Please let me know. Thanks.