Not an entirely cash transaction. I had a trade-in.(to be named at a later date)
I can spend like the wind, but wanted a really nice ride. So I just saved money at every opportunity for 3 years. Naturally, I chose the RX 300 :-)
Now, just a few months after buying it, it's all good again. Got some extra cash and have been enjoying life...
...Except, when someone bashes or denigrates the thing that, for three years, I dreamed about and worked hard to attain. I have little patience or tolerance for that.
If these were simply Fords or Chevies we're talking about, my expectations would be so low that I wouldn't likely bother "bashing" or "denigrating". I'd know it just simply wouldn't be worth the effort, I know it would fall on deaf ears.
You should be very, even more proud of your Lexus purchase because I find it, believe it to be worthwhile for me to make the effort....
I know it's certainly a good part of the reason I'm so very proud of my Lexii, all four, at the moment.
Except, when someone bashes or denigrates the thing that, for three years, I dreamed about and worked hard to attain. I have little patience or toerance for that.
Und exxaaakkttly how longk haff you had diss proplem? ;-)
(JUST KIDDING! It's easy to become defensive about things we care for.)
Someone asked a while back about the most miles. I have 62,000 on a '99 and am still very happy with the car. The only unresolved issues are 1) the roll all of the windows down function only works from 10 feet away now and only every third time or so. (This was addressed earlier and it seems that when one has the program changed to open all doors on the first push it seems to make this happen.) and 2) There is a noise that comes and goes connected to the air conditioning compressor. I first mentioned it to the service tech before the 50,000 warranty ran out and of course he couldn't duplicate it and we've tried several times since. A couple of times a day when the ac is on, particularly noticeable at idle, there is a growling. When you push the ac button it goes away and comes back when you click it again.
On another topic. Does anyone know the story on Lexus road side assistance? Can't find my books just now. The main warranty runs out at 50,000, but, if I remember correctly there is a drive train warranty that is longer. Does the road side assistance run out at 50,000? I seem to remember it was tied to the warranty. Thanks
Please substitute Lincohn and Cadillac for Ford and Chevies in my earlier post, wasn't intentional just didn't have my head in gear and my first upgrade to the Luxury class was Lexus, not...
Sometime earlier, hopefully on this forum and thread someone (NYC?), asked about the lack of cooling capacity in the RX. I responded that they should be sure the water metering valve was properly calibrated, fully closed on command, etc.
This past weekend I did a more thorough visual on my 01 RX and couldn't find the valve. Dug out the shop manuals and they make no mention of one either.
My 92 LS has a water metering valve which is driven by the blend door servomotor via a push/pull cable, and the 95 LS even has a separate servomotor to drive the water valve. And EVERY Ford I have ever owned had at least a simple on/off water valve.
I can't imagine that Lexus has eliminated the HVAC water valve on the RX. But if so I can certainly see why some people might be complaining about the lack of cooling capacity. A CONSTANT 190 degree F heat source inside the air conditioning plenum would likely make a big difference in cooling capability.
Alarm? Do you mean the Panic Function or just the door beeps(called the wireless buzzer). If you're speaking of the alarm, it's binary. Only on/off.
The door buzzer appears to have more options. If this is what you wanted changed, maybe there was confusion based on terminology. With mine, I noticed from the start that locking/unlocking the doors is not too loud, without that characteristic chirping sound I hear more often than not out there.
My best information states:
Wireless Door Lock - ALARM FUNCTION ON/OFF of panic function if transmitter button is pressed for 1.5 seconds
Default - ON Options - ON/OFF ------------------- Wireless Door Lock - WIRELESS BUZZ VOLUME Adjusts the volume of the wireless buzzer
Sorry I didn't say it clearly. I meant the "Wireless Door Lock - WIRELESS BUZZ VOLUME" as you mentioned above. Dealer said my car has the loudest setting, not the default "MID2".
So far, the best part is where the RX is compared to it's stablemate, the Highlander (made in the same factory, mind you) - and how superior and more powerful the RX V-6 is compared to the 4-cylinder in the Highlander.
Huh?
Sure, just totally ignore all those Highlanders on the road today with the same V-6 as in the RX...
The next best part is where the RX' smaller size must lead to better handling and parking ease... hey, now THAT was written by someone that never tried to U-turn one of these puppies!
One more - RX vs. Acura MDX. RX's superior AWD takes the prize and beats the MDX - because, after all, the MDX has an AWD system that fails if some of its wheels can't get traction.
See, we all knew the RX AWD was The Best, right, Fuzzy?
In comparing drivetrains with the Acura MDX, Advantastar states:
"The RX300 4X4 has a true four wheel drive system, which uses a four wheel traction control system to redirect engine power to the axle and wheel which still has traction to keep the RX300 moving if even only one wheel still has traction. The MDX doesn't offer a true four wheel drive system; it could get stuck while one or more of the wheels still have traction."
I don't write them, I just report them. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL
One could suppose that this is factual information, as Advantastar could get into a world of legal hurt by printing inaccuracies. It sure does fly in the face of the opinion(s)I've read here and in other forums.
Just as all the knowledgable posters on this board suspected, this document proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the RX handily beats out the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the BMW X5, two pretenders to the Lexus AWD/off-road throne.
And there's no need to even mention Daimler-Chrysler T&Cs - and, indeed, this document doesn't.
The Lexus RX 300 AWD even beats the Mercedes M series, particularly regarding its perfect climate control system.
"The RX300's standard automatic climate control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Mercedes M class doesn't offer automatic air conditioning."
I agree with you. This document proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the RX handily beats out the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the BMW X5, two pretenders to the Lexus AWD/off-road throne.
Lets not forget that this document also proves what intelligent people knew all along; the Mercedes M class simply a wannabe, too.
Another quote: "You clearly acknowledge, justifiably in my opinion, that installing snow tires only on the front wheels might lead to loss of control. Wouldn't putting tire chains only on the front also increase the potential for loss of vehicular control, rather dramatically over snow tires only on the front?"
bodydouble, do you see? Lexus says "snow tires". A supposition is then presented to Lexus regarding tire chains.
Eight months pass: It's "they agreed" when no such thing happened. We read untruths and the arguments based upon them.
Bravo. I am sure admiring the good fight you're putting up against west. I've relegated myself to just an occasional glance of Edmunds and ClubLexus because of his daily rants. At least the people at CL have practically clobbered him and he's a rare show there now.
Lexus did say using snow tires only on the front could be hazardous, or words to that effect, I'm not trying to be explicit.
But, the reason snow tires only on the front can be hazardous is because an extraordinary level of traction on the front vs the rear can be very hazardous even with good traction, let alone low traction. Think of why we often see tractor-trailer rigs jack-knifed on rain soaked or slippery roadbed surfaces. Inertia, a body in motion wants to remain in motion, so in order to remain in motion the lower traction rear end of that trailer flips around the tractor firmly planted on the roadbed.
That's also the reason any FWD vehicle is more hazardous to operate in those conditions. The very same circumstances that make them a little more desireable in LTS (over RWD) are the very same conditions that get them in trouble. The engine/tranx/diff'l weight is ALL over the front, drive, wheels, therefore the roadbed traction coefficient is greater for FWD than the typical RWD.
The Lexus response acknowledging the hazardous nature of chains only on the front must be at the office, I'll find it and "copy and paste it" tomorrow.
If you'll looking to trade up from the 99 to a later RX model there were no significant changes until 01. The 01 had VSC/trac as standard and HID as an option. LSD option was dropped since Trac supplanted the need. Avoid the useless nav if you can.
The next model, the RX330, is due out next April, and since the RX has so much that can be improved I like to think some of those improvements will be included in the RX330 design.
I bought a '99 RX from dealer as a certified pre-owned. I liked this option because it gives me peace of mind and 3 years or 100,000 miles to address any problems that may arise. A Lexus loaner was/is an additional perk, too.
One big repair I've addressed are front and rear struts needing replacing - but they were done under warranty via a technical service bulletin.
Another was replacement of the front seat belts - again under warranty. The belts were worn because the original belts were frayed from not retracting well. The new ones work great.
Also had front rotors replaced for squeaking - under warranty.
The rest are the minor squeaks and rattles that have arisen.
Definitely look for an RX with little mileage as possible if you're planning to go with the CPO route.
Lastly, for a little cost, you might consider signing up with carfax for a vehicle report and alldata for technical service bulletin reports. Both these sites, PLUS Edmunds.com proved valuable in my pre-owned buying decision-making.
Thanks for the information. I'm due for service soon and I'll be sure to have them address any and all TSBs.
Occasionally I hear sqeaks from the rotors but I though my brakepads are just wearing down - will be sure to ask about that.
As for the squeaks, I had mentioned that lubed all the hinges (doors and trunk) with WD-40 and that cleared up any and all squeaking I ever heard. As for rattles, I tried an experiment. I emptied out the center console trays, the coin tray behind the steering wheel, the map pockets and the trunk and drove out. I heard no rattles. I suspect that some of the 'rattling' I had heard before was due to all the stuff in the car (trunk, console, etc.) that just simply bangs around when in motion. I wanted to assure myself it wasn't the RX and I kinda did. That's not to say the RX will never rattle in the future, but after a year, so far it's still solid.
As for Edmunds being handy - Oh yeah. When we were shopping the RX, I spent A LOT of time on the Leasing board and Car_man was of invaluable help. He personally analyzed my numbers and was able to assure me that I was getting a fair deal. How great is that?!
I thought the same thing about my brake pads just wearing down, but to my surprise, the dealership's service dept. replaced the pads, rotors and shims based on an "update" while under warranty. Pretty cool.
The X5 AWD system is without a doubt the absolute best AWD system in this market category, the AWD RX300 isn't, AWD that is.
The RX300's AWD system provides a 50/50 F/R torque split only on high traction surfaces(when no one really gives a damn), when all four wheels have roughly equal traction. The instant traction is lost on the primary, front, drive wheels torque biasing instantly becomes about 90/10 F/R, and will only recover to as much as 70/30 if the front wheels continue to slip for a time period measured in hundreds of milliseconds.
I proved the above for myself, on both the 00 and the 01, using shade-tree mechanic techniques and when some on the internet doubted my results I tested the 01 on a 4 wheel dyno and got the same results. The rear wheels of the AWD RX300 are never allocated enough engine torque to move the vehicle up a 5% grade if the front wheels have no traction.
VSC/trac/ABD.
The theory is (so says my owners manual) that VSC will apply braking to BOTH rear wheels for understeering and the outside front wheel for over-steering. Trac only works to help prevent wheel slippage left to right or vice versa, NEVER F/R or R/F. It would be really nice if it did work F/R or R/F since the VC is so flaccid it never rises to the occasion. I suspect Trac NEVER activates to help distribute torque at the front, that would be the same as a front LSD and most of us know why few of those exist.
I have only had the VSC activate once, I think, and the Trac NEVER.
AWD more... the clearance between the rear wheel and the suspension is so tight that tire chains CANNOT be fitted to the rear. The Lexus owners manual says tire chains should ONLY be used on the front. When I contacted then on the hazardous nature of operating with tire chains only on the front they responded that they agreed.
DRLs.
The RX300 uses the Halogen high beam bulbs operating at reduced voltage for DRL. Halogen bulbs will fail very prematurely when used in this mode. At only 12k miles both of my high beam bulbs were coated with soot on the inside and the glass encapsulation had begun to melt just above the filament. I replaced the bulbs and disconnected the DRL voltage dropping resistor under the battery support plate. The service manager at Lexus of Bellevue didn't seem to give a hoot.
Climate Control:
One really, REALLY horrible design.
Where can I start?
I bought my first Lexus, a 92 LS, in late 91. By January of 92 I knew I had a car with a very serious design flaw. The windshield would suddenly, mysteriously, spontaneously fog over. It has taken me the better part of ten years to figure out why.
For cooling purposes, there is NO need to run the A/C system below about 55F. Down to about 45F A/C systems can be reasonably efficient helping remove interior surface condensation by dehumidifying the incoming airflow. My 92 LS continued to run the A/C compressor all the way down to 34F OAT.
WHY?
A Porsche factory representative gave me his answer to that question recently. As long as the A/C evaporator is kept artificially chilled, then a thin film of moisture will form to coat the A/C evaporator surfaces (10,000 sq, in, 92 LS) and that coating will serve to suppress the horrid mold, mildew, dirty gym-sock odor that would otherwise emanate from the A/C ducts.
My understanding is that the arrival of the mold and mildew odor, and the windshield fogging problem coinsided with the use of A/C in automobiles. But then these two problems were horribly exacerbated with the conversion to the new less efficient refrigerant.
To make up for the loss of cooling capacity inherent in the conversion the automotive A/C manufacturers, primarily NipponDenso and later Denso US, started improving the overall A/C design.
The A/C evaporator could not grow in size, so it got a whole lot denser, 10,000 square inches of cooling surface where 2500 once sufficed. A refrigerator is quite efficient at cooling things because it is mostly closed up, just keeps recirculating the same trapped airflow again and again. In my 92 LS, and my 01 RX, with the exit airflow path so restrictive and circuitous to prevent entry of external noise, and with the final "exhauster" port in an area of predominantly high air pressure, they act very much like that refrigerator.
With four or five adults traveling in the car for an hour or more in the wintertime the cabin environment grow stale with humidity and other byproducts of human metabolism. What do you think might happen if the A/C compressor were to automatically shut down about this time because the OAT has just declined below 34F?
A clue. Remember that 10,000 square inches of A/C evaporator surface was covered with a thin film of condensate.
Here's is a response I provided to an Edmunds town hall question about the mold and mildew smell.
Recently you submitted a question to the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department.
Subject: tire chains
At 11/08/2001 02:51 PM we wrote -
Dear Mr. West:
Based upon your concerns with chains on the front tires only, installing snow tires on all four wheels would be the best recommendation for you.
Your Question: Dear Sirs or Ms,
Tomorrow morning we head out on our first wintertime trip in our 2001 AWD RX300. We will be traveling from the Seattle area to the eastern Oregon border. Our return trip will be via central Oregon, over several mountain passes.
In preparation for our trip I just reviewed the owners manual regarding snow tires and tire chains, and came away a bit puzzled. On page 283 regarding snow tires you make the following cautionary statement.
"Installing snow tires on the front wheels only can lead to an excessive difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control"
And on page 284 with regards to chain installation you state, in BOLD:
"Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not use chains on the rear tires."
Since the AWD RX300 has the engine torque biased predominantly to the front axle I can readily understand the need for installing chains on the front wheels, but I cannot understand why you state that they should not be used on the rear wheels also.
You clearly acknowledge, justifiably in my opinion, that installing snow tires only on the front wheels might lead to loss of control. Wouldn't putting tire chains only on the front also increase the potential for loss of vehicular control, rather dramatically over snow tires only on the front?
I have heard many people complain, upon taking their FWD vehicle in to have studs installed, that the shop insisted on installing studs on all four wheels, otherwise they wouldn't do the work at all. My explanation to them has always been along the lines of your own statement, increased traction in the front vs the rear will very likely lead to loss of control, especially in downhill braking circumstances.
Isn't this even more true of the RX300 and your recommendation of tire chains only on the front?
Shouldn't you have an even stronger cautionary note in this case?
But, more to the point, the RX300 is a "luxury", relatively expensive, SUV, I would think the very best suggestion you could make is to advise the RX300 owners to ALWAYS use tire chains on all FOUR wheels.
But my questions are:
1. What harm would be done, if any, to the RX300 AWD drive train if I were to install tire chains on only the REAR wheels?
2. What if I am willing to go to the expense of putting tire chains on all four wheels? What would be your advice?
As for 1, above, I am aware that installing tire chains only on the rear wheels would create a disparate, or differential turning rate, lower at the rear axle than at the front axle, that could not be overcome by the resultant viscous clutch "tightening up". But isn't that also the case with tire chains on the front only, a differential turning rate front vs rear that cannot be overcome and thus the viscous clutch's temperature would continue to climb higher and higher?
The only apparent difference, to me, would be that tire chains only on the rear would result the viscous clutch "tightening up" to the very same level as chains only on the front, but would result in a much safer, dramatically so, overall operational configuration.
But the only question I really and truly need an answer to is number 2.
I agree with you 100%, I just went out and looked and there is less than 1" of clearance between the top of the tire tread and the bottom of the coil spring suspension.
But, given the increased level of traction provided by snow chains only on the front and the much greater likihood of downhill or braking loss of control due to this "reverse" traction "offset", wouldn't you agree that it would be even more advisable, especially for those of us who swicth to snow tires/wheels in the wintertime anyway, to switch to a lower profile tire/wheel setup all around so one could balance things out by installing chains all around, if needed?
I am also somewhat disturbed by your suggestion that "short-term" use of snow chains only on the front wheels is "safe", while at the same time acknowledging that long term use of snow tires only on the front is not. It seems to me that the use of snow chains only on the front increases the potential for loss of control so dramatically over "snow tires front only" that even very brief use might, statistically, even out the safety issue.
If your issue remains unresolved, please update this question here.
You may also update this question by replying to this message. Because your reply will be automatically processed, you MUST enter your reply in the space below. Text entered into any other part of this message will be discarded.
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If you have any further concerns, you can also reach the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time. Sincerely, Kevin Saylan Customer Satisfaction Representative
I wholeheartedly agree. When I first came on to the RX board about a year ago, when we bought our 01 RX, I asked other RXers about their experiences and advice. Many of the owners were genuine with their replies - mostly positive and a few negative (though nothing terrible, and according to them, nothing serious enough as to avoid buying the RX). I was told by West that it was a problematic vehicle (AWD problems, etc ... well, you know, the same crap everyday). When I scrolled back some pages on the board and saw his past rantings, I thought less of his opinion and ignored it.
Now I'm on my first anniversary of RX ownership and am as happy with it as I could expect. It's still a smooth-running vehicle, never a need for a warranty fix, runs well in adverse weather conditions and brakes confidently (had to make some emergency brakestops in Boston recently). Nothing but oil changes so far after 12K miles but will invest in some required service soon.
As I had mentioned recently, a squeak developed just behind the driver position, and I fixed it with some WD-40 on the rear passenger door hinges. No more squeaks. A/C has been keeping me chilled despite the recent 100 degree NYC weather, and the interior has held up great despite my lack of time in cleaning it.
So imagine my dismay when after a full year, I come to this same board and find West conjuring up some deja vu. The same rants, the same problems, the same everything. All just to discourage people about the car they own or they want to buy, when it in fact is a far superior car to others in its class (and what a class it is).
Buy the Chrysler T&C over the RX? That's got to be one of the longest running jokes on the Internet.
So yes, it angers me to see his unsolicited opinions rehashed e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y, but more so because he is determined to steer people away from a potentially rewarding vehicle and into something that is less reliable and more expensive. It's a cruel thing to do.
DRLs. Has anyone come out and said the low voltage circuit using halogen bulbs isn't a problem? How many of you have checked your high beam bulbs for soot and melting glass? Unless you want to lose one or both of your high beam bulbs prematurely some dark night you might want to check them and replace them if need be. And while you're at it take it to Lexus for warranty coverage.
Tire chains on the front only. Anyone want to stand up and tell us that this isn't a bad idea and why?
Those of you out there with the mold and mildew odor, do you want it to continue unabated? If not then complain to Lexus, and next month when it reappears complain again.
Windshield fogging: Those of you out there who have experienced this, do you care if it does or doesn't happen again?
Windshield defog: Is there anyone out there that's willing to stand up and say that the Lexus method is best, or even adequate?
Climate control cooling mode in the dead of winter. How many of you have developed the habit of unconsciously reaching over and changing it to footwell mode becuase cold dry air in your face is so discomforting in cold climates. It isn't just bad design, it's downright stupid design.
AWD design. The sad thing here is that the Chrysler T&C AWD system is a much better system than the RX. I'm not saying the T&C is a better vehicle overall, not by a far cry. But if you truly need AWD the T&C is definitely a better bet than the RX.
I'd be willing to bet you that if all of us started complaining now, or even as few as 15%, about the lack of decent AWD performance, and while we're at it, the hazardous nature of tire chains only on the front, the new RX330 would come equipped with the Sequoia's firmware implemented AWD system (clone of the ML's) and enough clearance at the rear to install tire chains.
WHY?
Becuase we continue to buy them without complaining. Overall, the Lexus product line is the best in the world marketplace today. But that's not saying it couldn't be better, in same cases a LOT better. But to be truthful in the case of the LS430 the climate control issues (mold, windshield fog, poor defog functionality, etc.) are, to my knowledge, it's only failing.
I refer to my 2001 AWD 911 as an "Engineering Artistic Expression", were I to again own an LS they would be competing for that title (well, maybe not, the windshield defog in the 911 actually works exceedingly well).
Folks, these are all very serious design flaws, almost all of them potentially life threatening, if we continue to stand by and let these YAHOOs keep saying "everything is fine", "everything is dandy", then the Lexus product will never live up to the expectations their advertising has lead us to believe.
Complain, and then complain again. Make them live up to their motto.
This is the RX board and you have inundated it with your constant complaining, shouting so loud, posting, reposting again and again the same complaints that you're making this a miserable board. The RX is not perfect but it is indeed a fine urban SUV. I like it and others do too. That's what we post on this board and it upsets you so that you feel this pathogical need to shout everyone down, every single day. You want to monopolize this board and dictate what others should say? Go ahead and try. But you'll get called out for your agenda and I know you're not happy about it. You reap what you sow. And you've sowed a lot.
What are you trying to accomplish? You want to feel like you've influenced a big corporation like Lexus/Toyota with your Edmunds ranting? Make yourself feel big?
A fine mess you've made on the Web. Here and at Club Lexus, you harass everyone who's ever posted something good about the RX. It is sickening.
Life-threatening flaws? Exaggerate much? How about rollover tendencies, exploding tires, poorly-positioned gas tanks and poor crash test ratings? Nope, not on the RX.
I have yet to see or hear about melted bulbs in the RX besides your story - got pics to post? It's summer now - not a time to talk about snow chains. Only an obsessed person would do that. Who puts chains on anyway? Buy Blizzaks (don't debate me - I don't care. I live in NYC). T&C ... tell that joke one more time, please.
So someone is a Yahoo for liking the RX? What does that make you? I have some ideas but I'll reserve them in the name of civility.
Advertising is taken with a grain of salt. I don't walk into the dealership and look at a car because of a motto. If you do, then you need to buy a Chevy instead - they're built like a rock, you know.
A 'wrap' means to wrap things up, to completion. Does that mean you're gonna end your tirade? Nah, that would mean the pigs are going airborne.
Part of the pleasure of driving a Lexus is the quietness, the ease with which one can hold a conversation or listen with pleasure to an out-standing automotive CD sound system.
So one of the first things I did when I bought my RX was a survey to find the quietiest tire (not M+S or all-season) for it. I ended up installing Michelin XC's which in truth are something of a compromise but I have been very pleased with their quietness and overall performance.
But that's just one of the reasons I feel the ability to use tire chains is so over-whelmingly important. 5-9s of the time I don't need AWD and the quietness of summer tires works and suits me just fine. If, in the times I do need AWD, and it turns out I need AWD and more traction, I am not put off at all taking the time to install chains.
I see no real need to post pictures of sooty and melting bulbs since my own personal confidence level is extremely high that all of you RX owners will see them for yourselves by the time you get to 15k miles, unless you do your majority, or all of, your driving at night.
OK, you have to add to that the 5 quarts of Mobil 1, the oil filter, and engine air filter, all of which I brought in to my trusted local garage. I checked the price at Lexus and it was over $500 and about $300 at my local Toyota dealer. Basicaly you need the regular oil/filter change, regular tire rotation and changing the coolant. We decided that changing the brake fluid was both unnecessary and perhaps unwise. This is a front wheel drive RX and the torquing of the bolts underneath isn't done for that vehicle.
Don't try this if you don't have a local garage you can depend on.
You could take it to either Toyota or Lexus and be FIRM and explicit with the service "writer" that you don't want anything done that isn't spelled out in your owner's manual as recommended for your specific vehicle for non-rough service use.
And be sure s/he puts that in writing on the work order.
You don't mention the A/C air "pollen" filter, at 30k it likely needs to be changed out.
Comments
I had a trade-in.(to be named at a later date)
I can spend like the wind, but wanted a really nice ride. So I just saved money at every opportunity for 3 years. Naturally, I chose the RX 300 :-)
Now, just a few months after buying it, it's all good again. Got some extra cash and have been enjoying life...
...Except, when someone bashes or denigrates the thing that, for three years, I dreamed about and worked hard to attain. I have little patience or tolerance for that.
You should be very, even more proud of your Lexus purchase because I find it, believe it to be worthwhile for me to make the effort....
I know it's certainly a good part of the reason I'm so very proud of my Lexii, all four, at the moment.
Und exxaaakkttly how longk haff you had diss proplem? ;-)
(JUST KIDDING! It's easy to become defensive about things we care for.)
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
zz and ww. It's got a certain ring to it, don't you think? Like Starsky and Hutch, Simon and Simon, Captain and Tenille (well, maybe not this one) ;>)
On another topic. Does anyone know the story on Lexus road side assistance? Can't find my books just now. The main warranty runs out at 50,000, but, if I remember correctly there is a drive train warranty that is longer. Does the road side assistance run out at 50,000? I seem to remember it was tied to the warranty. Thanks
"Lexus roadside assistance coverage is for 48 months from your vehicle's in-service date, regardless of mileage."
Also:
"After your roadside assistance coverage expires, you may join a motor club created exclusively for Lexus owners."
For further information call 1(800)25-LEXUS
I (ZZZ) was already an AAA member before buying my Lex.
I dig the triptiks.
This past weekend I did a more thorough visual on my 01 RX and couldn't find the valve. Dug out the shop manuals and they make no mention of one either.
My 92 LS has a water metering valve which is driven by the blend door servomotor via a push/pull cable, and the 95 LS even has a separate servomotor to drive the water valve. And EVERY Ford I have ever owned had at least a simple on/off water valve.
I can't imagine that Lexus has eliminated the HVAC water valve on the RX. But if so I can certainly see why some people might be complaining about the lack of cooling capacity. A CONSTANT 190 degree F heat source inside the air conditioning plenum would likely make a big difference in cooling capability.
zizzy, tell me it ain't so.
Maybe Toyota has the lesser "C-Better" system. j/k
Stick with the Lex.
The door buzzer appears to have more options. If this is what you wanted changed, maybe there was confusion based on terminology. With mine, I noticed from the start that locking/unlocking the doors is not too loud, without that characteristic chirping sound I hear more often than not out there.
My best information states:
Wireless Door Lock - ALARM FUNCTION
ON/OFF of panic function if transmitter button is
pressed for 1.5 seconds
Default - ON
Options - ON/OFF
-------------------
Wireless Door Lock - WIRELESS BUZZ VOLUME
Adjusts the volume of the wireless buzzer
Default - MID2
Options - OFF/MIN/MID1/MID2/MID3/MAX
To find, click 'results' in the 'Take a Poll' box.
How did you pay for your MDX?
All cash: 46%
Financed from the dealership: 9%
Financed from elsewhere: 35%
Leased: 10%
19% Went through dealer - Lease or loan
81% Chose another way - Cash or Financed elsewhere
Wanna see one flustered salesman, sales manager, contracts/lease/finance "closing manager? Don't look in here.
I've never been polled, but it sounds quite painful.
wwest, tell me it ain't so.
http://www.advantastar.com/advantastar/samples/lexus.pdf
These are cool(but biased), because they only report the advantages of the car that you select.
For example: Engine Category
RX vs Explorer-Plenty of reported comparisons, because Lexus wins
RX vs Passport They only report 0-60. Why?
Passport has the advantage in those comparisons.
Huh?
Sure, just totally ignore all those Highlanders on the road today with the same V-6 as in the RX...
The next best part is where the RX' smaller size must lead to better handling and parking ease... hey, now THAT was written by someone that never tried to U-turn one of these puppies!
One more - RX vs. Acura MDX. RX's superior AWD takes the prize and beats the MDX - because, after all, the MDX has an AWD system that fails if some of its wheels can't get traction.
See, we all knew the RX AWD was The Best, right, Fuzzy?
Way too much fun.
Acura MDX, Advantastar states:
"The RX300 4X4 has a true four wheel drive system, which uses a four wheel traction control system to redirect engine power to the axle and wheel which still has traction to keep the RX300 moving if even only one wheel still has traction. The MDX doesn't offer a true four wheel drive system; it could get stuck while one or more of the wheels still have traction."
I don't write them, I just report them.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL
One could suppose that this is factual information, as Advantastar could get into a world of legal hurt by printing inaccuracies. It sure does fly in the face of the opinion(s)I've read here and in other forums.
Is this where I start the timer?
And there's no need to even mention Daimler-Chrysler T&Cs - and, indeed, this document doesn't.
I do believe enough said.
Tick tock.
"The RX300's standard automatic climate control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Mercedes M class doesn't offer automatic air conditioning."
I agree with you. This document proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the RX handily beats out the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the BMW X5, two pretenders to the Lexus AWD/off-road throne.
Lets not forget that this document also proves what intelligent people knew all along; the Mercedes M class simply a wannabe, too.
I don't know how accurate all your info is, but regardless, if you had typed that out "on the fly", the clarity and grammar are truly impressive.
(And I'm not trying to be sarcastic)
Any issues to look out for? Is it worth moving up to a 2000?
Thanks
"You clearly acknowledge, justifiably in my opinion, that installing snow tires only on the front wheels might lead to loss of control. Wouldn't putting tire chains only on the front also increase the potential for loss of vehicular control, rather dramatically over snow tires only on the front?"
bodydouble, do you see? Lexus says "snow tires". A supposition is then presented to Lexus regarding tire chains.
Eight months pass: It's "they agreed" when no such thing happened. We read untruths and the arguments based upon them.
Impressive?
zizzypoirot
But, the reason snow tires only on the front can be hazardous is because an extraordinary level of traction on the front vs the rear can be very hazardous even with good traction, let alone low traction. Think of why we often see tractor-trailer rigs jack-knifed on rain soaked or slippery roadbed surfaces. Inertia, a body in motion wants to remain in motion, so in order to remain in motion the lower traction rear end of that trailer flips around the tractor firmly planted on the roadbed.
That's also the reason any FWD vehicle is more hazardous to operate in those conditions. The very same circumstances that make them a little more desireable in LTS (over RWD) are the very same conditions that get them in trouble. The engine/tranx/diff'l weight is ALL over the front, drive, wheels, therefore the roadbed traction coefficient is greater for FWD than the typical RWD.
The Lexus response acknowledging the hazardous nature of chains only on the front must be at the office, I'll find it and "copy and paste it" tomorrow.
The next model, the RX330, is due out next April, and since the RX has so much that can be improved I like to think some of those improvements will be included in the RX330 design.
One big repair I've addressed are front and rear struts needing replacing - but they were done under warranty via a technical service bulletin.
Another was replacement of the front seat belts - again under warranty. The belts were worn because the original belts were frayed from not retracting well. The new ones work great.
Also had front rotors replaced for squeaking - under warranty.
The rest are the minor squeaks and rattles that have arisen.
Definitely look for an RX with little mileage as possible if you're planning to go with the CPO route.
Lastly, for a little cost, you might consider signing up with carfax for a vehicle report and alldata for technical service bulletin reports. Both these sites, PLUS Edmunds.com proved valuable in my pre-owned buying decision-making.
Best of luck.
Occasionally I hear sqeaks from the rotors but I though my brakepads are just wearing down - will be sure to ask about that.
As for the squeaks, I had mentioned that lubed all the hinges (doors and trunk) with WD-40 and that cleared up any and all squeaking I ever heard. As for rattles, I tried an experiment. I emptied out the center console trays, the coin tray behind the steering wheel, the map pockets and the trunk and drove out. I heard no rattles. I suspect that some of the 'rattling' I had heard before was due to all the stuff in the car (trunk, console, etc.) that just simply bangs around when in motion. I wanted to assure myself it wasn't the RX and I kinda did. That's not to say the RX will never rattle in the future, but after a year, so far it's still solid.
As for Edmunds being handy - Oh yeah. When we were shopping the RX, I spent A LOT of time on the Leasing board and Car_man was of invaluable help. He personally analyzed my numbers and was able to assure me that I was getting a fair deal. How great is that?!
Advantastar = Sold out to Lexus
The X5 AWD system is without a doubt the absolute best AWD system in this market category, the AWD RX300 isn't, AWD that is.
The RX300's AWD system provides a 50/50 F/R torque split only on high traction surfaces(when no one really gives a damn), when all four wheels have roughly equal traction. The instant traction is lost on the primary, front, drive wheels torque biasing instantly becomes about 90/10 F/R, and will only recover to as much as 70/30 if the front wheels continue to slip for a time period measured in hundreds of milliseconds.
I proved the above for myself, on both the 00 and the 01, using shade-tree mechanic techniques and when some on the internet doubted my results I tested the 01 on a 4 wheel dyno and got the same results. The rear wheels of the AWD RX300 are never allocated enough engine torque to move the vehicle up a 5% grade if the front wheels have no traction.
VSC/trac/ABD.
The theory is (so says my owners manual) that VSC will apply braking to BOTH rear wheels for understeering and the outside front wheel for over-steering. Trac only works to help prevent wheel slippage left to right or vice versa, NEVER F/R or R/F. It would be really nice if it did work F/R or R/F since the VC is so flaccid it never rises to the occasion. I suspect Trac NEVER activates to help distribute torque at the front, that would be the same as a front LSD and most of us know why few of those exist.
I have only had the VSC activate once, I think, and the Trac NEVER.
AWD more... the clearance between the rear wheel and the suspension is so tight that tire chains CANNOT be fitted to the rear. The Lexus owners manual says tire chains should ONLY be used on the front. When I contacted then on the hazardous nature of operating with tire chains only on the front they responded that they agreed.
DRLs.
The RX300 uses the Halogen high beam bulbs operating at reduced voltage for DRL. Halogen bulbs will fail very prematurely when used in this mode. At only 12k miles both of my high beam bulbs were coated with soot on the inside and the glass encapsulation had begun to melt just above the filament. I replaced the bulbs and disconnected the DRL voltage dropping resistor under the battery support plate. The service manager at Lexus of Bellevue didn't seem to give a hoot.
Climate Control:
One really, REALLY horrible design.
Where can I start?
I bought my first Lexus, a 92 LS, in late 91. By January of 92 I knew I had a car with a very serious design flaw. The windshield would suddenly, mysteriously, spontaneously fog over. It has taken me the better part of ten years to figure out why.
For cooling purposes, there is NO need to run the A/C system below about 55F. Down to about 45F A/C systems can be reasonably efficient helping remove interior surface condensation by dehumidifying the incoming airflow. My 92 LS continued to run the A/C compressor all the way down to 34F OAT.
WHY?
A Porsche factory representative gave me his answer to that question recently. As long as the A/C evaporator is kept artificially chilled, then a thin film of moisture will form to coat the A/C evaporator surfaces (10,000 sq, in, 92 LS) and that coating will serve to suppress the horrid mold, mildew, dirty gym-sock odor that would otherwise emanate from the A/C ducts.
My understanding is that the arrival of the mold and mildew odor, and the windshield fogging problem coinsided with the use of A/C in automobiles. But then these two problems were horribly exacerbated with the conversion to the new less efficient refrigerant.
To make up for the loss of cooling capacity inherent in the conversion the automotive A/C manufacturers, primarily NipponDenso and later Denso US, started improving the overall A/C design.
The A/C evaporator could not grow in size, so it got a whole lot denser, 10,000 square inches of cooling surface where 2500 once sufficed. A refrigerator is quite efficient at cooling things because it is mostly closed up, just keeps recirculating the same trapped airflow again and again. In my 92 LS, and my 01 RX, with the exit airflow path so restrictive and circuitous to prevent entry of external noise, and with the final "exhauster" port in an area of predominantly high air pressure, they act very much like that refrigerator.
With four or five adults traveling in the car for an hour or more in the wintertime the cabin environment grow stale with humidity and other byproducts of human metabolism. What do you think might happen if the A/C compressor were to automatically shut down about this time because the OAT has just declined below 34F?
A clue. Remember that 10,000 square inches of A/C evaporator surface was covered with a thin film of condensate.
Here's is a response I provided to an Edmunds town hall question about the mold and mildew smell.
Subject:
tire chains
At 11/08/2001 02:51 PM we wrote -
Dear Mr. West:
Based upon your concerns with chains on the front tires only, installing snow tires on all four wheels would be the best recommendation for you.
Your Question:
Dear Sirs or Ms,
Tomorrow morning we head out on our first wintertime trip in our 2001 AWD RX300. We will be traveling from the Seattle area to the eastern Oregon border. Our return trip will be via central Oregon, over several mountain passes.
In preparation for our trip I just reviewed the owners manual regarding snow tires and tire chains, and came away a bit puzzled. On page 283 regarding snow tires you make the following cautionary statement.
"Installing snow tires on the front wheels only can lead to an excessive difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control"
And on page 284 with regards to chain installation you state, in BOLD:
"Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not use chains on the rear tires."
Since the AWD RX300 has the engine torque biased predominantly to the front axle I can readily understand the need for installing chains on the front wheels, but I cannot understand why you state that they should not be used on the rear wheels also.
You clearly acknowledge, justifiably in my opinion, that installing snow tires only on the front wheels might lead to loss of control. Wouldn't putting tire chains only on the front also increase the potential for loss of vehicular control, rather dramatically over snow tires only on the front?
I have heard many people complain, upon taking their FWD vehicle in to have studs installed, that the shop insisted on installing studs on all four wheels, otherwise they wouldn't do the work at all. My explanation to them has always been along the lines of your own statement, increased traction in the front vs the rear will very likely lead to loss of control, especially in downhill braking circumstances.
Isn't this even more true of the RX300 and your recommendation of tire chains only on the front?
Shouldn't you have an even stronger cautionary note in this case?
But, more to the point, the RX300 is a "luxury", relatively expensive, SUV, I would think the very best suggestion you could make is to advise the RX300 owners to ALWAYS use tire chains on all FOUR wheels.
But my questions are:
1. What harm would be done, if any, to the RX300 AWD drive train if I were to install tire chains on only the REAR wheels?
2. What if I am willing to go to the expense of putting tire chains on all four wheels? What would be your advice?
As for 1, above, I am aware that installing tire chains only on the rear wheels would create a disparate, or differential turning rate, lower at the rear axle than at the front axle, that could not be overcome by the resultant viscous clutch "tightening up". But isn't that also the case with tire chains on the front only, a differential turning rate front vs rear that cannot be overcome and thus the viscous clutch's temperature would continue to climb higher and higher?
The only apparent difference, to me, would be that tire chains only on the rear would result the viscous clutch "tightening up" to the very same level as chains only on the front, but would result in a much safer, dramatically so, overall operational configuration.
But the only question I really and truly need an answer to is number 2.
Thanks,
Willard West
---- 11/08/2001 12:38 PM ----------------------------------------------
I agree with you 100%, I just went out and looked and there is less than 1" of clearance between the top of the tire tread and the bottom of the coil spring suspension.
But, given the increased level of traction provided by snow chains only on the front and the much greater likihood of downhill or braking loss of control due to this "reverse" traction "offset", wouldn't you agree that it would be even more advisable, especially for those of us who swicth to snow tires/wheels in the wintertime anyway, to switch to a lower profile tire/wheel setup all around so one could balance things out by installing chains all around, if needed?
I am also somewhat disturbed by your suggestion that "short-term" use of snow chains only on the front wheels is "safe", while at the same time acknowledging that long term use of snow tires only on the front is not. It seems to me that the use of snow chains only on the front increases the potential for loss of control so dramatically over "snow tires front only" that even very brief use might, statistically, even out the safety issue.
If your issue remains unresolved, please update this question here.
You may also update this question by replying to this message. Because your reply will be automatically processed, you MUST enter your reply in the space below. Text entered into any other part of this message will be discarded.
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If you have any further concerns, you can also reach the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time. Sincerely, Kevin Saylan Customer Satisfaction Representative
Tarik
Now I'm on my first anniversary of RX ownership and am as happy with it as I could expect. It's still a smooth-running vehicle, never a need for a warranty fix, runs well in adverse weather conditions and brakes confidently (had to make some emergency brakestops in Boston recently). Nothing but oil changes so far after 12K miles but will invest in some required service soon.
As I had mentioned recently, a squeak developed just behind the driver position, and I fixed it with some WD-40 on the rear passenger door hinges. No more squeaks. A/C has been keeping me chilled despite the recent 100 degree NYC weather, and the interior has held up great despite my lack of time in cleaning it.
So imagine my dismay when after a full year, I come to this same board and find West conjuring up some deja vu. The same rants, the same problems, the same everything. All just to discourage people about the car they own or they want to buy, when it in fact is a far superior car to others in its class (and what a class it is).
Buy the Chrysler T&C over the RX? That's got to be one of the longest running jokes on the Internet.
So yes, it angers me to see his unsolicited opinions rehashed e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y, but more so because he is determined to steer people away from a potentially rewarding vehicle and into something that is less reliable and more expensive. It's a cruel thing to do.
E.g. "the RX300 has a much larger cargo area than the Escalade/Rendezvous/MDX/pick one with its rear seat up (39.8 vs. xyz cubic feet)."
Of course it doesn't mention the "rear seat" in the MDX, Rendezvous, and I think the Escalade are the third row seats!
Tire chains on the front only. Anyone want to stand up and tell us that this isn't a bad idea and why?
Those of you out there with the mold and mildew odor, do you want it to continue unabated? If not then complain to Lexus, and next month when it reappears complain again.
Windshield fogging: Those of you out there who have experienced this, do you care if it does or doesn't happen again?
Windshield defog: Is there anyone out there that's willing to stand up and say that the Lexus method is best, or even adequate?
Climate control cooling mode in the dead of winter. How many of you have developed the habit of unconsciously reaching over and changing it to footwell mode becuase cold dry air in your face is so discomforting in cold climates. It isn't just bad design, it's downright stupid design.
AWD design. The sad thing here is that the Chrysler T&C AWD system is a much better system than the RX. I'm not saying the T&C is a better vehicle overall, not by a far cry. But if you truly need AWD the T&C is definitely a better bet than the RX.
I'd be willing to bet you that if all of us started complaining now, or even as few as 15%, about the lack of decent AWD performance, and while we're at it, the hazardous nature of tire chains only on the front, the new RX330 would come equipped with the Sequoia's firmware implemented AWD system (clone of the ML's) and enough clearance at the rear to install tire chains.
WHY?
Becuase we continue to buy them without complaining. Overall, the Lexus product line is the best in the world marketplace today. But that's not saying it couldn't be better, in same cases a LOT better. But to be truthful in the case of the LS430 the climate control issues (mold, windshield fog, poor defog functionality, etc.) are, to my knowledge, it's only failing.
I refer to my 2001 AWD 911 as an "Engineering Artistic Expression", were I to again own an LS they would be competing for that title (well, maybe not, the windshield defog in the 911 actually works exceedingly well).
Folks, these are all very serious design flaws, almost all of them potentially life threatening, if we continue to stand by and let these YAHOOs keep saying "everything is fine", "everything is dandy", then the Lexus product will never live up to the expectations their advertising has lead us to believe.
Complain, and then complain again. Make them live up to their motto.
"The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection"
This is the RX board and you have inundated it with your constant complaining, shouting so loud, posting, reposting again and again the same complaints that you're making this a miserable board. The RX is not perfect but it is indeed a fine urban SUV. I like it and others do too. That's what we post on this board and it upsets you so that you feel this pathogical need to shout everyone down, every single day. You want to monopolize this board and dictate what others should say? Go ahead and try. But you'll get called out for your agenda and I know you're not happy about it. You reap what you sow. And you've sowed a lot.
What are you trying to accomplish? You want to feel like you've influenced a big corporation like Lexus/Toyota with your Edmunds ranting? Make yourself feel big?
A fine mess you've made on the Web. Here and at Club Lexus, you harass everyone who's ever posted something good about the RX. It is sickening.
Life-threatening flaws? Exaggerate much? How about rollover tendencies, exploding tires, poorly-positioned gas tanks and poor crash test ratings? Nope, not on the RX.
I have yet to see or hear about melted bulbs in the RX besides your story - got pics to post? It's summer now - not a time to talk about snow chains. Only an obsessed person would do that. Who puts chains on anyway? Buy Blizzaks (don't debate me - I don't care. I live in NYC).
T&C ... tell that joke one more time, please.
So someone is a Yahoo for liking the RX? What does that make you? I have some ideas but I'll reserve them in the name of civility.
Advertising is taken with a grain of salt. I don't walk into the dealership and look at a car because of a motto. If you do, then you need to buy a Chevy instead - they're built like a rock, you know.
A 'wrap' means to wrap things up, to completion. Does that mean you're gonna end your tirade? Nah, that would mean the pigs are going airborne.
Thanks.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
You ever come to Orlando? I'll buy you all the beer you can drink!
Bill
Don't get to Orlando - maybe when we have kids we'll do the mandatory Disney thing. I'll call ya - we'll hang out!
So one of the first things I did when I bought my RX was a survey to find the quietiest tire (not M+S or all-season) for it. I ended up installing Michelin XC's which in truth are something of a compromise but I have been very pleased with their quietness and overall performance.
But that's just one of the reasons I feel the ability to use tire chains is so over-whelmingly important. 5-9s of the time I don't need AWD and the quietness of summer tires works and suits me just fine. If, in the times I do need AWD, and it turns out I need AWD and more traction, I am not put off at all taking the time to install chains.
I see no real need to post pictures of sooty and melting bulbs since my own personal confidence level is extremely high that all of you RX owners will see them for yourselves by the time you get to 15k miles, unless you do your majority, or all of, your driving at night.
Don't try this if you don't have a local garage you can depend on.
And be sure s/he puts that in writing on the work order.
You don't mention the A/C air "pollen" filter, at 30k it likely needs to be changed out.