Lexus RX 300

jeffmust2

posts, we can start this one about tire chain properties all over again. Now, let me check that formula one more time...

tidester

Very funny, jeff! ;-)

tidester, host

rlui1

Can anyone answer post 6295?

jiamin

I think the way you described in post 6295 is the correct way to park on a slope. Also the "rolls a little and locks up" is normal with any car, not just RX, at least with my previous Maxima and Altima.

ruski

and now tell me how large the Coriolis force is going to be

tarik

Should there be a (undesireable) tangential acceleration along the wheel's radius in addition to the radial motion (which is the only condition under which a CF is generated), I wouldn't worry so much about the resulting coriolis force, but more about the way in which the snow chain's links are about to change the visual appearance of my fenders. Ouch! ;-))

ranjith1

xsfo

In that calculation, Your radius is wrong. It is the radius of the curve in which your car is moving on. It is not 10". Sharper the curve, the smaller the radius...

rlui1

Thanks for your response. Not all cars do that. My 2002 Jetta parking brakes set right away with no rolling. It's a little disappointing that my more expensive car does that.

xsfo

ranjith1:
Huh? What curve are you talking about?
The radius I used is the approximate
radius of a wheel.

I am calculating the centripetal acceleration
of a tire chain on a wheel. Not the vehicle in
a curve.

nevernew

Willard you certainly got it right! In February 2002 when I was considering picking up an RX300 in FL to drive to the Northwest, you pointed out that the nav system data base wasn't exactly comprehensive. You said, "...Lexus Nav will be fine in major cities and if you don't leave the interstate system but map coverage, say in Monroe, or Bellingham is poor to non-existant." Well, I bought the RX in Bellevue, WA, and I finally made it to Bellingham, WA (terrific Mark O'Connor Hot Swing concert), and the nav system was everything you said and less. On the way to the theatre, the nav gave me a few directions and then said (I'm paraphrasing), "Uh, I don't know where that place is, but why don't you drive in a straight line THAT DIRECTION for about a mile. Maybe you'll find something." Fortunately, I had my trusty map printed from the internet to navigate with.

On the return trip to my hotel, I kicked in the nav system again just for kicks. It had no difficulty locating the hotel, but the routings were amusing. Nav said the shortest route was to drive a block and a half straight ahead, turn left for three blocks and find the hotel--a true routing. So, for more kicks, I asked for the quickest routing. Nav said to drive half a block straight ahead, turn RIGHT for about a half mile, turn left for one block, turn left again for about a half mile plus three blocks and find the hotel. All my optional settings seem to be fine here, no freeways, no tolls, just simple 35 MPH city streets, and the system sends me off in the opposite direction from my destination. This isn't the first time, just another time, the nav has provided a foolish answer. Anybody know anything about the algorithms the computer program uses?

lenscap

Somebody at clublexus.com appears to have the 2004 RX 330 pre-production brochure.

My computer says the link is too long and won't let me post it. Just go to clublexus.com, click on forums, then click on RX 300. It's one of the first posts, and clearly shows the exterior and interior.

multiplechoice

While up in San Francisco this past saturday, I saw a crew filming a new vehicle down in the financial district (around 9am). It sure looks like a RX. The rear of the vehicle looks like the one in the brochure mentioned in the above post. The vehicle was all black with a 6 or 7 spoke chrome wheels. It did not have any kind on license plate. It looked a bit longer than the vehicle pictured in the above brochure. Too bad I didn't have a camera. I did not get a closer look because it was on the move and with 4 police motorcycle escorts it went right through several red lights. Did not get a frontal view, only back and side.

xsfo

Damn, I wish I'd seen that black RX330!

The link to magazine spy pictures of RX330:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=451107

The link to early RX330 brochure:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65452

fedlawman

I think Lexus copied the Kia Sorento for the design of the dashboard.

Good choice.

lok888

Great pictures. The headlights are different than those I saw on the spy pictures. The spy pictures shows it look like the ES300 headlight.

wwest

MY2000 AWD T&C LXi, 20k miles, Memphis to Santa Cruz, 2500 miles, 22.7 MPG, 2250 RPM at 75MPH.

MY1998 AWD T&C LXi, 58k miles, Santa Cruz to Seattle, 850 miles, 22.3 MPG, 2250 RPM at 75 MPH.

MY2001 AWD RX300, 20k miles, Seattle to Lewistown MT and return, 1586 miles, 19.8 MPG, 3000 RPM at 75 MPH. 20.2 MPG outgoing on 87 octane, 92 octane on return.

Only snow/ice was on MacDonald pass, snowchains not needed.

Beautiful whitetail buck encounter, photoshoot, near Avon.

kmh

Some people have posted what seemingly is the real deal RX330 at Clublexus.com in the RX330/300 discussion section. Enjoy!

link: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65623

acpatel

Need to replace tires on a 2000 RX300. Can anyone recommend tires for the Baltimore area weather? Mostly dry, some rain and minimal snow. Worst weather condition is occassional winter rain/ice mixture. And lastly driving is 80% local 20% highway. I favor Dunlop, but wife (her car) prefers Michelin.

Thank you.

lenscap

When you click on the above link, scroll down about 10 posts, past the photos of the magazine article. You'll then see a completely regular, non-disguised RX 330 someone photographed parked in Australia. It's the real thing!

acpatel

Need to replace tires on a 2000 RX300. Can anyone recommend tires for the Baltimore area weather? Mostly dry, some rain and minimal snow. Worst weather condition is occassional winter rain/ice mixture. And lastly driving is 80% local 20% highway. I favor Dunlop, but wife (her car) prefers Michelin.

Thank you.

pschiffe

Try a search, this has been discussed here ad nauseaum in the past. Favorites seem to be Michelin Cross Terrain and Bridgestone Dueler H/L. Apparently comparable products, see which one you can get the best deal on.

Pete

mooretorque

pschiffe has compressed many posts and much discussion into the top two tire selections. I'm one of the Michelin guys, the RX now having about 2 years and 25k miles on a set. ANYthing is likely better than the Goodyear Limptegritys; even my wife came out of the Lexus RX loaner complaining of the spooky, floppy feeling compared to her RX.

I agree with p, though; see what the best deal you can get between the CTXs and the Dueler H/L and choose accordingly.

mooretorque

to post 6331: "even my wife came out of the Lexus RX loaner complaining of the spooky, floppy feeling compared to her RX."

She just had 50k service, which resulted in her most recent criticism. But she has carped about the handling and feel of every loaner RX (all have had the Goodyear ((sidewall)) Integrity ((of wet newspaper)) tires; I've checked) she's had since I put the Michelins on. And she's not a gearhead at all, to give you some idea of the difference.

hd665

I just got a 2001 RX with the Silversport package. However there was no cargo net and I was wondering how useful this is. My old SUV had a cargo net, but the window opened separately which made it more convenient.

Since I play golf alot, it would seem to be a pain to lift the bag over the cargo net. Can anyone provide some firsthand experience here.

Thanks,
Bill.

tarik

The cargo net comes in very handy every day. In case it should be in your way, you can simply unhook it from one of the upper fasteners (pic #2) and lay it flat. Worked for us every time...

Tarik

inthemix

I had the day off yesterday so I decided to wax my 2001 RX300. Around 4:00 pm UPS delivered my new digital camera. Thought I would take a few pictures and share with the forum members. My mods include Cobra Chrome Brush Guard, factory chrome wheels, spoiler and Mannix siderails.

 

deara

I recently purchased an '02 fwd rx300 w/o nav, wood steering wheel and heated seats. I just took my car in for the 5000 mile service and had the loaner rx300 which had the heated seats, and the wooden steering wheel. Now I want them! My question is am I just being silly or should I consider trading my car in and getting another one with those options? I bought my car in July'02 ( 4months ago). what do you think it would cost me in $$$ and effort to trade it in now or should I wait until the '04's come out and try to get a '03 at a better price.

stever

It's possible to get aftermarket heat put in your seats for $200-$300 bucks. Ditto the steering wheel, but I hear that swapping them out is pretty pricy (over $1,000?).

Aftermarket Heated Seats

Aftermarket Steering Wheels

Steve, Host

kmh

Your RX looks great! The chrome really accents your ride and compliments the color of the RX. Very nice.

Would mind if I asked where you got the side rails and brush guard? and cost? Thanks!

inthemix

Cobra Front Brush Guard came from Truck Accessories 4 Less http://www.truckaccessories4less.net/tubfrongaurf.html. Cost $400 shipped to the door (appear to be a little more expensive now but you can search the web and maybe beat this price).

The Mannix Stainless Steel Nerf bars came from Best Darn Parts http://bestdarnparts.com/manikssnerf.html. They were also $400 shipped to the door.

The chrome hatchback handle bar ($95) and exhaust tip ($85) came from Auto Fashion http://store.yahoo.com/lexusparts/rx300.html

Installation was fairly easy for all accessories.

ruski

go back to http://store.yahoo.com/lexusparts/rx300.html and get yourself the chrome rear bumper scuffplate

kmh

Thanks for the links! I also see you posted at the CL site. That's a great site as well. Again, nice work!

pschiffe

Had my 99 RX in for 50K service today and was advised that both front and rear brake pads needed replacement. Fronts were near sensor while backs at sensor. Anybody know if this is within the "normal" wear range for these parts. BTW only cost $793.76 parts, labor and tax from my authorized LEXUS dealer!

Pete

gcrim21

"BTW only cost $793.76 parts, labor and tax from my authorized LEXUS dealer!"

Take your RX to a Toyota Dealer next time. I've found the local Toyota Dealer to be much much less expensive than the Lexus Dealer is.

stevern

Hi, your RX looks great. Just wanna know, what kind of wax do you use??? Steve

ruski

Zaino is the best

mooretorque

Roger that on Zaino!!!

pschiffe, just had wifey's 99 in for 50k; fronts were at 30%, rears were down to 15%, so had them done......I'll check the service ticket when I get home, but that sounds about right for our good ol' dealer here. Still haven't quite figured out how the rears went sooner than the fronts, though.

avery1

Just hit 70,000 miles last night on my '99. (A little scary leaving all warranties behind.) Still have original pads although at the last service they said they would need to be replaced soon.

inthemix

Stevern,
I use an inexpensive off the shelf product: Eagle One Wet Look.

Here is the process I go through:

1 - Wash the car with Dawn liquid detergent. This removes the old wax and most wax/paint contaminants.

2 - If I notice any further contaminants (road grime, haze, etc.) I apply a paint cleaner/renewer. This is a Platinum Protection System product http://www.ecpinc.net/ecpframe.htm that was provided by the dealer. I had them to throw in a free paint protection system as an incentive to close the deal. Since my car is black and does not have a clear coat finish I was afraid of having paint problems caused by acid rain or bird droppings. I wax every 2 - 3 months and so far I have used the paint cleaner/renewer every other time

3 - I apply the Eagle One Wet Look polish. It goes on and comes off easily. I have never used more than one coat.

I have read and heard great things about the Zaino products and I plan to use them in the near future.

kmh

I've been very happy with Meguiar's Gold Class wax. Used them on my Twilight Blue RX and the surface does look smooth and glossy.

Question: Has anyone used a clay bar? How easy is it to use and is it effective as they advertise to be? Thanks!

ruski

clay is very easy to use and it very effective. It leaves the skin, err I mean the surface, so smooth!

It picks up the smallest particles that actually wedge themselves into the surface like tiny splinters.

You just have to make sure that you keep the surface lubricated with mild washing liquid solution (I use Zaino wash). If you don't, the clay will actually stick to the surface.

And if you ever drop clay - just throw it away.

mooretorque

pschiffe, $305 for rears; sounds like your dealer has even greater pride in their service than mine!!

kmh

Thanks for the info. on the clay.

Do you or anyone have any recommendations on which brand to get? I've seen a couple available at the local auto shops. Thanks again.

jrdowney

Modern clearcoat vehicles really don't require waxing but we do it anyway, primarily for the great look and feel. Most good waxes/polishs have similar performace and various studies have shown this. I tend to choose one that is easy to apply and remove and wait for a sale at the local auto store!

buckeyedon

"Tony", who used to post on Lexus and Toyota sites with great frequency and with pungent, often helpful comments. I just started coming to boards again, and Tony is noticably absent. Just wonder'n

ruski

I like ClayMagic (blue color) or Zaino Claybar or Mother's clay (yellow color)

Stay away from Meguiar's clay (white color)

Also I heard good things about Erazer clay but never tried it - http://www.erazer.com/

mrrogers

I just checked carsdiect.com for zipcode 91311 (L.A.) for a FWD 2003 RX300 with the Premium Value Package. MSRP is $36,495. Invoice is $32,638. CarsDirect price is $32,438. The dealers may be discounting the 2003 model to make way for the 2004 RX330 in the spring.

gambiaman

I've had my RX for about 2 years and have 2 problems I wanted to know if others had experienced the same problems:
1. The carpet on the passenger side has started to come out from under the plastic door stepin. I stuck it back in the first couple of times but now too much is out to do that. I think it needs to be glued.
2. When I turn the steering wheel the steering wheel shaft makes a slight clicking sound. Sounds like something rubbing inside the shaft. If you have the radio on or are talking to someone it can't be heard.
I plan to have both problems repaired when I next go to the Lexus dealer. I've got 38K miles on it and haven't had any other problems.

gteach26

I started noticing the SAME steering wheel rubbing/clicking sound on my wife's '02 RX this weekend. I was coming to post about it and saw your post. It sounds like a muffled squealing/ rubbery grind. It is not loud enough to be annoying and you're right, with the radio on even at a low setting you can't even notice it. I'm just scared this might be a symptom of something more serious. If it is normal I can live with it. The RX is due for service later this month and I'll be asking them to see if it is a problem or not. Let me know if you hear anything else about this issue. As for your carpeting issue, this sounds like a warranty-covered problem easily fixed by your dealer -- just let 'em know about it and they should fix it quickly and easily.

laurasdada

At just shy of 13,000 miles, power antenna stopped rising. Still get OK radio reception, will bring it into dealer in a couple of weeks. Maybe it's just frozen (I don't think so) from the cold weather we've had here in Boston. Anyone else have this problem?