My dealer called and said my Silver RX w/ navigation arrives in Portland today, and then will take about 10 days to get to Chicago. I told him to put on the 3M stoneguard before I pick it up. I'll let you know how it turns out.
I had a 2001 Chevy Blazer for 2 months as a rental car when my husband's Toyota truck was in an accident. The Blazer does not drive anything like the RX300. The engine is louder, the ride is not as smooth, the interior is much noiser, etc. It was only a couple of months old and was leaking oil and had creaks from underneath. It also had a huge defect in my opinion! The A/C system did not have any way to re-circulate the air inside the vehicle, thus all fumes from the outside (especially when behind a truck or in traffic on the freeway) come in the vehicle. That made me feel car sick on several occasions. Be sure to check the TrailBlazer's A/C system to see if it is like that. I don't see the TrailBlazer as being classy. I checked it out at the LA Auto Show a few months ago.
As for the MDX, that was the other SUV I was seriously considering before buying the RX300. The MDX is very wide and that made driving and parking it much more difficult than the RX. Also, the service I received from two different Acura dealers was terrible. The ride of the the MDX felt just like a minivan.
I was wondering if any owner of an AWD 99'RX or 00'RX AWD, has traded in their vehicle for a '01 FWD RX. Can somebody post their experience as to the difference between driving AWD vs FWD, other than fuel economy and nimbleness. How does the weight distribution feels??
A good friend is trying to decide to purchase an RX between these model years. Has anyone heard when the next facelift or new design is scheduled to be? Thanks!
Actually, I think the justification made for single axle (FWD or RWD) SUVs is that a person might live in a sunny climate and need to tow stuff that other vehicles couldn't.
I really don't agree with this, and share your view. If you're gonna a buy a SUV, make sure all four wheels work. Just as an FYI, check out the QX4 discussion and how many folks there buy 2wd versions. It amazes me.
I rejected the 2000 QX4 outright because of the sparse back seating (head) space. Maybe people with more cash than brains are buying the QX4 for the exterior LOOK.
I saw a BLACK one recently with chrome wheels that would catch anyone's eye. BEAUTIFUL, but not practical!
Oh, I haven't towed anything for many years now but it seems to me that towing ANYTHING would put more weight on the rear wheels. At the same time if the correct hitch (something more than the regular run-of-the-mill stuff supplied by the dealer/factory) is not used weight is actually shifted OFF the front wheels. If I wanted to tow a "boat" I would certainly want something with driven rear wheels.
Hey, you don't have to tell me about the QX4, I just got rid of a Pathfinder! Back seat is horrendous except for kids.
"Maybe people with more cash than brains are buying the QX4 for the exterior LOOK."
Bingo! You can get a loaded Pathfinder with almost exactly the same options as a QX4 for less money. QX4 owners seem to cringe whenever I bring this up. Nissan gutted their own product line by allowing Nav, memory seats, entertainment system, etc to be available in the PF. There's nothing to really distinguish the Qx4 from the PF except more insulation and longer warranty.
At least Toyota was smart and didn't allow all the luxury features of the RX300 to be available in the Highlander.
Looking at the X5 and RX300 to possibly replace my 99 JGCL I6. I would like some feedback on the +/-'s of these two vehicles. Right now, I prefer the look and fun to drive feel of the X5. I don't have a preferance regarding interior yet. I like the fact that the RX seems to be less expensive. I don't like the aprox. $1,000 cost to add a tow hitch to the X5 vs the RX's $310. Has anyone else compared the two?
I have the FWD RX, I was considering buying the AWD but i really don't have a need for it. I live here in California and the worst it gets here is the rain. I have my other Navigator for ski trips to Tahoe. AWD are great if you live in snowy climates though. I also don't use the RX to tow my boat. That is why i bought the Lincoln Navigator to do the dirty work. We use the RX local trips and communting. I think it's a great vehicle to do just that. I also don't go offroad so i guess it really depends on the individuals lifeystyle. That is why the RX is offered w/ FWD & AWD.
There is no comparison, it's apples and oranges since an X5 similarly equipped to a RX300 AWD Nav will cost at least $9000 more. The X5 will outperform the RX in terms of handling, but you sacrifice ride comfort. The X5 also has less cargo space. BMW dealer customer service isn't as consistent as Lexus service. The X5 is the #1 pick of IIHS for safety, the RX is #3. Consumer Reports rates the RX300 as the best made/quality mid-size SUV once again.
The bottomline is this: If you want the best sport handling vehicle, get the X5, no question. If you want an all around good mix of luxury, safety, ride comfort and $9k cheaper, get the RX300.
I had a question about the location of the in-dash CD changer on the 01 RX. From what I remember the dealer showing me, the changer unit appeared to be in the glove box. I don't believe that makes it a true in-dash changer. I thought by "in-dash" they meant CD feeder that was located just above the tape deck. So in other words, you can't feed 6 CD's continuously in to the dash right - you have to load them into a magazine? Is this correct?
Since I will be picking up my vehicle this Saturday, I was also wondering about the TRUE gas mileage that some of you owners have experienced on long highway trips. Is is anywhere near the 22 mpg that is published in the brochure? What about city mileage - does it drop significanly below 19mpg for the FWD model?
Lastly, just curious as to whether anyone owns the Siversport Edition RX with the Millenium Silver body panel and side fenders. I really like that color scheme but unfortunately I have not seen it at any dealership.
I have a '99 RX300 that I have been very pleased with to date. I have about 23K miles on it and about 5 miles into my commute this morning, the 'malfunction indicator light' came on. The car runs fine and I can not detect any problems. The owners manual says two possibilities involve the fuel system, which I have eliminated as a possibility. The 3rd option is engine or transmission electrical system. Does anyone know what the most common problem is when this light comes on? Do I need to take it back to the dealer immediately or am I safe if I wait until my next oil change in 2K miles?
I live in the snow belt of the midwest (Milwaukee)and really haven't found a compelling need for AWD. Since the introduction of front wheel drive I have not got stuck yet in the snow and 99% of the time they do a good job of keeping up with clearing the roads. The reason I am looking at a Lexus FWD is because my kids are older now and I don't need all the room of a mini van anymore, but still want some decent cargo room and like the drivers height. The other benefit of FWD over AWD is that you get better acceleraton and better gas mileage,not to mention it cost less. Why pay for something if you don't really need it?
I've had several cars before this happened to. It wasn't the RX but other similiar experiences. The first thing that it might be is the emission system. That, you should go and have the dealer check it out. Usually emission control has a warranty of up to 6 years. The second could be that you just did not close your gas cap tight enough. There is a warning on the gas cap that if you don't click it tight at least 3 times then your check engine or malfunction light might come on. Just double check and if it is the gas cap then you'll have to drive several trips before the light turns off. I might not be all correct but this is just from my experience. Someone on the forum correct me if i'm wrong. good day
My 01 RX is on order for delivery in May and I'm wondering: I will be getting the HID lamps in my RX. When I ordered an Audi A6q I was unaware that the high beams were simply halogens. Are the high beams on the new RX HID or Halogen. If they are halogens, what bulb is used H-1 H-7 H-3? I plan on ordering (from the UK) some Philips Vision Plus H-1 and H-7's for my ML430 and would just like to place one order.
I have that deflector at the top, rear of my 99 version and I do think it adds noise. I find the noise level to be very high at 75mph and higher. The dealer told me the deflector adds noise and quoted $350 to take it off. I also get noise from the deflector that is exposed when the sunroof is open. It keeps the wind off rear seat passengers but adds a lot of noise. I sometimes hold it down with my hand when riding with the roof open. Has anyone figured out how to clamp down that deflector when the sun roof is open??
I live here on the eastside of seattle and it is very true that I rarely NEED AWD.
Since 87 I have owned two Jeeps (2WD, AWD, 4WD modes) and two RX300's. I can't really say that I have put either of the RX AWD's to a true test. The Jeeps on the other hand were well tested.
In the past ten years we have had only two really serious snowstorms, Decenber 18th 1990, and between Christmas and New Years of 1995. In 1990 the roads and freeways quickly become blocked with vehicles which became stuck and the owners simply walked away from them. It is an exceedingly interesting experience to see FWD vehicles throw a (cable) chain and spin, often into another vehicle or off the road. It took several days for the roads to be cleared, first of vehicles and then of snow and ice.
I spent the first evening shuttling employees from the office to their homes, many times leaving the roadbed briefly in order to do so. I had REAL chains on all four wheels and was continously in AWD, and occassionally in 4WD mode.
The 95 incident wasn't near as traumatic, we were already at home nestled by the fire when it started. About mid-week we needed to make a grocery run and again, out of absolute necessity, I out-fitted the jeep with four chains.
So, as you can see, in the clear majority of times one does not need AWD or 4WD, but there are times when it can be of great value. Since you live in the snowbelt I would wager that the AWD RX would pay for itself over the long haul.
Remember, there is AWD and there is real AWD like on the RX300, which is permanent and not automatic.
Let me relate some recent experience. We've had really bad weather in the northeast today and yesterday. Heavy, heavy rain and extremely high winds. There are a number of curvey on- and off-ramps I have to drive through various bridges and freeways. In my V6 FWD Grand Am (which is setup for handling rather than comfort) I can go so fast on curves with a certain amount of "feel and confidence". It handles pretty good. This morning in the RX300, I'm on some 2-lane ramp curves and I decide to "push it". I actually have less lean in my Rex and go faster than my GA. Because of the full time 50/50 torque split, the Rex has a very neutral feel and inspires complete confidence. I was blowing by everyone else without feeling I was going to tip over or lose it.
The AWD adds minimal weight to the Rex and MPG doesn't suffer that much more. My car isn't even broken in yet and I'm getting 20mpg in mixed driving. Most SUVs with Auto-AWD (normally one axle) only get 19mpg on the highway.
To me the permanent-AWD is totally worth it for the handling improvement. YMMV, but I'm extremely happy with my choice.
The RX300 uses a viscous clutch with normal torque distribution of, approximately, 70% front and 30% rear. If there is a differential speed between the front axle and the rear axle then the viscous fluid thickens and increases the torque coupling coefficient from the front to the rear axle so the rear wheels get more of the available torque. The Chrysler T&C AWD Minivan works exactly the same way.
The Jeep's AWD also used a viscous clutch but either axle could get the full range of engine torque.
You might say that the Jeep uses TWO viscous clutches with the engine torque delivered between the two while the RX and the T&C only use one viscous clutch with the front wheels directly driven, coupled, and the viscous clutch to deliver torque to the rear axle only on an AS NEEDED basis.
As noted in the owners manual, disparate tire circumferences front to rear can cause serious damage to the viscous clutch.
Even so, I suspect that lowering the tire pressure on the front tires TEMPORARILY would help to distribute the torque more evenly, constantly, if one needed to do so to get through a serious road condition.
But are these REAL AWD systems and if so what constitutes a non-real AWD?
Real AWD or permanent 4WD (this is a correction from what I said before) is when there is torque on both axles, all the time. And the RX300 is 50/50, the following info is straight from the Lexus site. 9/7/2000 press release.
Real Four-Wheel Drive, Made Easy: The transmission in the four-wheel drive RX 300 features an integrated transfer case and a viscous center differential that provides a 50/50 front-to-rear power split. The system requires no activation by the driver. If slippage occurs at the front or the rear, the viscous center differential automatically and transparently directs power to the wheels with the most traction.
Auto-AWD is on the majority of the vehicles out there, like the JGC, Pathfinder LE, GM Blazer/Jimmy/etc., Acura MDX, etc. These are vehicles that normally supply torque to only one axle until slippage is detected and then transfer torque as needed. The JGCL (Quadradrive)takes this one step further by putting georotor couplings on each axle which allows side-to-side torque transfer independent of the front-to-back transfer.
Auto-AWD systems are reactive, permanent-4WD is proactive. The reactive systems will help you get "unstuck", the proactive systems will do this plus contribute to handling stability. Don't get me wrong, the Quadradrive system is the best off-road system in the world, but it doesn't out do the RX300 when it comes to highway stability.
The confusion on the different system names is a direct result of the "geniuses" in marketing ;-)
What I meant by "handling" is that the suspension that comes on this car is a sport suspension and the wheels are low-profile. A much harsher ride than other sedans in it's class, but the steering is so precise that you have to pay attention. Nudge the steering wheel and you are in a ditch.
All consumer GAs are FWD, they haven't made a RWD in a long time. I guess your reference is to the Nascar setups? All they are using is the shell once they gut these things!
There is NO viscous coupling between the transmission and the front axle, it is directly driven, ALWAYS. The viscous clutch "input" is from the front axle drive "shaft".
Absent differential axle turning rates front to rear, the inherent, or latent viscosity, of the viscous fluid determines the level of torque delivered to the rear axle.
If there is a differential axle turning rate front to rear the turbulence created in the viscous fluid by the differential turning rates of the interspersed clutch plates cause the visocous fluid to rise in temperature, dramatically increasing its viscosity and thus increasing the torque coupling from from to rear. Hopefully causing the rear axle to reach something very close to the turning rate of the front axle.
If the differential turning rate does not abate due to the tighter torque coupling the viscous fluid will quite quickly overheat and the clutch will fail.
Once the rear axle returns to a one-to-one turning rate with the front axle the fluid will cool and the system will return to the latent torque value.
Please take note that in slippery roadbed circumstances the turning rate of the rear axle must lag, by some small percentage, the turning rate of the front axle in order to maintain the viscous fluid's temperature/viscosity at an elevated level.
Thus technically speaking the amount of torque delivered to the rear axle can never actually reach 50%, but it will be close enough not to matter.
The RX's AWD clutch is a multi-plate clutch, with every other plate DRIVEN, and OUTPUT clutch plates very closely interspersed with these, suspended in a unique viscous fluid that increases in viscosity with temperature.
With the even and odd plates only separated by a few molecules of viscous fluid, the LATENT viscosity of the fluid is what determines the coupling coefficient in normal use.
Does anyone know what the front/rear distribution is for the '99 RX300 AWD? It sounds like it may be different between the 2000 and the 2001...is the '99 the same as the 2000?
I believe the RX uses none of those bulbs for the high beams (which are halogen, BTW), unfortunately it seems that they have chosen to go with the inferior 900x type bulbs. Ah well...you probably don't use high beams that often anyway. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this.
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Actually we tend to use our high beams quite a bit here in NW CT. That is why I consider the headlights so important, and would like to prepare for the new RX. If anyone has a 2001 with HID I would still like to know what Lexus is using for high beams. The Dealer's parts dept only had the Lexus numbers and had no idea.
The 2001 DX uses 9005 bulbs as the headlights high beams for both HID or on-HID versions. Low beams are the D2R HID or 9006 bulbs for the on-HID version. (Most vehicles that use HID lights have them only on the low beams because of the light ignition delay with the HID). The fog lights are also 9006 bulbs.
Has anyone changed out their own bulbs? One would either have to remove the entire front light housing it looks like to gain access. The other option is to remove the covers underneath the front end.
The bulbs I interested in changing are the 9006 fog lights to a whiter bulb to better match my HID.
You can quickly and easily change out the high beam bulbs on the 2001 RX300. I upgraded mine to PIAA Superwhite, not higher wattage/amperage, but more light output per watt.
It did make a difference.
Domed grey plastic cover behind the bulb just twist and remove for access.
I had a question about the location of the in-dash CD changer on the 01 RX. From what I remember the dealer showing me, the changer unit appeared to be in the glove box as a CD-magazine. I don't believe that makes it a true in-dash changer. I thought by "in-dash" they meant CD feeder that was located just above the tape deck. So in other words, you can't feed 6 CD's continuously in to the dash right - you have to load them into a magazine? Is this correct?
Since I will be picking up my vehicle this Saturday, I was also wondering about the TRUE gas mileage that some of you owners have experienced on long highway trips. Is is anywhere near the 22 mpg that is published in the brochure? What about city mileage - does it drop significanly below 19mpg for the FWD model?
Lastly, just curious as to whether anyone owns the Siversport Edition RX with the Millenium Silver body panel and side fenders. I really like that color scheme but unfortunately I have not seen it at any dealership.
I've changed all the bulbs on mine, including LOW/HIGH Beam + Foglamps. It's not so difficult. For the Fog lamps, you may have to unscrew 1 screw that holds the windshield water extension. If you have small hands, you probably don't even have to do that. It took me 5 minutes to install all 6 bulbs. No need to remove any other covers.
With AWD on the flat highway I will get a little higher than 22 on regular gas. With mostly nonhighway and lots of hills my mixed mileage is about 16-16.5.
The cd cartridge is in the glove box. Not as convenient as in the dash but better than some that have it all the way in the back. I think the Mercedes has it in the back.
My AWD only has 2500 miles and I'm already getting good milage. This morning I put in 89 octane, did 72 miles of mixed higway from 20 - 75 mph, and got 22mpg.
On mixed city/highway, getting about 19.5mpg. And this is on an AWD model, so I suspect that a FWD could do even better given the same altitude, climate, etc.
It cost me $1300 to have all of the lower body panels removed and painted burnished gold to match the rest of the RX, looks impressive. Why Lexus ever came to believe two-tone paint schemes were attractive I do not know.
I was a BIG fan of cassette players in my autos until the advent of CD's, now I have no need for ANY cassette player. Maybe Lexus will eventually replace the in-dash cassette player with a single CD slot.
Highway mileage for my 2000 RX was in the range of 22 MPG and that seems to be holding true for the 2001 also.
I've heard other people have done this, and they also loved the result.
You can go to the Lexus site now and choose the Silver Sport black and siver versions to see what a monotone Rex looks like. It also has the "horizontal" grill like the one from RMM. I happen to prefer the traditonal grill, I little more classy in my opinion.
I'm actually thinking of having the side-steps and rear bumper guard I'm getting painted to match the lower body panels. Should be nice.
I find the epa mileage estiimates to be pretty accurate with my 01 awd. 18-19 around town, 40% freeway. If I had the discipline to drive 75, I would average over 24 on the freeway, however on road trips I find myself doing 80-85 (where the engine is happiest)mileage suffers a little bit at those speeds (down to 19-20). The best thing about this engine is the passing power it delivers between 65-90, remarkable for only 220 hp.
Hey Guys, This is my first post. This is a great place and I've learned a lot. Thanks for all the info.
I bought a 2001 Gold RX-300 fully loaded with everything except the phone in December. I bought it with the dealer installed Running boards as well. I know Tonychrys was looking for info on these in a post a while back, so, what exactly would you like to know? I'll take some pictures if you like.
Also, in post 1163, downbucket mentions a clicking noise when the car is turned off. This also happens to my car. I thought it was the car cooling down or something. It happens for about 10 minutes and then stops. The car has 1100 miles on it and I'm scheduled for my first checkup so I'll definitely bring it up.
Everything with the car is wonderful except for two things (besides the clicking):
1) The chrome on the factory wheels seems to be gettin little bumps. Should they replace them? I used wheel cleaner because I thought it was dirt but it wasn't. 2) The stereo pushbuttons on the dash stick badly. This I'm sure they'll fix with no problem.
Anyway, my wife and I love this car! I'm now a loyal Lexus customer.
I haven't taken delivery on my Indigo 01 RX and would like to get more info on the running boards. Please post a picture of yours and any info you can provide
On the "dealer installed options" sticker that was on the window, all it says is: custom running boards MSRP $1095. I bought the car at Rallye Lexus in L.I. I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow and post them for you.
They really look great. They are the same burnished gold color which makes them really look like they're part of the car.
I would like to Tonychrys and spakchar for the excellent information regarding mileage and the stereo questions I have posted earlier.
In reference to the monotone, I also have no idea why lexus decided to go with the two toned color of the vehicle. However, since I just purchased a silver 01, I am looking forward to getting the low fenders repainted to look similar to the Silver Sport edition which is due out this fall, but will cost $2500 above MSRP for the monotone coloring.
A Lexus representative also stated that instead of wood, the Silver Sport edition comes with aluminum panels and perforated leather seats. Not too attractive in a mid-size luxury SUV in my humble opinion.
However, if any one can suggest who or where would be the best place to get my fenders repainted to match the body color of the vehicle it would be much appreciated.
Apparently Lexus "certifies" (trains?) some paint & body shops in their methods. Lexus of Bellevue (WA) referred me to such a shop, R & R, in this area.
A family member is purchasing a new 01RX300 and the dealer is offernig him a choice of tires. I personally have always liked Michelins, but I would like to hear what you might have to say with your expierences. He is 60 and will mostly use it to commute to work, in CT, some snow, rain etc, occassionally on the beach. He doesn't need sports car handling, more comfort and traction I would guess. Thanks
Comments
Anyway, hope the anticipation doesn't drive you nuts. You'll enjoy the ride.
As for the MDX, that was the other SUV I was seriously considering before buying the RX300. The MDX is very wide and that made driving and parking it much more difficult than the RX. Also, the service I received from two different Acura dealers was terrible. The ride of the the MDX felt just like a minivan.
00'RX AWD, has traded in their vehicle for a '01 FWD RX. Can somebody post their experience as to the difference between driving AWD vs FWD, other than fuel economy and nimbleness. How does the weight distribution feels??
We've had one on order for about a week. Can't wait!
I know, I know, this discussion software sucks.
I really don't agree with this, and share your view. If you're gonna a buy a SUV, make sure all four wheels work. Just as an FYI, check out the QX4 discussion and how many folks there buy 2wd versions. It amazes me.
I saw a BLACK one recently with chrome wheels that would catch anyone's eye. BEAUTIFUL, but not practical!
Oh, I haven't towed anything for many years now but it seems to me that towing ANYTHING would put more weight on the rear wheels. At the same time if the correct hitch (something more than the regular run-of-the-mill stuff supplied by the dealer/factory) is not used weight is actually shifted OFF the front wheels. If I wanted to tow a "boat" I would certainly want something with driven rear wheels.
"Maybe people with more cash than brains are buying the QX4 for the exterior LOOK."
Bingo! You can get a loaded Pathfinder with almost exactly the same options as a QX4 for less money. QX4 owners seem to cringe whenever I bring this up. Nissan gutted their own product line by allowing Nav, memory seats, entertainment system, etc to be available in the PF. There's nothing to really distinguish the Qx4 from the PF except more insulation and longer warranty.
At least Toyota was smart and didn't allow all the luxury features of the RX300 to be available in the Highlander.
The bottomline is this: If you want the best sport handling vehicle, get the X5, no question. If you want an all around good mix of luxury, safety, ride comfort and $9k cheaper, get the RX300.
I had a question about the location of the in-dash CD changer on the 01 RX. From what I remember the dealer showing me, the changer unit appeared to be in the glove box. I don't believe that makes it a true in-dash changer. I thought by "in-dash" they meant CD feeder that was located just above the tape deck. So in other words, you can't feed 6 CD's continuously in to the dash right - you have to load them into a magazine? Is this correct?
Since I will be picking up my vehicle this Saturday, I was also wondering about the TRUE gas mileage that some of you owners have experienced on long highway trips. Is is anywhere near the 22 mpg that is published in the brochure? What about city mileage - does it drop significanly below 19mpg for the FWD model?
Lastly, just curious as to whether anyone owns the Siversport Edition RX with the Millenium Silver body panel and side fenders. I really like that color scheme but unfortunately I have not seen it at any dealership.
Thank you for the insight.
Arnab.
tnx Mark
I also get noise from the deflector that is exposed when the sunroof is open. It keeps the wind off rear seat passengers but adds a lot of noise. I sometimes hold it down with my hand when riding with the roof open. Has anyone figured out how to clamp down that deflector when the sun roof is open??
Since 87 I have owned two Jeeps (2WD, AWD, 4WD modes) and two RX300's. I can't really say that I have put either of the RX AWD's to a true test. The Jeeps on the other hand were well tested.
In the past ten years we have had only two really serious snowstorms, Decenber 18th 1990, and between Christmas and New Years of 1995. In 1990 the roads and freeways quickly become blocked with vehicles which became stuck and the owners simply walked away from them. It is an exceedingly interesting experience to see FWD vehicles throw a (cable) chain and spin, often into another vehicle or off the road. It took several days for the roads to be cleared, first of vehicles and then of snow and ice.
I spent the first evening shuttling employees from the office to their homes, many times leaving the roadbed briefly in order to do so. I had REAL chains on all four wheels and was continously in AWD, and occassionally in 4WD mode.
The 95 incident wasn't near as traumatic, we were already at home nestled by the fire when it started. About mid-week we needed to make a grocery run and again, out of absolute necessity, I out-fitted the jeep with four chains.
So, as you can see, in the clear majority of times one does not need AWD or 4WD, but there are times when it can be of great value. Since you live in the snowbelt I would wager that the AWD RX would pay for itself over the long haul.
Let me relate some recent experience. We've had really bad weather in the northeast today and yesterday. Heavy, heavy rain and extremely high winds. There are a number of curvey on- and off-ramps I have to drive through various bridges and freeways. In my V6 FWD Grand Am (which is setup for handling rather than comfort) I can go so fast on curves with a certain amount of "feel and confidence". It handles pretty good. This morning in the RX300, I'm on some 2-lane ramp curves and I decide to "push it". I actually have less lean in my Rex and go faster than my GA. Because of the full time 50/50 torque split, the Rex has a very neutral feel and inspires complete confidence. I was blowing by everyone else without feeling I was going to tip over or lose it.
The AWD adds minimal weight to the Rex and MPG doesn't suffer that much more. My car isn't even broken in yet and I'm getting 20mpg in mixed driving. Most SUVs with Auto-AWD (normally one axle) only get 19mpg on the highway.
To me the permanent-AWD is totally worth it for the handling improvement. YMMV, but I'm extremely happy with my choice.
The RX300 uses a viscous clutch with normal torque distribution of, approximately, 70% front and 30% rear. If there is a differential speed between the front axle and the rear axle then the viscous fluid thickens and increases the torque coupling coefficient from the front to the rear axle so the rear wheels get more of the available torque. The Chrysler T&C AWD Minivan works exactly the same way.
The Jeep's AWD also used a viscous clutch but either axle could get the full range of engine torque.
You might say that the Jeep uses TWO viscous clutches with the engine torque delivered between the two while the RX and the T&C only use one viscous clutch with the front wheels directly driven, coupled, and the viscous clutch to deliver torque to the rear axle only on an AS NEEDED basis.
As noted in the owners manual, disparate tire circumferences front to rear can cause serious damage to the viscous clutch.
Even so, I suspect that lowering the tire pressure on the front tires TEMPORARILY would help to distribute the torque more evenly, constantly, if one needed to do so to get through a serious road condition.
But are these REAL AWD systems and if so what constitutes a non-real AWD?
You might note that this very same car (replica thereof) is coverted to rear wheel drive for true (race track type) handling charactoristics.
Real Four-Wheel Drive, Made Easy: The transmission in the four-wheel drive RX 300 features an integrated transfer case and a viscous center differential that provides a 50/50 front-to-rear power split. The system requires no activation by the driver. If slippage occurs at the front or the rear, the viscous center differential automatically and transparently directs power to the wheels with the most traction.
Auto-AWD is on the majority of the vehicles out there, like the JGC, Pathfinder LE, GM Blazer/Jimmy/etc., Acura MDX, etc. These are vehicles that normally supply torque to only one axle until slippage is detected and then transfer torque as needed. The JGCL (Quadradrive)takes this one step further by putting georotor couplings on each axle which allows side-to-side torque transfer independent of the front-to-back transfer.
Auto-AWD systems are reactive, permanent-4WD is proactive. The reactive systems will help you get "unstuck", the proactive systems will do this plus contribute to handling stability. Don't get me wrong, the Quadradrive system is the best off-road system in the world, but it doesn't out do the RX300 when it comes to highway stability.
The confusion on the different system names is a direct result of the "geniuses" in marketing ;-)
For a good explanation drew_ "4WD & AWD systems explained" Feb 5, 2001 8:24pm
All consumer GAs are FWD, they haven't made a RWD in a long time. I guess your reference is to the Nascar setups? All they are using is the shell once they gut these things!
There is NO viscous coupling between the transmission and the front axle, it is directly driven, ALWAYS. The viscous clutch "input" is from the front axle drive "shaft".
Absent differential axle turning rates front to rear, the inherent, or latent viscosity, of the viscous fluid determines the level of torque delivered to the rear axle.
If there is a differential axle turning rate front to rear the turbulence created in the viscous fluid by the differential turning rates of the interspersed clutch plates cause the visocous fluid to rise in temperature, dramatically increasing its viscosity and thus increasing the torque coupling from from to rear. Hopefully causing the rear axle to reach something very close to the turning rate of the front axle.
If the differential turning rate does not abate due to the tighter torque coupling the viscous fluid will quite quickly overheat and the clutch will fail.
Once the rear axle returns to a one-to-one turning rate with the front axle the fluid will cool and the system will return to the latent torque value.
Please take note that in slippery roadbed circumstances the turning rate of the rear axle must lag, by some small percentage, the turning rate of the front axle in order to maintain the viscous fluid's temperature/viscosity at an elevated level.
Thus technically speaking the amount of torque delivered to the rear axle can never actually reach 50%, but it will be close enough not to matter.
The RX's AWD clutch is a multi-plate clutch, with every other plate DRIVEN, and OUTPUT clutch plates very closely interspersed with these, suspended in a unique viscous fluid that increases in viscosity with temperature.
With the even and odd plates only separated by a few molecules of viscous fluid, the LATENT viscosity of the fluid is what determines the coupling coefficient in normal use.
But I suspect that Lexus "marketeers" would willingly overlook the necessity of saying "maximum" torque distribution ratio of 50/50.
Drew
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Mark
Has anyone changed out their own bulbs? One would either have to remove the entire front light housing it looks like to gain access. The other option is to remove the covers underneath the front end.
The bulbs I interested in changing are the 9006 fog lights to a whiter bulb to better match my HID.
It did make a difference.
Domed grey plastic cover behind the bulb just twist and remove for access.
PIAA 9005 replacement, item #19605
I had a question about the location of the in-dash CD changer on the 01 RX. From what I remember the dealer showing me, the changer unit appeared to be in the glove box as a CD-magazine. I don't believe that makes it a true in-dash changer. I thought by "in-dash" they meant CD feeder that was located just above the tape deck. So in other words, you can't feed 6 CD's continuously in to the dash right - you have to load them into a magazine? Is this correct?
Since I will be picking up my vehicle this Saturday, I was also wondering about the TRUE gas mileage that some of you owners have experienced on long highway trips. Is is anywhere near the 22 mpg that is published in the brochure? What about city mileage - does it drop significanly below 19mpg for the FWD model?
Lastly, just curious as to whether anyone owns the Siversport Edition RX with the Millenium Silver body panel and side fenders. I really like that color scheme but unfortunately I have not seen it at any dealership.
Thank you for the insight.
Arnab.
The cd cartridge is in the glove box. Not as convenient as in the dash but better than some that have it all the way in the back. I think the Mercedes has it in the back.
On mixed city/highway, getting about 19.5mpg. And this is on an AWD model, so I suspect that a FWD could do even better given the same altitude, climate, etc.
I was a BIG fan of cassette players in my autos until the advent of CD's, now I have no need for ANY cassette player. Maybe Lexus will eventually replace the in-dash cassette player with a single CD slot.
Highway mileage for my 2000 RX was in the range of 22 MPG and that seems to be holding true for the 2001 also.
You can go to the Lexus site now and choose the Silver Sport black and siver versions to see what a monotone Rex looks like. It also has the "horizontal" grill like the one from RMM. I happen to prefer the traditonal grill, I little more classy in my opinion.
I'm actually thinking of having the side-steps and rear bumper guard I'm getting painted to match the lower body panels. Should be nice.
I bought a 2001 Gold RX-300 fully loaded with everything except the phone in December. I bought it with the dealer installed Running boards as well. I know Tonychrys was looking for info on these in a post a while back, so, what exactly would you like to know? I'll take some pictures if you like.
Also, in post 1163, downbucket mentions a clicking noise when the car is turned off. This also happens to my car. I thought it was the car cooling down or something. It happens for about 10 minutes and then stops. The car has 1100 miles on it and I'm scheduled for my first checkup so I'll definitely bring it up.
Everything with the car is wonderful except for two things (besides the clicking):
1) The chrome on the factory wheels seems to be gettin little bumps. Should they replace them? I used wheel cleaner because I thought it was dirt but it wasn't.
2) The stereo pushbuttons on the dash stick badly. This I'm sure they'll fix with no problem.
Anyway, my wife and I love this car! I'm now a loyal Lexus customer.
Mark
They really look great. They are the same burnished gold color which makes them really look like they're part of the car.
I would like to Tonychrys and spakchar for the excellent information regarding mileage and the stereo questions I have posted earlier.
In reference to the monotone, I also have no idea why lexus decided to go with the two toned color of the vehicle. However, since I just purchased a silver 01, I am looking forward to getting the low fenders repainted to look similar to the Silver Sport edition which is due out this fall, but will cost $2500 above MSRP for the monotone coloring.
A Lexus representative also stated that instead of wood, the Silver Sport edition comes with aluminum panels and perforated leather seats. Not too attractive in a mid-size luxury SUV in my humble opinion.
However, if any one can suggest who or where would be the best place to get my fenders repainted to match the body color of the vehicle it would be much appreciated.
Thanks again,
Arnab.
See if your local Lexus dealer will do the same.