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From what I have heard the Lexus $1,500 discount off List is still in effect so you should start your dealing from there IMHO.
Both the T&C and the RX AWD models are still predominantly FWD with some torque routed to the rear using a viscous, fluid, coupling. The viscous coupling will begin to route more of the engine torque to the rear if the front wheels lose traction on a slippery, oil and rain, soaked surface.
If you should decide you truly need, or desire an AWD vehicle, that being your highest priority, the X5, ML, the MDX or even the Chrysler should be considered, in that order, before the Rx. The X5 belongs at the top since it is basically a RWD vehicle, and thus will always handle much more predictably and reliably on adverse roadbed conditions.
As for the rules changing, they have, the phallic symbols of the past such as a 911 have given way to the class of higher end models. Women and people in general want to be pampered. Also to many, your car is not only an extension of yourself (tastes) but also a very personal purchase, 2nd only to your home. For many it's also a place (car) where you spend a good amount of time.
As for the ascetics, I recently took my father out for dinner and happened to park right next to a Highlander. Telling him that these two are identical vehicles. He replied, "maybe mechanically but not the lines. The HL is purposely designed to look like a box while the RX is more sculpted."
Lastly, I for one can tell the difference between an MDX and RX, they don't even resemble each other in the slightest. Also, for most vehicles (not high end) I can identify trim levels.
mvs1:
No, the rules didn't change, you and I are just running with a different class, an OLDER one.
Ask any 18 year old about "Babe Magnets" and I'd bet you get the same answer I would have 40 years ago.
911... phallic symbol... Girl magnet... but phallic symbol...
Well I certainly can't see the resemblance. But put an 18 year old male in a 911 and watch the 15 year old girls crawl all over him.
Lets talk about automobiles now!
Senthil
You keep talking about going off-road ... who here has indicated that that's what they want to do? We're talking about inclement weather conditions like snow and rain, and your accusations of the RX not being able to handle those conditions is not only ludicrous, but hardly supportable by your backyard, RX up on a jack test.
Like I said before, C&D tested 7 lux-utes in teir Dec 2000 issue of 2001 models, and the RX came in 3rd behind X5 (2nd) and MDX (1st). This was ahead of the Discovery (7), QX4 and ML320 (tied for 5th), Montero (4). They tested them in both off-road conditions and on the track, in conditions far more demanding than your driveway, and guess what? Doh! Read the rankings just mentioned. I think it could handle the rain and snow pretty well.
Hard to believe you actually own an RX - if you can't tell the diff between your own SUV and an MDX, maybe you're not as much of a car buff as you appear. I mean, besides computer mags all I read are car mags, and I can tell ANY model car out there with the understandable exception of Korean cars (XG300 and Tiburon excepted).
If you want to go offroad... Dont do it in an RX.
I have done it and its' borderline scary. If you have to do serious offroading, get the Land Rover Discovery.. RX nails it on-road ride-quality-wise but the DIsco trashes the RX Offroad.
However, there are tradeoffs.
Bill
Something more on topic -
2. I'm picking up a '99 AWD but there's no mention of a limited slip differential. Can the LSD be installed? And does the LSD make that much of a difference while I'm climbing boulders or going off-roading? Hehe. I'm just kidding about the offroad stuff, but really, how does the LSD affect/aid/improve the driving experience of the AWD say in rain or inclement weather conditions?
Many thanks!
kmh:
In a 99 RX300 you need LSD because otherwise you basically have a vehicle that with only one wheel having lost traction you can get stuck. LSD increases your changes of getting unstuck because it always forces some of the rear axle torque to the rear wheel that (hopefully) still has traction.
But. You still have the problem that only one of the front wheels can get you stuck by losing traction. There is no LSD option for the front differential, probably because that would be too hard on your knuckles.
When was the last time you read an article in an "automotive" magazine that was adverse to any vehicle or the industry, or even the industry's "position". What the world needs is an automotive magazine that isn't dependent on the industry for income.
Take the Ford EXPLODER for instance. If any of us went out and temporarily lowered the tire pressure, say, for a day on a sandy beach, and then forgot to re-inflate them when we got back on the hard turf, subsequently drove for an hour at 70+. blew out a tire, rolled over, guess what Ford's defense would be?
And does anyone really doubt that they would win?
Here we are about to lose one of the major tire manufacturers and none of the automotive magazines is willing to step up and state the obvious.
Hell, they probably looked at the statistics and decided that fewer lives would be lost by lowering the tire pressure than might be lost otherwise due to rollovers for which they would share SOLE responsibility. With so many of these vehicles already on the road recalling all of them for this type of MAJOR retrofit would have likely broken the company.
Ford has admitted that they lowered the tire pressure for the explorer because otherwise it had too great a propensity to roll over. Of course that led to higher heat and more heat buildup in the tire, Ford KNEW that would be the result, and yet they were willing to take the chance with their customer's lives.
The point I was trying to make was the assumption that because it's an "SUV", that you *must* get AWD. I believe that to be part of the hype.
If my VSC can't help me in rain, then I'm going WAY too fast and I deserve what's coming to me.
Now if your paying $$$ for a girl, they're of NO CLASS.
My race-An 18 yeay old can pick up a girl on the bus or walking. No need for the 911 phallic symbol already too much testosterone @ 18
Your Race-In your case up hill, both ways, in the snow, no shoes, blind folded.
Oh, the questions get you in trouble because you don't answer them!!!!!!!
LSD, I still have my window sticker, but off the top of my head was a an option priced around $380-450 MSRP. Adding one aftermarket, not advisable, but I'm sure one can be for the right $$$.
Enough with the, your head is being filled with propaganda from the auto industry. Yeah, we know C&D loves BMW, etc., etc. these publications and on-lines such as EDMUNDS (that one's free Drew) offer valuable info it's up to the individual to decipher, and make judgment on the items being discussed/observed.
kmh-good one on the babe magnet!
What is so atractive about the RX300 FWD model that someone would consider it over the many FWD minivans available out there in the marketplace?
Its like buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee in RWD only, doesn't compute.
And by the way "Fast" may not have anything at all to do with sudden loss of control due to loss of traction that the driver may be completely unaware of but the VSC might still save your butt.
mvs1:
\
Please read my post a bit more carefully, I said LSD was not available as an option for the FRONT differential.
o Higher viewpoint while driving
o Available creature comforts unavailable until a Lexus minivan appears
o Available HID headlights
o The "cool" factor - minivans look dopey
I'm not defending a FWD RX300 (I bought my wife an '01 AWD RX300). But there are advantages to the FWD RX300 over a minivan. We just think of it as a higher riding and AWD version of an ES300 (which is what it basically is).
-Craig
FWD Chrysler T&C Limited = 4
FWD RX300 = 5 (Height, HID, VSC, Trac)
AWD T&C Limited 7.5
AWD RX300 = 7.6 (again Height, HID, VSC, Trac, but poor AWD setup {viscous coupling low pre-load} vs T&C.
ML320 = 8.5 (has it ALL)
X5 = 10 (has it ALL plus RWD bias)
Cost nor appearance factored in.
I bought my first Lexus because of its "understated elegance", its ability to be beautiful but still blend in with the woodwork. A vehicle must be really ugly before I will consider its appearance a detriment over other factors.
I think you should go buy one, Willard. You know you want one.
See the 911 at http://hobbystage.com/porsche/menu.cgi?menu=10000&id=whatever
http://hobbystage.com/porsche/whatever/
Why do you continue to compare the T&C against the RX...... Just to TRY and make your point which makes absolutely NO sense.
Based on the reliability factor alone I wouldn't compare the two. It's obvious your barking up the wrong tree, again, and again, and again.
The reasons you bought your RX are not the same as those of others.
"cost nor appearance factored in", first off be a realist, those factors due play into everyone's decision!!!!! excluding these makes no point and is absurd.
I mean, when ya think about it the RX is probably the perfect SUV. Really pretty lousy offroad. However, better onroad than many cars.
Safe as heck too.
Seeing ashow something liek 98% of SUVs never intentionally go off-road...
But we all know that!
As far as an aftermarket LSD goes... Ouch.
I suppose that the Lexus one could be installed by a dealer.. but..
Figure you've got a 7-8 hour job. Say $70 anhour (Likely More) and..good god.. that's gotta be a $2,000 item at the parts dept.
As far as resale with AWD.. Percentages are pretty close. Here in FL the FWDs do a little better percentagewise (Well it hasnt snowed in Orlando since 1977...and that was flurries...) The only option that residualizes poorly is Navi.
What you want to be mindful of on an RX is Color and Location. Color can have a bigger sway on the value of a Used RX than the drivetrain. An Antique Bronze AWD is worth less than a Golden Pearl FWD everything else beign equal.
Oh, got a FWD RX300 to trade-in in Chicago? =O
Want top dollar for your Black AWD? Dont try trading it in in Florida.
"base" options are also very crucial. An RX without Leather, Roof and CD is a nightmare to sell as a used car.
Proof? I just saw the following very clean, 37K mile FWD 99 RX sell for 20,500 at a dealer auction:
Antique Bronze with No roof, no cd, no leather.
Meanwhile, that same vehicle in Golden Pearl/Ivory with Roof, CD and Leather is worth another $5,000-6,000 wholesale if its clean (The Antique Bronze one was like new).
That's a 120% or so residualization of Leather, Roof and CD...
Bill
I wouldn't recommend anyone buying an RX without those options that are meant for the lux class that the RX clearly occupies - if money is a factor, then another SUV should be considered. Driving and RX without leather, roof or CD changer is a waste.
When I bought mine, I was talked into nearly every option - including wood/leather steering wheel, spoiler, moonroof, etc.) but given a very fair price for the worth of the car.
I didn't think I needed nor wanted a wood wheel, but now driving it with it makes me incredibly satisfied, so I'm happy I got it. And selling it in the future will be made much easier with it installed - even if I don't make back a premium because of this one option, I imagine it would help sell the car a lot faster.
I need to replace a lost CD sleeve and the floor mats on my 99 RX300. Anyone know of a reliable auto parts company (with a web site) that offers such accessory items at much better prices than Lexus dealers?
Thanks So Much!
John
Loaded vehicles often sell better on the used circuit. It's easier to convince a shopper to take an option they don't want (already has it), then to sell them a car without an option they "have" to have.
While driving next to a building with the passenger window open I heard a noise that made me think of a manifold leak or exhaust noise that seemed related to rpms. The problem is I haven't been able to duplicate it. The other noise happens sporadically and seems to be related to the air conditioner kicking in, a faint rattle. Again, I haven't been able to duplicate when going on test drives.
FYI-They did finally solve a noise problem that only showed up early in the morning, first 5 minutes when on a road with small potholes. It happened every morning as I left the house. After the car warmed up you could drive the same road and there was no noise. Your classic service nightmare. This noise sounded like a large bolt that was loose in the front right wheel area. I had mentioned this during 4 service visits over a year and a half and they could never find a problem. They even kept the car over night once and another time a mechanic took it home but all the roads near the dealer were new and they couldn't duplicate it. Finally, with the end of my warranty approaching a rep came to my house at 7 am and I took him on a test drive. He heard it immediately. It turned out to be a strut problem although according to him usually bad struts have some fluid leak and/or more consistent noise.
I have not changed the brand of gas I am using recently.
The lady I'm currently dating has a late model cadillac sts, which was my last car and I enjoy driving it for a change of pace. Still, when I suggest we use her car, she's never enthusiastic.
If you line up all the luxury suvs, IMO only the the lexus and bmw standout from the crowd. I must say I'm partial to the beemers styling, it looks powerful, sleek, and fast. The "vaunted" mdx is is decidedly MOR, the boxy benz and infiniti are plug ugly. I think car and driver included the Montero in their comparison test, and that thing is a monstrosity.
If you're looking for performances, buy 325ix wagon, or Audi A6 2.7t wagon.
Your experience is a testament to that most essential quality of the Lexus RX - its chick-attraction factor.
The RX300 AWD is likely at the bottom of the utility "ladder", just above or maybe just even with the T&C AWD.
Oh, IMO opinion if Lexus can label the FWD RX300 an SUV, then Chrysler should certainly be allowed to label the AWD T&C an SUV, for SPORTS UTILITY VAN.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this beholder thinks the
MDX and the RX are "neck and neck" in this category, at the top.
Jay Leno:
"When I "go", I don't want seventy beautiful virgins awaiting me, to hell with that, I want seventy women with EXPERIENCE!"
Pete
""negative pressure gradient" within the cabin. "
I've never heard of this phenomenon, especially as it's "famously" associated with the LS400.
Seriously, how do you conjur up these theories of yours? Were you into '60's psychedelia?
Perhaps the changes in altitude during those long uphill climbs just caused your body to expel gasses to equalize pressure, thereby causing the odor you detected but, because of a deep sense of guilt towards inflicting a malodorous whiff upon your wife, you subconsciously devised a theory of "negative pressure gradient" to excuse it?
Does this give you any insight? You're welcome, no charge.
I can't believe you said that!
tidester
Host
SUVs
You NEVER know where posts about 'rotten egg smell' will lead to.
And when Willard gets involved, it can only go downhill, not up.
Happy Halloween everyone!
Have you ever noticed those complex airfoils on many race cars? Those are there to create downforce, basically to overcome the fact that your car's "shape" makes it act very much like an aircraft wing, positive air pressure below, and negative air pressure above.
The LS400's "fresh" airflow "exit" is at the bottom of each rear quarter panel, with the engine exhaust very nearby, both in the area of high pressure "at speed". That high pressure will oftentimes create a reverse airflow, exhaust gas, into the cabin.
The rotten egg smell is from the catalytic converter and you will often get the smell (outside the car)if the engine is running a fairly high mixture.
Several of the automotive magazines addressed this issue back in the early nineties, with the LS getting special attention.
But personally I accumulated over 500K in two Ford station wagons and I well understood why I couldn't lower the rear window without expecting to have exhaust fumes enter the car.
Where have you been anyway, in a cave somewhere?
I'm still betting it was your 'catalytic converter' making those odors and not your car's.
Happy Halloween - what are you dressing as, Cliff Clayven?
CD Changer cartridges are available at most any place that sells Pioneer stuff (They dont HAVE to say Lexus on them, do they?
Floormats? Check eBay
Heck, a plastic sleeve? If you're in Orlando I probably have one lying around that you can have.
Oh.,. Rotten Egg Smell? That be the catalytic convertor.
Bill
tidester, I couldn't believe it myself, so what happened to Drew??
Are you a Lexus owner?
tidester
Host
SUVs
Another vote for rotten egg smell = cat convertor. No one who worked in a service station (me, for instance) at the advent of catalytic convertors will ever forget......it's much less common now, but still will occur in certain load situations in any cat-equipped vehicle due to sulfur content in gasoline.
Speaking of "babe magnets", someone had a Unimog (!!) at my older son's last taekwondo meet. An absolutely incredible woman was ogling it as we walked by. So, Bill, there's hope for you and the Rover yet!!! I remember a Rover add comparing the size of its' lug nuts to a couple of other 4X4s...... I think we ought to stop right here, don't you???
To wwest re: why not buy a T&C minivan if we're going to go FWD, WE DON'T WANT ANOTHER MINIVAN. WE HAVE A CHRYSLER MINIVAN AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES IN 95kMILES! (Don't ask we why we're keeping it - it's complicated)
To the Lexus owner from Richmond, thanks for the advice - saved us a trip to No. Virginia. Later.