Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to learn more!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Actually, both my wife and I like the RX330 much more than the RX300 but for different reasons. Hope that helps.
The DVD system doesn't sound so great, but we didn't get that option. We force our son to "rough it out" without one. We do have an old video tape player with a screen that can be mounted on the headrest posts -- for any long vacation trips.
3000RPM in "4th" at 70MPH, assuming you are correct about 2100RPM in 5th(overdrive) and the new overdrive ratio is the same.
I was curious as well.
As for why the RX330 is more desirable than the RX300:
a. Smaller turning radius (couldn't resist)
b. Higher quality interior materials
c. Better handling & more power
d. Lower rpm at cruise; better mpg after break-in
e. More legroom for driver
f. Power tilt/telescope on steering wheel (like LS)
g. New useful features - power hatch, rear camera, HID (didn't have HID on '01 RX300), in-dash CD changer w/o magazines, much better console, much better standard audio with better reception in our area,etc.
Same deal (lease price per month) as the RX300 - so it was a no-brainer. Depreciation on RX300 turned out to be lower than expected over first 33 months - so I purchased it off lease and sold it to a private party at a profit. Lexus Financial had projected it's residual value at 55-56%; got 73% instead. Remarkable - and I probably could have gotten a bit more but I get ansy with Extra Cars sitting in the drive.
Other possible improvements of the RX330 over the RX300 (Forgive me if I incorrectly mention a feature that was included on the RX300):
i) 5-speed transmission should provide more responsive drivetrain for city driving. (More likely to remain within power band when taking corners, braking and accelerating, etc.)
ii) Cool-looking interior ambient and entry/exit lighting
iii) More safety features that are standard in all 330 models; such as knee protection airbag for driver, larger side airbags on front seats, and tire inflation warning indicator. Older RX300 models do not contain the stability control and head-protection side airbag curtains of the 330.
iv) The 330's rear seat doesn't seem to sit as low as the RX300's rear seat, which allows our child to see out of his back seat. Also, the rear seat legroom seems quite larger.
v) 18" wheels versus 16" wheels, improving the car's performance and looks (imo).
vi) Other cool features such as auto-retracting cargo cover, power lumbar adjustment, 40-20-40 split folding rear seat, audio controls on steering wheel, and life-like aluminum interior trim.
From what I can see underneath the driver's side of the car, I believe the extended unfastened corner of a plastic shield is able to make contact with the floor when there is strong enough wind turbulence. We can hear this "tapping" noise occasionally when traveling at 75mph or greater. The tapping becomes more pronounced above 80mph.
I will be going into the dealer tomorrow for the first oil change. I really hope they can address this issue!
They're worlds apart.
I rewired my 92 LS so the power dies as I close the driver's door.
Actually, "denso" is the Japanese word for "condensor" - of the electrical variety.
tidester, host
I also work out of my "trunk" and frequenly will lock the vehicle with the exception of the 5th door, which is something I do not believe one can do on the 330. This saves me from "fumbling" for the keys.
I agree if I was leaving my child to play in the car (which I don't often do) it would be nice to have a way to turn off all the equipment. But I would rather set some child-safety lock for those rare occasions, than have to be inconvenienced all the time. And if I don't want anything stolen, I lock the doors (if my kid steals my CD while my cars is in the garage, I've got bigger problems).
So where is the condenser on the RX330 anyway? I thought these new cars didn't use them any more. Hey maybe that explains it. Rather than hiring new engineers to design their electronics and controls, Lexus just move the old condesor engineers who weren't needed any more into the audio and electronics department to see what they could do. The RX330's electronics aren't half bad - especially when you consider they're designed by a bunch of guys who used to only know how to design condensers.
Why didn't you just buy another MDX? At last report, they're still available. You can even choose the color I'll betcha.
And when my wife and I test drove the RX330 before buying it, the Nav system didn't take input data while the vehicle was in motion - just like the Nav system in our RX300 for the past 3 years. And the power accessories didn't work much past 30 seconds after the key was turned off and the door stayed closed; the RX330 extends that feature to 43 seconds according to the manual but that's the only difference.
In other words...if these two Major Problems are so upsetting to you that you go on endlessly about them on this board and other boards...why did you not notice them during your exhaustive test drive? Seems to me you should have been testing that Nav and testing that power-off feature till the cows come home...or the MDX does.
Sheesh.
Just look at recent reviews here in Edmunds if you don't believe me. As an example, Edmunds performed a 2002 Luxury Crossover Comparison Test in which the RX300 came in last place among the four entries. Consumer Reports had rated the MDX, Highlander, X5 4.4, Pilot, and Audi Allroad above the RX300.
Obviously, Lexus didn't waste too much time correcting this matter. (Unlike Mercedes with their M-Class, but that's a different topic.) The RX330 went into production early in 2003. According to most reviews I have seen, Lexus is once again among the very top of the luxury SUV field with the new RX330. Consumer Reports now places the RX330 as their top-rated recommended SUV. Edmunds recently performed a full Road Test and stated the following: "The RX 330 is such a huge improvement over the RX 300 it replaces that there's almost no comparison."
Apparently, Jeff and I aren't the only ones who feel the 300 is inferior to the 330.
I would like to see both of these vehicles improved, so I tend to point out more negative, than positive. That's usually what people want to know. They want to make sure that these isn't something they will regret and read these boards for that information.
I have already giving a Honda engineer all my notes and comparisons, so I tend to be harsher about the Lexus on these boards since I don't have a direct contact to Toyota/Lexus Engineering like I do for Honda/Acura.
Many people have talked with me prior to purchasing the MDX and RX330 and later thanked me for pointing out the pluses and minuses of both vehicles. I hope some of those reading these boards will deem my posts useful as well.
The AWD RX330's low engine RPM "at speed" seems to imply it's now a rear driver. The front final drive ratio was raised from 3.2 to 3.478 while the rear final drive ratio was left at 2.92. Would elimination of the VC have this effect?
Anyone know the answer?
http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/04rx330.htm
Scott
Thanks for your help.
RX330 production, even once the Canadian factory is up to speed, will still be split between Japan and Canada. I believe the Canadian factory does not have enough capacity to produce all RX330's for the North American market. This is because they also manufacture Corolla's and Matrix's at that facility.
When I took the car back to the shop, which is of high repute, he stated that Lexus had not released the paint formula until after my car was repaired. Does this sound like B.S. to you? The shop is planning on re-painting the car in the next week.
If the dealership insists you on charging, acall direct to Lexus Customer Service might be in order. Good Luck.
Or is it free oil changes for something like 4 years/50k miles like BMW?
I hope it's not the dealership which sold you the car which is asking $150 for tire rotation. What does that take, maybe 10 min?
It's coordinating the 8 guys required to lift the car, rotate it 180 degrees, and put it back down on top of the jack stands so the tires can be reinstalled.
I thought everyone knew that.