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Comments
I wouldn't worry about the FX for reliability, I had problems with the engine that they could never figure out, but I'm pretty sure I was a statistical anamoly because Nissan's 3.5 VQ engine is pretty legendary for quality. I had just gotten off to a bad start with it from the beginning because the seat was uncomfortable to me and when the engine went, I really didn't hesitate to move on. Make sure you take a long test drive in the FX and pay attention to whether the seat control box that's cut into the right side bolster of the driver's seat doesn't impinge on your right hip. This design bothers a small but definite minority of FX owners, and I had to get an aftermarket modification of the seat to make it even livable for me. I'd be more concerned about that than the engine.
BTW, what are the "quality issues" of the RX?
My take:
1. Salesman was yanking your chain.
2. You misunderstood what he said.
3. You were not really ready to pull the trigger.
Plus the whole post doesn't even make sense. Toyota is not known for dropping hugely successful vehicles.
My past included a Corolla, Celica, Supra and a Camry. I also have had a BMW 528i, M5 and most recently a (gag) VW Passat.
My husband and I went to the local "Elite" Lexus dealer on Friday and met with the sales professional (and she was) who was low key no pressure. We test drove and received an indication on what the price range would be for both a lease and a purchase. We were offered refreshments and our short stay of under an hour was well nice.
We went home and I went to the Lexus Build site where I priced the car at MSRP and then selected two other dealers to get a quote from. Loaded with that information I called the salesperson we met on Friday who promised to match the lowest deal we had. I also checked the forums here found that one offer was great. So I called back and she matched the offer, added some bonuses and gave me $1,000 over on my trade in. The deal was for $200 over invoice. They held the car overnight on credit card and when we arrived they had the car ready, all the paperwork ready and we were in and out in less than 2 hours including a tour of the dealership, more refreshments, a gift for my husband and I and a toy car for my daughter. I was the easiest day. Every purchase should go as well. I've never spent less that 4 hours buying a car ever.
I don't need to go to a clinic, the sales professional told me anytime I wanted to have help with the car call her or come in and they would personally show me how to work the options.
My point is not to judge the car by the dealership. Go to Lexus.com and find another dealer, one with an Elite rating. You will more than likely get better service when you tell them your story.
Good luck on that road trip!
1) Back seat entry and exit - FX is very narrow and can be difficult for your guests to exit if they are elderly, tall, or not thin.
2) Rear Window has blind spots. This can be handled by really using your side mirrors or spending a whole lot for the tech package to get a rear camera.
3)Uses Premium Unleaded - not fun with the gas prices climbing. Also mileage is not great unless you get the low model of the FX 35, and even then it's low. Filling up a tank for $65 is not appealing to me to get in the low 600 mile/tank range. I drive a lot, and this would have driven me crazy.
4)Cargo space - I have two Aussies and I need them to stay in the back when we take them to exercise.
The RX 330 was superior in all these items. Yes, the FX is more fun to drive, but I drive so much that comfort is an issue. Add the extremely quiet ride of the RX and it was a no brainer for me to decide which car to buy.
After 2 years of being sold, I see far less of the FX on the road than the RX. I also know that the 2004's are almost gone at Lexus, but there is a good supply at Infiniti for the FX. Maybe that one issue alone speaks for my decision.
The last factor was the depreciation of the auto. If you check it out you will see the FX depreciates a lot over time and the RX holds it's value.
Better money for gas and better resale/trade in. My choice was for the RX because it made more sence to purchase that car than the FX (in my opinion).
Good Luck on your decision!
Doesanyone feel it's worth the extra $ for the ultra premium?
I do have kids,and for our van, I bought them the portable 7 inch DVD player from Costco for $250,and I bought 2 of them, so they can watch what they want...( I have 4 kids)..as for Navigation, I guess I can get a GPS Garmin or Magellan for under $1000...which I then can use between our 2 cars...
You will love the car - so much nicer that a mini-van! good luck!
This is an open letter to anyone comparing the two. If you are even slightly torn pick the lexus. The FX is too small, too fast and too damn cool for most people to get.
Sorry, don't have time to say more. Gotta go polish my walker......Don't forget to wash behind your ears CL. Hope you did all your homework and ate your vegies!
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsear- ch.cfm
Why are you on this board? Do you have anything constructive to post? I understand that you had a bad experience with Lexus/Toyota and that's unfortunate. You've posted your opinions and complaints but it seems like all of your posts are anti-Lexus/Toyota. Thank you for informing us of some of the problems you've had but now it just seems like you're just a whiner with a grudge. Buy a different brand of car and move on please! Oh and yes, I do feel lucky...I 'll take my chances with a Lexus/Toyota over 98% of the rest of the automobile field. I guess I've been pretty lucky since I've been a very satisfied Lexus/Toyota owner for the last 20 years.
What are some lease specials for the following combinations? Thank you!
Color: Bamboo Pearl
Options: (1) Navigation with Mark L. audio, (2) Rear Seat Entertainment System, (3) Heated front seats with rain-sensing wipers.
Lease Terms: 4 years/40 to 48K miles.
We've had our RX330 for 20K miles now, with no regrets. As you mentioned, it is quieter, more practical, provides more cargo space, and typically provides better fuel economy. (We now average about 22mpg on 70% freeway and 30% short urban driving with our 2wd model). On top of that, I have a little secret to divulge: After our engine was fully broken in (>10-15K miles), our RX330 started to scoot. It now exhibits no trouble getting out of its own way. I'm beginning to believe those acceleration numbers within the sales brochure. (0-60 in 7.7 sec)
By the way, you have excellent taste in music. I noticed our base RX sound system performs admirably with "A Trick of the Tail" and "Wish You Were Here". Unfortunately, I keep forgetting to load my Lawrence Welk or Englebert Humperdink CDs it it!
Don't use a 2004 MDX as a comparison. The MDX has not changed significantly since 2001. Sales for the 2004 MDX did not start until Fall 2003. In contrast, the RX was completely redesigned for 2004. Also, note that Lexus has been heavily selling the 2004 RX330 since early Spring 2003.
With that in mind, let's compare the 2001 MDX, which was the first year of production for the existing MDX, to the 2004 RX330.
Total complaints for 2001 MDX: 41
Total complaints for 2004 RX330: 47
I think it is safe to guess that Lexus has probably sold 3x the volume of '04 RX330s versus the number of 2001 MDX's sold by Acura. Hence, the number of complaints for car sold is far lower for the 2004 RX330 than for the 2001 MDX.
One last note: Many of the 47 complaints on this web site were essentially repeats of other complaints already posted there.
I agree with colvert. Your posts are very anti-Lexus without providing much support nor any of your personal experiences. How do we know you are not a troll who works at a competing dealership?
Although poto1x seems to post nothing but negative and exaggerated facts about Lexus/Toyota, I read them with humor and indignance. I am also hoping he'll come out with something constructive.
Colvert, as I remember, poto1x's original beef, before it was mired in his barrage of other complaints, was with the transmission hesitation in the RX. From there, he branched out swiftly into Lexus/Toyota's denial of the engine sludge problem (for which they finally took responsibility), segueing to another beef of how Toyota made billions more than GMC, Ford, and Chrysler combined, and so on and so forth.
Seriously the RX is not an exciting car to drive and that was my priority not space not comfort but the grin when I hit the gas.
If comfort and space was my main concern I may be in an RX but I have a pilot that has plenty of space (3rd row seat) and a lot of comfort so when I want those things I have a vehicle for that.
I just think the RX is too much of a compromise for a real driver to enjoy. But I do admit it is a great car if it is for you.
Knock off the personal attacks and get back to the discussion.
Cotmc- great post. Your statistics make an outstanding point.
Gardencar- I, too, remember the original complaint and it is valid, as evidenced by the numerous previous posts discussing the issue. I think we all agree that the RX330 is not perfect and has some issues and that's a big purpose for this board. Again, I apologize, but I became annoyed at the obvious antagonism and felt like I had to speak up. I must have been having a bad day!
What is the best mode to drive? in D or 4 on the autotransmission?
My wife said she drive in 4. She thinks it give her faster pickup from traffic stop, and "4 drives more quietly than D."
What is the difference between driving in 4 and driving in D mode?
I personally think it makes no difference. No difference in pick up speed from traffic stop. No difference in gas milage consumption.
What do the experts say?
4 is 4th gear.
If you're driving in 4th gear constantly, you are using more gas because the engine is revving faster.
How can 4 be quieter than D on the open highway? Driving in D means 5th gear. Along with driving in 5th opposed to 4th means lower engine revolutions which typically lowers noise.
Acceleration from a standstill will not change at all, whether your car is in 4th or D(5th). The transmission still starts in 1st gear, goes to 2nd, etc.
Now if you could teach me something about transmission 101.
Can you drive from a complete stop, start with gear 1, as it picks up speed, shift to 2, then 3, 4, and finally D. Would this give you faster pick up time?
Now, can you down shift on the go to a complete stop, gradually down shift from D, to 4, then 3, 2, 1. Would this practice ruin the transmission?
I have never shifted gears while driving. So what is the best scenario for doing this?
First, the computer can shift gears faster than a person can on a automatic equipped car. So I think you would actually get decreased acceleration. Second, if she want's to shift manually, shouldn't she have gotten a manual equipped car?
"Now, can you down shift on the go to a complete stop, gradually down shift from D, to 4, then 3, 2, 1. Would this practice ruin the transmission? "
I would recommend against doing this on a regular basis. It is a automatic transmission and you break it, it will cost at least $5K for a new one.
It's much cheaper to replace brakes. Also, to some extent, modern automatics do provide some engine breaking, so what's the point of downshifting?
I would say the best scenerio is to leave the tranny in "D" and let the various computers do everything for you.
We have a 2004 RX 330 are there any major differences with a 2005 RX 330? Is the navigation system worth the extra money?
Thanks, Brian
I don't think they are going to give you any more than you normally would if they weren't running that so called "program".
I am not knocking the lexus. I have helped numerous friends shop both the RX300 and RX330 because they were looking for a reliable, comfortable luxurious SUV. However if a fun drive is your main concer it may not be the vehicle for you. I also think those that may like the style of the FX and the comfort of the RX may be duly suited with the RX instead of the FX.
Many FX owners have complained about harsh rides or seat comfort etc. These people may have loved the style and features of the FX but did not appreciate the vehicle for what it is. One car article called it a sports car with a back pack and that is what it intends to be and we owners who like it make no excuses for it.
The RX out sells every other luxury suv and the FX nearly 2 to 1. It is a great car but it wasn't for me and may not be for like minded indivuals.
However if Lexus made a slightly longer RX with a third row seat. I would consider trading my pilot for it.
tidester, host
You are right about cl's point. It's good to have a fun car to drive. However, seeing as he already has a Pilot, it's puzzling that he would get an FX. Although it handles better than the RX, it is no sports car. I didn't reply to his rather challenging post before, but seeing that he is rather tenacious (no insult intended, Sally), I will put my two cents in.
Before buying the RX330, the FX was one of the crossovers I test drove. The styling was unusual but trendy, IMO. I felt the RX had a classic look that would not look dated even five years from now. Cargo space and utility were no contest. I instantly was unimpressed with the FX's interior. After the two mile test drive in the FX45, I felt the acceleration exhilarating, the handling on par with the X5, but below par with the X3. The ride was even stiffer than either of the BMW's and even though I did feel it would be fun to drive around town,I knew it was not a highway cruiser. It would be too punishing for the three plus hour drives, out of town, that my new car would serve duty for. In the end, tight handling and speed had to take a back seat (pun intended) to comfort and luxury. If it hadn't, I'd be in a Bimmer right now, or even a Cayenne.
By the way, I listen to the Herdsmen, the Wonders, Earth Wind and Fire, Shania Twain, John Meyers, Kenny G, ABBA, the Bee Gees, Outkast, Fifty Cent, and Ludicrous, among others. Depends on the day.
Would appreciate opinions.
You may find it interesting, but the proportion of men/women BMW 3-series and Z3 owners/drivers leaned more towards women drivers also.
It was my wife that really chose teh RX300 that I drive her around in.
Even though I'm the big mouth within this forum, the RX is really my wife's car.
If you perform a search within this forum for "tow hitch", you should find many posts regarding tow hitches, including after-market models. There was quite a bit of discussion about tow hitches within this discussion topic.
http://stores.ebay.com/TopTenHitch_WOQQsspagenameZI2QQtZkm