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Comments
I have the brochure for the 2001 and see many combinations. Would you lose bargaining power if you wanted it in a certain color and just had to have the navigation.
Thanks, Chris
VB
I took my LX 470 for service in the New Orleans Lexus dealer sometime last week or two. It went smoothly...although a lot smaller dealership than what I saw at JM Lexus dealership. (Incidentally I did shop at the New Orleans Lexus dealership.....but they would not work with me. I was there about a year ago looking for an LX 470.....the only one they had was already sold, SO I WAS TOLD. It was a Golden Pearl too. They absolutely would not allow a test drive AT ALL. I could ONLY LOOK. I PROBABLY LOOKED WAY TOO YOUNG TO BE IN THE MARKET FOR THIS VEHICLE........THEY PROBABLY THOUGHT!!!! BOY, WERE THEY WRONG!!!)
Anyway, after the service for 5k, I got a complimentary wash.
I did not notice a few defects regarding the front bumber until I got got home later. There were a few places in the front bumper with what appeared to be "chips".....one looks like the paint had "jellied up" during the painting process.....very small defect.......one had to look VERY CAREFULLY.
Also I am beginning to hear a strange vibrating sound.....near the front drink holder area.....I will test it again later in AM (after I remove all that junk I had put in out of the center storage bin area).
Other than the above the vehicle is an absolute joy to drive around. There are only three in my area (one black, one Golden Pearl, plus my Golden Pearl). Several LC's cruising around.....but the LC's are EASILY DISTINGUISHABLE ............Many Ford Exp and Lincoln Nav and Chey/GMC/Call Subs around.......but none of them turn any heads.
Bill........a job well done.
I will be back for my next Lexus!!!
You might try looking under the "top" console lid you can open, and not the drink holder lid. When you do look on the underside near the rear where the hinges are look to see if you see a black rubber gramet, I'm sure I spelled this wrong, a rubber piece in the far corner. If you just see a hole then your rubber has popped out which lets the top of consule vibrate and is audible. I finally tracked this problem down and replaced it and I just found that it did it again. ck it out
John
The word you were looking for is "grommet".)
Here's a curious opinion on the 2000 LX470 that just popped up elsewhere on the Web. It appears so atypical of the experiences with the LX470 that show up in this topic that I thought it might arouse some reactions. Here it is:
--------------------------------
Pros: luxurious
Cons: too many problems to list.
To whom it may concern:
I am very dissappointed with my purchase of my new 2000 Lexus LX-470. The reasons that I am mad, dissappointed and confused about this car is because I have no power, visited the shop 3 times in the past 3 months for the same problem and lets not forget the incredible low mileage that I get per gallon.
I was promised from the dealer that if I did not like the car now, that surely it would grow on me. Well, here I am 3 months later and no sign of growth. May be I have some kind of secret repellent for this particular kind of vehicle. I have spent more time driving rental cars, than driving my own car. This makes me mad because, I pay a nice monthly payment, and lets put it this way, I have 247 miles in three months. half of those miles are driving to and from your shop.
The problem that keeps reoccuring is in the engine compartment, everytime that I come to the dealer to try to get it fixed it is always the same problem, however you tell me that it is an easy fix, and I get my wonderful car back in three weeks, with the same rattling noise as if something were missing.
Lexus is a trademark of luxury and right now, I do not feel that luxurious driving around in a rental car, but I guess it will have to do for now.
The purpose of this letter was to inform you of the problems that I have been receving because of my reckless purchase and my trust into your salesman. I liked the looks of your dealership and the 2000 Lexus LX470, however what happened to my particular car. Is it a bad one, because if it is please get me a new one.
Thank you for your time,
signed buyer...
If you owned a car of this sort, a 2000 Lexus LX-470, you will have to write one of these types of letters to your dealer wondering why your $60,000 car has a single problem. My friend just received the car, and he is having many problems, and he has not written a letter, but maybe this will help him to acheive his happiness.
Take care and have a great day.
Purchase Price: $ooooo
Owns this: No
Condition: New
Model Year: 2000
Reliability: Several visits to the shop per year
Comfort: Seats comfy for about an hour
Quality & Craftsmanship: Everything rattles a lot
Handling & Control: Significant roll when cornering
Model and options: LX-470
-----------------------------------
Has anyone in this topic heard or seen anything like this?
Ron
Can the Adjustable Suspension be placed in the lowest position and driven very, very slowly?
If one is putting a LX 470 into a garage where the clearance [height] is close [garage door entry lower than garage height]can the vehicle be placed in the lowest suspension setting and just creep along to park and also reverse out of garage space also in lowest suspension setting.
The information I have says the suspension goes into the lowest suspension setting for entry and exit. I have no idea if it will do the above. I seem to remember that on my test drive once you put the vehicle into Drive the vehicle goes to Normal setting and will not remain in the lowest setting.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank You.
There are three solutions to your problem:
1. Adjust the garage height. or
2. Put the adjustable height to low. Turn off the adjustable height mechanism and then turn off the engine. Try to push the SUV into or out of the garage. (based on the manual, even if your lx is located on the truck during the tow or in the shop, a vibration may cause it to adjust back to normal height.) or
3. Try to get in or out of the garage within, say, one million second to beat the adjustable time needed by the haydraulic mechanism.
Good luck.
You won't have any problem, as I lower my lx before I pull into the garage always. It will not automatically re-adjust to the neutral position until vehicle is traveling between 10 to 15 mph.
goldlion2k,
I'm one of the posters on this issue and I've even been blessed with being able to hear it as well as feel it, would I still buy the lexus? You bet. There does'nt seem to be any mech problem here just annoying if you have your hand on the shifter.Concider that if this was Ford they wouldn't have given me the time or day with the audible or vibration. The line of "within operating condition" I'm sure I would have heard.
Good luck John
Can anybody comment on the price? Did I get a fair deal?
Thanks!
I've owned an LS400 in the past. I was very pleased to find the LX470 exhibited the same smooth engine, shifting, and quiet ride. However, the body roll and poor braking really disappointed me. I hasted to mention that the salesman handed the keys over to me and I drove on both inner-city roads and highways for over an hour. I tried all of the suspension settings and even on the "stiffest" sport setting, this beast, in my opinion, swayed horribly. A couple quick stops (safely performed in the back of parking lot of a grocery store) also proved less than comforting.
Prior to my test drive, the LX470 was at the top of my list. I very much wanted this vehicle. The navigation system was very cool and the touch-screen very easy to use. I was surprised at how disappointed I found the illustrious Mark Levinson audio system. And, yes, I did make frequency adjustments via the touch-screen, but the sound still seemed a little flat and muddy to me, *big sigh*.
I'd really like to hear what other SUVs the denizens here tried, considered, and maybe even purchased instead.
Can you give us more specifics about the problems you mentioned, i.e., body roll and poor braking. Are you comparing it with a Sedan or a similiar SUV?
I remember reading two reviews in MSN Carpoint. One of them mentioned the body sway in cornering, but gave the vehicle high marks (9.7 out of 10). The other one mentioned the braking problem. I was wondering if you have test driven other SUVs like ML430, Escalade, etc., to see how they compare.
Regards!
if you need to seat 8 person,
if you need large cargo space,
if you need overall performance,
if you are not a perfection phobic,
if you know the HNL vibration, but you don't care,
if...... then by all means, buy a lexus 470. You might not regret it.
OK, folks, it seems that lexus will soon issue the statement that the vibration of HNL is normal. The relentless pursue of perfection be damned for pre-2001 models or even 2002 model.
If you dare to complain the HNL vibration, you will get a sugar-pill treatment ( probably, dealers will install a o-ring to reduce the intensity of rattle, but not vibration) and will advise that they can do nothing about vibration.
As for you, Gold Lion 2000, when in doubt, wait it out. Maybe you shall wait for 2002 model year with an all new v-8 engine producing over 300 hp and over 400lb-ft torque with same MPG. Good luck.
Any comments would be appreciated!
Has anyone been able to dissable these annoying features? There must be a way to fool the system into thinking the car is stopped. Where there is a will, there is a way. Anyone who has tried, or knows any thing regarding, please let me know.
Thanks,
Mystic Sea Opalescent". Has anyone seen these colors in person and would share their opinion
on how they look.
All I've been able to see personally are the
2000's in White and Cashmere with ivory interior.
Thanks!
I have a 2000 LX470 and have no problems with the HNL shifter vibration at all (at least not yet, knock on wood).
To ALL with the HNL vibration: Is it really that BAD? I MEAN IS POSSIBLE THAT IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE BECAUSE THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK IS SOOOOOO QUITE COMPARED TO SOME OF THE OTHER SUVS????? On some of the demostic (and import) SUVs the "background noise/vibration level" are higher and therefore one tend not to notice ANY ADDITIONAL VIBRATIONS? For those of you having the HNL vibration problem.....how about go drive another similar sized SUV of a different make (demostic or import) and immediately jump into your LX470 and drive over the same route and in the speed and manner.....and see if there is any difference. It may just suprise you.
It is true that one can get a FULLY LOADED FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER for about $34K or less(no kidding!!)Or even spend some more dough for a FULLY LOADED LINCOLN NAVIGATOR.......THE QUALITY AND DESIGN APPROACH is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. One would be visiting the dealer shop way more often with these two. What I am saying is that if the background noise/vibration is more to begin with.....then one might not hear/feel any additional noise/vibration.
As you can tell.....I am very happy with my LX470.......Yes, it costs more...lot more to buy and run.....yes it gets very terrible gas milage. But everything is relative................
HEY, HUMMER GETS EVEN WORSE GAS MILAGE AND SHAKES AND VIBRATES A HECK LOT MORE (NOT TO MENTION THE NOISE AND THE HORRIBLE RIDE AND LOTS LOTS LOTS BODY ROLL).....AND COST A WHOLE LOT MORE!!!!! (at least the old original HUMMER...the new ones on the drawing board might be cheaper AND SLIGHTLY MORE REFINED though).
One needs to compare vehicles of the same type.....compare similar sized SUVs with SUVs and not with a sport sedan (or just a sedan). Similarly one would not compare an LS400 sedan to a LX 470. These two are totally different class of vehicles...and YES BOTH ARE MADE BY LEXUS. Certainly if you owned a Ferrari you would not go off road with it.....similarly if you have an LX 470 or any other similar sized SUV...you would not take that right angle right turn at 80 miles per hour........one can probably do it in a Ferrari though (assuming no traffic, and of course with a good set of rubber).
By the way.......for those of you who can not stand the LX470's HNL shifter noise/vibration.....don't get a Ferrari because the engine sure is loud and the shifter(not the ones on the steering wheel) vibrates (but it feels good).
For those of you keeping track of my postings......I did have some type of vibration noise from the center console....but it was due to all that junk that I had in the center console.....after I removed them....the vibration noise was gone.
#200
Sounds like you own a lexus dealership or you work as a lexus sales manager. If you feel strongly about HNL vibration, please defend it just don't drop it. After all, lexus is not chevy. Lexus is judged by the relentless pursue of perfection.
The HNL vibration, in and of itself, is indeed not a safety issue, but is a nuisance, an indication of imperfection, a design defect (look at Mercedes ML class, no shift stick, no vibration). An owner is entitled to require Lexus to live up to its own standard, relentless pursue of perfection, not the standard set by Chevy, rattle and rock and roll.
I think Lx 470 owner is lucky this time due to adjustable height control. Look at LC owners. Now they have proved that the vibration from the transfer case (the main culprit of HNL vibration) has something to do with the powertrain which after certain mileage (most after 5,000) will cause the gas pedal and floor to vibrate. Well, I guess someone will say that's great foot massage device. Check out the lc bulletin board to see for yourself.
BTW, Lexus has apologized for the embarassment of HNL vibration and taken steps to meet the demand of the customer. Unfortunately, Lexus so far has not considered the HNL vibration NORMAL and has asked dealers to try any means possible to conquer the beast of vibration. We shall see what come out from Lexus. Good luck.
Riverrock green mica is really not green. The color is more close to a light grey, or the color of stone in river bed. The color is closer to green when under direct sunlight.
Black is bad in hiding dust. Also, black color is not metallic paint ( a value of $695)
I have no opinions regarding the other two colors, I believe one of the color is new for 2001 model (sea something)
You can check the lexus site and see the color for yourself. Good luck.
I live in Rhode Island, but bought this truck from Florida (Lexus of Fort Myers (Connie Johnson as previously mentioned in prior posts). The dealers in New England are very shrewd, and unwilling to negotiate much below sticker, and anyone who is seriously interested in saving big bucks should buy this truck from Florida (or California). I have been very happy with the entire transaction, and I think it was much LESS painful than buying something from a local dealer. I say stick it to the local dealers until they are willing to negotiate.
With regards the particulars, I bought the Blue Vapor, with the Ivory interior, and the DVD Navigation system. The Color is beautiful, more blue than silver and unique (So don't buy this color because I want to be the only one that has it(hehehe). The Navigation system is excellent, very user friendly, and I figured most of the commands within minutes before reading the manual. I think it is the most sophisticated Nav system available currently.
The sound system is phenomenal. Anyone who doubts this did not put the system through the ringer. The sound initially coming through the tuner (FM) was OK, but when I played a CD, and DVD, the sound was excellent, and compared to my home audio theater system (Also made by Madrigal) it was very good.The system is very well balanced, sound is crisp and clear, tight, not boomy and can be played very loud (from Van Halen to Classical Indian music to action scenes from James bond movies)everything sounds great. Also, as is the case with most speakers, the material has to 'break-in',especially the woofers, and after hours of use, the sound will change to the better.
The HNL shifter vibration is there, but I do not see myself touching this instrument much, and it does not present itself unless the knob it touched(you cannot hear it). Not a big deal if it is considered 'normal'.
The ride is very smooth for a truck, and I think anyone who buys the vehicle must remember that it is a truck and will behave as a truck and feel as a truck. My other vehicles are a sports car and a sports sedan, and this truck does not handle as well, or brake as well as the others (makes sense given that it weighs twice as much (momentum), and its center of balance is higher (SUV)) and the ride is equivalent to the sedan (which is 4 years old). But this is what I expected, I did not expect it to drive like the LS series, or handle like the Porsche, as it is a TRUCK. (but a dam good truck)
The biggest advantage of the Lexus is that compared to equivalent SUV's (the big ones) it is very quiet, smooth, and refined. One of the selling points is that Japanese know how to make things fit well. The best test is to drive a 3-4 (or older) LX and see how much rattle, and change in the ride there is compared to a new one (and I was surprised to see that older ones still drive very smooth, with no rattle, unlike domestic SUV's that start rattling(dash, doors etc.) within months-year).
Obviously I am biased after buying one, but so far, after less than one week, I have no doubts or regrets, and my wife also loves the truck (gets high WAF (wife acceptance factor).
That is the problem. I have been working with Lexus for roughly one month now. So far, Lexus has not acknowledged that the vibration is normal. Instead, I got all the special treatment and dealers tried to do everything they can to remedy the vibration problem.
complaint it and you shall get special treatment.
BTW, the tire pressure for front has been revised to 32 psi. Ignore the 27 psi recommendation.
Good luck and enjoy your car. Regards,
Dear rewyllys,
Thanks for your response.
I think you will agree that Lexus has the final say about what is normal or abnormal for LX470.
Obviously, Lexus does not think that the HNL vibration is normal. Otherwise, this case will be dismissed long time ago.
Check the Lx470 manual in 4-wheel drive system. No mention that the HNL vibration is normal.
In fact, lexus has made special arrangements trying to remedy this situation. But in the end, dealers fail miserably because the vibration is a design issue, not a manufacturing issue.
Until Lexus put it in writing that the HNL vibration is normal, I will keep mentioning this issue from time to time. It is quite simple for lexus to do so: Just say it that it is normal. Easy and fair enough. What do you think? Let's all work together and make lexus concede that the HNL vibration is NORMAL. Regards,
F8: I too am getting tired of the HNL non-issue. If (like the TLC) my gas pedal, main shifter, floor pan and whatever else were vibrating or making any noise what-so-ever that'd be another story. They aren't. Shoot some people pay good money in other "applications" for this type of "vibration"! If Toyota/Lexus come out with some kind of service directive - then by all means let us know in BOLD TYPE. Otherwise give it a rest.
To all: Ordered and installed this rear cargo tray: http://hardtop.net/protopaccessories/cartray.html. For those who take their 3rd row seats out most of the time and carry anything less clean than the inside of their new LX - this is the ticket. The color of the tan one is a shade off from the ivory int but not bad for the price. It came in 4 days with free shipping. Fits perfectly and is well made. Still looking for that rear cargo privacy pull shade. Toyota dealer says if I order a TLC one (at $600+) then it won't be returnable. Can't be more than $20 of plastic in them. Lexus still says they do not carry one. Anyone know who makes the GM Tahoe/Yukon cargo shades?
That said, I have driven some other SUVs: Toyota 4Runner, Mercedes M-Class (both ML320 and even an ML55), and BMW X5. Since the ML55 is highly tuned (engine, suspension, brakes) we'll leave it out of the comparison. None of these other vehicles exhibited the amount of body roll, IMHO, that the LX470 did (even during its stiffest suspension setting) either in appreciable road curves or attempts to simulate a quick swerve. Further, the LX470 seemed to dip a bit and require a lot more room to brake on a quick-stop. All of the other vehicles are, I believe, smaller, of lower weight, and closer to the ground which certainly contributes to these results.
In terms of cargo capacity, the M-Class approaches the closest, I think, to the LX470. Unfortunately, even in the AMG version (ML55), I still feel that the fit and finish aren't even close to the LX470. Alas, the BMW might be the strongest candidate now on my list, though its diminuitive size will restrict on occasion my desired cargo needs, *sigh*.
I also like the Blue Vapor color and has ordered one with DVD and Lexus Phone. However the dealer says he'll have one with Beige color in a few days. But I have to wait several weeks to get one with Blue Vapor color. So I have to decide what to do in a few days. Any advice? I got a very good deal from this dealer and I am afraid he may change hos mind and never gave the car to me.
By the way, can you share with us how much you paid for the car from Florida? I got a quote from this source also and the price was LESS competitive than what I got from the local dealer.
By the way, is the body sway and braking distance a serious issue in your experience?
Thanks!
There is indeed a repair kit out for HNL vibration. After the patch, the kit got the seal of approval from my all mighty cat who now will seat in front seat. Contact your dealers. On second thought, just ignore this post. Regards,
Thanks a lot for your kind feedback. I'll see the dealer again and ask him when I can get the car with my desired color (Blue Vapor). You are right that if we are going to pay around $70k (including tax), we have the right to get the "perfect" car. By the way, did you get your car from Connie?
Regards!
Thanx!
I thought I read something on these boards about FL having a weird rule that a car can only be "NEW" in FL if it has "0" miles which is impossible, but hey the heat does weird things to the mind.
Anyone find better deals?
The ride is superior to anything we have owned including other Lexus. Other postings remind us the vehicle is a "truck". Sorry, I don't see it that way - it is a vehicle - it's ride can't be compared to any truck I have ever drove. It is quiet. It is comfortable. I took friends for a twenty mile ride - although when the 470 was in the lowest height position, they had to "roll" into the back seat - they said it was just too high to step into (they are also short in stature). I laughed and told them it was lucky I didn't bring our Toyota 4-Runner - it seems even higher - plus it doesn't squat to allow easier entry.
What I love about the 470 is you look over the world and traffic when driving. I love the height. It might add potential body roll factors - but drive accordingly. If your driving region or style doesn't allow safe driving habits, then get a tank.
How good is the Navigation unit? I woundn't buy the unit without it. I love it. I have Nav on the GS400 but this Nav is better. The Nav has more "little" roads and it is much faster in commands than the GS400. Even in my region, some roads have changed since the data was originally developed - however if you use common sense while driving - you will find this piece of equipment great for traveling. I can't imagine traveling in todays world in areas unfamiliar to you without it - and this unit really works.
The Mark Levinson stereo system is superior to anything I have heard in a production vehicle. I can't imagine not ordering it. A friend who runs a stereo shop tried to get me to let him put in a "better" system. It might have louder but it wouldn't have been clearer in sound. Besides, I can't turn this stereo up past about 1/4 to 1/3 of its volume.
The fuel economy - it just isn't as bad as I thought - I got 18 miles per gallon on the first tank - not bad for the safety I felt driving. I am preparing this weekend to drive on the interstate to a business meeting some 300 miles away. I think it can be much more on longer trips - and I know it can be much worse around town. A trade-off I have accepted for safety and comfort.
Owning a Lexus is a great statement on life. My expectations were great of this fine vehicle. I wasn't disappointed. Part of owning any Lexus comes from also the Lexus Dealer experience. The sales assistant that helped me get the best deal was Bill Hobbs at Kenny Kent Lexus in Evansville, Indiana. Bill is a professional. He takes care of his clients - and delivers on what they expect (within reason). He has been known to stay two hours late to help me take delivery - unheard of in some industries and even car dealerships. The service goes beyond reasonable to extra-ordinary. My hat is off to Lexus and their fine staff in Evansville. I believe the reason Lexus still listens to those concerned about the HNL vibration is they never give up on trying to make you happy - even when they know it is impossible. I suspect the 2003 edition will have an alternative electronic switching device to take the handle out of the cabin area - this will make some happy - it will also give more space to put an extra cup holder (which I am still finding even more of them already inside my 470).
Two last things - I love the lighted running boards and undercarriage ground lighting plus I found the engine smooth and responsive to my driving style. For those scared of what they have ordered - you can quote me - "you're in for the drive of your life - happy motoring."
I live in Southern California and use the 15W - 50W, Mobil 1 in my other autos.
It seems that Lexus recommends for the 2001 LX 470, 10W - 30W, Mobil 1.
Any advise would be appreciated.
McKinnis: Great writeup! What color did you get?
Also can anyone describe the color Mystic Sea?
I have tried the build your own at the Lexus site
and printed the new colors out on my HP inkjet
using photo paper....and I'm sorry but I can't
see enough car and color to tell which I like the
most.
I hope to begin shopping for one in January here
in So. Calif.
I have seen all the colors. I initially ordered Blue Vapor. I saw a Blue Vapor at a dealer and loved the color. However, the body moulding color is a dark grey and so the vehicle has a two tone look to it. The upper half being Blue Vapor and the lower half of the vehicle being dark grey. For my taste I preferred not having such a great contrast between the upper body color and the lower body moulding.
The Blue Vapor is the only color with such a great contrast to the body moulding.
All the colors look great. I did not want a dark color however. Of the light colors I chose Golden Pearl. It seems as well that Japan is shipping with the Rear Wind Deflector again. I am told by my salesman that the vehicle has the Rear Wind Deflector and it has been re-designed.
I will go tomorrow to see the vehicle for the first time and will keep this board posted. Options: Mark Lev, Nav, Wheel Locks, Spare Wheel Locks, Roof Rack, Tow hitch, Cargo mats, Rear Wind Deflector.
My car also comes with Mark Lev, Nav, Wheel Locks, Spare Wheel Locks, Roof Rack, Tow hitch, Cargo mats and Lexus Phone. However, I do not believe it has the Rear Wind Deflector, is it supposed to be there?
The dealer offered to pick me up today to drive the car home, unfortunately I could not make it today. I'll drive the car home tomorrow.