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Comments
good deal?
Also, how much is lojack supposed to be? They charged 630 but I thought I heard it was much less...
Again, great deal and enjoy the miles.
good deal?
Also, how much is lojack supposed to be? They charged 630 but I thought I heard it was much less...
1) its 3 row seating (for instances when friends or family are visiting, other wise our first child is due in late July)
2) its comparatively more user friendly nav system (based on comments here and at acuramdx.org
3) peppy engine (0-60 in 8.1 sec per MotorTrend)
I test drove RX300 this weekend and I liked the ride and my wife liked it so much she wanted to drive back the in the RX. In my mind, I see the following advantages in RX over MDX:
1) I thought the dealership was really professional and can see that I'd probably get a better after sales experience at a Lexus dealership.
2) I felt the build quality in the RX is superior to that in MDX
3) One can readily test drive an RX compared to MDX, which I have still not driven
I have less than perfect eye sight and was wondering how useful the RX owners find the following features in 2001 RXs:
* The HID lamps
* The water repellant front side windows
Also, I am not a "off-road" person but how would a FWD RX fare in minor off-road situations. My Mitsubishi Galant recently skid off an exit ramp during major down pour onto the road side green and got stuck there (had to be towed out), would a FWD RX have done any better in those conditions or would an AWD be absolutely necessary? I am inclined towards the FWD due to better acceleration 0-60 mph compared to AWD.
I would really appreciate any comments to help me make a decision.
Thanks for your help
You didn't mention cargo space, but you did mention third row seating. The MDX is the logical choice in both areas, but I caution on using the third row for kids on any long outings.
The MDX's comparatively more user friendly nav system (based on comments here and at acuramdx.org
I can't comment on the MDX's "user friendlyness" but I know for a fact that the street database on the Lexus' navigation sysetm (OEM'ed by Denso) is more complete. I've run tests with friends who own the MDX and RX300's Nav would have streets that the MDX didn't.
The MDX peppy engine (0-60 in 8.1 sec per MotorTrend)
This is a draw as far as I'm concerned. Though the MDX has additional HP, it's also heavier which negates it's advantage. I believe that either MT or R&T tested the FWD Rex at 8.3(?) and the AWD at 8.8(?). Both the MDX and Rex are very peppy.
I test drove RX300 this weekend and I liked the ride and my wife liked it so much she wanted to drive back the in the RX.
The same exact thing happen to my wife. She wanted nothing to do with buying a Lexus, but after she test drove it, she came home and said to me "we must have this vehicle." You absolutely have to test drive an MDX before you make a critical decision like this. You shouldn't take anybody's word whether the Rex has better drive comfort than the MDX, this is a highly subjective area. My opinion after driving the MDX, ML320 and Rx300 is that the RX has the best drive comfort.
The HID lamps
If you live in an area/roads that have poor lighting, you will love these.
The water repellant front side windows
This feature sounds so "minor" to most folks, but let me tell you, everytime it rains I'm amazed how much I love these things.
My Mitsubishi Galant recently skid off an exit ramp during major down pour onto the road side green and got stuck there (had to be towed out), would a FWD RX have done any better in those conditions or would an AWD be absolutely necessary?
Two things would have helped here: a good set of rubber and VSC (vehicle skid control), which the Rex has. Would AWD be even better? Yes, because the Rex's AWD system is permanent, meaning that the torque is always distributed to all four wheels. Spreading the torque around decreases the chances that a wheel will "break free" and cause you to lose control.
I am inclined towards the FWD due to better acceleration 0-60 mph compared to AWD.
Since the difference is only about half a second, I'd go for the AWD (which I did). I wanted the safest vehicle I could afford.
Both the MDX and Rex are fine vehicles, but because of a mature production line and competition, you can get a loaded Rex for less than a loaded MDX.
Good luck with whichever vehicle you choose!
TC
I posted a message earlier after your message that some how did not show up on the board.
Its good to hear that you find the water repellant windows useful. I think I'd like that feature too. Also, are the HID lamps street legal?
I'm having a hard time getting the opportunity to test drive the MDX, I'm definitely not going to buy one without driving one.
I'm leaning towards RX, lets see ...
Appreciate your helpful comments
I hate it when they give me that face like I borke his heart and I'm taking advantage of him. He's looking at me like I took advantage of him so I tell him "I am not going to take you up on your offer if you'll give me that face. I'll walk out of here and do it elsewhere no hard feelings". Sure enough, he started smiling straight away and printed out the new contract with a 230 markdown on the amount financed.
Saved me $5 per month, but every dollar counts.
If you make an offer on which they'll be making nice money too (counting holdback and how much over invoice you offered), more likely than not they will accept it on the spot, especially on a high-volume-selling car such as RX300.
Good luck shopping! I must say I was surprised how well I did given this is my first car purchase. All I did is read edmunds.com resources and tried to remember not to get intimidated. Don't feel sorry for the dealer -- that "you broke my heart" face they practice every night before they go to bed. It's all an act.
You hit the nail right on the head: They wouldn't do the deal if they were losing money.
Welcome to the Rex family.
I have not seen anything about being able to change this through CBEST, either on this forum or in the shop manuals.
Car: 4WD white 2001 Lexus RX300, Premium Plus, spoiler, wheel locks, cargo mat, crossbars
Price paid: $35500 (MSRP $39316)
License: $510
Tire fee: $5
Document fee: $45
Lo-jack: $400 -- but I actually almost spent more time negotiating this one than the car (MSRP $595).
LoJack is a car tracking device in case of theft, and it lowers your insurance premiums. It's nice, they come over to your work or home to install it.
Good luck
My wive and I are really happy with the RX. We have had no prolems with anything except with the Nav insisting on a trip plan that was not the fastest route.
For an RX300, they were asking $150 below what the web site offers. 6/100 for $1575, and a 7/100 for $1725. I inquired about negotiating these prices, and got the impression that they weren't negotiable. I see that plezy a few messsages up got a 6/100 for $1400. Was that the Gold or Platinum?
I didn't purchase it (yet), as I have until 36,000 miles (currently at about 170 miles). They did mention that the prices will probably go up around September (when Lexus sends them a new "book" with prices).
What's the general concensus on the RX300's warranty? Worth it? Over priced? Considering all the electronic gadgetry (Nav, VSC, TRAC, auto-dimming mirrors, etc.), my feeling is that it might be a good idea. If just the Nav breaks, it'll easily cost $2k to fix it. But what are the odds of it breaking....
-Craig
Would appreciate any suggestions, as to what I need to be looking out for and checking out before taking delivery. I have been watching this site for the last few months and have gained tremendously. Thanks a lot you all.
Also, is the Navigation System worth the money?
good luck.
Thanks...
If it is truly taking 30 minutes for the heat to come on then I suspect there might be something wrong with the thermostat on the engine... what temperature does your engine typical idle about? (should be midway on the temperature gauge)
Toyota Service - I have 2 "local" Toyota dealers, 1 I hate so I called the other and they said "No" when I asked if they serviced Lexus. Then called another Toyota dealer that I drive by on the way to work. They said "yes" to a oil change & tire rotation, plus had internet coupons and only cost me $27. They used the same Toyota oil filter (if that matters).
Still, for my $30k I will go back to the Lexus dealer (not sure if Toy would do this or not).
PDS
The Infinit QX4 folks can get away with bringing their SUV to the Nissan dealer because the QX4 is simply a flashier Pathfinder, and they share many of the same parts.
They sell more RX300's than all other models combined (not every month, but some months)!
See Bob Walden, he's friendly and actually from what I could tell pretty honest too (as much as one could expect from a car salesman I guess). Make sure you know your numbers just in case.
Good luck.
If the Highlander was actually the low end version of the Rex, the Japanese model Harrier, then it'd be a different story and we'd all probably taking our cars to Toyota dealers!
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I've been subjected to drive my wife's (now my) '96 Accord...
-Craig
Getting him into and out of the Rex is SO much easier. And the ISOFIX latches are MUCH more accessable than they were in the TL. We can put in and take out his car seat in a matter of a minute. The TL had the ISOFIX bars stuffed into the bottom seat cushion, and were very difficult to unlatch.
I feel safer in the Rex than the TL for some reason. Maybe it's just the perception of being higher. Maybe it's the isolation from the outside world.
But in the end, the most important thing is that my wife loves her new toy.
-Craig
I've read here that Lexus doesn't clearcoat the black paint on the Rex (and maybe other Lexus models) because it's "already shiney".
How about the Indigo Ink Pearl (dark blue)? That's what we got last week. Is that clearcoated? It feels real smooth, but that could just be wax or just the fact that it's a new paint job.
-Craig
As to feeling safer, it's not just a feeling, it's a fact. The Rex is one of the safest vehicles in the world as proven by all the available data. The combination of the IIHS, NHSTA, CR, and the active/passive safety systems make it so. This was a huge decision in our purchase.
After he's a year old, the seat turns around front facing, still uses those bars, and also will use the LATCH located on the backside of the seatback (visible looking from the hatch area).
The car seat seems VERY safe (knock on wood). Steel tubes surrounding it, styrofoam inside, etc.
Safety was a major concern for us as well. Although the MDX hasn't been tested yet, it's based on the Odyssey, which got 5 star everything. Our decision was down to it and the Rex. Of course we chose the Rex and haven't given it a second thought.
-Craig
The "Diamond Plan" covers everything (including the navigation system), except for maintenance and trim/cosmetic items. This plan also as many of the same features as a AAA membership (Towing, car rental, lockout,lodging and meals, and tire). I just re-read what was covered and got mad because the Lexus's tire got punctured on a curb and I paid for a new tire. I'll see if I can put in a claim even though it happened 3 months ago.
I choose the 7 years or 100,000 mile plan with zero deductible for $979.00
My concern when I was shopping for a extended warranty was where can I go and who will accept it. The answer was that you can go anywhere including Lexus dealerships, and this company uses a credit card to pay the dealerships. That was there is no mail or faxing of "Work orders". Lexus calls them up for pre-approvel, and they call back with their credit card number that Lexus charges all the parts and labor to.
To read more check these two topics. One is hosted by the company and one is someone with a warning about the company.
http://townhall-talk2.edmunds.com/Web?50@@.ee93913/0
and
http://townhall-talk2.edmunds.com/Web?50@@.eea5a77/42
If you decide to get a warranty because of me, tell them that a fellow customer VSA 102-004166 told you about it, if you want.