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If anyone has a clue as to what might be causing the noise, I'd sure like to know since I'm about to bring the car in for service, and most of the time when you report a strange sound, you get "could not duplicate" on the work order and a funny look from the service manager.
If, in fact, your dealer is telling you a new engine is needed, then it would appear to be no question as to who picks up the tab.
Provided you have followed the recommended maintenance schedules for the car, and have proof of this, you should have no problem.
Unless, of course, there is more to this than we're being told---like damage history, driving conditions, abuse, and so on.
If you've followed the rules, you should have nothing to fear.
Just about the only ways sludge can occur are (1) Short runs with insufficient warmup, and (2) Neglecting regular oil and filter changes.
Do you fall into either or both of these categories?
The MDX has an effect also as production increases. I do recall the Acura 3.2 TL had a similiar effect two years ago.
INKY
1. The stupid parking brake that in not a center console lever but a lower foot pedal. I thought only American cars used them still.
2. The Audio, AC, and trip computer are all on the center display. You have to go through several windows to change radio stations, or to see outside temps or setting on the AC. Too much distractions from the road. (However, I do love the Nav system - it is quite excellent and we have used it in Denver and Boulder with success - screen has not washed out for us in sunlight as some have reported.)
3. Memory is for the seats (and only limited movements) only not the mirrors or other functions. Also could be programed into the key like the MDX.
4. Horrid turning radius. I have grown to really be offended by this poor performance.
5. Sound system is not as good as the Bose System in my 98 Audi
6. The fold down arm rest interferes with fasting the seat belt on the driver seat.
7. Only a four speed automatic transmission.
8. Wind and road noise (tires) is more than I thought acceptable for a luxury vehicle.
Here are the reasons she did not consider the other cars:
Jeep GC Ltd - Horrid safety testing (two catagories below the X5, MB, RX-300)
X5 - price and poor fuel economy and first year production
MDX - First year production car, Not as light as the RX-300, No Xenons.
Allroad - First year production, not high enough for her.
If it were up to me alone, I would have gotten the MDX
Hope this helps with your decisions, and I certainly did not mean to offend anyone who has made a purchase of the RX-300. The dealer service is fantastic and the build quality is one of the best I have seen.
Reggie
- is the alignment problem still an issue?
- is the RX due for a styling change soon?
- is rattles a major issue?
- what are the features of the keyless entry/security system? ie. does it have passive arming, auto-rearm, beeps/light-flash for arm and disarm, flashing LED indicator light in an easy-to-see location, etc.?
Thanks for any and all info.
- Does it have passive arming (nope, all doors need to be closed before hitting lock button, long beep if a door is still open and you have to press lock again once doors are closed...service tech can disable the beep)
- Auto-rearm? (yes, the doors re-lock if you don't open them in 30 seconds)
- Beeps/light-flash for arm and disarm (yes, 1 nice beep and light flash on lock, 2 on open...service tech can disable the beeps)
- Flashing LED indicator light (yes, regular LED but not clearly visible, located on the dash left of steering wheel)
Other stuff...
- All 3 remote buttons built into ignition key (unlock, lock, panic...very handy)
- First unlock gets driver door, second does all doors (service tech can change to make all doors open first)
- Holding down the unlock button opens all windows and cracks open the sunroof 30%...really neat
- Interior light fades nicely (wish the map lights would illuminate when entering car...but they're really bright so maybe it's best)
- Headlights stay on for a while after locking (or you can hit lock a 2nd time to turn them off sooner)
BTW...if you're overwhelmed by the map light (same bulb for both driver and pax), try flipping the sun visor all the way down and opening the vanity mirror (nice light and doesn't distract the driver)
The Good years have about 300 miles on them and we live in the greater nos Angles area - anyone in the general area interested? Deal of a lifetime...
mail me direct at jeffmust@aol.com.
Greater "nos" angeles area?
Not all change is for the better, Edmunds.
Regarding a prior post on the Nav, the RX Nav is NOT the best out there. We also have an Acura and that nav is much easier to use and the screen display is not as cluttered.
I brought it back to the dealer. They placed another car next to it, warmed it up, and there it was, even somewhat louder than on mine.
A qualified appearing technician stated that these are the fuel injectors, and that this was normal, and they all did it.
"Some degree of engine noise must be expected," I was told by the service manager. I have driven less expensive cars in my lifetime, and this "expectation" had not been met.
I wonder if others have had similar experiences? Incidentally, this is rather subtle, and one has to listen very carefully. Thanks.
Richard
alafan1@bellsouth.net
Plus Package etc. Differences on 2001 I found
so far:
VSC
alloy wheel spare tire
larger brake fluid reservoir
high/low heated seats
no power switch- only snow mode larger fuel tank- 19.8 as 17.2
ride definitely farmer- different color codes
on springs
restyle front and rear lights
extra cup holder built into rear seat
electrochromatic inside mirror with compass
electomatic outside mirrors
water repellent front glass
isofix child seat anchors
Both are still low miles. No problems with either of them.
Thanks in advance,
Tom
Plus Package etc. Differences on 2001 I found
so far:
VSC
alloy wheel spare tire
larger brake fluid reservoir
high/low heated seats
no power switch- only snow mode larger fuel tank- 19.8 as 17.2
ride definitely firmer- different color codes
on springs
restyle front and rear lights
extra cup holder built into rear seat
electrochromatic inside mirror with compass
electomatic outside mirrors
water repellent front glass
isofix child seat anchors
As far as the the undeniably big turn radius is concerned it has been a non-issue for me, the car is maneuverable and nimble. In my two mos of ownership my sole problem has been a nonfunctioning light bulb on the driver side visor and when I brought it in for 30 day service they were oos. No rattles no clicks no problems. What is happening in the rear of the car when you shut it off, I'd really like to know what those noises are.
What size Michelin's did they install? It sounds like they might have installed a different size (read: taller) than original equipment.
You need to check elsewhere. Try Longo Lexus in El Monte. I was just there (12/24) and picked up mine for WAY less. (Similar setup, not exact). I told them what Cars Direct price was and they MATCHED it! I just put your specs into Cars Direct and came up with $39,540. Good Luck!
We have a place at L.Arwhd. It really depends on the severity of the weather when you get to the checkpoint (location varies also, depending on current conditions). I have driven up in all types of vehicles and conditions and sometimes they'll let people through in a sedan and sometimes they'll stop 4WD vehicles for chains. IMHO, buy the chains/cables* and stick 'em in the back end if your heading up. It'll save the hassle of either turning around or having to pay 4-5x as much on the side of the road.
* The cable style are a LOT easier to install.
BTW If they are requiring you to stop and put them on, there are almost always guys (usually high school kids or contractors who can't work or go to school due to weather) at the check point who'll put them on for you for a few bucks.
If you feel inclined not to grovel in the snow and do it yourself, its worth the money. In case you'd rather have this experience, keep a plastic bag and a small piece of carpet with the tires to save your knees (experience speaking!).
Enjoy the Lake, its beautiful in winter.
Also, wouldn't this site be much easier to use if you could reply to individual messages, rather than having to search the board for answers?
1. Better tracking without hands on wheel
2. Firmer ride at 32 psi, same psi as I had with Goodyears
3. Just had our first rain in L.A. area and they did fine while the oil was coming up on the roads
4. Can't help with info on snow/ice capability
Hey - doesn't somebody out there in the Greater L.A. area want my set of Goodyears cheap?
Jeff
email me directly at
jeffmust@aol.com
The RX is loaded including Nav and hitch. We had a ml 320 ordered for 6 months and was told through the Mercedes dealer that I could get a seat belt of longer length. The day the ML320 came we were told they no longer will do that. We did not except it. No customer service help through dealer or direct to Mercedes.
We went to a couple of Lexus dealers then and were told we could get a seat belt extender. The same my Volvo has. Lexus customer seemed very good.
My one big problem on the RX is the drivers seat back not going up straight enough.You are semi reclined.
It is a 8/10 way seat. I never had a seat like it. It is not just like that for me but, my husband also. The dealer said that if you want it straighter you have to tilt the bottom seat cushion forward/down. Well then you feel like you are sliding out. The passenger seat has less adjustments and goes much straighter. I had to buy a pillow and tie it to the headrest.
We rent a lot of cars and never found this problem with any other. Has anyone found this a problem??
Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the prompt reply and good advice on snowchains and Lake Arrowhead. I'm picking up a set, probably cable-type, tomorrow since we're heading up there on Saturday to continue our search for a second home. Looking at the weather forecast, we might get a chance to try out the chains!
Tom
In earlier posts on this board, I saw people getting $40K. Has anyone else had this problem?
I would not pay 43k for one.....you can do better. Where are you trying? Here in Atlanta all the dealers play the short supply game..., but I had no problem getting mine for $40k...just went about 90 miles from here to a dealer outside Atlanta. BE SURE to SHOP AROUND !! Good Luck!
I'm interested to find out if the 2001 RX300's windshield is made up of any semi-metallic material which might impeded on the sensitivity of a radar detector. I called Lexus customer service and they said NONE of the windshields are made up of any kind of semi-metallic material. Is this true and has anyone verified it?
If the rear windows are not made up of semi-metallic material internal to the glass, then how can they get it to be so mirror like and offer proper UV protection on all windows?
I do, but that is risk of frequent car buying. RX's are piling up and with $1,500 package discount are better deal than a 2000 ever was. I actually had a 2001 MDX reserved (deposit) in August for October delivery and made the very stupid choice of the RX due to its higher quality.
What a mistake that was. IN hindsight, I should have bought the MDX ($34,850) driven one year and sold it for close to $33,000 given supply and demand. My market timing simply sucks. I knew MDX would be well worth it, but did not want to wait 30 days to pay MSRP. In that case car is worth MSRP. RX was worth MSRP in mid 98 when first released and loaded AWD was $35,000. RX is now way overpriced and now selling for market price. Another lesson learned.
INKY
Got my LTX tires instead of the standard Bridgestone tires from the dealer when I bought the car. I don't have the experience to compare the performance of the two, but I am very happy with my LTX's for the past winter and this winter so far. They are very quiet and provide a lot of traction both in summer and in winter. I have about 15,000 km on them already.