$37,453 sounds too good for the package you mentioned. I agree with tonychrys. MSRP on the nav is $37781 without the chrome wheels. I've been looking for the same package for the last month, even tried CarsDirect and PL, and have yet to see a OD price of 43000 in CA? Who's your contact? I'd appreciate the lead.
Anyone know of a good place to get paint scratches repaired in the Chicagoland area? I got a small scratch on the hood of my RX and would like to get it fixed. I'd appreciate any good references!
Scratch: Why not a local Lexus dealer? Most have their own body shops, may not be cheap, but you know it'll be done right.
HID: is not standard on any model yet, but included in certain option packages. You can in fact add aftermarket Xenon lamps, but I don't believe they will be "auto-leveling".
Speaking of auto-leveling, what the heck is that anyway?
Tony-You have certainly become "Mr. Lexus"! I knew I would find you here. I would appreciate it if you would stop with the snide comments about those of us who buy a Hyundai (specifically the Santa Fe). You stired up the Santa Fe board with your comments....and now your posts here continue to knock Hyundai. As an example you said in post #436-"you don't buy a Lexus the way you buy a Hyundai" I would like to give you a small quote from the book "The Millionaire Next Door" in regards to car buying.
"Many affluent respondents take joy in driving vehicles that do not denote so-called high status. They are more interested in more objective measures of value. ... The members of most wealthy households don't drive luxury imports. ... Their preference is to invest much of their income in assets that appreciate"
So Tony, maybe the next time you see a happy owner driving their Santa Fe, you will be looking at a millionaire who knows real value. Please, a little less arrogance would be appreciated.
To the others on this board, this is in no way a slam against the Rx or those who drive them.
I bought my rx 300 on sunday and I love it. Went to Stevens Creek lexus on friday night in santa clara,and after I went into the showroom and broke up the 6 or 7 sales people watching t v I was told their was no way they could meet my price. On sunday I drove 18 miles up the freeway to Magnussen Lexus of Fremont. What a difference! I was treated like a wanted customer by Yulia Preys sales consultant. I had found the car on the lot that I wanted with a msrp of 41,800.It has chrome wheels,gold pkg including wheels.No nav as I did not want. Offered 36,800 bought for 37,053. I think this was a very good deal for the bay area of northern calif. Very happy with everyone i dealt with at Magnussens. Stevens Creek mgmt you should take lessons from Magnussens. I live 2 miles from Stevens Creek Lexus but will not give them one cent of my buisness.
I'm sorry you feel offended by the comment "you don't buy a Lexus the way you buy a Hyundai", but it was an analogy between different tier levels of products in a given marketplace. I really didn't consciously choose Hyundai for the comparison, it could have been Nissan, Chevy, etc.
The truth of the matter is that one doesn't go jewelery shopping at Kmart the same way one does at Tiffany's. It's a fact of life. For some, the Kmart jewelry is sufficient, and there is nothing wrong with that.
You are clearly someone who defines himself by the fact he picked "the right car." I feel sorry for you that you would get upset everytime someone says something disparingly about the car you chose. At the end of the day it's a piece of sheetmetal, get over it.
I once considered buying the Santa Fe because I thought it was a good value for the money. But after I test drove it and thought about it further, I then determined that the engine wasn't sufficient enough for me, there were luxury and safety features it didn't provide, and it's safety record was unproven. A friend encouraged me to look at the RX300 and I was hooked by the proven reliability, safety features, performance, luxury, and customer service.
Are there things I dislike about the RX300? Sure, but no car is perfect. I could care less what folks say about the car, because guess what? I didn't buy it for them! I bought it for my family. And I don't own Lexus, so why should I care if they sell one less car because someone said something bad about it.
I feel really bad for you because you had to "find me here." You need a hobby.
TONY-DON'T LET YOUR EGO GET THE BEST OF YOU! I DIDN'T INTENTIONALLY GO LOOKING FOR YOU! I WAS DOING SOME RESEARCH FOR A FRIEND WHO DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND IS INTERESTED IN A LEXUS! BUT GUESS I'LL HEAD BACK OVER TO THE SANTA FE BOARD....NEVER TO RETURN HERE AGAIN.
BY THE WAY....JEWELRY APPRECIATES IN VALUE WITH AGE....CARS DO NOT!
Could use some input from the group on this one. My wife drives our 2K RX300 AWD that has about 5K miles on it. Have had no problems up til we hit 5k miles, great car, ride, etc..
When we had it serviced at Lexus for the 5 miles service, my wife explained that there is a strong smell that can be best described as diesel fuel and heated brakes that can be experienced after the car is driven for any length of time. The service manager explained that it was just the brakes getting broken in and was normal. Two weeks later, the complaints from the wife begin to peak so we trade cars for the day. She's right. Within 10 minutes of my commute it smelled like I was driving behind a diesel truck and were drawing the fumes into the cabin of my car, even though I wasn't behind any traffic. It's very strong and almost nauseating. She took it to the dealership yesterday and even though the service manager was extremely eager to help and cooperate he couldn't detect the smell, and ran diagnostics and found no engine problems, or anything else. She didn't have time to leave it for a test drive so I plan on another trip back soon. The only reason I know that we are not losing our minds, at least on this, is that we have had two different sets of friends that were not informed of the problem, take notice and make mention of the strong smell. Thanks Much and sorry about the length of the post !
I don't have as many miles on yet, so I'm hardly an expert. But I do know that after owning several new cars, one should not smell what you are smelling, especially if it is that strong.
Can't you leave it for a day and get a loaner car from the dealer?
WRT auto-leveling, I'm sure you know by now that HID lights are about 2 times or so brighter than the halogens. The auto leveling system has sensors on the front and rear axles. It uses these to keep track of whether a vehicle is going up or down hill, or if it has more weight in the rear. The headlamps are then automatically adjusted to keep the light beams pointed to the road (and not to the sky) so as not to blind oncoming drivers. Excellent idea, if you ask me!
As usual, the Europeans are way ahead of the game in motor vehicle regulations, and have required headlamp leveling systems (either manual via a dashboard switch, or dynamic auto leveling) for years now. The European or Australian MLs, for example, have a manual switch next to the steering column. Factory HID equipped MB vehicles have automatic headlamp leveling systems in addition to the headlamp washer systems. The latter is also to reduce glare to oncoming drivers. It also beats having to get out of your car to push the snow off the headlamps! (the washer jets and fluid are heated).
What an idiot I was to buy a RX this year when I could have gone to KMart, bought $40K worth of jewelry, and just sat back and watched it all appreciate!
Thanks, losthat1, for your post #509. I needed a good laugh today and you provided it.
Apparently you lost what your hat was resting on as well.
That I don't know. Does the RX have auto leveling HID headlamps? If it does, then YES! :-) Little motors that make minute adjustments to the reflectors. For example, when I turn on the headlights on the HID equipped MB, the headlamps first shine upwards then slowly level themselves (takes about 2 seconds or so). Pretty kewl!
I got my 2000 RX300 last summer, it's a good car and everything is perfect until yesterday. The problem was with the CD player. The CD player suddenly stopped, the letter "CD" disappeared from the display. I switched the audio to "TAPE", "AM" and "FM", they all worked except "CD" (no display, no sound). I tried many times (pw on/off), it still didn't work. This morning when I turned on the audio and switched to "CD", everything worked as usually. Have any of you experienced the same/similar problem before? (By the way, my audio is the normal one, not Nagmichi.)
I have 01 RX300 with HID lights. If I have the lights on auto, and turn the key on, I can see the lights do a transition up and then back down sort of movement. I don't know what drives them, as I do not have my shop manual as of yet.
As far as the brake smell goes, I would have thought that any "break in" would have happened prior to 5K miles. Seems "fishy" to me. I have less than 1K on mine, but no brake problem. Press the issue and please keep us informed.
I installed the gold kit on my 2001 RX. The grill must be removed, not all that much effort, in order to get at the nut/screw which secures the front logo in place. The rear logo, circle/L, has two studs into two holes in the hatch but be careful it is also glued down with double sticky-back tape. The other badging on the hatch is simply stuck on with that same tape.
properly locating the new badging will likely be you greatest challenge.
Our '00 RX developed a reverberation at about 15K. The dealer was very cooperative and tried replacing the muffler and checking the transmission but to no avail, the noise is still there. It is most noticeable when the car is idling in gear such as sitting at a red light. The noise can best be described as a reverberation that is most annoying. Can anyone out there suggest a cause? The dealer now says it is the liquid filled engine mounts that are stiffer when it is cold. However we never experienced the noise last winter even during the coldest days. Service manager has appeared to give up. We would like very much to find the cause. If anyone can help please feel free to email me at rmorin@erols.com. Thanks very much.
My wife will be glad to hear that someone else has brought that issue up. Twice now she has complained that our new 2001 RX did that to her. Both times I had left her sitting in the car with the engine idling for a short period. When I came back she had the windows down and was complaining about the smell. We had a 2001 RX for over a year and didn't notice anything of this nature, but I can't say for sure if the same "circumsatnces" even occurred. I'll try it tomorrow (without the wife)to see if it repeats.
An A/C compressor would be my most likely suspect. I had one in which the compressor was binding at only one point per revelution and you could see the drive belt vibrating from the torque variations.
Yes, you have motors and level sensors in little each of the HID headlamp assemblies. Each time you start up the lamps are over-driven (beyond level) upward and then down to the "level" position. The direction of the last movement, downward, is so whatever "backlash" is in (or develops as the car ages) the positioning mechanism will only allow the lamp to move further down, never up.
My local collision shop installed the gold kit gratis, still looks great after a year and a half, I personally wouldn't attempt DIY. Cost about a third of Lexus dealer price as I recall. Also purchased gold-plated wheel centers for the stock wheels to compliment the appearance.
Is the RX relatively new? The reason I ask is bec. my mother did the exact same thing in her car about two weeks after she bought it. The dealership was really great and although the accident was really our fault, the service tech. went ahead and replaced it free of charge while the car was in for the first oil change. The key seemed to be that we were nice and apologetic, not demanding. Lexus dealerships really like to keep their customers happy and if you are pleasant you might be very happy. Talk to the saleperson who sold you the car as well and see if you can get a little help in persuading the serevice dept. to do it free of charge.
I've replaced antennas on Toyotas before and I'm guessing that you simply need to replace the metal antenna itself w/o necessarily accessing the motor unit. (You would def. need to get to the motor if you broke the plastic strip that rests inside the antenna--I do not think you did this) Just replacing the mast w/o accessing the motor should take a mechanic w/ the right tools just 10-15 minutes.
If all else fails and they quote you a ridiculous price, you might want to buy the part from irontoad.com and install it yourself. . Getting the antenna nut off w/o damaging the body can be tough though (snap tools makes a specific wrench for this but is not readily availabel to the public) Good luck.
I was looking at leasing a 2001 Lexus RX300 and would appreciate advice regarding this. The MSRP is approximately $40,700 incl destination charge but excluding ttl.
What would be an appropriate money factor, capitalized cost and residual value for the lease based on 12K miles per year? I live in Northern Virgina and have excellent credit.
I drive an ES300 and use mid grade gas 89 octane. The dealer told me I can use the lower grade of 87. The sales person told me the RX 300 uses the lower grade of gas. Is this true ?
According to my owners manual, you can use any grade of gas down to 87 octane, BUT, it is recommended "for optimal performance, etc..." to use a premium octane of gas.
I will personally put 89 and above in mine, checking the MPG on the trip computer to see what gives the best results. YMMV
If there is another dealer within 50 miles, I'd take it to them, for a second opinion. Don't tell then about the first dealer because it nudge their judgement in a certain area.
wwest's point about the AC compressor is a good one and you might want to suggest it to the second dealer if they come up with nothing.
Go to the dealer and buy just the antenna and the "geared" nylon strip (kit) that is used to extend and retract. Turn on the ignition and the radio, the antenna motor should drive the antenna assembly to its outer limit. Remove the exterior retainers and with a tight and firm grip SLOWLY extract the old antenna and its nylon "tail". As you remove it, take serious notice of the orientation of the serrated "geared" side of the nylon "tail". Insert the new antenna's nylon "tail" into the tube and down into the drive assembly until you feel definite resistance. Turn off the radio. The drive motor should engage the "gear teeth" on the nylon tail and retract your new antenna.
Good Luck!
Or you could tell the dealer that your other car is a 92 LS and you knew it didn't extend the antenna with the CD on so you didn't think this one would.....
Try a place called Carnica. They are located in Des Plaines (Oakton/Manheim). They are experts in scrath removals and paintless dent repairs. Highly recommended.
To avoid scratces, I would also reccommend putting on a clear film. This is a 3M's 8 mil clear-coated urethane plastic. It is specifically designed to preserve the beauty and integrity of exterior automotive finishes without compromising or altering the appearance of the vehicle. The material itself is guaranteed by 3M for 5 years against manufacturers defects and not to yellow, crack or craze. All kits come with detailed written and video instruction guide. You can also have someone install if for you. I had mine done for $400 (parts & labor). It front bumper, hood, mirrors, rear bumper top, and rear bumper.
Yes, I had in put on my RX 300. The plastic does not harm the paint, nor does it compromise the appearance. It can be removed without damage to paint. The plastic is barely visible from 3 feet away and hardly visible on dark or silver color models. I'm very satisfied, especially knowing it will be protected from the damage.
Fascinating. Really, all the loaners have it on? What's the name of the dealer?
Just out of curiousity, how would you get it off if you wanted to? If it came off easily on it's own, then it would never stay in place due to washing, the elements, etc.
I aplogize for asking all these questions, but this stuff really intrigues me.
in the driver's seat of my wife's new rx300. it sure seems like the seatback stops far short of the vertical position my back requires. after i complained, my wife took it back to the local dealer, who says the seat is fine, and that all new cars have seatbacks that don't go fully vertical in order to provide some distance between the driver and the airbag. sounds like hooey to me; my '99 saab is loaded with airbags and the seats are great. based on the position my seat is in when i get it back from valet parking, i realize that lots of people (everybody but me?) like to drive with the seat in a reclined position,but is there anyone out there with a new rx whose driver's seatback goes all the way up, or is the dealer right? if so, does anyone want to buy a brand new lexus with 1000 miles on the odo?
I have a 2000 RX with 4K miles and I too also experience a diesel/gas smell at times. It seems strongest on the short trip from the commuter parking lot to my house. I thought it was from sitting on the bus for and 1hr. I am going to bring it up next month during the 5K. Anybody else with the funky diesel smell, Plese Post
Response to #534 above, got mine on internet from Autonet Performance & Accessories, Inc. for $235.00 delivered. Also try irontoad.com. Dealer wanted $599.00 installed, then countered at $400.00 installed, definately a high-profit item for Lexus.
First I would like to thank wwest for the info. Yes this is an RX. The heater smells like dirty socks rather than mildew. My Volvo had the mildew smell but would go away after a few seconds. This is a different smell.
Second : I too have the diesel smell. It gave me a headache. I was parked in a driveway waiting for my son to come out, the car was idiling. At first I thought it was the sealer on their driveway but, I have had it since at other places.
Third: I really like the car but I sit up straight and the dealer said the drivers seatback can not go any straighter. "I cannot drive reclined, so I bought a pillow and tied it to the headrest. It does not look so good but, it feels much better. I have never used a pillow before in any car. The passenger seat goes much straighter. I had posted on this before. Thanks
The dealer is Bredemann in Glenview, Il 847-729-6000.
High pressure washes will not affect the kit as long as you avoid spraying the high pressure wand directly into one of the edges from an inch away. It can be removed easily and will not damage the paint. To remove the film, you must heat the surface to approximately 150°F while working a corner of the film with your fingernail. Once you have enough of the material free from the surface to hold on to, slowly pull the film from the paint. Think of it like a adhesive laminating paper or a window tint film.
To install the film do they have to do anything special to the surface where the film goes? Can you do a clay and wax before the install? Once installed, can you wax the car with no residue showing on the edges?
Sorry for all the questions, like Tony, I'm curious as to how this works.
I was at the dealership this morning and the plan is to drop off the RX Monday morning so that they can have it for the whole day. It looks like I will get the opportunity to make my case as the general sales manager asked if I would take a few minutes on Monday and take a test drive with the service manager and one of their tech's to demonstrate the problem. I pretty confident it will be easy to demonstrate, correcting the problem, well...............................we shall see.
Comments
HID: is not standard on any model yet, but included in certain option packages. You can in fact add aftermarket Xenon lamps, but I don't believe they will be "auto-leveling".
Speaking of auto-leveling, what the heck is that anyway?
"Many affluent respondents take joy in
driving vehicles that do not denote
so-called high status. They are more
interested in more objective measures
of value. ... The members of most
wealthy households don't drive luxury
imports. ... Their preference is to
invest much of their income in assets
that appreciate"
So Tony, maybe the next time you see a happy owner driving their Santa Fe, you will be looking
at a millionaire who knows real value. Please, a little less arrogance would be appreciated.
To the others on this board, this is in no way a slam against the Rx or those who drive them.
The truth of the matter is that one doesn't go jewelery shopping at Kmart the same way one does at Tiffany's. It's a fact of life. For some, the Kmart jewelry is sufficient, and there is nothing wrong with that.
You are clearly someone who defines himself by the fact he picked "the right car." I feel sorry for you that you would get upset everytime someone says something disparingly about the car you chose. At the end of the day it's a piece of sheetmetal, get over it.
I once considered buying the Santa Fe because I thought it was a good value for the money. But after I test drove it and thought about it further, I then determined that the engine wasn't sufficient enough for me, there were luxury and safety features it didn't provide, and it's safety record was unproven. A friend encouraged me to look at the RX300 and I was hooked by the proven reliability, safety features, performance, luxury, and customer service.
Are there things I dislike about the RX300? Sure, but no car is perfect. I could care less what folks say about the car, because guess what? I didn't buy it for them! I bought it for my family. And I don't own Lexus, so why should I care if they sell one less car because someone said something bad about it.
I feel really bad for you because you had to "find me here." You need a hobby.
TC
BY THE WAY....JEWELRY APPRECIATES IN VALUE WITH AGE....CARS DO NOT!
When we had it serviced at Lexus for the 5 miles service, my wife explained that there is a strong smell that can be best described as diesel fuel and heated brakes that can be experienced after the car is driven for any length of time. The service manager explained that it was just the brakes getting broken in and was normal. Two weeks later, the complaints from the wife begin to peak so we trade cars for the day. She's right. Within 10 minutes of my commute it smelled like I was driving behind a diesel truck and were drawing the fumes into the cabin of my car, even though I wasn't behind any traffic. It's very strong and almost nauseating. She took it to the dealership yesterday and even though the service manager was extremely eager to help and cooperate he couldn't detect the smell, and ran diagnostics and found no engine problems, or anything else. She didn't have time to leave it for a test drive so I plan on another trip back soon. The only reason I know that we are not losing our minds, at least on this, is that we have had two different sets of friends that were not informed of the problem, take notice and make mention of the strong smell. Thanks Much and sorry about the length of the post !
Have a nice day!
Can't you leave it for a day and get a loaner car from the dealer?
As usual, the Europeans are way ahead of the game in motor vehicle regulations, and have required headlamp leveling systems (either manual via a dashboard switch, or dynamic auto leveling) for years now. The European or Australian MLs, for example, have a manual switch next to the steering column. Factory HID equipped MB vehicles have automatic headlamp leveling systems in addition to the headlamp washer systems. The latter is also to reduce glare to oncoming drivers. It also beats having to get out of your car to push the snow off the headlamps! (the washer jets and fluid are heated).
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
Wow, cool....
Thanks, losthat1, for your post #509. I needed a good laugh today and you provided it.
Apparently you lost what your hat was resting on as well.
TC
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
thanks,
Roger
As far as the brake smell goes, I would have thought that any "break in" would have happened prior to 5K miles. Seems "fishy" to me. I have less than 1K on mine, but no brake problem. Press the issue and please keep us informed.
properly locating the new badging will likely be you greatest challenge.
little
each of the HID headlamp assemblies. Each time you start up the lamps are over-driven (beyond level) upward and then down to the "level" position. The direction of the last movement, downward, is so whatever "backlash" is in (or develops as the car ages) the positioning mechanism will only allow the lamp to move further down, never up.
Pete
now she does not want to take it to the dealer. Radio works fine, she says. Sure, but the car looks like crap with the broken external antenna.
I've replaced antennas on Toyotas before and I'm guessing that you simply need to replace the metal antenna itself w/o necessarily accessing the motor unit. (You would def. need to get to the motor if you broke the plastic strip that rests inside the antenna--I do not think you did this) Just replacing the mast w/o accessing the motor should take a mechanic w/ the right tools just 10-15 minutes.
If all else fails and they quote you a ridiculous price, you might want to buy the part from irontoad.com and install it yourself. . Getting the antenna nut off w/o damaging the body can be tough though (snap tools makes a specific wrench for this but is not readily availabel to the public) Good luck.
What would be an appropriate money factor, capitalized cost and residual value for the lease based on 12K miles per year? I live in Northern Virgina and have excellent credit.
I will personally put 89 and above in mine, checking the MPG on the trip computer to see what gives the best results. YMMV
TC
wwest's point about the AC compressor is a good one and you might want to suggest it to the second dealer if they come up with nothing.
TC
One more question: did you get the kit from Lexus or did you go through a third-party source? Cost?
Good Luck!
Or you could tell the dealer that your other car is a 92 LS and you knew it didn't extend the antenna with the CD on so you didn't think this one would.....
Try a place called Carnica. They are located in Des Plaines (Oakton/Manheim). They are experts in scrath removals and paintless dent repairs. Highly recommended.
To avoid scratces, I would also reccommend putting on a clear film. This is a 3M's 8 mil clear-coated urethane plastic. It is specifically designed to preserve the beauty and integrity of exterior automotive finishes without compromising or altering the appearance of the vehicle. The material itself is guaranteed by 3M for 5 years against manufacturers defects and not to yellow, crack or craze. All kits come with detailed written and video instruction guide. You can also have someone install if for you. I had mine done for $400 (parts & labor). It front bumper, hood, mirrors, rear bumper top, and rear bumper.
This product intrigues me, but I in no way want to compromise the look or quality of the paint.
Comments appreciated.
Yes, I had in put on my RX 300. The plastic does not harm the paint, nor does it compromise the appearance. It can be removed without damage to paint. The plastic is barely visible from 3 feet away and hardly visible on dark or silver color models. I'm very satisfied, especially knowing it will be protected from the damage.
Also, all the RX 300 loaners from my Lexus dealership have the 3M plastic put on also.
Just out of curiousity, how would you get it off if you wanted to? If it came off easily on it's own, then it would never stay in place due to washing, the elements, etc.
I aplogize for asking all these questions, but this stuff really intrigues me.
based on the position my seat is in when i get it back from valet parking, i realize that lots of people (everybody but me?) like to drive with the seat in a reclined position,but is there anyone out there with a new rx whose driver's seatback goes all the way up, or is the dealer right? if so, does anyone want to buy a brand new lexus with 1000 miles on the odo?
strongest on the short trip from the commuter parking lot to my house. I thought it was from sitting on the bus for and 1hr. I am going to bring it up next month during the 5K. Anybody else with the funky diesel smell, Plese Post
Pete
Second : I too have the diesel smell. It gave me a headache. I was parked in a driveway waiting for my son to come out, the car was idiling. At first I thought it was the sealer on their driveway but, I have had it since at other places.
Third: I really like the car but I sit up straight and the dealer said the drivers seatback can not go any straighter. "I cannot drive reclined, so I bought a pillow and tied it to the headrest. It does not look so good but, it feels much better. I have never used a pillow before in any car. The passenger seat goes much straighter. I had posted on this before. Thanks
High pressure washes will not affect the kit as long as you avoid spraying the high pressure wand directly into one of the edges from an inch away. It can be removed easily and will not damage the paint. To remove the film, you must heat the surface to approximately 150°F while working a corner of the film with your fingernail. Once you have enough of the material free from the surface to hold on to, slowly pull the film from the paint. Think of it like a adhesive laminating paper or a window tint film.
To install the film do they have to do anything special to the surface where the film goes? Can you do a clay and wax before the install? Once installed, can you wax the car with no residue showing on the edges?
Sorry for all the questions, like Tony, I'm curious as to how this works.
Thanks.
I guess I'm still on the fence about this stuff until I see an example in person.
I will post what they find out next week.
check out that site, they explained the whole process and to answer your question about the residue on the edges. (FAQ)
Still, I want to see one in person.