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Comments
"what?"
In addition, I find the factory installed mpg readings very accurate. I have had these devices in several cars since 1985. Generally they have a fuel flow sensor in the fuel line, and an odometer type sensor to determine the instant and average mpg.
Low mileage can be cause my many factors, including the specific car, brake drag, fuel, tire pressure, wind resistance, etc.
A good method to determine if the mpg is reasonable, is to look at the instant mpg when you are driving a constant speed, and watch the instant mpg when you are accelerating. The acceleration, and constant stop and goes are what really lowers, the mpg (at least in my experience).
"Roger."
"Huh?"
Some of us are beginning to wonder...
I have yet to notice any seat lumps but, there is a distinct lump in the seat back on the driver's side. Only mileage of 38k and I return it to Lexus next month at conclusion of lease.
Too many niceties in the next RX and we may have to begin to call ourselves "spoiled".
Thanks.
We know you know we know you know we love to be spoiled. I know I'm *much* happier when my husband is spoiling me.
So there.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
p.s. I'm a really good cook, too.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Then the "grils" was crossed out and someone wrote above it, "girls."
Then someone crossed-out the "girls" and wrote above it..."Hey, what about us grils?"
Ok, ok, so it's a bit off topic.
Any advice? I shall also call the dealer tomorrow.
Than again, it may be something else altogether...let me know.
I expected it to be a/c related and that was the reason why I mentioned the high temps over the past 2 days. But I do not remember water puddles on my Hondas. It might have been droplets. With the Lexus it is just a lot of water, and so I was concerned.
Thanks.
We have an LS400 w/ dual-zone climate control and it has two accumulators. When you shut that thing off on a hot day after running the a/c you'll have TWO rivers of water :-)
-nick
As the A/C continues to operate more condensate accumulates and forms droplets large enough that gravity overcomes viscosity and so most of that condensate will drain away through the drain tube provided for that purpose. But because those surfaces are horizontally oriented some will always remain for extended periods or at least until those surfaces reach a high enough temperature that the remaining thin film of moisture will begin to evaporate. Absent any airflow through the evaporator plenum area the plenum atmosphere will soon become super-saturated with moisture which is why you oftentimes get that blast of condensation on the inside of the windshield early in your drive on a cold morning.
That thin film of moisture that remains also is the cause of the moldy musty smell you get from the system when you first turn it on.
Mold and mildew bacterial spores LOVE the damp, dark and warm (55F and up) environment of the evaporator and thrive very well there.
A solid thunk when closing the door is a big selling point for me than Nav/HIDs
Senthil
I am nearly ready to trade in my 00 RX for a 02 one.
Thanks in advance for any reply.
Thanks
Depending on where you live, AWD may serve you well at trade/sell time...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
A minivan with a higher roll-over rate.
Since you didn't give your locale there is no way to really judge your need for AWD. Frankly I'm one of those people who doesn't undertstand why ANY 2WD, front or rear, SUV is ever even built.
I think I noticed that the FWD HL is not even available in Canada, makes sense.
Long story short, I believe the AWD, helps in such situations to minimize slippage on wet pavement. It may not be the ideal setup for off-roading but that's not what I, and many other owners, intended to do with the RX.
As for the noise, I don't believe there's a difference. I've driven a loaner 2WD and couldn't tell the difference from my AWD model.
Enjoy and best of luck.
Can just about every auto manufacturer and millions of consumers be wrong? Do you think AWD vechile costs could be carried, if not for 2 WD SUVs? Could only Willard be right? I don't believe so.
Wake up and count the 2 WD SUVs on the road. Then it's easy to understand.
2. 2WD gives better fuel mileage
3. In stopping a vehicle, AWD does zippo!
4. It is better to have have Stability Control and traction control over AWD in climates where it does not show.
5. AWD does little in rainy condition as long as you have traction control and Stability Control.
6. If you are not doing off road driving, AWD is not a requirement.
7. If you don't drive in snow, AWD is not a requirement.
8. 2WD are cheaper to maintain.
So there are some very good reasons for people to buy 2WD and manufacturers to make them. I am sure you have a very good reason to get an AWD for yourself. AWD has its own pros but every one who is buying a SUV does not need AWD.
I live in the Seattle area so a 2WD SUV just simply makes little sense to me.
Pete
Been there, done that! '78 was particularly memorable.
tidester
Host
SUVs
"4. It is better to have have Stability Control and traction control over AWD in climates where it does not show.
5. AWD does little in rainy condition as long as you have traction control and Stability Control."
Having both a 99 RX AWD with LSD and a GS430 with both TRAC (as Lexus used to call it) and VSC. Fundamentally, there is a difference in feel between wifey's RX and my GS in the rain. In her RX the viscous coupling works transparently and essentially instantly to the point that, even on the old Goodyear Notegritys with shallow tread, the thing felt like it was on rails. This, BTW, is the advantage that both Audi and Subaru trumpet in their advertising, but it is a very real one. And that was my rationale for buying it equipped that way. I want my wife and children to feel and be as safe as possible in inclement conditions.
By comparison, VSC/TRAC work by selectively braking wheels and dethrottling my V8. This is NOT transparent activity, but very obviously perceived. It works well, but it's not very smooth nor does it provide a particularly enjoyable driving experience. And for someone not particularly savvy in the ways of it's workings, it MIGHT produce some scary moments. Not what I want my non-gearhead wife to think about suddenly when pulling out into traffic on a wet street.
Mind you, again, I'm not saying that VSC/TRAC aren't effective. Just not as seamless as the viscous coupled AWD and LSD of the RX. mho, feel free to disagree.
(Before anyone types anything, I might add that I'm also familiar with the feel of those systems in the RX, since that's my dealer's usual loaner, and I've, of course, "test driven" those systems on wet streets. And the seat-of-the-pants feeling just ain't the same.........)
On another subject, has anyone else caught Pontiac's Rendevouz commercial comparing it to the RX300?
Minivans are so yesterday?
So is my 01 AWD 911 but it's still a keeper.
BTW, I haven't seen the Buick commercial, but I must with you. I don't think the RX300 stacks up against the Rendezvous either.
And yes, minivans are *very* yesterday. I can't recall the last time one turned my head. The same thing will happen with "SUV"s in a few years. We Americans love our labels, huh? I personally don't think of my 'car' as an SUV.
Funny, but the true SUV is a Jeep, but Jeepers don't want that title for their rigs either!
Also, who is the manufacturer of the oil?
Unfortunately, I have to agree. Please see the new NHTSA crash test results:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?year=2002&filename=pr29-02.htm
Rendezvous gets a frontal impact rating of 3 stars for the driver, 3 stars for the front passenger. For the side impact rating, the Rendezvous gets 5 stars for both front and rear.
The RX300 scored 4 stars/5 stars for the frontal crash test, and 5 stars for the side impact tests.
These tests further illustrate the crashworthiness differences first indicated in the IIHS offset frontal crash tests, where the RX300 scored "Good" with a "Best Pick" designation, and the Rendezvous scored "Acceptable."
Tarik
Here in L.I., NY the dealers seem to use AGIP (also Mercedes and BMW). I know it's not a "household name", but it is a highly respected Italian co that refines in PA using the new Group II base oils.
To quote from their web site (www.americanagip.com) : "AGIP is among the first and still few in North America to have converted to Group II Base Oils. Group II base oils (obtained through a process called hydro-cracking, they are super-clear& almost entirely pure and free of contaminants" When I check my oil level it is a little disconcerting to see the dip stick look like it's measuring water, it's so clear.
The dealers buy it in bulk and it's not available in retail stores, although it's avail directly from the NY distributor, in Westbury,NY. (no I don't work f/them or endorse the product, just passing along the info). Hope this helps
CarsDirect.com got QX4 2WD for about $1200 less than invoice. Sounds very good but the overall price would be similar to 2WD RX similarly equipped. So to me it's not quite worth. It's got more little things than RX. However my impression is RX has better overall quality. CarsDirect.com's 2WD RX is $180 over invoice which I think is good enough.