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Comments
Has anyone read Edmunds' latest lux SUV comparo?
They gave a glowing review of the RX's interior appointments and ride, but gave it a low overall score because of its supposed performance shortfall.
But then they go on to list out ALL of the X5's shortcomings ($50K price for the V6 version, NO CD PLAYER, CD-based Nav, abysmal interior space, etc.) - all factors that the RX excels in - and throws all that out despite saying "So the X5 has a few problems. Whether you consider them minor or not depends on what you plan to do with your luxury SUV. For most buyers, a luxury sport-ute is nothing more than a luxury car substitute, and it's in this capacity that the X5 excels."
No kidding. So does the RX. I drive the RX every day in NYC and this SUV keeps me sane, with its incredible ride, luxurious quality, awesome sound system (6 CDs vs. NONE in the BMW). If I had to drive the X5 day in and out with all its shortcomings, I'd have road rage.
I think a true comparo of these vehicles should look at long-term, frequent driving. When you accept that these vehicles are indeed not intended for off-road use, and are used as a luxury car substitute, then the RX clearly is better than the X5. Undoubtedly, the MDX would still come out the clear winner, with its overall balance and excellence.
$50K and you still need an aftermarket CD player for tunes? You can have the X5. I'm keeping my RX.
tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
It's obvious that the Edmunds reviewers, like most car magazine reviewers, can't let go of their sports cars.
If it accelerates and corners like a sports car, it wins, regardless of how comfortable, luxurious, reliable, or well equipped it is.
There is no doubt the BMW is a great driving machine, but just like the 3 Series, there is no excuse for the sub-par build quality and level of standard equipment you get for the money...not to mention the excessive NVH.
And the MDX, although a better value than the X5, doesn't compare to the RX300 in quality of materials, luxury appointments, or noise control either.
I agree that the MDX is a top contender if you want "near-luxury" and good cargo room but, if you want luxury and space is not a concern, the 2002 RX300 remains at the top of the heap...at least until the 2003 appears.
The RX wins by far on luxury, quality, all those things you mentioned.
Now about Edmunds' take on the BMW - that really irks me. How fast do you need to go in an SUV? How fast do you need to take that corner on Madison and 57th? In any case, the RX's power is more than sufficient. When passing at speed, I can feel the VVTi kicking in at a certain RPM and it jets.
Whether on highway or street, my RX feels good. Although not aggressively, I corner flatly, unlike, say, a Montero or Axiom, where you feel like toppling over.
Funny thing is that in every luxury SUV comparo I've ever read where the RX was involved, it was given relatively low scores because of its off-road performance. Although that is one perspective, it's clearly not shared by real-world buyers as seen in actual sales.
Seems that luxury SUV buyers really do want luxury. What a concept!
Most of my reviews would go something like "that's way too much money!, who cares about 0 to 60, why do I have to jack up the bumper to change the oil? and do you have free donuts in the service area waiting room?" All the rest is fluff .
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Way too much money? Everyone says that, not matter what you're buying - hence haggling.
0-60 ... if you're into that, sure. In an SUV? Makes no sense. In a sporty sedan? New Honda Accord (auto V6) will do that in 6.5 seconds. Amazing huh? Into manuals? The V6 coupe with manual is expected to kick some Porsche butt.
Well, my mechanic has to jack up the RX to change the oil because of the skid plate - worthwhile I would say ...
I don't eat the donuts at Lexus. I take out an IS300 loaner and go for hot dogs!
Lovin' the RX ...
I'm not interested in the other cars mentioned in the comparison.
You don't understand! Steve is such a dedicated penny pincher that he makes Lincoln turn blue! ;-)
tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
tidester: Hey when I bought the RX I had spent weeks on Edmunds and another site (can I say it? carbuyingtips.com) so I can get a good deal.
I'll say it forever - Car_man rocks. That guy educated me on lease deals and I walked away from the dealership happy and content with the price I paid.
Since y'all are with Edmunds perhaps Car_man can accompany Steve to the dealership. I'm sure they'll get the best deal of the day.
I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.
Green65, The Edmunds Maintenance Guide will suggest what we think you need done at 60k and how much it should cost.
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I think I am going to find a competent garage to perform this service. I print the 'maintenance service list' from Edmunds Maintenance Guide and compared it to the fax the dealer sent me of their 'scheduled maintenance' and there is no big difference except for the vacuum/car wash. I do my own washing and vacuuming anyway.
I would hope that entails more than a basic oil change!
Unless you drive very high miles, stick with the service as recommended by the manual, like Steve said. You should also know that Toyota dealers perform the same service for lower prices.
A few weeks ago I had the 15K done and the dealer quoted me $350 for it. Edmunds' quote was more around $130. I ended up going to a mechanic who services my Legend. In fact, he is a Toyota/Lexus specialist (he drives nothing but Toyotas).
The guy he had work on my car turned out to have a 99 LS400 himself (nice one - it was parked outside). He changed oil, filter and air filter, ensured all fluids were good, rotated tires, cleaned the engine, and some other stuff (checked brakes, everything). Also he noticed the inspection was expiring soon and did that too. All cost $150.
My point is that you have alternatives. And since Edmunds' recommended 60K service quote is $250, you're getting a far more expensive difference than I came across.
LEARN TO BE FIRM.
Otherwise your wallet will be fair game for ANY service shop.
I can't speak for everyone here but I think that is insane. I love Lexus but gimme a break.
Willard: are services prices negotiable? If Green shows up with the Edmunds printout, would they match the price?
Segway anyone?
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I thought about that too. But how bad could it be? Not worse than a European car, for sure.
And oh to be behind the wheel of that awesome Lexus ...
Help would be greatly appreciated.
Now for the important question. Raised white letters or not?
Can someone explain the information screens to me a little better? mpg/mph1/mph2 I'm not getting it.
Read the manual for information about the screen. In summary: Press INFO to cycle through the functions .. MPG, MPH, etc. When you get to a certain function, press INFO and keep it down. You will see the figure reset to 0. For instance, reset MPG to 0. When you drive, you will get a new MPG estimate that averages your MPG until you reset it again. It is useful for long trips. I reset the MPG and MPH to 0 and know, by the time I arrive at my destination, what my MPG and average MPH are. Second MPH is another average, depending on when you reset it.
The reverberating sound is pretty normal. I've had it in every car I've owned and it occurs to a lesser degree in the RX. It's the transmission in gear, as you say. When you put it in neutral, nothing. People on this board have gone as far as taking it to the dealer multiple times to 'fix' it, but there's no fix. I wish the dealers would just tell people, sorry it's normal. Unless it's really pronounced, and not subtle like mine, I wouldn't worry about it.
Popping noise: if this happens after you first start the RX, put it in gear and drive off, it's normal. It's the ABS system being activated (or something to that effect - pump engaging maybe?). Again, normal. If the popping nopise happens more than once, it's something else.
i may know someone who is looking to replace their tires on a 99 RX300... would you be interested in selling them (if you still have them)?
Thanks!
tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Thanks
Date: DECEMBER 1999
Component Description:
60.SUSPENSION:INDEPENDENT FRONT
Summary:
SERVICE INFORMATION TO ELIMINATE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE.
The struts are included in the 'drivetrain warranty' and will be replaced at no cost to you.
Lexus Corporation will not inform you of the strut problem, only if you are having problems with the struts. They won't inform you of any problems if you don't complain about them first. They and other manufacturers will only inform you of things that may contribute to possible safety concerns.
I have a 1999 RX300 and it has the same problem. A service manager at the Lexus Dealership it was purchased from has ordered replacement struts to install on my RX300.
GOOD LUCK!
My 1999 RX300 has the poorest excuse for a radio on the AM Band. There is exceptional loud ignition noise that makes it impossible to hear AM Band broadcasts. The FM, Tape and CD are great! I'm told by the Lexus service manager that there is nothing that can be done.
Also the Owner's Manual states that...'Audio system made in Nakamichi has a "NAKAMICHI" logo on the panel.' Okay, so is NAKAMICHI a city in Japan? Is it supposed to be a better radio than the Lexus Premium Sound System? And what does a NAKAMICHI logo look like? These are questions believe it or not that the people at the Lexus Dealership where this vehicle came from cannot answer. Maybe some of you can. Or does anyone else have the AM Band problem?
gcrim21
Ford's that I have owned in past years never rattled like these vehicles.
I know, I know, some are saying don't buy anymore Toyota products but they do have a better reputation for requiring less maintenance if you can say a new air conditioner compressor, clutch, expansion valve, etc., is less maintenance at 55,000 miles on the RX300. No, Lexus wouldn't bear any expense for replacing the parts either because it was 5,000 miles over warranty.
gcrim21
Allan
Nakamichi is a high-end audio manufacturer. It'll say NAKAMICHI on the radio panel. It's supposed to be a upgrade compared to the standard sound system. Some like the Nakamichi better. *shrug* I dunno, the standard one seems just fine to me. Your dealer sounds kinda dumb if you ask me.
The engine noise you're getting is unfortunately specific to your situation (engine electrical shielding and radio). Honest, mine is fine on AM, no engine noise too. AM is kind of noisey to begin with you know.
"...a city in Japan?" Heh, I believe you're thinking of Nagasaki, one of the cities nuked in WWII. Not quite the same.
I suggest you consider swapping your 1999 for a newer model if you're annoyed by it. Or better yet, go ahead and get a Ford Exploder. Ask for the non-shredding tire option though.
The logo can be seen on their web site:
http://www.nakamichi.com/
Would be nice if RXs did the same instead of the low-end Goodyears on the 2WD models.
Your got a good price deara if you swapped the used tires, and a great price if you held on to them. I put the Bridgestone white lettering on the outside and am really happy with the looks. The Michelin lettering does nothing for me, so I would go for the black wall with them.
We have just returned from a week at the beautiful Ossipee Lake in New Hampster. Took the evil wife's '02 RX. According to the trip computer, for the 580 miles driven we averaged 21.8 mpg at an average speed of 34.8 mph. Two adults/two kids and a week's worth of stuff loaded in the hatch. Many short trips to restaurants, StoryLand and mini-golf. Not too bad...
Smooth ride, very comfy seats, quiet (although some wind noise, but quiter than my 300M). Held all the stuff with a touch of room to spare, although the rear windwo view was somewhat limited. Actually did a similar trip last summer in my 300M and the trunk held almost as much stufff! First extended & loaded trip in the RX. Nice.
'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...)
I have used Michelin LTX M/S tires on previous SUV's but this RX300 is more car than what I consider an SUV. The LTX's were always smooth too but I don't know how they or the CrossTerrain's would be on the RX300.
I like mine. Others on this board like their's too. Some people have other prefs - but I like mine and would always reccomend them.
Keep asking around and good luck!