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BTW, worth every penny too.
With the A/C compressor never cycling I had no fear of instantaneous windshield fogging to make my trip potentially much more hazardous than was necessary. Traffic on I5 is a real thrill these days.
My plan is to develop a kit, simply a switch, a resistor and a temperature index table. The resister value will be chosen such that when the OAT is at 50F (or below*) the total resistance of the sensor and the resistor in series will be 5600 ohms (or greater*). The switch will be used to bypass the resister for summertime or warm weather use.
Since the added resistor will cause the OAT indication to be wrong I will provide a correction table for the times when the resister is in use.
This is basically the same method I used to prevent potentially hazardous unpredictable and virtually instantaneous fogging of the windshield in my 1992 Lexus LS400 and it has worked quite successfully for all of those intervening winters now. The 92 had no OAT indication so no correction table was required.
Oh, one other thing about the 92. Running the temperature UP quickly in the 92 was a real PAIN, each depression of the switch increased the setpoint by only one degree, from 71 to 85 took 14 button depressions. So I added a resistor to the cabin temperature sensor circuit which I "switch" into series, causing the system to "think" the cabin is COLD. It then automatically increases the airflow temperature to the windshield and simultaneously increases the blower speed.
Turning the temperature setpoint up to MAX in the RX300 is a simple flick, CW rotation, of the knob.
Remember, if you drive your Lexus {Toyota?(of ANY flavor)} from a relatively warm area (45F or above)into a colder climate (about 32-35F or below) the A/C compressor WILL BE SHUTDOWN AUTOMATICALLY (and cannot be manually over-ridden)BELOW 32F!!!
When that happens there is a great chance the evaporator core will still be clogged with moisture accumulated back in the warmer climate, and now that moisture will be released, sometimes explosively so, into the system airflow.
Back to the RX. If the system detects that the OAT is at or below 32F, it will not cycle the A/C compressor on under any circumstance. So you would be free to use the defrost mode and adjust the temperature upward to heat the windshield and keep its surface far above dewpoint without fear of the compressor operating in the defrost mode and then flooding the cabin atmosphere with moisture once you deactivate the defrost function.
pimental@massed.net
Other than the obvious advantage of not fearing EXPLOSIVE windshield fogging surprises you will see gas mileage increase by about 4%
Thanks a lot!
Thanks
Doug
AWD
Navigation Package
Cargo Mat
Tow Hitch Receiver
Accessory Crossbars
Heated Front Seats
Color Keyed Rear Spoiler
Wheel Locks
This purchase would be in "snow country". What's it worth? Is $40K a "good" deal?
When I was shopping around a month ago for a new SUV/vehicle, one thing I noticed was the clear distinction between Acura dealers and Lexus dealers. Most Acura dealerships seemed to be "redone" car dealership buildings, meaning that the dealership was probably converted from something else. The facilities weren't as new. The staffing wasn't as "professional" or abundant.
Almost every Lexus dealership I've been to is a new building, meaning that the facility was built specifically to be a Lexus dealership. There are usually separate areas for sales, general customer service, parts, technical service advisors, service managers, etc., etc. The lot is usually filled with dozens of service loaner vehicles that are kept immaculate. Free pick up and delivery from your office or home. Saturday hours. I could go on.
So if service is a big issue for you, Lexus is the clear winner. I've also driven both the MDX and RX, and I think the RX is a safer vehicle and has a more comfortable and quieter ride. The MDX advantage is that it's bigger and will offer more seating and cargo room. I also happen to like the RX styling over the bland looking MDX, but that's a subjective point.
If you are use to good MB dealership service, then I bet you will be dissapointed by Acura. My personal experience is that most Lexus dealerships are right up there with MB in terms of customer care.
One last thing, if a Navigation unit is important to you, then the RX300's unit is simply superiour to both the ML430 and the MDX.
This has been a Lexus hallmark from the beginning. I've had a total of 5 Lexi since 1992 and there has been no falloff in the service department in that time. I don't think you can go wrong.
There's no doubt that the MDX is an excellent addition to the Acura fold; if you need the extra size then it may be the way to go. And we should all thank Honda/Acura for showing that there was a market for highend Japanese machinery. The original Legend in 1986 was as much a shock as the LS400 in 1989. But Lexus definitely went to the next level. Yeehaa!!!
I then checked out the MDX and currently have a deposit on a touring w/Nav model, but it's not due to be even built until May. So I have time to switch if the allroad gets the towing package, or if I decide to get something else. Which brings me to the RX300....
Although less roomy, this isn't too big of a factor for our family of 3. In fact it may be more of an advantage most of the time, commuting in suburban traffic. We're in Minnesota so good AWD traction is right up there on the list of priorities. I'm also used to excellent service as our other car is an Audi and our dealer there has been excellent. I believe Lexus' service will be just as good, whereas the Acura is more of a question mark, not to mention less conveniently located.
But most of all I'm most interested in two things. The first is the quality of the construction and materials - how well I can expect it to hold up and appear "like new" after owning it for several years. Already from the MDX discussion groups there are little signs of quality issues. You certainly expect some from any first year model, but you're starting to hear complaints that the leather is "thin" and shows obvious wear even after just a couple of months. The sound system (even the upgraded Bose) hasn't been well received, with buttons not working. And there are some reports of clunking sounds coming from the suspension pieces. And if you want to tow anything, you must purchase added-on transmission and engine coolers if you want to keep your warranty. Nothing real terrible here, but just enough to make you question what else might show up after a year or so...
The other real important thing for me is the way a vehicle steers, tracks and accelerates. I really like the way German cars drive, and I dislike the oftentimes "comfortable but boring" ride of most Japanese cars almost as much as the overly "cushy" and sloppy-handling ride of most American cars. In this respect, I liked the Acura quite a bit, even though it's not even close to being the fun-to-drive, high-speed cruiser that I found the allroad to be. This criteria has also kept me away from the RX300, as I had read some reports that it's a mediocre handler - very comfortable but not real fun to drive.
How do you RX300 owners feel about these issues? I have heard also that the 2001 models are somewhat improved in the handling department (?) According to the web site there is also a special model out with "Euro" tuned handling - has anyone seen/driven that one?
I am about ready to purchase the RX300, but I absolutely hate the little tires.
- Has anyone switched to larger rims and wider tires? It seems the rx300 is a little more tippy than I would like.
- I also want to put on a front brush guard. I've seen way too many painted front bumpers get dinged. Where do you go for this?
- I want to install foglights. Has anyone done this? What brand did you get and where did you get it?
The ML gets modified quite a bit, but I don't see it too much for the Lexus. Any other modifications for performance??
Thanks.
urbanjunglesuv.com
You will find many nice and interesting parts, accessories and wheels for your RX300 and other Lexus vehicles
WRT handling, the 2001 is indeed a little stiffer than previous models, which is good. I actually saw the Silver Sport Edition briefly in a NA Auto Show video clip. Very nice, and it would have the Euro-tuned suspension. If you get a regular RX, just ask your delaer to throw a set of Michelin LTX or Cross Terrain tires on it and you will get an immediate handling upgrade. Rumoour has it that one of these tires will be come standard on the 2002 instead of the pedestrian Goodyear Integritys. Also, see below in my message for a really cool wheel/tire upgrade.
In terms of "quality", this is a proven vehicle in it's third year. It keeps getting better as Lexus listens to customers and makes tweaks. The MDX, though a great design, is a question mark until enough data over time is collected.
JOFO Feb 14, 2001 11:55pm
You want mods? I'll give you mods!
For both appearenace and performance, Rod Millen Motorsports: http://www.rodmillenstore.com/rx_300/price.htm
For other sidesteps and guards:
http://www.waag.com/showroom/detailed.php?model=Lexus&make=RX300
Hope this helps,
TC
I Would also like to know if anyone has experience upgrading to a 17 inch wheel-tire package.
As it turns out, the entire transfer case on the transmission had to be replaced. The gear oil was leaking out of the case onto the hot engine, producing the fumes that would then enter the cabin of the car via the ventilation system. Pretty serious stuff. I am happy with the way that Lexus took the time to solve the problem, once they took a closer look and realized that there was in fact a problem. They provided us a loaner for approximately 15 days so that they could replace the part and then test the vehicle to make certain that the problem was solved and that the vehicle was operating properly.
However, I'm unhappy with regard to having to bring the problem to their attention 3 times before we were taken serious. As my previous post stated, the first attempt had the service manager attributing our problem to a smell being produced from the brakes being broken in, the second attempt yielded a flat out denial the smell even existed, and I managed to get help when I pulled in the sales manager on my third visit. Sorry about he length, but thought that it would be good info to have.
No we don't tow with it. Combination of primarily city driving with some hwy. It's my wife's car and she is very easy on it in my opinion. No hard braking, no fast starts, no hard turns.....
Lexus didn't give me their opinion really. The work order states only that "Faulty Transfer Case" as the problem. I sensed some embarrsement on the part of the service manager when I picked it up this morning. He apologized several times for both the time that it took to repair it and for the time that it took to realize the problem. As expected there was no charge for the repair, but had it not been under warranty, I'd be looking at over $3K. I would add that while it was being repaired they called us to keep us updated and wanted to make sure that the loaner(a 2001 RX) was suffcient, as they offered us a 470 loaner.
My 99RX only has 17.5K on it. According to Kelly Blue Book the current trade in value is about 28K. The AWD 01RX, as I want it, has an invoice price of 34,646. Reading the above posts, people are throwing in anywhere from $600 to $1000 over invoice. Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
The vibration is really annoying that every time I hit a traffic light; I shift it to "N".
Anybody have notice the same problem or have any advice please let me know.
Me thinks the rear guard is a good idea... haven't you ever been "bumped" by someone at a stop light because they weren't paying attention? I have, and it's always just enough to leave a small dimple in the bumper paint.
I really had my heart set on the chrome A-bar, but I might have to get it in black if I go for the rear guard too.
I guess I'll put off my decision until it gets a little warmer out. The first thing will be to Zaino my RX!!!
To work around the cycling of the compressor when demisting the windshield is needed, I just push the mode button until Floor/Windshield air distribution is selected, turn off the compressor, turn the desired temperature way up, and turn the fan speed to high by turning the ring around the Mode button. This gives enough hot air flow to do the job – I don't use the Front Defrost mode at all.
Any comments?
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
The Lexus dealership that I bought the car at tried to fix the problems, but the same problems occurred over and over again. I feel that this vehicle is nothing but a status symbol for individuals who want to burn money in exchange for mechanical problems and aggravation.
I bought my vehicle a year and a half ago brand new and it has always been in the shop since. I paid a good amount of money to buy this vehicle and I feel like I got ripped off by Lexus. I DID get ripped off by Lexus. I got a piece of junk that is a lemon.
I finally got rid of this peice of JUNK and sold it and went out and bought the new Hyundai Santa Fe LX 4WD SUV. I have had the Hyundai Santa Fe now for a few months and I have not had any problems. I was lucky and I did not lose out when I sold my Lexus because I got full value for it and I sold it to someone who was going to take it overseas with him. He payed me the full price of what I bought it for when it was brand new. To sum things up, I am glad that I got rid of the Lexus RX300.
The Hyundai has BETTER quality in workmanship and engineering than the Lexus RX300, without the repair headaches and the $20,000.00 overpriced pricetag.
The interior of the Santa Fe is just as luxurious as the RX300 and the materials are of excellent quality with an excellent fit and finish. The same goes for the exterior of this vehicle. It is built solidly with excellent quality. The engine on the Santa Fe is also excellent in quality. The shiftronic transmission and drivetrain in this vehicle is built in Germany by Porsche and the engine is Japanese/Korean built. You can't get better than that. My Hyundai Santa Fe has not given me any problems like the problems which I had with my Lexus RX300. PLUS, Hyundai has an excellent warranty that covers against any defects for 10 yrs/100,000 miles. Lexus can't beat that either. Lexus didn't have a standard 10yr/100,000 mile warranty like Hyundai does.
The RX300 is nothing but problems. It is also very overpriced and one needs to spend over $40,000.00 to $50,000.00 to get one fully loaded. A fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe is only $23,500.00. I don't see any difference with the Santa Fe and the RX300 except for the fact that the Santa Fe is a better quality vehicle and it doesn't break down like my RX300 did.
I am very happy to say that I am glad to have sold my RX300 and bought the Hyundai Santa Fe and invested the extra $20,000.00 that I saved into bigger and better things. I am making money on my $20,000.00 investment rather than giving Lexus the money for a vehicle which is nothing but problems and a yuppie status symbol. The RX300 is not worth the money, especially when one can buy the Hyundai Santa Fe for $20,000.00 to $30,000.00 less than the RX300 and have BETTER QUALITY and a piece of mind.
Don't let Lexus take your money for a vehicle which doesn't meet its quality standards.
I hope that my input will prevent others who want to purchase the Lexus RX300 think twice before they go out and spend $40,000.00 and $50,000.00 for a Lexus SUV that isn't worth the money. I will NEVER buy a Lexus again! NEVER!
Pete
And what was that other vehicle he was voicing so much support for?
Sounds more like someone doing a SALES job for another manufacturer to me. Or do you want to tell about actuall problems?
Oh, by the way, didn't I read somewhere that one of the major reasons Porsche is now a profitable and going concern is that they hired some Japanese engineering and manufacturing consultants to teach them a proper manuafcturing process?
Lexus does have its problems with any doubt, but build quality is not one of them.
1. There is a night mode to the screen. Turn system on, agree to warning, go to display screen, turn your lights on, you should see a gooey button marked "DAY". If it is highlighted green, then you are in day mode. Touch the button and turn it off (not highlighted). The whole background turns dark with roads and words highlighted. When you turn your lights off, the screen returns to normal brightness.
2. There is a diagnostic mode you can enter through two hidden gooey buttons on the display screen that checks the whole system, from satellites to color of screen.
3. The one thing I can not figure out is about the data base. Is there a DVD inside the ECU or is the database just loaded into the ECU. If there is a DVD installed, then how do you change it out with the next revision? Speaking of which. What version came with your system? Enjoy
If this person actually owned both vehicles they would know of the DIFFERENCES between a Santa Fe and 2001 RX300 in terms of braking, horsepower, features, etc. There is a factual difference, not just opinions.
I love it when Santa Fe owners completely gloss over the fact that the SF has no proven safety record, and that overall safety/deaths in past Hyundais is very bad. But hey, they saved lots of money!
8-P
The DVD disk should in the player located by the spare tire well. I haven't acutally looked at it yet. Are you telling me there is no tray loader on the player?
TC
PS: this is probably not for the faint of heart, if you know what I mean. If I remember correctly, you are a software type, so you will find this interesting.
What I REALLY what to do is have access to the "body electronics" CPU. There are various "functions" that can be changed as to how the car reacts (power locks, etc.) I'm gonna try to get friendly with a Lexus tech .
BTW, where/how did you get the shop manual?
Thanks!
When I decided to purchase a new car, I must admit I researched all of the cars I was interested in for about six months. I read every board I could find, even going back through the archived boards on many different sites and you know how labor intensive that can be. I have several favorite cars, and they all have distinctive advantages to me. I liked Volvos and Mercedes, but many owners have expressed having a great deal of trouble with those cars/suvs. No matter how great the service, I do not want to keep the path hot between my house and the dealership. The Mercedes SUV may be pulling out of its slump, but I would like to see a much better record for at least a year. Also I read many posts about the lesser quality of the materials used in the Mercedes, plastic wood and a disappointing feel to the other appointments.
The Volvo seems to have problems right and left from door panels coming unglued to light bulbs going out constantly to engine trouble, but I did love the way the V70 T5 drove. I even liked the look of the Jeep, but those owners were almost spewing nails on those boards. It was scary. I looked at a few other SUVs but you get the point.
While I certainly understand that for every post describing such problems, there are many cars that are trouble free, I just saw too much of a pattern to feel comfortable in choosing another car than the Lexus. In all honesty,I did not run across one post that described any severe or even difficult problems with this car. If there was a complaint, it was about something simple that seemed to be addressed by Lexus in the following model year.
As far as the price is concerned, all cars are too expensive in my opinion. Some of the others may have a lower list price, but once you add in all of the options they pretty much even out. All of the cars in this category are running for $40,000+ as fast as they can. That's just the way it is in todays market, but it also underscores the reasons to make a selection that gives you the best quality for your money.
He's a "board troll", drops in, makes a comment, leaves. He's harmless. He's also in for a rude awakening if he ever tries to resell that Hyundai.
Enjoy the miles.
Also, anyone have any experience buying one from CarsDirect.com? Their price(at least in the L.A. area) is pretty amazing... $200.00 over invoice.
Speaking of tires, have you seen the tire rotation plan? They cross the vehicle and back to front. I was always under the impression to maintain the tires on the same side and rotate front to back. Wonder why?
Pete