Lexus RX 300

mooretorque · February 2003

Mr. West is correct that lower profile tires will generally result in a harsher ride, for precisely the reason outlined, as well as the fact that the sidewalls tend to be stiffer also.

BUT they are only one part of the suspension componentry that affects ride quality. Manufacturers will sometimes specify different shocks (usually springs are unchanged) in order to at least partially compensate for the increased ride harshness that can be expected from the lower profile tire. And some mfgrs seem to have a knack for specifying combinations that provide firm but supple, comfortable ride (BMW has traditionally been quite good at this, at least in their sedans; I understand the X5 is closer to the "oxcart" category.).

I trust Lexus to continue to provide that comfort that RX owners have grown to expect and doubt that the 18s will be objectionable in that regard. As always, though, it's the potential owner's resposibility to make sure that he/she drives what they expect to buy in order to make an informed decision.

Still waiting on those bids to come pouring in for my vote; I can even trot out a few extra names from closest cemetary, if sufficiently "persuaded". ; )

wwest · February 2003

Well, yes, and, no....

Shock absorbers must (fairly quickly and easily)"give way" to upward movement of the wheel, ALWAYS. The spring's oscillation effect is primarily dampened by "metering" the return rate of the spring/shock assembly.

So the compression stroke of the shock is generally unrestricted.

I'm not sure what all this means with regard to ride comfort but felt some clarification of the "duty" of shocks in the overall suspension picture might be helpful.

The bottom line is that it appears to me the less "flex" one has in the tire sidewall the more unrestricted the shocks compression stroke must be. Not to say that it could have been very restricted to begin with.

pai7 · February 2003

separate board please.

chris029 · February 2003

Does anyone have any information on how long I can wait to purchase a 2003? With the 2004's arriving soon I wonder how quickly the 03's will be exiting the showrooms. I would like to wait until the end of March. Will the supply of 03's still be around? Anyone have a feel for this? I'm in Western/Central NY state. Thanks.

pschiffe · February 2003

They're offering 3.9% and "2 nights at an exclusive resort" until March 31st:
Click Here

Pete

2001frisco · February 2003

I was considering a 2003 rx300. I called to see what was available in the AWD with Nav. My local dealer had to check around just to find one with NAV, and one with both was near impossible to find. If you are looking for a FWD without NAV and their "special package" you'll get a great deal. If you go to the Lexus site and build your own, you'll see (at least in my area, TX)you can't be too picky. Great financing and a free two nights stay in a resort, but you are pretty limited. The special package throws in all the stuff like wheel locks, floor mats etc.....

fantom · February 2003

Back again, but no, this isn't a third vote.

I can understand why lots of people what to split the 300/330 board right now...but I suggest it is a bit short sighted. Also note this isn't exactly the busiest board on Edmunds.

If the board title is "Should I purchase an RX-330", then please, put it somewhere else. The 330 folks visiting NOW, are usually looking for only purchase information.

They will change their tune, big time, after they buy an RX-330 and then want ownership information. Then the wealth of experience here will be much more appreciated, and IMO, they will be back.

So, I suggest, if we part ways again, the 330 board be titled "Should I buy a Lexus RX-330?".

wwest · February 2003

"RX330 unique features and problems"

wwest · February 2003

I've been continually frustrated with no true map light in my 01 RX. Recently noticed that the one in the 97 Aerostar just might work.

It does.

Remove dome behind front seats, drill two new holes, wire it up to the existing connector and simply install. Dome function is normal and now you have individual map lights for driver and passenger.

Connector has two wires, 12 volt source and current sink to turn on and fade dome light. Ground return source is picked up from metal overhead, same as manual switch for OEM dome light.

Must be ordered in two parts from ford, light assembly and separately the lens.

Only real shortcoming is black housing which can probably be overcome with a can of almond spray paint.

alpha01 · February 2003

is the 04 RX330 using? I'm interested in knowing specific model, as opposed to 4sp/5sp, etc.

thanks
alpha

avery1 · February 2003

Thanks for the tip. I have also been frustrated with the lack of reading lights. Now if you could just figure out a way to get some reading lights for the back passengers. My kids often want to read and the only choices are headlights or booklights for them or leaving the dome light on. I have seen some cars with reading lights up over the seatbelt connector on each side.

wwest · February 2003

"headlamps" seem to be an excellent choice.

cbest1465 · February 2003

AYE - for an RX330 board.

swiftm · February 2003

voted

tidester · February 2003

The final final tally of the "Should we have a separate RX330 discussion?" was:

Aye: 27
Nay: 18
Abstentions: 1,499,955 ;-)

Now I suppose we have to remove the 330 from the topic title here?

tidester, host

mooretorque · February 2003

I have a strong feeling that after the recounts are in (and my vote has been bought, as well as all my graveyard relatives), all the legal challenges have been exhausted, and all the officials involved (uh, well, ok........one official) have been tried in the media, that the outcome will be..................

the same.

Ah, RX330, we hardly knew ye.......

tidester · February 2003

Didn't you get Steve's memo? The one where we banned chad counting! :-)

tidester, host

wwest · February 2003

is Chad?

And why did he never learn to count accurately?

stever · February 2003

He's married to Kathleen. Chad Harris. Made history as the first pregnant one. Some think there should have been a hanging.

Steve, Host

coolguyky7 · February 2003

For future reference, it's actually Katherine Harris.

wwest · February 2003

Now that would have been a hanging I would have liked to see...

jiamin · February 2003

can't be played on my 00 RX (basic, not Nakamichi). It tried about 30 seconds or so and showed "ERR1". No problem played on my 02 QX4 (Bose). Don't know if this is typical with all RXs, or something wrong with mine. Will ask dealer about this.

avery1 · February 2003

They work fine on my '99 with basic stereo system.

jiamin · February 2003

Yes the burned CD-R works OK but not CD-RW. I asked a Lexus saleman about it and I know I asked a wrong person. He said "most cars only play the original CDs purchased from stores...". When I asked why CD-R works OK but not CD-RW. He does not even seem to know there are two different CDs. Will ask service department who may know better, or just play my CD-RW on their car to check.

gsenthil · February 2003

CD-RWs in general are very picky. The formats etc dont work properly from one drive to another. Ofcourse, 95% of my audio collection is CDR and I never had problems playing them.

gsenthil · February 2003

My left side low beam lamps burnt/dpnt work anymore. My RX is less than 2 yr old. Is this normal? I had replaced them with Sylvenia Silverstars about 6 months back.

Should I have Lexus check the electricals?

Should I replace with SilverStars or replace both with the original OEM (which I have somewhere lying around)?

wwest · February 2003

"Brighter" bulbs never last as long as OEM and are usually more sensitive to over-voltages.

marys235 · February 2003

CarsDirect indicates there is a special manufacturer to dealer incentive through 3/3/03 on the 2003 RX300, but doesn't say how much it is. Edmund's indicates the only incentive on the RX300 right now is a low APR and special leasing. Does anyone know how much the manufacturer to dealer incentive is right now?

stevestein · February 2003

I found that my LS (with ML) was sensitive to the type of CD-R media. Blanks that had a gold or silver colored media worked fine, while the bluetoned CD-R wouldn't. I also found out the hard way that the cd player was very sensitive to the cd thickness. I had put the paste-on labels on my burned CD's, and if they had any wrinkles that caused a raised spot it would jam the mechanism. They had to replace the player unit (under warranty thankfully), and a month later I got a jammed cd that they had removed along with a polite warning about copied cd's.

the_heidi · February 2003

I was given a price of $459 a month for a 36 month, 12,000 mile lease. Only money down was a $300 acquisition fee. MSRP of $39,636 and a residual of 21,403. Is this a good offer?

bigorange30 · February 2003

He might have $500 or so more wiggle room in price or $10-12 in lease payments but that would be about it. If you did push to get him to come down on the payment, make sure the residual doesn't change.

hpyu · February 2003

Hi,

I just had my RX300 for 4 month. Recently, I noticed a very annoying vibration noise from the front dashboard when driving on bumpy road. I checked all possible sources (cassette cover, cupholder, things in glove apartment, ect), and failed to stop the noise from coming.

Does anybody here had the smilar experience? Any tips on what is the cause and how to stop the noise? Many thanks.

hpyu · February 2003

kmh · February 2003

Here in San Antonio, the latest is $399 for 36 months. A week ago, the same ad was $499. Guess they're trying hard to get rid of 'em soon before the RX330s start rolling in.

the_heidi · February 2003

kmh, was that 399 deal with no money down?

bigorange30 · February 2003

kmh · February 2003

My apologies for not being more specific. The price just caught my eye. The deal is $399 month with $3330 due at signing. 12,000 miles per year. Sale price of $33,700. Still a good deal?

smokeriser · February 2003

My dealer just called. He wants to move a car since it is the last day of the month. I have (7) payyments left on my VW totaling $2100.00. If I buy a new VW, VW will refund me 10% off the price. I figure this to be around $4,000.00. That is a nice savings since i really like their new SUV. However, if I can get into a new Lexus for $35,000.00 should I go for it.

wwest · February 2003

Assuming you're speaking of the VW clone of the Cayenne the RX300 is only a wantabee SUV. Or you could wait for the new RX330, it is to have the Sequoia/ML320 type AWD.

This is all contingent on whether or not you actually need non-offroad (wintertime adverse on-road needs) AWD performance, the current RX and HL are predominantly FWD with low-traction torque bias, 90/10, ALWAYS to the front unless you have an extended, continuous, period of low traction (wheel spinning) then it will rise to as much as 75/25 F/R.

Have a look at the FX35 if you really need AWD in this price range. I can't stand it's SC430 (high-shouldered) look, but others might like it.

wwest · February 2003

According to Lexus the AWD RX300 (and HL) final drive ratios are: Front, 3.291:1 Rear 2.928:1

Then my assumption would be that for every engine revolution the rear wheels would (want to) move the vehicle farther than the front. The rear wheels turn faster than the front for any given engine speed.

If the above assumption is correct then the rear wheels would always provide the primary motive force, would they not?

I have proven, at least to my own satisfaction, that the AWD RX300 on low traction surfaces is ALWAYS predominantly a FWD vehicle.

So what gives? Can anyone explain?

wwest · February 2003

Early press releases and test drives indicated that the new RX330 would be dropping the viscous clutch AWD method in favor of the more capable ML320 and Sequoia brake modulation AWD type.

Now I notice both Lexus.com and Lexus.ca have specifications indicating the viscous is a holdover.

T/L have a change of heart?

lordkama · March 2003

Hello!

Was wondering what you think about this problem.
I have a 2001 RX300. Sometimes during a strong headwind, I notice a buzzing or flapping sound from the glove compartment. I removed all the contents of the glove comaprtment but the noise still persists. Have taken this to Lexus dealer but they can't figure it out. I know the incabin air filter is behind the glove compartment and I think its coming from there.

When should I change the engine and air cabin filters and is the retorqing the flange bolts necessary. Car has 24,000 miles.

What do you all think?
WWest any thoughts?

Thanks for your help!

wwest · March 2003

When I change my oil I always check the engine air filter by holding up a light behind it to see how "open" it is to airflow. But in any case I don't hesitate to change it out about every other oil change, 15k miles. CHEAP way to continue good MPG.

Pollen filter...

The OEM one isn't very efficient so it should last as long as the engine air filter. Doesn't hurt to check it in the same manner above.

My 996 C4 came with an OEM pollen tilter more in the class of the 3M filtrete and it only seems to last about 6-8k miles, a lots more efficient at trapping particles.

I also use the 3M filtrete "home brew" in the RX and LSes.

Rattle...Never had one.

Strong headwind.....hmmmm...

Makes me wonder if you're not encountering the same standing pressure wave problem we all have with a rear window down.

You could find out quickly enough by (temporarily) switching the system to recirc (blocks most incoming airflow) the next time you hear the rattle.

Even my old 68 Ford country squire station wagon was subject to this but all I had to do there was lower the rear tailgate glass ever so slightly.

I suspect that this problem has been exacerbated in the RX due to the way it is so tightly sealed and therefore very little air outflow is allowed.

essweb · March 2003

What is a good CD player for 02 RX (no CD option)? Can I add a 6 CD changer to the existing system (no CD) and regonized by the Lexus computer(so it will display CD#, Track# while it is playing)? Thanks.

hightoptennyrx · March 2003

As the ex-owner of a 99 VW Passat and a current 01 RX owner, if you like the VW, get it. But please don't complain later about everything that's wrong with it. Finished nice? Of course! Runs great? Absolutely. Reliable? Heck no! And this is from EXPERIENCE.

In comparison to the VW, my Lexus is absolutely wonderful. It ain't perfect, but close enough for me. Nothing has fallen off, no check engine lights, nothing like the VW. I loved the VW, but had enough.

cfgross · March 2003

Anyone have any info on the hybrid RX330, which is said to be in the works for a late 2004 release as a 2005 model?

Craig

pmhtv · March 2003

Had something very similar with my '99 RX - all it required was a little white grease on the mounting bolts for the front quarter panels. These can be accessed by opening the front doors and peering into the front quarter panel cavity just beyond were the door is bolted to the frame -I believe that there are two bolts that need lubed. Never had the problem again.

jiamin · March 2003

Received it today. March 29 and 30 from 8 am to 5 pm in Alameda Point, CA. Guest drive includes all new RX, GX and LX, as well as competitors' BMW, MB, Land Rover and Acura. It's an SUV event.

I plan to attend.

jiamin · March 2003

Received it today. March 29 and 30 from 8 am to 5 pm in Alameda Point, CA. Guest drive includes all new RX, GX and LX, as well as competitors' BMW, MB, Land Rover and Acura. It's an SUV event.

I plan to attend.

lordkama · March 2003

Thanks for the suggestions.

Only problem is that the rattle or buzzing noise occurs when there is a strong headwind. There is no noise with a tailwind.

I wonder if there is something loose inside the air filter chamber.

Lexus RX 300

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