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This is little known by a lot of consumers, but many dealers actually produce more profit from their service/parts departments than their new car sales! Both departments are run as independant business units. Dealers can actually take a "loss" on a new car sale if they think they'll make it up long term from the service and maintenance revenues on that car. This is why you'll usually get great treatment from the service departments.
"Something else that I have found very curious is that I have been taken right in on three different occasions. I have never expected it and don't expect it to occur on a regular basis, but the service manager has asked me if I would like to have my problem taken care of at that moment."
Again, this is what I love about Lexus service, the consistency! We had a Saturday appointment to bring our car in, so that we could talk to the Service Advisor about a few things. After he looked at the car and resolved what was going on, he looked us straight in the eye and said, "Anytime you have a question, problem or issue just bring it in when it suits you, no appointment necessary." I mean these folks go out of their way to make your life easier!
"Oh yes, and when I was leaving, he said that they were happy to have customers like me or they might not have much to do. He said that they were the "Maytag Repair Man" of the automobile industry. Even the mechanics are jokesters. Well I guess at least they are happy and they certainly don't seem to be under much stress.
Yup, it amazes me that even the 18-year old kid at the parts counter says, "yes, sir... no, sir... thanks for coming in... have a great day" These must be great places to work, because you can't fake that smile all day unless you are being paid lotsa $$$ to do so!
Yup, a good Lexus dealer is definitely a case study in all around customer service.
TC
Do you have the cargo liner?
On the vibration, I can comment that our '00 RX also has a vibration, actually more of a rumbling noise at idle as well. It also go away as soon as the vehicle starts to move. Dealer says stiff motor mounts during cold weather may be to blame but they have found no fix. It is very irritating especially when the radio is off. Passengers have commented that they thought a Lexus was supposed to be quieter. I sure hope Lexus figures out a fix. We are quite disappointed with their reaction so far.
As for the oil change, the labor rate is something like $65/hour plus $12 (something) filter plus $2/qt oil. Bingo, bango, all of a sudden you're taken for a $55 oil change. The service department at VA. Beach is why I went to Richmond. Although the prices are all the same at Lexus service. Some people have had good experiences with taking their Lexus vehicles to a Toyota dealer instead. Plus parts are cheaper there too.
As for the advertising fee, it's actually $446. It appears right on the cars factory invoice.
While they do not look "nice" like carpet, I really recommend you get them. You won't be dissapointed.
I've test driven enough RX300s to tell you this shouldn't happen. Period. The car you drove had something wrong. Try another. HVAC fans in all cars are notorious for rattling noises if they are loose or binding on something.
My vehicle is dead quiet at idle. Except for the fuel injectors clicking which my ears pick up. And when it drives there are no loose rattle sounds.
The Hennessy service department is wonderful and everyone is very supportive, and I liked the one in Gwinnett and the one on Peachtree Industrial. The dealership I mentioned that is closer to me is Nalley on Mansell in Roswell. I know I am putting a sneer on GT's face right now, but they have this great cappaccino/espresso machine and a digital television with full cable and movie channels. They have great food and comfortable chairs. While my car was being repaired, the service advisor came to check on me and make certain I didn't need anything.
They are all so similar that it truly is a toss up and I would just go to the one that is closer. I have never had a bad experience.
I have a couple of other points I thought might be of interest to anyone considering the RX. I have not had any trouble with the turning radius. I think the 2001s may have improved from the previous years, for I certainly used to hear about this in the past. I also was afraid that it would be too small for my family when traveling and this has not been the case at all. You are going to be surprised at how much luggage will fit into the back. It is amazingly deceptive.
I also have to disagree with anyone who thinks the RX looks like a car for women, which of course is about the worst thing that anyone could say to any man. The major form of proof offered up is that the space between the front seats is meant for a purse. How ridiculous is that? You know, men not supposed to like things that are refined, for refined is not rugged enough for the critics. All I can say is that men certainly try to keep each other in check, and are almost mean with each other sometimes. I have looked at men driving the RX and it just doesn't look strange to me, but if you are going to fall for this form of male propaganda, then you are being just as silly as they are.
I have linked this discussion to the RX-300 club folder, but it will always reside here in SUVs.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
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Owner's Clubs
Yea, certain colors on this car make it look different ways. I got black, and it don't look girly, it looks sophisticated and cool. My wife wanted the white one which is very "pretty" and probably the most popular color with women from what I've seen. My second color choice was the gold, but we just got rid of a gold Pathfinder and our other car is gold. We wanted something different.
I'm also working on some practical "mods" for the spring (and no, I'm not going to slap fake fender flares on it to make it look like something it ain't), I'll try to post pics once everything is done. I think you'll like it, and it won't look girly.
It is a miserable beast.
I much prefer driving our WHITE PEARL Rx.
I'm a pretty secure guy but can't accept the minivan we should have.
Yea, but I bet it squashes Hyundai Accents real nice .
Window tint should be mandatory here. Besides the obvious front windows, have a light tint put on the factory tinted side and rear ones.
The factory tint darkens the glass but still lets in the heat and UV rays which a film cut out.
It will make a huge difference.
Have the moonroof done too.
It's a good thing I love my wife. ;-)
Talk about traumatizing the kid....
Actually, know what I find that space (right in front of the center console) is great for? Hot take out food, especially chinese food and soups. I'm usually able to wedge a tall bag there and it doesn't tip over while driving home.
I have the same problem that you have. The vibration is only happen when in D/L or R. No vibration/noise when it is P or N. My RX is 2000 AWD with LSD.
No dealer is able to fix it yet. I thought that I was alone on this problem.
I have had one other thought about this characterization and the fact that many men have been cornered into having to defend their choice of the RX. What do you think a woman's response would be if you told her she was driving a masculine vehicle? I think she would feel a little proud. Women have a lot more leeway in our society to move outside of the box. You see it even in children. I have heard parents often speak with pride about their little "tomboy". I have seen girls that dress like boys constantly and no one thinks anything about it. I have seen wives that call or see their mother every day, but would not accept this behavior from their husbands. I know I am preaching here, but I think it is a shame that men are treated so unfairly in this regard.
On another subject, did any of you put the spoiler on your RX? I have really liked mine, however useless it might be. As I parked next to another RX today, I looked at them both and I think the spoiler gives the visual impression of more length and a smoother line.
I didn't think you could find one without it. Seriously. Almost every RX I've seen on a dealer lot in the NY/NJ area has the rear spoiler.
Now, you're not talking about the hatchback spoiler that can be specially ordered from Japan, are you?
Anyway, I own a 94 ES300 and have been pleased with it. I have decided to buy an RX w/Nav & rear spoiler. My question is, does anyone have an opinion of how the RX would look with chrome running boards/bars? Any pictures of them?
I have yet to find running boards for the RX, if you know of a source I'd love to hear it. You can get side-step tubes. I'm trying not to divulge too much of my "RX Spring time project" but here is a photo of a possible choices for side-step tubes in chrome and black:
Because of the low step-in height, running boards aren't really necessary, but they can be a great help when loading and unloading stuff on the roof rack. I will probably put something on my vehicle for this reason and so that my 3 year old can get in and out on his own.
TC
Lexus makes custom running boards for the RX 300 (they have them for the '00; they should fit the '01 as well) I've seen them at Chicago land dealerships (Bredeman's Lexus 847-729-6000). I have a black side bars by WAG, similar to the picture you posted. It really gives it a slick and a wider look. I also have the front brush guards, also by WAG, which gives a it a masculine look.
Manik makes those side-step tubes. These tubes are not my first choice though.
www.manik.com
I like the WAAGs and those will be my choice.
www.waag.com
WRT brush guards, I'll offer my opinion but please don't take it personally. I think they are silly on any SUV unless you truly intend to take it into the brush. Also, if you look at the body lines of the RX300, a full brush guard doesn't really offer any additional protection around the headlamp area in case of a street incident. Plus the grille is in the headlamp path (does it cast shadows?).
I'm going for an A-bar to provide protection against slight vehicle bumps
I'll probably throw on the WAAG rear bumper guard also.
Indigo/Ivory 4WD, Nav System Value Pkg with cargo mats, Accessory Crossbars, Wheel locks.
MSRP (per Lexus web site) = 42601.00
Dealer put in writing = 38300.00 +Tax, "fees" (I haven't asked what fees as yet)
I also understand that the Goodyears' are not the tire of choice, however this dealer will not change them over to the Michelin CT's, what is the general consensus on the OEM Bridgestones?
If I do not get the chrome Lexus wheels, can I have the OEM wheels chromed? if so, what should it cost?
Is the gold kit an aftermarket item or is it Lexus only?
I have been enjoying this site since the first of the year. It's become one of the site I got to everyday. It is very informative and interesting. I have been a loyal Honda Accord owner. But when I went to the LA auto show I fell in love with the Lexus Rx300.
I am very serious about buying a new rx. But I have no point of reference on the everyday costs of owning a luxury vehicle since both me and my wife both have Honda Accords. Can someone help advise me. I want to buy a '01 or '02 RX with 2wd. I was able to get the purchase costs via Edmunds. I was just wondering about regular maintenenace such as oil changes, tune-ups or even gas and insurance costs for a luxury suv. If all possiable I would like to fit it in the budget. I've been spoiled for so long with my Accord by just doing oil changes and annual minor stuff. Thanks for any of your input you can give me.
Thanks
lacarguy
"Though the console contains two clever slide-out drawers, it doesn't extend to meet the dash; instead there's a space on the floor, between the dash and console, perfectly made to hold m' lady's purse. It was a point appreciated by at least one woman who drove our test vehicle, and perhaps says something about who Lexus officals expect to favor the RX 300." Bohr, Peter. Open Road. Sept. 1998.
This site states info pertaining to demographics. 45% female, 55% male. The next page has more on "That Space"
http://www.womanmotorist.com/review/lexus/jb:lexus-rx300.shtml
Also Tony you might like this site, it shows the RX concept (SLV) and the rear wing, simular to your pic.
http://www.fadmag.com/autostyl/lexusnewsp2.html
Kingscreek sorry for being so anal, but I read alot and don't always have the source ready, and we know how RX owners need facts, documentation, etc. The purse statement is sort of crazy, I was merely stating what I read. I also agree with your opinion about the way society views males. Though I think its more of a generational thing. I've never had to defend my choice of vehicle.
That space is also good for a six pack
http://www.jaosusa.com/products/centerprotector/cp_rx300.htm
Salim