mandyfig

Newbie from Marietta, GA. Just signed a contract for an 04 Rx330 23,000 miles. Was on our way to buy an 07 Acura TL, wife saw the RX330 on a used car lot, rest is history. I would like to know (or please redirect me) where I can get inof on the differences on 04, 05 and 06's.

TIA

Mandy

RXSF

i can briefly list them out right now.

2004- the one i have, the one you have. The first year model of this new redesign.

2005- the same car, second year. bluetooth and new nav generation was added

2006- the same car, third year. same as second year.

2007- the "same" car, new engine added, 3.5 liter V6 producing 270hp versus 230. more insulation was added for road noise. there were a total of about 14 changes, but its impossible to tell what they were.

2008- same car as 2007 with chrome door handles

mandyfig

Thanks a bunch. I can not wait to pick up the bamboo pearl 04 330! How about extended warranty? Mine expires Jan 08 and I am afraid of losing the warranty. I have heard about tranny issues.....is this something to be really be concerned about?

RXSF

tranny issues were really a problem in the RX300. Sure, we complain about our transmissions in the 330, but i dont think ive ever heard of anybody having to change it. All you get is this really annoying hesitation, when doing rolling stops etc.

my warranty expired a while ago (im at 65,000) and i dont think i have ever needed to change anything under warranty. actually, i think i did, it was the headlight unit for condensation.

if you can make a friendship between your lexus service rep, do it. They usually look past the warranty thing. My uncles LS430's Nav screen went out, and he was after warranty. They still changed it for him for free.

but if your getting a used car, its impossible to tell what the owner before did to it. If you feel like you should, then adding a few more years wouldnt hurt. but its a lexus after all! lol

mandyfig

You're right, additional safety investment is a good thing if you really trust Lexus. It is all about a really good dealership.....who has dealings with Nalley Smyrna Lexus in GA?

mandyfig

14 changes from an 06 to 07-08 really intrigue me........sorry being a lexus newbie......except for the rear emblem of RX330 vs RX350, how can you tell from the outside between the models? Are the wheels the same? 04~07 are 18's?

I am a seasoned Acura and CRV owner though. But I have a reliable 95 Gen 3.5 Camry...so, I am a Toyota fan, too. In my book TOYOTA is # 1, Honda # 2.

RXSF

there are no visible changes from the outside. The 14 of so changes really was more out of making it a more lexus feel, like eliminating road noise and such. There were wasnt anything revealed. same wheels, same everything

the 2008 is the newest difference. It has chrome handles, and a revised front grill. It is also supposed to have new rims, but i still see the old ones on them. The 2008 model will be the last year for this design, as the 2009 model will be completely new.

mandyfig

So, the 18's are still options for the 08's? 17's are std?

RXSF

oh, i think the 18s are standard now. as of 07

mandyfig

Got it, explains it. Just that the design of the wheels are identical or similar, but size is bigger....just my observation.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

the transmission will drive you nuts. and the dealer will have no fix for it.

Frankr66

06 added my new colors and a couple small details with the change holder and lumbar for the passenger seat i believe, not too sure but i have an 06

mandyfig

Great info, thanks.

NXOwner

What year was it when that little removable plastic cover appeared on the top of the bumper, directy under each headlamp assembly? My 2005 RX 330 doesn't have this and most RX's that I've seen do not have it. What, exactly is it--headlight washers?

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

Those are little headlight washers, that also tend to leave soapy water on the hood and sides of the car. Of marginal use for most, but our Canadian friends in the snow country love them.