Igor911

Just interested in knowing how I can tell if a certain RX is FWD?

RXSF

if its 2004-2007, then you can check under the steering column. If there is a trac off button, then its FWD, if it doesnt have that button, its AWD.

however, there is a way to tell through the VIN, i just cant remember now.

Ron_Texas

If all else fails, you can look underneath at the back, if it has drive shafts going to the rear wheels, it would be AWD.

teamtbo

I am pretty sure it is determined by the 4th digit of the VIN. A G=2WD and a H=AWD/4WD. I found this in a TSB for a 2007 RX350:

2WD 2T2GK31U57C005878
4WD 2T2HK31U47C009697

2WD JTJGK31U370003994
4WD JTJHK31U472010333

I also looked at a TSB for a 2004 RX330 and it appears the syntax is the same.

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

Pretty simple, if it has a rear differential it's all wheel drive. Just lean down and take a look!

Seadee456

This is the best way to find out and does not involve looking under anything.

Kostyan

what about the exterior, are there any difference on the exterior?

Igor911

Kostya,

Make sure you have an "H" in your VIN

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i didnt know that the "h" is the designation for AWD

Kostyan

first thing I did is looked underneath to see there are rear drive shafts.
And yeah, it has an H in the VIN. Looks like most of RXs on East Coast are AWD.

tfischer

No, there are no differences in the exterior, and no badges, and no different trim. From across the street, it is impossible to tell. I was just shopping for a friend who wanted an All Wheel Drive '04 or '05, and I thought we found a good one, but even the owner did not know until he checked the paperwork. It was front wheel drive. (The car was bought in Atlanta, and brought north -- as noted, most of the front wheel drive models are sold in the south.)

You can spot a car with NAV from a distance, because they have the little camera lens above and to the left of the rear plate. But all wheel drive is hard to tell, and some owners aren't sure themselver. Verify for yourself, because it adds almost $1,000 to the value of a used RX.

mandyfig

The G denotes FWD and H is AWD on the VIN, right?

mandyfig

The last 5 digits are the actual number of cars made....right? Started with 00001.

jednav

more importantly is to check whether all 4 wheels are working.

in that case, let hang at a hoist and give a bit of gas.