kevs98GS4

iTrader: (1)

I'm about to pick up the wife an 08-09 with 60-80K miles and most I find have AWD. I don't need it here in Atlanta and don't want extra parts to have to replace along with the extra tire wear. Do ya'll recommend sticking with the FWD or is the AWD cosher. Thanks.

Rainbird

I agree with you less maintenance for sure, Atlanta get the FWD.

lex_rx

Atlanta and not towing or going on dirt roads, FWD.

neelnaik

As Rainbird and lex-rx said, if weather doesn't justify awd, and you aren't planning on driving it on dirt/gravel roads often or towing with it, then I would stick with FWD. The reasons for it is less maintenance, less stuff to go wrong, and better fuel economy. However, if you find one that is awd that checks out and has everything you want, but can't find one with fwd that checks out and meets your requirements, I would buy the awd. Yes it will cost you a little bit more in the long run, but I don't think it costs so much more that I wouldn't buy it if I found one I liked, but that's just my personal opinion.

ho0n

kevs98gs4, seeing that you already have two trucks, I would really recommend getting the FWD. After owning an AWD for 5 years, I can tell you that if I didn't need traction living in NY, I'd be happier with a two-wheel drive. Every mpg matters, after all, when you consider owning a car for a while and eating the ever-persistent performance decline that every car suffers.

kevs98GS4

iTrader: (1)

No trucks to speak of at the time. but it looks like I will keep searching for the right one....

nipponbird

I would go for the AWD. Recently had to go off the tarred surface in very wet weather at 120Kmh for a car that suddenly swerved into my lane and my RX350 took us back to the tarred road after some sliding. All happened faster than you can blink an eyelid. Went back to have a look at the terrain and I'm sure a two wheel drive would've bellied-up (ankle deep mud). We get only the AWD here (maybe Lexus know it, our drivers are from hell). Of course I cannot speak for Atlanta.

ho0n

Oh, sorry, I didn't see that they were former cars!

zippinbye

I just borrowed a 2004 RX 330 in Rochester MN during a spring snowstorm this week. I have a GX and have had LS sedans, so I knew nothing about the RX except I assumed it was FWD due to no visible controls (I never did see anything, but maybe there's a 4WD or center diff lock somewhere?). As I hit the road with 5" of fresh unplowed snow, I was thankful for the obvious function of antilock brakes ... tire tracks compacted by traffic were super-slippery. As I took my first corner, I was amazed that a slight oversteer slide began ..." wow, power to the rear wheels!" Just to make sure I has not hallucinating, I went for a purposeful drift on the next corner, evidently enough to get the stability control in play. What sweet handling! The rest of my travels seemed very secure, I just worried about other drivers as the RX drove like it was on rails unless I was overly aggressive. I know of at least two serious snowstorms you had in Atlanta this year; I was wishing for AWD and stability control on our Boeing while operating on the ground at ATL! I'm not saying I would seek out AWD if I lived in ATL, but I certainly would not pass up the right deal on one. The RX I borrowed may become available at trade-in value this year. 2004 with 40,000 miles ... that's what I'm talking about when I saw don't pass just because it's AWD and you don't really need it. One day it will come in handy, even if it's an unnecessary bennie.

LXPearl

I was looking for AWD but ended up finding a good value on a FWD RX. It handles well, but have not taken it out in wintry weather yet. The LX is wonderful for that. If you like to travel, especially to the nearby Blue Ridge or Smoky Mtns, AWD would be nice. The RX AWD is in FWD most of the time unless it senses slip, then it kicks into AWD. Mileage difference is 1 mpg or less. The added complexity for AWD is not major and the benefits can be great.

The GX is true AWD with a transfer case and real off road capability. The only drawback to me is the rear door for the hatch. Otherwise, everything else is much better than the 4Runner. Expect about 17 MPG with mostly highway. In Atlanta traffic, probably about 15. The RX will have torque steer on acceleration while the GX will not. The skid control in the GX is less intrusive because it is designed to accommodate off roading. The RX and GX are very different vehicles - you have to decide that. I had an 03 4Runner 4WD that was a nice vehicle. The GX has always had my interest, but the back hatch/door has been a deterrent for our family.

RX330inFL

LXPearl, I believe the following applies to the 2008 and 2009 model years the OP was wondering about in regards to the AWD system for the RX350. As you can see, it is a 50/50 split until slippage occurs:

Advanced All-Wheel Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.

LXPearl

Thanks for the update. I had an All Track Previa van that was 50:50 and it was impressive in wintry weather. I did not think the RX AWD update happened until 2010, so your news is good news.

RX330inFL

While there are some AWD systems out there which proportion the split 95/5 when not needed, both the 2nd Generation RX330 and RX350 start with a 50/50 split. No dual-range nor center locking differential, but sufficient for most individual's needs.

nipponbird

If I understand you correcty RX330inFL, both diffs are constantly in action while driving. My 2006 RX350 also 50/50?

RX330inFL

I believe your 2006 RX350 was our 2007 RX350 here in the States. So yes, this would hold true.