RamAirRckt

We have been looking for a RX330 and find that some ( most) just suck at handling and some (2 out of 6-7) handle very good.

Is there some common problem with them that we are running into on the used car market?

It is worse than my Buick with 200k on the front struts, and my Buick still handles 10x more competently.

Is there handling packages that I am finding and not knowing it?

Carver

Have you looked at Infinity? Got some acceleration and handling right there.

RamAirRckt

My wife would shoot me if I suggested looking at more cars.... She is done with car shopping.

What does infinity have? The Q56 has attrotious mpg. So it isn't a contender. My sister has a Nissan Armada and mpg is as bad as my 454 Suburban.

RX330inFL

The 2nd Generation RX is a tall wagon, not going to handle all that well.

The only suspension change are the ones with the Performance Package which included air suspension. Otherwise, they are all the same struts and perhaps you are just finding ones with bad struts needing replaced. Another reason could be the tires which are a component of the suspension. Cheap tires will give you a bad ride.

RX330inFL

And for the record, it is INFINITI. INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI INFINITI

Sorry, have a bit of a problem with folks misspelling that one.

RamAirRckt

How do you id performance package?

The one we like has 18" wheels. I do think most that did handle well had 18's. Most handled like crap. Dangerously poor.

RX330inFL

You identify it by the air suspension. Google it.

There are both 17" and 18" wheel packages for the 2nd Generation RX. Does not indicate any other changes as it was offered separate. With more sidewall on the 17" wheel and tire package perhaps you do not like that setup. Would give you perhaps a softer ride than one with smaller and stiffer sidewall using the 18" wheel and tire package.

Carver

Not had coffee yet?

Carver

Well, my point is if you aren't happy with the handling you might want to expand your search. Just explain to your wife you're concerned with her safety and want to continue the hunt.

RX330inFL

Don't drink caffeinated beverages. No coffee, no tea. Besides, been up since 5AM ET. Very much awake.

The Infiniti misspelling just bugs me. Infinity can be a number. It can also be the audio company. You can put an Infinity sound system in an Infiniti.

Carver

I go into towering grammar **** rage when people misuse lose and loose so I feel ya.

RX330inFL

Here at CL I try to limit myself to just correcting auto terms. Have seen Infiniti misspelled too much of late and it has been bugging me. Besides, if I am not careful I might lose my temper, let loose the dogs of war and then I would lose my ability to post to the site.

As for the OP's question, I would be mindful of not only the size tire on the vehicle, but also the brand and even the tire pressure. An RX with 17" tires at 30 PSI is going to ride a whole hell of a lot different than a set of 18" tires at 35 PSI.

Also, some individuals, dealers too, will slap on a set of cheap tires in an effort to help move a vehicle. Nexen is a good example. Very cheap tire. Just so they can say, "look, new tires." But a bad tire choice, even if inflated properly, can give you a very squirrelly ride.

RX330inFL

A 5.6L, approximately 340 cu. in., engine is going to use a good amount of fuel especially when dragging around vehicles such as those you mention from Nissan/Infiniti with their heft.

Infiniti has the EX and FX. Would be considered a sport-ute or SAV (sports activity vehicle). Rear wheel drive or all wheel drive configurations. The FX is more the size of the RX. You can get the FX with a larger high performance engine as well.

tfischer

Perhaps you should consider that it is the car company that is misspelling Infinity.

Carver

Indeed, loose lips lose posting privileges when a loss of temper loosens ones grip on automotive forum comity.