Finally saw RX330 in San Antonio
03-24-03, 01:17 PM
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Finally saw RX330 in San Antonio
As I dropped off my RX300 to take care of a minor item at the dealership, they had a new RX330 (light bluish, green-ish color) parked in the service area. There was a RX300 parked next to it which gave for a good comparison.
Size-wise the RX330 doesn't look much bigger. It does look "more sporty" than the RX300 but not overwhelmingly so. I peeked into the interior and the gauge cluster as well as center console appear to have a nice update to last gen's. The seats look about the same to me.
Interior space seemed about the same as well.
What was interesting was when a salesman came out to show some prospects the RX330 and showed the power lift gate. The lifting up part was very nice precision-like. However, when it came down, it appears less than sturdy. Just me, but doesn't look assuringly solid there for some reason. But I'm sure it works fine.
They started up the engine and sounded pretty much like the RX300's. Very quiet and sedate. I guess that's the objective.
The back of the RX330 does look more wide but that may be due to the extra usage of black on the back windows and the lower appearing stance of the new vehicle.
Lastly, the windows no longer have the mirrored tint, instead have the more traditional black tinting around the rear and back glass.
Overall, I'd say the RX330 is nice but the "Wow"-factor is only about a 5 out of 10 for me. For comparison the RX300 (8 out of 10) or the BMW X5 (9 of 10) seemed more appealing initially than the RX330. Better yet, I'd say the new Infiniti FX SUV got a 10 out of 10.
Size-wise the RX330 doesn't look much bigger. It does look "more sporty" than the RX300 but not overwhelmingly so. I peeked into the interior and the gauge cluster as well as center console appear to have a nice update to last gen's. The seats look about the same to me.
Interior space seemed about the same as well.
What was interesting was when a salesman came out to show some prospects the RX330 and showed the power lift gate. The lifting up part was very nice precision-like. However, when it came down, it appears less than sturdy. Just me, but doesn't look assuringly solid there for some reason. But I'm sure it works fine.
They started up the engine and sounded pretty much like the RX300's. Very quiet and sedate. I guess that's the objective.
The back of the RX330 does look more wide but that may be due to the extra usage of black on the back windows and the lower appearing stance of the new vehicle.
Lastly, the windows no longer have the mirrored tint, instead have the more traditional black tinting around the rear and back glass.
Overall, I'd say the RX330 is nice but the "Wow"-factor is only about a 5 out of 10 for me. For comparison the RX300 (8 out of 10) or the BMW X5 (9 of 10) seemed more appealing initially than the RX330. Better yet, I'd say the new Infiniti FX SUV got a 10 out of 10.
03-25-03, 08:03 AM
#2
I like your comparisons to both types of vehicles.
Just recently, Nissan down here in Mexico brought in a few Muranos. Since the Toyota dealer (default Lexus for Mexico) is right next door, I could not help but pulling along side one of the Muranos to have a comparison. Note, Mexico will never get the FX45, even though they do have Infiniti. People asked me whether this was a brand new Lexus. When I replied it was a 99, they could not believe it. The Nissan people were flabbergasted people kept looking at my car, and all but ignored the Murana. The Toyota dealer was so delighted, but unfortunately they have no Lexus.
Just recently, Nissan down here in Mexico brought in a few Muranos. Since the Toyota dealer (default Lexus for Mexico) is right next door, I could not help but pulling along side one of the Muranos to have a comparison. Note, Mexico will never get the FX45, even though they do have Infiniti. People asked me whether this was a brand new Lexus. When I replied it was a 99, they could not believe it. The Nissan people were flabbergasted people kept looking at my car, and all but ignored the Murana. The Toyota dealer was so delighted, but unfortunately they have no Lexus.
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