Replacing our 2001 RX300.....but with what?
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
If you're considering a Ford, the Flex is higher rated than the new Explorer. Also check out the new Edge. Reviews have been mixed, but my sister and brother-in-law have a 2011 Edge and they are very pleased with it.
Also check out the Honda Accord Crosstour (ducking) which is a much nicer vehicle than it looks.
Unless you're going to buy a new domestic vehicle, it's probably best to wait until fall / winter when the earthquake related shortages and used car price spikes have abated.
Also check out the Honda Accord Crosstour (ducking) which is a much nicer vehicle than it looks.
Unless you're going to buy a new domestic vehicle, it's probably best to wait until fall / winter when the earthquake related shortages and used car price spikes have abated.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,764
Likes: 1
From: Treasury
If you're considering a Ford, the Flex is higher rated than the new Explorer. Also check out the new Edge. Reviews have been mixed, but my sister and brother-in-law have a 2011 Edge and they are very pleased with it.
Also check out the Honda Accord Crosstour (ducking) which is a much nicer vehicle than it looks.
Unless you're going to buy a new domestic vehicle, it's probably best to wait until fall / winter when the earthquake related shortages and used car price spikes have abated.
Also check out the Honda Accord Crosstour (ducking) which is a much nicer vehicle than it looks.
Unless you're going to buy a new domestic vehicle, it's probably best to wait until fall / winter when the earthquake related shortages and used car price spikes have abated.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
I actually like our 2006 4Runner that we have now. Had that generation been out when I bought my RX300 (it was a few months away) I might have gotten that instead. Just a wonderful beast of a machine.
some have mentioned venza, but being basically a sedan on steroids (like one of those dodge/chrysler station wagon vehicles a few years back, edit: a magnum) and so its cargo HEIGHT is very shallow. NOTHING like a cuv/suv such as a Lexus RX. so if you need to carry anything big like furniture, a large dog crate, etc., fuggedaboudit. 
i was unimpressed by venza, although the ride was nice.
i was unimpressed by venza, although the ride was nice.
Last edited by bitkahuna; Jun 23, 2011 at 09:55 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,633
Likes: 281
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
define fun. almost anything's more fun than a 2001 rx300.
However, if you actually do want something substantially different from an RX, I'd suggest avoiding the Highlander.....it comes from the same car-based (Camry) platform that also gives us the Highlander, RX, and Lexus ES series.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,633
Likes: 281
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
IMO, you can't compare the ride of a Venza with an RX. The Venza has big, relatively low-profile 19" and 20" wheels that are designed for looks and handling, not ride comfort......and, unfortunately, it shows.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
Have to somewhat disagree with you on this. My wife also drives 2003 RX300(FWD though, not an AWD), and yes, it's a nice, refined, quiet, smooth, comfortable and all but... It's very unstable on the road. Acceleration is poor, braking is not the best, and it's very wide on turns. I mean - I never can make a U-turn anywhere, always takes me 3-point turn. Handling, especially in the rain is sometimes scary...
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,633
Likes: 281
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
If your definition of "fun" is driving-feel and precise steering/chassis-engineering, and you want something at or below 40K, I'd suggest the BMW X3/28i, which starts at $36, 750 without options. Most of them, though will have enough options to (probably) list at 40K or a little higher....you might have to hunt a little for one under 40K. I consider BMW products to be at or among the world's best when it comes to being a "Drivers-Car", but they generally do not have the electrical-reliability or noise-isolation of an RX.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,633
Likes: 281
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Have to somewhat disagree with you on this. My wife also drives 2003 RX300(FWD though, not an AWD), and yes, it's a nice, refined, quiet, smooth, comfortable and all but... It's very unstable on the road. Acceleration is poor, braking is not the best, and it's very wide on turns. I mean - I never can make a U-turn anywhere, always takes me 3-point turn. Handling, especially in the rain is sometimes scary...
Simple sluggish acceleration and braking is not necesarily a definition of unstability. Does it wander or pull left or right while tracking down the road? That could be something as simple as wheel-alignment, a new set of tires, or replacing a bent steering/suspension piece. Also, it is more-or-less normal for high-stance vehicles like the RX (and some other SUVs) to get blown around a little in strong crosswinds.....the sides of the vehicle tend to act like wind-vanes.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
"Unstable" meaning what? Simple sluggish acceleration and braking is not necesarily a definition of unstability. Does it wander or pull left or right while tracking down the road? That could be something as simple as wheel-alignment, a new set of tires, or replacing a bent steering/suspension piece. Also, it is more-or-less normal for high-stance vehicles like the RX (and some other SUVs) to get blown around a little in strong crosswinds.....the sides of the vehicle tend to act like wind-vanes.
Simple sluggish acceleration and braking is not necesarily a definition of unstability. Does it wander or pull left or right while tracking down the road? That could be something as simple as wheel-alignment, a new set of tires, or replacing a bent steering/suspension piece. Also, it is more-or-less normal for high-stance vehicles like the RX (and some other SUVs) to get blown around a little in strong crosswinds.....the sides of the vehicle tend to act like wind-vanes.
fwiw, had a '99 RX and toward the end of its life the engine was quite clattery and noisy. mind you, easiest 100k ever put on a vehicle, and the best as delivered quality i've ever seen (could find NOTHING wrong). 
I agree that "fun", as regards a car-purchase, needs to be defined, but I fail to see what is so unappealing about the RX series....even a 10-year-old one. In my book, it is certainly pleasant (maybe even fun) to have a nice, refined, versatile, comfortable, quiet, smooth, and reliable all-weather vehicle you can depend on day after day (I've certainly enjoyed my Outback). That defines the RX to the core.
However, if you actually do want something substantially different from an RX, I'd suggest avoiding the Highlander.....it comes from the same car-based (Camry) platform that also gives us the Highlander, RX, and Lexus ES series.
appealing, but not fun. 
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RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
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