hey there

I'm new to Clublexus, though I've been here before. Just wanted to say hi, since I never posted here. I'm usually on IS300.net and felt my questions for the RX could be found here rather than on the IS board.

I drive a RAV4, but my family has a 93 LS400 and a new acquired used 2000 RX from the Lexus corporate pool, and i was wondering whether the RX we just got is a FWD or 4WD; the button next to the tranny, it has settings for PWR and SNOW. I'm gonna guess and say it's the FWD.

 

Actually, TRDRAV4, the ECT button with the "power" and "snow" modes comes on both the front and all wheel drive. The power holds the shift points longer for better acceleration and the snow mode starts the vehicle off in second gear to help prevent against skidding out in slippery conditions.

There are very few and subtle difference between the FWD and AWD RX. First of all, the traction control (TRAC) button is optional on the FWD RX, so if you have on (below the seat heaters - if equipped, in front of the shift lever) If you have this button then it is a FWD - this was not an option on the AWD. Another subtle way is to look at the tires, if they are original they will be Bridgestone Duelers for the AWD and GoodYear's for the FWD. Finally, the most definite way to tell would be to look under the vehicle for the rear differential that is connected to the front with a drive shaft. Or you could wet down the driveway, get in the RX and floor it and see which wheels spin...lol Hope that helps, if you are still unsure reply to this and i'll try again.

 

thanx Lex

The tires I saw were Goodyears so my dad was right when he said it was a FWD...we were originally going to get a blue RX, and it was 4WD, and it also had a spoiler. Unfortunately, the RX we got which was Golden Pearl, didn't have the spoiler which looked cool.

 

Congradulation on the new RX. I have a FWD myself, didn't think I would ever need AWD even thought it can provide some additional traction in wet weather, but the FWD gets slightly better gas mileage. Both colors look great - if you want the spoiler can be ordered and installed at any Lexus dealer. I'm not sure on a cost.

 

I hate to tell you this, but the GY Integri-craps come on AWD drive models also. I have them.

I can't believe Lexus put an over-sized passenger tire on one of the best SUVs made. They should be ashamed of themselves.

 

Hmmm, well I thought all AWD had the Bridgestone...oh well. You are right RX300TC, the Goodyears are certainly pure on-road tires, but have such a smooth ride! I think I have gotten used to the look though and kind of like the tread versus one that is more square and aggressive.

The BMW X5 4.4i with in the non-sport package come with (on the 18in. wheels) Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus with a size of 255-55. The tread is very similar the the Goodyears on the RX...I am thinking of using these when I change tires. I will certianly use michelin! Maybe I can find more of a tire for an SUV - these energy's are what they use as stock equipment on HONDA ACCORDS!!! Maybe the Michelin LTX-MS, or the Michelin Cross Terrain SUV - Acura uses those on the MDX - not to sure how I feel about those yet though. I just know that changing to a good michelin can greatly improve ride and handling more times than not on an SUV.

The 3.0i uses 235's. I would like to increase my tire size to 17's and increase tire width, but with the RX there is not much room to do so without using spacers because of the strut towers. I was thinking using the IS 17's with 235-60 or 65's.

Below is the Michelin Energy's I mentioned on the non-sp 4.4i:

 

My parents just came down to visit me and we went out to eat in you guessed it, the RX.

The RX my parents acquired came as is, and like i said the vehicle belonged to the Lexus Corporate Pool (even has a NO SMOKING emblem between the stereo controls). We were lucky to get the RX for a great deal since my uncle works for TMS (all our cars are Toyota). Before the RX was delivered, the car had a tune up, got new mats, a repainted hood and new rear bumper. Too bad they didn't add the spoiler , but then it was tough enough to even get used RX's that come off the employee leases. With around 16K, was it a good deal for a 2000 FWD with the standard build options (CD, leather, mats) to go for 28K? My dad said the price they paid was wholesale.