rx330 performance pkg

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 1, 2004 | 09:27 AM

Red One

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: New York

rx330 performance pkg

Thanks for a very polite and informative forum, as I have been lurking for some time. Have eliminated MDX and BMW and now ready to buy. I would like the performance package but cannot find much information on its merits or lack thereof. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Jan 1, 2004 | 01:20 PM

NeverSatisfied

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,384

Likes: 0

From: 808

PERFORMANCE PACKAGE! Which is the option I wanted, but it wasn't available in Hawaii

So, I had to settle for the Premium Plus package, w/ 17" wheels, since the 2 idiotic dealers in Hawaii don't even offer the regular 18" wheels!?! I'm on the hunt on ebay

In addition to the base 330, the Performance Package adds: those BEAUTIFUL 18" wheels in graphite polish!, leather, moonroof, tilt/telescoping steering wheel w/ memory, power rear door, roof racks, rain-sensing wipers, HID lights w/ the AFS (swivel) feature, air suspension and the sequential auto tranny.

Totally worth it, i think!

Good luck!

Jan 1, 2004 | 06:49 PM

CK6Speed

Lexus Test Driver

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 7,719

Likes: 4

From: HI

Quote:

Originally posted by msilverIS
PERFORMANCE PACKAGE! Which is the option I wanted, but it wasn't available in Hawaii So, I had to settle for the Premium Plus package, w/ 17" wheels, since the 2 idiotic dealers in Hawaii don't even offer the regular 18" wheels!?! I'm on the hunt on ebay

This could have been my exact words

Truthfully, I have a FWD Premium Plus (330 is for the wife anyway) but I really wanted a loaded model just to have and for its value. What I really wanted was the 18" rims but I don't see why Servco doesn't allow them to bring it in. I figure I'll just go aftermarket now.

Last edited by CK6Speed; Jan 1, 2004 at 06:49 PM.

Jan 1, 2004 | 07:35 PM

JRB

Pole Position

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 307

Likes: 0

From: Minnesota

Weird, but here in Minnesota ALL RX330's come to the dealer with 18 inch wheels. They make the vehicle look a lot nicer IMO and if you don't end up getting the Performance Pkg you should at least get the wheel upgrade. For our winter tires we also got separate 18 inch wheels that have the same basic look as the stock 18 inchers.

Regarding the Performance Pkg you should drive both versions the way you normally drive and then decide if you notice an improvement in handling and in the ride. If you were considering the BMW then I would assume that handling would be fairly important to you. To adjust the suspension to the lowest setting you do have to push a button every time you start the car, as it resets to the normal level every time you turn it off. I personally like a little firmer ride and flatter cornering, and am willing to give up some ride comfort in return, and in my experience the Performance Pkg made a noticeable difference. It still won't steer and handle like a BMW, or the FX45 that I drive now, but it brings it a little closer IMO. Several early reviews that I had read said the same thing. But only you can decide if it's worth the extra $$.

Jan 2, 2004 | 01:43 AM

NeverSatisfied

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,384

Likes: 0

From: 808

CK6Speed: I was trying to go aftermarket also, but if you go to tirerack.com and look at the huge selection of 3 wheels for the 330, I'd rather stick w/ the stock 17's...

Jan 3, 2004 | 10:51 AM

VEGASRX330

Lead Lap

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 460

Likes: 1

From: Nevada

i noticed that. i have the 18 in rims, but just wanted to see my options and to my surprise, only 3 wheels listed? you can't tell me that out of all the rims they have in stock at tire rack, only 3 would fit the rx???

Jan 4, 2004 | 01:23 AM

CK6Speed

Lexus Test Driver

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 7,719

Likes: 4

From: HI

Quote:

Originally posted by VEGASRX330
i noticed that. i have the 18 in rims, but just wanted to see my options and to my surprise, only 3 wheels listed? you can't tell me that out of all the rims they have in stock at tire rack, only 3 would fit the rx???

I'm sure as the year goes by they will add more once they confirm fitment. The 3 rims are more than likey the ones the physically fit on the 330 and confirmed not only no rubbing issues but also correct offset, bck spacing and brake caliper clearance. Depending on the offset and spoke design the rim spokes many not clear the caliper. Tire Rack seems to be good and confirming these things before the listed for sale.