Hello,
After doing some searches it seems that the RX330 is pretty reliable. Several drive-line/transmission problems were noted, but not too many. Been thinking about a Touareg but it seems they are riddled with electrical issues. I have now decided that I don't want to be part of their usability and durability testing program. So I am now thinking a RX339 might be a good choice.

We have a 350z for fun and looked at the FX & Murano a while back but didn't really like either...

So the question is would you buy another one tomorrow if something happened to yours today? Ie. totaled, stolen, ect.

Thanks.

 

This is RX #2 for us; the first was an early RX300. The 330 is a significant improvement in almost all respects to the old 300. Lexus reliability and durability has always been a strong point for the brand and Toyota/Lexus did the standup thing when some issues arose with the old 3.0L V6.

More importantly, if the 330 disappeared today, my wife would be on the phone with our salesman shortly thereafter and on the lot looking for another tomorrow! You can take her 330 away when you pry her cold. dead foot off the accelerator! (Though I might try to talk her into waiting for the 400h due out later this year.............)

 

I bought the RX330 since May 03; I still love it and have no regret buying it.

"So the question is would you buy another one tomorrow if something happened to yours today? Ie. totaled, stolen, ect."

Yes, I would buy another one without a second thought.

 

I bought a Highlander in July of '01, and traded it 11 months later for a Honda Pilot. After 20 months, I decided I didn't need the extra size of the Pilot, really like my Highlander, and decided to get the luxury version. I've had my RX 330 since February, and like it a lot. And so far, as expected, it's been more trouble-free than the Pilot. I had a transmission clunk that was fixed by a TSB, a seat creak or rattle that was fixed, and an intermittent dash rattle that's only there in cold weather. And I really enjoy the luxury features that you just can't get on a Pilot or Highlander.

 

No, I would buy the RX400H Seriously, I was never an SUV person and the RX330 is actually for my wife, but I would have no problem buying another one. I would seriously be looking at the RX400H (Hybrid version of the RX330 that comes out in 05) though. We bought ours in April 03 and already have 26K miles on it. On the other hand, I would also seriously consider a nice used GS430 since I'm not really an SUV person.

 

Thanks for the input! Leaning toward the RX now. Not interested in the hybrid, way too much of a downside risk.

 

Bought a RX 330 in May 2003 and we love it. We have about 26 K miles on it, a lot of city driving with periodical trips from SF to LA. No critical reliability problems, mostly things we had handled during normal servicing. The most annoying was the under-dash rattle, which they fixed after a couple attempts. Bottom line: we highly recommend it.

Recently purchased an 04 350Z and love it, too. If you get the RX330 you will be exhibiting wisdom and good taste, IMHO.

 

BTW, the hybred might not be such a downside risk. I've been looking at the Prius for my daughter. Toyota is on its second generation of that model and it's very impressive. A good friend of mine has had both generations, and loves them. Very reliable. Might have better performnace than the normal 330, too.

 

My thoughts on the hybrids. New unproven and unknown long term cost/benefits. over hyped at the moment, and certainly not worth paying a premium for. They are loaded with expensive and yet unproven bits. Sure they are getting press these days, but so are gas prices. Gas is still half of what it was when I started driving and really cheap. Sorry to the people in CA who will complain, but even there it is still inexpensive when you adjust for inflation.

What if anything are these early - yes this technology is still in its infancy - going to be worth in say five or ten years?? My bet is you will loose your shirt financially, though you might feel better/greener driving it about. It would take a much larger fuel economy difference and gas prices 5 times what they are now to offset the differential in my book.

Yes a bit cynical I guess.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

 

I plan on keeping my RX300 for at least 10 years. If it comes down to that, I'll replace it with the RX400h.

Toyota's hybrid technology has been proven very reliable. Toyota also offers a very long warranty on the hybrid battery. So I have full confidence in its quality and reliability.

The RX400h is not just meant to save gas. With the extra electric motor, I consider it a performance SUV with V8-like power. It will help going over the Loveland and Vail pass at highway speed. At 11,000 feet there's little oxygen for the gas engine. The electric motor can still give full power and its monsterous torque can do wonders with the long 7% grade. I can easily show X5 4.4i and M500 my tail lights.

At estimated $3,000 over the RX330, the RX400h is a bargain. Check the V6-V8 price differential on the X5 and M-Class. Most V8 SUVs get 15 mpg on average. The RX400h will surely do better.

My only concerns are the brake pedal feel/modulation and the engine restarting. I did not like Prius' brake. The frequent restarting was mildly annoying even though it's very quiet. Toyota is addressing the issues thus delaying the official launch.