In the market for an Rx330
 

What's up guys, I'm in the new market for an RX330 and I'm a n00b when it comes to lexus. This what I currently drive http://www.houston-imports.com/index...=105&Itemid=35 The reason I'm moving from what I currently drive now and to a RX330 is I'd like more room and a better ride quality. Is there anything I should know about certain year models, any manufacture defects, call backs, etc. I have yet to drive one which I will probably do so sometime this week. I have narrowed it down to a couple different SUV's: RX330, FX35, BMW X3. I'm looking to purchase used, I will never purchase another new car again, being upside down sucks. lol Anyways, thanks for the help.

Jimmy

Buying used cars is financially a better option as you let some one else pay for the depriciation.

BUT

You dont want to inherit some one elses problem.

If you are covered under warranty, that is good, but if the warranty has run out, then you can be exposed to expensive repairs. The three cars you have listed all would be $$$($) to repair.

So check the maintenance records (just dont take the spoken words of a stranger).

RX330 is not as sporty (debateable) but you have to determine how hard the vehicle was (ab)used by the previous owner.

With the owners permission (at times not required) you can visit the Lexus dealer and pull up dealer performed maintenance records. By glancing at the odo readings at time of service, you can figure out how the vehicle was used over the years.

Salim

dont buy a 330 has no power.

The 330 has PLENTY of power unless your prime reason for owning a car is low ET at your local drag strip. It is not going to impress the mouth-breathing spec racers because its performance numbers are not as impressive as those of an all-out sports-racing car. But there is more to the automotive experience than that.

For those of us who have largely passed through that phase of our development, the RX 330 offers the light hauling ability of a crossover SUV with smoothness, silence, comfort, agility, and reliability. It possesses the ground clearance that while a detriment to all-out g-forces on the skidpad, makes it a decent if lightweight adventurer where the pavement ends. It is an unparalleled long-distance runner, a comfortable mobile office, and even a reasonable weekend hauler - provided you are not planning to purchase 4X8 sheets of plywood or a yard of sand.

For those of the Tim Allen school, consider a Callaway 'vette. :p

Well I got the chance to keep one for a day. I absolutely love it, I'm past my speed phase. I've already done the fully built motor forced induction thing. I'm just trying to find one that's in my price range. I already have one car and I'd like to find a used one that is around the 25,000 or lower range. I guess it'll just be matter of time before I can find a really good deal on one.

I love my RX330 and has no problem at all.
RX330 has no power? what the heck??? it hsa plenty of power for me and my family!

I am in the market for a used RX330 myself...
 

The only thing that still make me do more research is the "hesitation" of the transmission (hunting for gear) issue on the 04 and 05's RX.
Lexus did release TSBs to reprogram the transmission logic. But from reading this forum, it is still "hit and miss" fix.
Anyone can add more info/comment to this?

its a common problem the transmission surging and such. dealers have no fix for it. no matter what anyone says the rx330 in underpowered, all the comparable cars in its class b4 the 350 update had more power. now with the 350 the power is adequate. having 520 hp in the cayenne turbo S might be a bit much, but 223 hp in the rx330 and its enough?????? paseneger cars that weigh less have more power then that. anyways.

The RX330 is fine power wise, until you drive the RX350.

I just bought a 04 RX330 with 21K miles 2 days ago and I do feel it's underpower. I guess most cars will feel underpower when coming from a V8. Nevertheless, it's a very nice vehicle. 2004 is the year to avoid and I would have love to buy a 2005 but the price, color, options, mileage and condition of the 04 RX330 I bought couldn't be pass up.

Did you notice any surging/hesitation at low gear?
To replicate, from 50mph+ slow down by depressing the gas pedal until the speedo reaches 20mph, then tap the gas to accelerate back. I heard it is because of the transmission logic in the RX330s (from 04 - 06).

I have a GX which is a V8, the RX350 is just as quick.

mine still does that after being in the dealer one time. good luck this problem is so common dealers already know what you are talking about whe you bring it in.

Its a well known problem, the RAV4 and the Camry does the same thing, no fix yet. Manualy downshifting helps but its a PITA.

dealer told me that new es350s have the same problem. they said all the front wheel drive lexus models have this problem