NC330

Hi,
I'm zeroing in on my first 330, and need info before i make a bigger fool of myself at a dealership (or are most STEALERSHIPS?)
Anyway, I'd like to buy an '04-'05 330 with the rear-view camera accessory. Is that only available on certain packages,m and with Navigation?? I've seen some already on the lots, and only see them w/18" tires. No 17"??
These forums are great for helping me be a bit more knowledgeable on this purchase, so keep up the great work.

NeverSatisfied

I'm pretty sure you need the NAV in order to have the backup camera; without it, you'd have no screen to see out of the camera.

The 18" wheels are an option.

geko29

18" wheels are indeed optional, but in my area, any decently-equipped RX comes with them "standard". Seems you can get the 17s on Premium Package without Nav, but if you get either Premium Plus or Nav, you get the 18s. At my dealer, pretty much only the loaners have 17s.

Not that I mind, I think the 18s look better.

NXOwner

Like you, I shopped around and just bought a pre-owned 2005 RX330 about a month ago. From what I understand, the camera is part of the NAV (since a display monitor is needed to view it on). Although the camera is very cool, it is not as cool as the NAV system. Yeah, it could be a bit better, but it sure beats a portable system (which I still use in a rental car when traveling).

Also, my wheels are 18", and I live in southern California. A Lexus dealer once told me that west of the Rockies, all RX's come standard with 18" rims.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

its likely that depedning on your region most cars are equipped with popular options. that doesnt mean that you cant get 18's its just that it might be harder in your region. It is never impossible to get exactly what you want.

mandyfig

Patience is a virtue...one that I do not have....but must work on it.

tfischer

I bought a CPO '04 RX 330 last fall, after lots of investigation. To answer some of your questions:

The 18" tires are an "option," but are very common.

The NAV system is an option and in the '04-'05 range, I would guess from my shopping, is on about 20% of the cars. The NAV in the '05 is a newer Generation of the NAV than the '04. The screen is higher resolution and I think the '05 has Bluetooth, but I'm not sure about all of that -- but I do know that they are different systems. One advantage for me in having an 04 is that it uses the same data DVD as my '02 SC, so I can use the same DVD in either car. I could not do that if I had an '05 or newer.

The NAV comes with the back up camera, and they go together. There is no way to get one without the other. You can spot a car with NAV because it will have the large, almost square screen in the center stack; those without NAV have only a horizontal screen about 2" high or so. And, of course, from the rear, if you can see the little camera above and to the left of the license plate, then that car has NAV.

The rear view image pops up on the NAV screen regardless of whether the NAV system is on or off; in all situations, when you put the car into R, the rear view camera goes live, a little lighting and sound crew emerge from the spare tire area, and the screen on the dash lights up with full color images of stuff you are about to back over.

The Lexus dealerships I have dealt with are not dishonest or disreputable in any way; they have always been helpful in every way to me, whether I was looking for a used Lexus, a new one or with service. These cars are expensive and keep their value, so you will pay a premium, but I can't imagine owning anything else, and the staff is always first rate.

Also, most RXs with NAV also come with the Mark Levinson sound system, although not necessarily. The NAV was a required option for me when I told the dealer what I was looking for on the RX. The one I got had the ML also, although the salesman never mentioned it. My previous 2 cars had this, so I knew what the logo meant, and I don't think I got it for free, but I don't think it adds a lot to the resale value, as most people can take it or leave it, especially in an SUV.

Finally, I found that most of the cars with NAV had most of the other "options" as well, so if you get the NAV, you may get just about everything else. Mine has "towing prep package" (larger radiator, oil cooler and larger alt, which is nice), rain sensing wipers (a mixed blessing), larger wheels, interior lighting package, etc. I don't have the rear seat DVD screen, which is good as I have no use for that.

Happy shopping.

mandyfig

What is a Thundercloud Grill?

tfischer

The "Thundercloud" was a "Special Edition" RX 330 that was on the market for about 9 months or so in '05 or so. Do a search here for details. The Thundercloud edition was distinguished by one or two special colors (including a dark grey) not available on other cars, dark wood trim (I think), different wheels, and a unique grill not offered before or since (note that the 400 hybrids have a slightly different grill from the standard RX). The TC grill has horizontal slats rather than perpendicular ones, and looks more like the grills on the LX and the SC430 (the SC400 did not have a grill, but I digress).

Some of us liked it, and quickly found out that it's a simple screw on replacement. (I have an SC430, so I like the look.) So if you like the look, you can get the Thundercloud grill (or is it grille?) from a Lexus parts department, and replace it on the car. (It's a little more pricey than you would guess.) The replacement took me 10 minutes, because I went slow.

Here's the result:

NC330

Thanks for all the info and comments.
I bought an '05 on friday, and enjoy it. It's my wife's car, and she is enjoying the NAV and back-up camera.
The dealership here in Charlotte had a Thundercloud for sale, but also(for some reason) had 2 parties interested in it at same time!! Seemed to have distinctive wheels and black wood in interior trim.
I never saw a 330 with 17", except the 2 loaners.........
I look forward to owning the 330, and watching these forums.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

the thundercloud editions also had the dark colored wood which was exclusive also to that edition.

mandyfig

That Grille is enticing......but maybe expensive? How expensive?

AM1

iTrader: (6)

you can buy the grille and install it.

tfischer

I think it's around $300.00, but I'm not sure. Check the Sewell Lexus parts page and find out what the current price is.

mandyfig

I will check it out...how's the install? Did they give you detailed step by step? Froma scale of 1-10 (10 hardest), which one is it.