Test drove 04 RX330 AWD
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: il
Test drove 04 RX330 AWD
I just came home from a local dealer after test driving 04 RX330 AWD with 54k miles on it. First of all I've never driven RX330, I drive ES300 and test drove GX470 before but never a RX. But I've noticed unusual noise from engine area, it wasn't a noise from acc. belts. not sure if this is how you describe knocking noise(???) it just didn't sound right to me. They were telling me it's still under warranty(about 6months 16kmiles left) which covers drivetrain. But not sure if it's something that could be repaird. I know I should expect nosier engine than my ES, but I really didn't feel comfortable with the noise, any idea?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 2
From: MA
+++++1 on that. If it doesnt sound right, stay away. Fixing a major problem even under warranty is not something you want to deal with right out of the gate. As mentioned, should be easy to drive a couple other RXs to compare. Too many other choices to pick something that might make you 
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: ontario
I just came home from a local dealer after test driving 04 RX330 AWD with 54k miles on it. First of all I've never driven RX330, I drive ES300 and test drove GX470 before but never a RX. But I've noticed unusual noise from engine area, it wasn't a noise from acc. belts. not sure if this is how you describe knocking noise(???) it just didn't sound right to me. They were telling me it's still under warranty(about 6months 16kmiles left) which covers drivetrain. But not sure if it's something that could be repaird. I know I should expect nosier engine than my ES, but I really didn't feel comfortable with the noise, any idea?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: ontario
2004 rx-330
I have recently purchased a pre-owned RX 330 of 2004. I need help on the following:
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
- If it is AWD, how do I tell. Lexus Canada said that it is Stock AWD. Do all SUVs come with AWD?
- Which gas am I supposed to be using, I have heard different answers from different people. Even at Lexus Canada I got two different answers from 2 different associates?
- Is premium gas mandatory on these?
- I hear a little clicking noise as a clock tiking when I am inside the SUV
- My Suv some times has a transmission hick-up moving from a slow speed. Is that covered under power train warranty?
- Where can I get a current Navigation DVD for this model?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by deepakg; Nov 18, 2008 at 09:08 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,603
Likes: 1,402
From: Austin, TX
Please read the owner's manual. If yours did not come with one, please get it.
What is stated in there is the required minimum, you can always opt for something better. (Gas, oil etc). Word mandatory does not apply. The engine is capable of handling at least a certain minimum grade. Typically Lexus V8 need premium. If you do not use the recommended minimum, the engine would pre-ignite (knocking) and you will loose power (cheaper fuel is wasted).
Typically the hesitation has to do with the decision lag in the transmission to shift (that is why people like manual transmission over automatic). The transmission shift software is generally tweaked for fuel economy. I would say, break down is covered and hesitation (with-in certain range) is not. If yours does predictable hesitation, discuss it with the dealer .. most of the time, it is hard to reproduce.
RX comes in FWD and AWD. You can look underneath to determine if the rear wheels have a power source. You can have the VIN deciphered as well.
Nav updates should match the type of Nav you have. RX (Lexus) has moved to different types of Nav system over time. Your dealer is the best source to provide you with legit and correct type of update. Read the forum, as some non-legit versions have some issues.
Salim
What is stated in there is the required minimum, you can always opt for something better. (Gas, oil etc). Word mandatory does not apply. The engine is capable of handling at least a certain minimum grade. Typically Lexus V8 need premium. If you do not use the recommended minimum, the engine would pre-ignite (knocking) and you will loose power (cheaper fuel is wasted).
Typically the hesitation has to do with the decision lag in the transmission to shift (that is why people like manual transmission over automatic). The transmission shift software is generally tweaked for fuel economy. I would say, break down is covered and hesitation (with-in certain range) is not. If yours does predictable hesitation, discuss it with the dealer .. most of the time, it is hard to reproduce.
RX comes in FWD and AWD. You can look underneath to determine if the rear wheels have a power source. You can have the VIN deciphered as well.
Nav updates should match the type of Nav you have. RX (Lexus) has moved to different types of Nav system over time. Your dealer is the best source to provide you with legit and correct type of update. Read the forum, as some non-legit versions have some issues.
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; Nov 18, 2008 at 10:15 AM.
Trending Topics
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 479
Likes: 2
From: New England
I have 04 CPO though. Are you do you mean it sounds like you popping popcorn? Mine started doing that a few months after I bought it and it has stopped. Is that the sound?
Also I would get the VIN and go to a Lexus dealer and have them look over the service record. Better yet pay maybe $250 and have a Certfied Lexus dealer not some mechanic take a look at it. At least this way you can rest assured that your car does not have an issue. Tell them to hold it to CPO standards and do the same test; keep in mind they can't certify the car though. Since warranty is left then ask the dealer which problems could be fixed under warranty and which cant. Please bring it to a dealer have it checked out it costs a bit, but it could you thousands and any real hasltes.
Good luck, I have not had many problems with my 04. Make sure you listen for dash rattles and that both headlight sprayers work. 1 of mine didn't when I brought it home. Fixed under warranty.
I put generic regular during the last couple of months because of gas prices not problem; I prefer Mobile or Shell premium. I think theirs a difference, but only mentally. I feel the engine starts, runs and idles smoother and quieter while giving more power. I doubt it though as others told me that cant feel a difference and its just my mind justifying premium
Also I would get the VIN and go to a Lexus dealer and have them look over the service record. Better yet pay maybe $250 and have a Certfied Lexus dealer not some mechanic take a look at it. At least this way you can rest assured that your car does not have an issue. Tell them to hold it to CPO standards and do the same test; keep in mind they can't certify the car though. Since warranty is left then ask the dealer which problems could be fixed under warranty and which cant. Please bring it to a dealer have it checked out it costs a bit, but it could you thousands and any real hasltes.
Good luck, I have not had many problems with my 04. Make sure you listen for dash rattles and that both headlight sprayers work. 1 of mine didn't when I brought it home. Fixed under warranty.
I put generic regular during the last couple of months because of gas prices not problem; I prefer Mobile or Shell premium. I think theirs a difference, but only mentally. I feel the engine starts, runs and idles smoother and quieter while giving more power. I doubt it though as others told me that cant feel a difference and its just my mind justifying premium
Last edited by triplecore; Nov 18, 2008 at 01:25 PM.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Driver
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: On
I have recently purchased a pre-owned RX 330 of 2004. I need help on the following:
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
- If it is AWD, how do I tell. Lexus Canada said that it is Stock AWD. Do all SUVs come with AWD?
- Which gas am I supposed to be using, I have heard different answers from different people. Even at Lexus Canada I got two different answers from 2 different associates?
- Is premium gas mandatory on these?
- I hear a little clicking noise as a clock tiking when I am inside the SUV
- My Suv some times has a transmission hick-up moving from a slow speed. Is that covered under power train warranty?
- Where can I get a current Navigation DVD for this model?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: New york
The ticking noise is normal on that engine... the knocking like its out of time has to do with the type of gas ((higher octane needed to be)) use the better to be and the last engine noise the a/c compressor . tranny whistle when take off and over 65MPH NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT ALL THIS NOISES WE TALK ABOUT ARE NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE SLIMSHAH COMMENTS ABOVE ARE TRULY ACCURATE ITS JUST THE NATURE OF THIS VEHICLE AND DESIGN JUST TEST DRIVE ANOTHER ONE YOU WILL NOTICE SAME NOISE IN 2007 AND UP CABIN FIRE WALL AND FRONT GLASS WAS REVISED FOR LESS ENGINE NOISE IN CABIN LEXUS STATES BUT HOW QUIET I DONT KNOW JUST KEEP CHECKING AROUND
Last edited by sup_lexio; Nov 18, 2008 at 06:20 PM. Reason: better explanation less negativity thanks
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cricket1
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
6
Jan 14, 2006 01:37 PM
