Keep RX300 or get RX330? Your Thoughts.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: CA
Keep RX300 or get RX330? Your Thoughts.
I own a 1999 RX300 that I love. I am it's second owner. First owner was someone with OCD-like issues who took the car to the dealer almost monthly for every squeak, squawk, and ding (no joke). I have maintained the car solidly and regularly since 78K miles. Car now has 155K miles - virtually all freeway. No problems ... except that the rear view mirror fell off.
Do I keep the RX300 until it dies and becomes worthless (e.g. major engine failure or transmission death)? Or do I sell it now for about $7K (if I am lucky) and put about $20K towards a pre-owned RX330?
OK RX330 owners - tell me why I should plunk down a chunk of money to get a RX330...
Do I keep the RX300 until it dies and becomes worthless (e.g. major engine failure or transmission death)? Or do I sell it now for about $7K (if I am lucky) and put about $20K towards a pre-owned RX330?
OK RX330 owners - tell me why I should plunk down a chunk of money to get a RX330...
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,481
Likes: 198
From: San Francisco, CA
hmmm. hard decision. As a former RX300 owner and now an 04 RX330 owner, i have naturally followed the path from one generation to the other because I love these cars.
If you trade up, you will get a car with better gas mileage, a bit more power (but not faster), better technology (nav, possible air suspension, mark levinson audio, possible RSES, much better body styling IMO and additional safety features (more airbags, TRAC, VSC, and TPMS), more utility because it is larger.
However, you will most likely encounter a transmission that is worse (search hesitation, and jerks), and engine that will (still) seem underpowered
honestly, I dont know if I would just skip this 2nd generation if I were in your shoes and head to the 3rd after a year or two. By that time, you could probably pick up a used one at a decent price (maybe a dealer loaner) and then you will have all the up to date styling and tech.
If you trade up, you will get a car with better gas mileage, a bit more power (but not faster), better technology (nav, possible air suspension, mark levinson audio, possible RSES, much better body styling IMO and additional safety features (more airbags, TRAC, VSC, and TPMS), more utility because it is larger.
However, you will most likely encounter a transmission that is worse (search hesitation, and jerks), and engine that will (still) seem underpowered
honestly, I dont know if I would just skip this 2nd generation if I were in your shoes and head to the 3rd after a year or two. By that time, you could probably pick up a used one at a decent price (maybe a dealer loaner) and then you will have all the up to date styling and tech.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
hmmm. hard decision. As a former RX300 owner and now an 04 RX330 owner, i have naturally followed the path from one generation to the other because I love these cars.
If you trade up, you will get a car with better gas mileage, a bit more power (but not faster), better technology (nav, possible air suspension, mark levinson audio, possible RSES, much better body styling IMO and additional safety features (more airbags, TRAC, VSC, and TPMS), more utility because it is larger.
However, you will most likely encounter a transmission that is worse (search hesitation, and jerks), and engine that will (still) seem underpowered
honestly, I dont know if I would just skip this 2nd generation if I were in your shoes and head to the 3rd after a year or two. By that time, you could probably pick up a used one at a decent price (maybe a dealer loaner) and then you will have all the up to date styling and tech.
If you trade up, you will get a car with better gas mileage, a bit more power (but not faster), better technology (nav, possible air suspension, mark levinson audio, possible RSES, much better body styling IMO and additional safety features (more airbags, TRAC, VSC, and TPMS), more utility because it is larger.
However, you will most likely encounter a transmission that is worse (search hesitation, and jerks), and engine that will (still) seem underpowered
honestly, I dont know if I would just skip this 2nd generation if I were in your shoes and head to the 3rd after a year or two. By that time, you could probably pick up a used one at a decent price (maybe a dealer loaner) and then you will have all the up to date styling and tech.
My 330 cruises @ 80 real nice. My 01 didn`t do that
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,397
Likes: 453
From: GA
I own a 1999 RX300 that I love. I am it's second owner. First owner was someone with OCD-like issues who took the car to the dealer almost monthly for every squeak, squawk, and ding (no joke). I have maintained the car solidly and regularly since 78K miles. Car now has 155K miles - virtually all freeway. No problems ... except that the rear view mirror fell off.
Do I keep the RX300 until it dies and becomes worthless (e.g. major engine failure or transmission death)? Or do I sell it now for about $7K (if I am lucky) and put about $20K towards a pre-owned RX330?
OK RX330 owners - tell me why I should plunk down a chunk of money to get a RX330...
Do I keep the RX300 until it dies and becomes worthless (e.g. major engine failure or transmission death)? Or do I sell it now for about $7K (if I am lucky) and put about $20K towards a pre-owned RX330?
OK RX330 owners - tell me why I should plunk down a chunk of money to get a RX330...
.So, if you are not in a hurry, wait 2~3 years and get a 3rd Gen RX350.
If you can not wait and your beloved 1st Gen wants to quit, at least get a 2.5 Gen RX350. You will not regret it.
Good luck!
Last edited by mandyfig; Jan 18, 2010 at 02:25 PM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,481
Likes: 198
From: San Francisco, CA
horsepower from the 3.0 engine to the 3.3 engine was bumped only about 15, not sure about the torque numbers. however, the car gained a full 7 inches in length and 2 inches in width, so it much have gained a lot of weight. But yes, the car will cruise easily at high speeds, at the cost of fuel though. the car feels heavy
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
I loved my '04 330, more than my '99 300. Trans, well, yes, I had the TSB done to address the hesitation and jerking. This problem surfaced after almost five and half years. The interior/exterior improved in 2nd gen with more goodies available (already mentioned by RXSF - plus nav, and bluetooth on '05 and above model years). I definitely had more fun in my '04. Only similarity, the gas mileage didn't change for me 
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 409
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From: WI
Same with our RX, simply a joy to drive. I wish you lived in the midwest because a family member is looking for a vehicle and your well maintained 300 would fit just perfectly. Maybe it can be shipped to midwest. 
Last edited by mmlex1987; Jan 22, 2010 at 08:47 AM.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23
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From: CA
Funny, Mike!
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
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From: NJ
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23
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From: CA
Wow! Does the 330/350 REALLY need premium fuel?
Now THAT'S a potential deal braker.
Do you folks with RX330's use higher octane gas? Or do you use regular?
Do you RX350 folks have to use premium!?
Yikers!
Do you folks with RX330's use higher octane gas? Or do you use regular?
Do you RX350 folks have to use premium!?
Yikers!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 339
Likes: 3
From: MD
Using regular in 330, and used it while towing a 2000 lb boat on hwy, no complaints.