Hi everyone,

I am thinking of getting the RX 330 but I've heard from some friends of mine that they had car troubles with their RX 300's. Did any of you have problems with yours? If so, what kind?

 

I'm not sure you can compare issues on the RX300 with the new RX330. The 330 being in its first year will surely have its share of small problems as any other new model year vehicle. As a whole most consumer reports indicate that the RX300 is a very reliable vehicle.

My 2003 RX300 is problem free so far, but we've only had it for a few months and it only has 1200 miles on it. There are some other threads on this site relating to specific issues regarding the RX330. You may want to search for those. Most people do seem very happy with their RX330.

 

RX330's can be louder than the average Lexus when accelerating.

 

I agree with that.

 

And do you know why it can be louder ? Because of a new type of engine or drivetrain construction?
Just curious ...

 

I really don't know. If I had to guess I would say its the new 3.3 litre engine.

 

......second SUV (since I like both Lexus and Acura) ......but wrote it off immediately after test driving. I couldn't believe how noisy, rough and coarse the engine was. Just to make sure I wasn't imagining things and to make sure it wasn't a problem with THAT PARTICULAR vehicle I took long test drives three times in three separate vehicles and then an RX 300 for comparison (RX 300's engine was MUCH QUIETER) .........a shocker and an extreme dissapointment considering it's a Lexus!

 

Mine is smooth as silk. You can hear the exhaust through the muffler when you get on it, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Skip

 

A friend of mine heard rattling noises from her RX 300 just months after she purchased it. The dealer told her it was normal.............................

 

The engine sound is somewhat of a throatier sound through the mufflers...not really a bad thing, unless you want a totally aseptic ride. I drive a 600 HP C5R-427 Vette, so I like the feel/sound of an engine. In fact, the RX 330 sound was one of the pluses for me. But it will not be for everyone.

 

I had an RX300 for 4 1/2 years, one of the first ones delivered in the US. It was extremely reliable. I recently test drove an RX330. I thought it drove a lot like an RX300, but I did notice that the engine was noisier. To me, the only significant advantage of an RX330 over an RX300 is the turning radius.

 

I haven't driven a 300, but I do notice that my 330 has a "dual personality". It can be very serene if you tread lightly on the throttle. I have heard others say that it is a bit quieter than the 300.

On the other hand, if you stomp on it, it does get quite throaty and has a "V6" sound to it. Having never driven a Lexus before, I thought that it could have been smoother when under high load. But it's not too annoying. And as another poster said, it can be good to have that engine noise when it's working hard.

Also, it might be the price one has to pay as it is faster than the 300 too.

In fact, I kind of like the "dual personality". I can simply mosey along in luxury, or if I need or want to, I step on it and get a blast of performance.