Lexus RX330

[Iron Clad Lou]

thinkin about pickin up a completely loaded 05 RX330 for the wife...its selling for around 29k...does this vehicle share the same v6 as the 4runner? any other comments regarding this vehicle are appreciated.

 

[icantsee]

Completely different motor

 

[icantsee]

I would get the RX350, so you can get the newer motor.

Why not get a new HIghlander instead.

I've driven the RX300 & RX350 and didn't like it. Didn't get a chance to drive the RX330, but don't think the drivetrain is different.

The reason why I dislike those (2) models, there's actually a lot of reasons, but to make it short, when you take your foot off the gas, it doesn't coast (doesn't move)

Like our 4Runner, once you take your foot off the brake, the vehicle will move by itself.

 

[Mark86]

Definitely go for the RX350 because the extra power makes a huge difference. I have driven them around as loaner cars and they are very comfortable and luxurious. Honestly, if you need a simple car based SUV, that is the way to go.

 

[Falls]

Maybe I'll check one out for the wife. How are they on gas , since she is somewhat concerned about that.

Lou , I would think you really could be in the drivers seat when buying one . What does NADA say it's worth ?

 

[Mark86]

Maybe I'll check one out for the wife. How are they on gas , since she is somewhat concerned about that.

Lou , I would think you really could be in the drivers seat when buying one . What does NADA say it's worth ?

They get around 20 mpg on the AWD model with a mix of highway and city.

 

[loner]

Ditto on the rx350 over the 330. My wife has a 330 and when I was having it serviced, I dove a 350 loaner. Big difference.

A couple observations - the optional Mark Levinson stereo is really nice, and don't buy one with the 17 inch wheels unless you plan to replace them. the 17's really downgrade the appearance, IMHO. (Of course the new Pebble Beach Edition wheels are out of this world.)

If buying used, look out for dash rattles, jerky transmission, and malfunctioning automatic rear hatch.

 

[Uneek]

I've driven both, the RX330 and RX350. The RX350 shares the same basic block design as the 4Runner. However the RX350 has dual VVT-i. Definitely get the RX350, the power difference is noticeable.

It's a great SUV if you don't need tow and super comfy.

 

[Mark86]

I don't know if it is in your price range, but also check out an 07-later MDX as well before making your decision. They have almost the same bells and whistles, but the MDX is much more fun to drive!

 

[toto]

If buying used, look out for dash rattles, jerky transmission, and malfunctioning automatic rear hatch.

+1 on the RX350, for those reasons. The 2004 RX330 was the first-model-year version, and it had the rattles and the bad computer for the rear hatch opener. The transmission mated to the 3.3L V6 had strange software that got better revisions over time, but I'd recommend moving up to the 3.5L V6 drivetrain in the RX350.