Lexus RX 330

[RWebb]

Tell me everything bad about these things...

and, what is the deal on the adjustable suspension?

the dealer has a 2004 with 87k on it for $21k; has the adjustable suspension...

[look 171]

I have no idea what you are talking about? My sister bought a new one about a year ago, she is very, very happy with it. I drove it a few times. It few great around corners( I usually drive trucks and SUVs), pick up is super compare to my land cruiser or any of my full size trucks. Comfy with plenty of room. If I were in the market for a little suv, that little lexus would be a no brainer. I would, of course look at the honda CRV for a lot less money, but it is no Lexus for sure.

[Hugh R]

The drivetrain is the same as my highlander, no issues except for a steering angle sensor at 70 k. Don't know what it is specifically but is a common, but not normal failure, cost $800 it affects traction control and speed.

[vash]

most comfortable back seat ever. super quiet interior. that is all i know. never driven one, but as a passenger, i feel "special"..i love that thing.

[RWebb]

thx - how about the timing belt?

one online site says they need to be done at 90k+ miles, BUT only costs about $300 to do it at the dealer's...

[RWebb]

hmmmm.... code u0126 = Lost Communication With Steering Angle Sensor Module

A dedicated ECU uses data from sensors in the VSC system - including wheel speed sensors for all four wheels, a throttle position sensor, a deceleration sensor, steering wheel angle sensor, G-force sensor and Yaw-rate sensor - to determine whether to activate the vehicle swerve control system, which emits a beeping noise in the cabin when active.

this particular car gets a 1 year powertrain warranty from the dealer; it is NOT one of the Lexus certified pre-owned cars (which get a better warranty, bumper to bumper or nearly so, said the salesman)

- what gets me is that it is the same price as a used late-model Subaru Forester (2009-) and less than an Outback; yet, if the reports are right, the air susp. gives it the same gnd. clearance

[Scott Watkins]

Our daughter has had hers since new, '05 model. Knock wood, no issues to-date.

[kaisen]

The air suspension is rare, but many have experienced problems and failures.

Also, the air suspension was LOWER (at 7.09") than the standard coils and was part of a $5450 PERFORMANCE package with things like 18" alloys, tiptronic-style transmission, and adaptive headlights. It was NOT meant to improve off-road handling. However, if pumped up to the highest setting it does give 8.26" of ground clearance at LOW SPEEDS and super harsh ride. The second you exceed 29 mph the suspension overrides your request and lowers to 7.09" and cannot raise again for 60 seconds. As long as you are willing to live with that and pay $2000-plus for repairs when the system fails, it's as capable as a Nissan Rogue (8.3" all the time) and less than the 8.9" in a 2009-up Subaru Forester.



Lexus Questions - I have a 2004 Lexus RX 330 with the air suspension system only - JustAnswer

[R K T]

We bought a new one a few years ago. Driving home from the dealer, stopped at a red light, I thought the engine died....it was SO quiet. Sold it to a friend after 6 months cause we needed something bigger to tow the Speedster to shows.

[RWebb]

not good news on the air suspension - sounds a bit like.... an Audi Allroad...

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by RWebb

not good news on the air suspension - sounds a bit like.... an Audi Allroad...

Very similar systems but the Lexus system isn't as capable or robust. However, the rest of the vehicle is MUCH better than the Audi. Not infallable like some would suggest, but better than average.

The Lexus does use a timing belt and it is an interference motor. BUT it's nowhere near as expensive as the Audi 2.7T, typically running ~$500 at an independent and ~$1200 at a Lexus dealer. It's due at 90K miles, so it should have had a fresh replacement. If not, budget for it (and don't forget to replace water pump, tensioner, rollers, and cam seals while you're in there).

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by RWebb

thx - how about the timing belt?

one online site says they need to be done at 90k+ miles, BUT only costs about $300 to do it at the dealer's...

Sorry, I missed this one.
Just the parts from Lexus are more than $300.
It's a 6.2 hour labor operation

[RWebb]

I guess the website I looked at was wrong. Moot point if the air suspension is so prone to failure that I don't want to buy the vehicle...

[HardDrive]

We have an 04 RX330.

Here is a listing of non scheduled repairs that we have needed to make:

*cricket*.....*cricket*.......

Its been a damn good car. Zero problems, but we are only at 46k. Get it detailed and it looks new. DVD navigation systems still works great.

If you buy it, ask the dealership to show you how to reset the windows after a dead battery. The car 'forgets' exactly where the closing point is. Very simple to fix, but you need to know how to do it. Also, if you start to experience a decrease in air output into the cabin from the AC system, get under the car and find the fresh air intake. Evidently its a good spot for mice to build nests!

[cantdrv55]

I helped my mother shop for her 2010 RX350. No issues so far. $21k for a 2004 with 78k miles seems kind of expensive, no?

[RWebb]

it is just 2k more than an '09 Forester at another dealer lot

I am concerned about the air suspension issue - that allows the RX to compete with a Subaru

kaisen - do you have experience yourself with these failures?
- or are you just passing along the info you found in that link?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by RWebb

it is just 2k more than an '09 Forester at another dealer lot

I am concerned about the air suspension issue - that allows the RX to compete with a Subaru

kaisen - do you have experience yourself with these failures?
- or are you just passing along the info you found in that link?

There are several links. Just Google Lexus RX 330 air suspension problems.

My only personal experience was one that we had at my dealership a few years ago that had a fault and kneeled and wouldn't come up. We brought it to the Lexus dealer as no one else knew how to work on it. $1400 later we had it back, working fine. Other personal experiences with 2004-up RXs have been stellar, although they eat o.e. tires pretty quickly.

Again, do you travel under 30 mph on those roads that you require 8+" of ground clearance? That would be the killer for me. It's really meant to be a one-time-get-unstuck, not a method of travel. The moment you accidentally break 30 mph, the system bleeds 1.2" and you are one the ground (if you are on one of those roads).

[daepp]

My daughter drives an '06. We bought it used from a family member for 18K with 72K on the odo. No issues in 6 months.

[RWebb]

thx, Eric - yes, if the road is bad, then one will be going slowly

apparently, it is pretty difficult to make a reliable adjustable ht. suspension

Audi, Lexus, and I guess we can count the old green-blood Citroen systems have all failed

maybe the new Jeep one is good - we'll see in a few years

[Scott R]

Great cars. Timing belt isn't too bad. The $400 job is for the belt itself, it's an extra $50 for the serp belt and another few hindered if the cam seals main, or tensioner needs to be replaced. Great engines, very easy to work on really.

1MZ-FE Timing belt

Only other issue I keep running across on them are squeaky brakes. They are a bit undersized for the weight and burn up quickly. Not like Porsche quickly, but they get very hot.