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Review 3 of 10
Price Paid:
$36000.00
from hennessy Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 rx330 Summary:
This review is for a 2005 rx 330, which I purchase via internet sales manager for $600 over factory invoice. It is my understanding the RX330 is assembled in Japan and Canada. Mine was assembled in Canada. I've had mine for 3 months and 3900 miles with no problems.
Impressions:
GAS MILEAGE - avg via computer is 23MPG (premium unleaded)(mostly suburb/county driving with few traffic lights). But when I divide # miles since last fillup with # gallons of new fillup it is usually 22 MPG (1 MPG less).
CABIN NOISE - I have heard popping from the dashboard. This comes from the plastic with chrome accents that surrounds the instrument panel. If you push on this plastic you can hear it crackle. I find if you push all around edges it will re-set itself and the popping/crackling will cease.
STEREO - I am very impressed with the radio. Very clear, detailed soundstage. Good highs, mid, and bass. I alternate between "Driver" and "Front" and the speaker setting (push the right big knob). I never listen to the stereo in the "all" setting which I think sound mumbled. Best stock radio I have ever heard. CD sounds incredible.
TRANSMISSION - I have read where some people on this site and other sites have complained about the "lag in the transmission" which some consider dangerous. I have experienced this a few times. It happens when you accelerate hard (as if you are turning left across oncoming traffic) and then quickly let off the gas (such as when you see on oncoming car) and then accelerate hard again (when you think you have enough time to make the turn in front of the oncoming traffic). When accelerate hard the second time, it will take a second for the car to go. You hit the gas but nothing, (wait a second) then it goes. Its almost as if the RPM's have to drop before the transmission will engage. I don't drive hard so I rarely experience this, and I am not concerned for my safety.
OVERALL:
Soft, but firm ride, handles well, comfortable, roomy. This is a SUV, not a sportscar. Those who complain that it is not awe inspiring (are right), but it is not a BMW 3 series. I was close to buying a 2005 4runner instead of the RX330, but the 4runner has NO storage. The 4runner comes standard with a tow hitch, but there is no where to store the hitch receiver. The rx330 has tons of useful storage.
I give it 5 stars because I think (if you can get it for close to factory invoice) it is a great deal of car for the money. Strengths:
-Fit and finish (I wonder how Japanese assembled 330's compare to Canadian assembled 330's)
- mileage (23 mpg)
- storage
- stereo (set on "driver" or "front")
- auto liftgate
- safety features (airbags, etc)
- looks (about the best looking SUV out there, Lexus sold 104,000 in 2004 and Mercedes copied the body styling and wheel styling in their new 2006 SUV).
- HID headlights - won't buy another car without them
- Variable heated seats Weaknesses:
- Transmission lag (sometimes),
- Crackling/popping sound from dashboard around instrument gauges
- Lexus coated the driver's and front pasenger window so that water runs off and you don;t get water spots. This is a great feature that was on all the glass on my 2000 4runner SR5. I wish Lexus would coat all the glass on the RX330 with this product. (It's kinda like rainX, but much better.) Similar Products Used:
2000 4runner
2003 Honda Pilot
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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