Gfrfan

Any RX 2WD owners have any experience driving theirs in torrential rain, ice, or snow? If so, how did the Lex perform? Any comparison if you've also driven an RX AWD would be appreciated.

tomstep2

I have a 2WD RX that performs excellent in the rain. I used to live in WA where we had constant drizzle and now I live in TN where we get torrential thunderstorms and downpours. Due to the 2WD being front wheel drive, it handles very well in snow as well compared to other 2WD that are typically rear wheel drive. In ice, nothing moves... What part of WA do you live? I lived in the Seattle area for years and then outside of Puyallup towards Mt. Ranier.

bkr300

the very few times ive been in heavy rain the car was fine. no problems whatsoever
i have the 2wd version

2000LEX

iTrader: (2)

All i know is in the snow with AWD and proper tires the cars a tank.

salimshah

AWD/FWD is just part of the whole story. Need to dig in to type of drive and traction control (or lack of traction control). Early RX came with viscous coupling for rear.

Due to missing locking mechanism, AWD was worse off than FWD with traction. For '99 the traction was an option for FWD.

Salim

lexus114

hey salim,i thought all rx awd`s use the viscous coupling??

salimshah

The power transfer system along with traction control has been evolving on RX. I did my homework back in '99 and purchased the FWD with traction control. I have not kept up with the changes.

Technically the auto-trans, due to its slush-box is a fluid coupling [You need something to give, to provide clutch action]. So a carry over of viscous coupling in design may not be bad, but the locking arrangement (axle, diff or wheel) may have been revised.

We used to have long discussions back in 99-01 on this subject. Other manufacturers created ramps and rollers to show thr RX weakness.

My intent was to shine a spot light on the issue. Also keep in mind, very few designs are perfect. Each has its pluses and minus. [Like torque steer in FWD]

Salim

thomas1

Salimshah I believe you are right, the VSC was introduced to eliminate the Vicous coupling design. However when the RX came out, it beat the Mercedes ML in driving through a sand test area....I still have the magazine issue. The vicous coupling I believe has been re entroduced on the latest RX (I may be wrong) I thought I read that somewhere....

lexus114

yeah i know,i saw that ramp thing too.the only car able to go up like it was meant for it was the subaru.all i can say is my awd has been excellent in snow so far.(that is,when we get it!!) stupid global warming!!

AlexusAnja

Whatever the "design" of the RX, I've never gotten stuck in snow and handling on ice is fine with the right tires. I don't live in the snow belt of Michigan or North Dakota, but I live in NJ which gets it's nice share of snow when the time is wrong... I've barreled my '99 out in 12" of snow and it's been fine. I can see where if you're going up an incline and there happens to be ice/snow and everything you can think of on the road that the RX could get stuck without the locking rear-diff. but not many "4x4" are going to be able to get out in the "wrong situation" anyway.

Which version to get depends on where you live. If you live up north with snow, just for peace of mind and that 1 in 1000 chance you'll need it, get the awd. If you're living south with no snow ever, then of course get the 2wd because that's fine enough for rain.