RXSF

I brought my 2004 RX330 in for service and got a loaner overnight. its a 2008 with some options except for the nav. Ive had rx350s before as loaners but this is the first time i have one to really try out for a long time.

Some things i can comment on is that the transmission hesitation is completely gone. when reviewers say that the car had buttery smooth shifts, i used to scoff but now i know what they mean. and the power. *drool* seriously, i wish i didnt have to get my rx330 back. it also is certainly a lot quieter on the hwy and in general. they seemed to make some remarkable improvements.

some things i can clarify is the SNOW mode we have been arguing about. As noted by some Rx330 drivers, the button does nothing except start it in 2nd gear. pedal pressure feel is the same etc. however, in this RX350, there is a huge difference! it really holds the car back so that you have to push a lot further to go. very interesting how they changed it

great car! cant wait until the new RX350 comes out!

RXSF

make that 2 nights. just got a call, radiator needs to be replaced. sigh. $1400

AlexusAnja

$1400 JUST for the radiator? Ugh... not to say they're the same, because I'm sure the Lexus' radiator is bigger and probably harder to get out, but changed by previous Civic's radiator for $180 (parts only, no labor because I did myself)... Tough luck, but atleast you get one more day of loving with the RX350.

Booyah

You sure that radiator is not covered? They had a TSB and known issue of the necks leaking--check on that you may have to pay nothing!!

I agree I sold my 04 and bought an 08--WOW a huge differance just like you said and MORE

RXSF

yeh, i brought up the radiator warranty about cold climates with my service advisor. I just came back from Reno/Tahoe too, so it makes sense that its cracked. however, he said "its not the right area" that the warranty is covered. sigh

flipside909

The 2008 RX350 is definitely a step ahead from the RX330 in terms of smoothness. We've seen the progression of improvement of the RX from our 04, 05 and now 08.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

This is actually good to hear. The thing I'm confused about is are they using a different trans in the RX350? If not, why doesn't the transmission reflash work that well on the RX330 trans? I had the latest trans flash update before I sold our 04 and it didn't improve all that much. It may be possible the extra HP from the 3.5 motor just matches the transmission gearing better so the over all drivetrain just works better. Anyway, the news is good to hear as it seems my wife kind of misses the RX and while I was hoping for the new redesign, maybe if the dealer is looking to get rid of the 08s at the end of the year for great deals an 08 RX350 wont be out of the question now.

Booyah

Yea the trans is the same, its the extra power thats better suited for the tranny--who knows they may have worked it a little more deeper than we think--All I know its fantastic

AM1

iTrader: (6)

ask them cover it under warranty as a "goodwill" type thing. tell them youll do your next major service there and they shouldnt say no. i've driven 2 differnt Rx350's and the tranny still shifts weird not as bad as the rx330 but its there.

moolman

I don't know exactly what the tranny issue you guys are talking about but in my wife's 07 RX350, there's an annoying pause when you step on the gas, then pause, then it finally kicks in the engine. Happens when going slow and then you step on the gas, not from a dead stop.

Booyah

Never noticed that on mine--it just goes when I want it to

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

That is pretty much what was happening to mine as well. It notice it a lot when going over speed bumps.

The question for those that don't notice odd behavior with their tranny is if they are the primary driver or do you switch off with your wife, or any other driver often. Between my wife and I we shared the car a lot, and both of us have very different driving styles. Since this is a so called learning tranny, I feel it just can't optimize itself for multiple drivers.

harleydjce

Have never had a Tranny problem with either my 2003 RX330 or 2007 RX350. Both shifted smoothly but I must admit the 350 shifts like cream

The G Man

A lot of the Toyotas have the same tranny problem as well. It lags when you are coasting and suddenly try to accelarate. The lag is worst in some Toyota/Lexus than others.

Lexmex

I tested an RX350 over the holidays up in DC. What I noticed is that when I floored if off the light (and this is pretty close to sea level) that there was a pause (not hesitation more of a slow run up to take off), but it took perhaps close to .5 second to engage and take off (I notice it because I race and that would be quite unacceptable), but then again as my colleague CK6Speed pointed out this is a learning tranny and since it was a test drive vehicle I can imagine that if I had it for a bit, this feeling would likely be gone or extremely diminished.

If I just gently rolled down on the accelerator from a light (as is the most common way), then I didn't sense any issue.

The shifts were definitely buttery smooth.