Sal Collaziano

So! I hear many people complain about the ES350. How does the newest iteration of the RX compare to past models? Any complaints? What do you like about the older one better than the newer one? And vise verse... Do you notice a difference in the ride? Is one quieter than the other?

RXSF

well i had a 1999 RX300 first before my 2004 RX330.

I loved the RX300, it was my first lexus, and it was the best car i had ever owned up to that point. the ride was nice, the utlity was good, and the car just looked great. However, once i saw the new ones, i had to have one. the RX300 just looked so bad (as in not sleek and boxy) compared to the newer generation. Plus, i didnt have any goodies in the car, no nav, nothing.

thats where the RX330 comes in. ride quality is about the same, i say my RX330 handles better, but it has the performance air suspension package. The 2gen also has a better interior layout to match modern society. quietness is about the same. there is nothing better in the RX300 than in the RX330.

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

Similar to RXSF, we had a 300 prior to our 330. We loved the 300, and it was very competent, and comfortable for our needs, as well as superbly engineered. Once we had a chance to drive a 330, it was obvious that the 300 lacked a great deal of sophistication by comparison. I don’t know what complaints you are hearing from “everyone” about the 350, but it and the 330 are essentially the same vehicle, albeit the 350 has a few more ponies and gets slightly better fuel mileage. Were it not for the upcoming “new and improved” RX, we would be seriously considering a move to the 350 at the end of this year. Any complaints that I may have with the 330/350 are petty compared to friends that own the equivalent Mercedes and BMW models – they seem to be constantly in the shop for warranty issues.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I can't say I owned an older RX300 as I was never interested in them from the get go. It wasn't until the RX330 came on in 2004 that I actually liked the car. Even if I as well has some complaints about the RX330/350 during ownership, I would still choose it over an RX300 myself. But, that isn't saying much since the RX300 wasn't a car I would have bought in the first place. Even with my concerns about the RX350, I'd still probably buy on again given the right price and timing.

However, given a few more months, this new RX will turn into the old RX as the 2009 3rd Gen should be coming out. Hopefully at least.

Sal Collaziano

I actually don't hear many complaints about the RX350. It's the ES that I hear most of the complaints about. The only real relation to me is that they're both entry level.. It appears as if some of the newer Lexus models aren't built as well or as comfortable as older ones. People like the interiors of the ES330 better than the ES350. Same goes for the GS and some with the LS. Not everyone - but I hear and see complaints...

So how does the new RX stack up against older models?

RXSF

entry level? LOL. sure it might be in a different class than say the X5, but at 50K loaded out the door, its far from entry level.

i think since this car was designed for release in 2004, it still contains materials that feel pretty upscale, compared to the ES350. That however, might change with the next generation and the dollar keeps weakening, and cost cutting is put into effect.

as for the RX300 compared to the RX330, the latter has a much much classier and better looking interior. Materials used is about the same quality

Sal Collaziano

I was under the impression that the RX350 was entry level.. I'm wrong? The ES is entry level. Right? It's an amazing vehicle for entry level but that's what I thought these vehicles were...

ecount00

well, there's no lower level SUV type Lexus vehicle than the RX so that would be entry level to me so I agree. And i think that was the point of the original post. IMO you could have an $80K car and if it's the bottom of the vehicle class for that brand line , it's entry level. If you compare the RX to other lines like Toyata RAV4 or Honda CRV or a jeep i guess not. just my 2 cents.

RXSF

entry level implies cheap. i think. like an "entry level" sedan might be the yaris.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Entry level doesn't have to imply cheap. It just means it is the entry level vehicle into a certain segment. If you are talking about luxury, the ES350 is entry level along with the Acura TSX/TL, G35, BMW 3 series, Mercedes C Class and such. Although Lexus created the luxury SUV, it is entry level along with the MDX, FX, RDX, EX. Now, many of those cars like the MDX, RX350, Mercedes ML and the like actually blur the lines a bit since they are in a way better and more upscale than a true entry level luxury SUV.

I would call the Porsche Cayman, Audi R8, Acura NSX and such entry level exotics compared to Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bugatti and such.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Anyway, the only main complaint I had about the RX330 was the ever "Learning" transmission that never really learned anything. At least it doesn't fail or flare like the ES transmission though.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i owned an rx300 before the rx330 i have now. the rx300 had the worst turning radius of any car i've ever driven and a fuel tank big enough for a motorcycle. the rx330 while a step up, is one of the worst cars i've driven. My lease ends in november and i can only hope that in the meantime someone steals it or a earthquake swallows it. the rx330 has been nothing but trouble, the transmission keeps getting worse with age and yet it is still "normal", i still get around 13-14mpg city. i could go on and on about it...anyways when does entry mean cheap? the aston martin v8 vantage is considered to be the entry level aston martin, even if it does still cost 110K. the es350, is250, rx350 are all the entry level cars in the lexus brand. If you think that denotes cheap, then you must be the same kinds of person that thinks you're lexus is a lexus and not a toyota, even though it uses toyota parts.

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

Hey AM1, does that mean that when your lease expires so do you from these forums?

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Keep it about the car, not the person. I edited out your last part for your protection.

Sal Collaziano

Good call. Two wrongs don't make a right...