M.J.H.

I am currently a 2003 Acura CL Type-S owner 6-speed that I modded pretty damn heavily and now I want something a bit more luxurious and more practical, so I opted for the Lexus RX330. I'm looking to spend less than $21K on this car and I am hoping to do some nice clean mods to make a little unique, but still very clean and OEM looking.

What color do you guys recommend? Pearl white vs. flint vs. black? Tough because I really like all 3 and I'm a previous graphite grey IS300 owner.

I'm looking to throw on some window tint maybe some 19" OEM Lexus wheels and some fatter tires.

RXSF

i voted for flint mica. though im impartial because i own an flint mica RX330. IMO, its still one of the best colors in the RX line, and after 5 years of ownership, i think it still looks great. its a color that doesnt seem to go out of style. its quite beautiful in the sunlight, as it shows the green/blue side of the metallic color.

M.J.H.

Yeah I know the flint mica is an amazing looking color and it makes it appear newer I think also, because the new IS350 comes in that color as well I believe. And I can't decide AWD version or not. How does the RX330 handle in AWD vs. the non-AWD? I'm assuming the AWD is better but is it also worse on gas mileage?

triplecore

I would get AWD or why get an SUV because it would front wheel drive so the excuse for towing does not work. From what I heard the Front Wheel drive also suffers from a lot of torque streer and it makes sense when you consider the car was probably designed with AWD as a priority. Also I like the Black interior, I have my ivory. The AWD gets pretty good gas millage at 19 mpg and can use regular gas!!!
Good LucK

ps Look for CPO vehicles they have warranties and are worth it.

iKon_RX

my 330 average 23mpg 70%highway 30%city. it handles quite well, lowered 1.5in with spacers on both axles. stock 18in wheels with toyos.
the AWD with the air suspension will out handle the fwd of course. i would try n get the awd airs

AM1

iTrader: (6)

dont get this car its a problem waiting to happen. otherwise i would say flint.

RXSF

good ol am1 popping up again

i have the air suspension AWD. what can i say, gas mileage is horrible. lol. maybe because of my driving conditions, im not sure. if im only on city driving, computer reads from 13-15 mpg. the ride if decent and it handles pretty well.

i also own a sienna with the same 3.3 liter FWD and torque steer is absolutely horrible.

Rollin'ES3

White....Check the sig

AM1

iTrader: (6)

good to know i'm appreciated around here

color shouldnt be the issue.....should make sure the car oyu are looking at has had all TSB's recalls, addressed and fixed if necessary. if i had a choice i would spend a bit more and get a rx350. a lot of the issues with the 330 like lack of power are somewhat fixed with the 350.

RA080623

Staying on the topic of color, I just purchased an 04 Flint. Tinted the windows and someone who has an 04 thought mine was a new one. Obviously they didn't pick up on any subtle differences between models but I guess the color seems classic. I was always a pearl white guy but must admit I love the Flint especially when clean and sparkley.

sportsfan8

My RX350 AWD gets around 17 mpg city, and around 20 mpg combined with freeway... and I drive it pretty hard around corners

Oh, and can't go wrong with Flint Mica

dave2K

I love my white 04 AWD RX 330, but if you want good handling don't get a mid-size SUV no matter which model. If you want an "suv" that can perform you need to get the subaru WRX STI. Of course it won't haul much and mileage isn't great, but you'll love to drive it. I get around 22 mpg combined and up to 28+ on the highway. I drive it pretty conservatively because it's frustrating to drive a large vehicle aggressively. That's like trying to run fast in snowboarding boots. Also, if someone is getting torque steer from the FWD sienna, they are driving it like a crazy person. Again, a case where the driving does not match the vehicle.

sportsfan8

It's fun hearing the tires squeal while making hard turns... of course, only when there's no passengers.