I've got a 2002 AWD RX300 with over 110K on the ticker. I use it to tow my 3000# boat in scorching 90F heat, so I'm driving around on a time bomb of a transmission. Thinking of upgrading to a RX330, but was wondering if the new and improved tranny was any better at holding up than the first gen.

I really like the AWD, comes in handy when pulling the boat out of a slippery, wet ramp coated with moss, though the AWD adds a little more machinery for the tranny to have to turn.

I noticed that some websites have the 330 towing capacity as 2000#s and others have it listed as 3500#s. Is there a difference or a tow package you have to have from the factory?

I did a search, but couldn't find a lot of info on this topic, and looking for any new experiences. Thanks for the help!

 

Not sure about the capacity difference you referred too, But the 5spd trans used in the 04 up is a good transmission. The weak internal`s have been resolved, but their is a tsib on shift feel (that I`m having done on Friday) Also the trans has an external cooler as well as going through the radiator cooler for a much more uniform trans temp. I would recommend trading up for much more bell`s & whistles,better trans,much better turning radius (dont know what the Hell they were thinking there) and a nicer more refined look. Hence why I traded. Also,on the first generation RX with AWD, it seems no matter how well the transmission is maintained, it still fails. Even with out towing anything, this is one of the very frustrating things people deal with on that vehicle. I had an 01 AWD and serviced the heck out of it while I owned it, put over 100k on it and it was still doing fine. I was using Wolf`s Head full Synthetic oil in the trans. and Mobil-1 0W-30 in the engine. Seemed to be a very good combination for that vehicle. Hope I gave you some food for thought. I`m glad I traded mine in, and so far, it`s been very good to me.

 

Thanks for the info. Wife doesn't want to spring for the added cost of the 330, but if I could get a smoking deal on one that she loved, it would be different.