Anyone put Yokohama tires on their 330?
04-01-11, 10:28 AM
#16
I have to admit, I like the 330 better as an automobile. I like the features, handling, looks, even the leather seems to be better.
But, after spending days reading about the 2gen I don't believe it is a good a car as the 300. My theory is the early Lexus were overbuilt because they had to establish themselves as a serious competitor and from about 2003 on the quality was slipping.
But, after spending days reading about the 2gen I don't believe it is a good a car as the 300. My theory is the early Lexus were overbuilt because they had to establish themselves as a serious competitor and from about 2003 on the quality was slipping.
We traded a 2002 RX-300 for a new 2009 RX-350. The RX-350 has some more whiz bang features but, overall, the RX-300 was clearly the better car. The leather had a much softer plusher feel to it, the seats were more comfortable, side visibility has been sacrificed for styling changes, there was more headroom over the doors making it easier to get into the car, and, most important of all, the RX-300 handled better. The RX-350 handles sloppy and feels much top heavier than the RX-300. We visited some friends in the SW North Carolina mountains last summer and our RX-350 was just not something to brag about once it left the Interstate system.
Although the car (with 36K miles now) has been reliable and is an excellent Interstate car, its poor handling and almost worthless nav system have turned me off with respect to Lexus products. I am strongly going to lean towards a BMW X5 or X3 (my preference) in a couple years when it comes time to replace it. My wife seems to feel differently (she agrees the RX-300 was better but she still likes the RX-350) so there is no telling now what we will get next.
04-03-11, 05:25 PM
#17
Pole Position
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As far as the top-heavy, even without comparison to which particular trims you'd experienced, you'd have to expect it as it has a distinctly larger cabin (means more reinforcement). In regard to handling, I don't think it's fair to expect improvement in an interest that was never a marketing point for this model series, let alone that the wheelbase is longer.
You're completely entitled to enjoy the X# vehicles, but compare BMW and Lexus's branding and you'll find that in their SUV worlds, you're looking at apples to oranges.
I've driven both over a series of years, and own the 330 myself. The later model may not be as cushy, but I think the overall driving experience in its element (short cruises on highways/residential roads) is more relaxing than the 300, which I understand to be Lexus' intended driving experience. But don't get me wrong, Rho, I enjoy driving feel, too. That's why I'll probably never go back to a crossover SUV.
You're completely entitled to enjoy the X# vehicles, but compare BMW and Lexus's branding and you'll find that in their SUV worlds, you're looking at apples to oranges.
I've driven both over a series of years, and own the 330 myself. The later model may not be as cushy, but I think the overall driving experience in its element (short cruises on highways/residential roads) is more relaxing than the 300, which I understand to be Lexus' intended driving experience. But don't get me wrong, Rho, I enjoy driving feel, too. That's why I'll probably never go back to a crossover SUV.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JTS06Z06
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
15
10-23-10 04:07 PM
