FWD vs. AWD for Rx 350 - 2008/2009
#16
Which can be a bit misleading. When it does rain the roads can get greasy from the asphalt, oils and other fluids that have been building up between rains.
Here is a sales/tech video for Subaru. Note the Highlander footage. Believe the system in that is similar to the one found in earlier RX330, however, not sure about the newer RX350's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OzK-oRPCbs
Not saying get a Subaru. Just that for the extra dollars I do not think the Lexus/Toyota AWD system being used in the RX is near the top of the pack. I want my AWD system to be predictable and without all the nanny electronics getting in the way. And, give me a center locking differential if possible.
FWD with traction control and stability control should be enough for most unless snow deeper than a few inches is involved, IMHO.
Here is a sales/tech video for Subaru. Note the Highlander footage. Believe the system in that is similar to the one found in earlier RX330, however, not sure about the newer RX350's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OzK-oRPCbs
Not saying get a Subaru. Just that for the extra dollars I do not think the Lexus/Toyota AWD system being used in the RX is near the top of the pack. I want my AWD system to be predictable and without all the nanny electronics getting in the way. And, give me a center locking differential if possible.
FWD with traction control and stability control should be enough for most unless snow deeper than a few inches is involved, IMHO.
#18
Still, I have driven 4WD and AWD systems from a number of manufacturers. Was not impressed with the AWD system in the RX. From Toyota, in trucks I preferred the 4WD and AWD systems in the 4Runners and Tacoma pickups from years past along with the incredible system in the Land Cruisers and LX series. For cars I liked the Celica All-Trac system.
#19
I live in Canada and if I had the choice I would get FWD over AWD and here are a few of my reasons:
1. less money on repairs- I would not have to gear fluids for AWD, just one diff in FWD
2. Rear wheel bearings seem to go on AWD vehicles at the 100k mile mark and its a costly repair
3. fuel savings
Just my two cents
1. less money on repairs- I would not have to gear fluids for AWD, just one diff in FWD
2. Rear wheel bearings seem to go on AWD vehicles at the 100k mile mark and its a costly repair
3. fuel savings
Just my two cents
#20
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08 RX350 FWD winter performance
I live in Canada and if I had the choice I would get FWD over AWD and here are a few of my reasons:
1. less money on repairs- I would not have to gear fluids for AWD, just one diff in FWD
2. Rear wheel bearings seem to go on AWD vehicles at the 100k mile mark and its a costly repair
3. fuel savings
Just my two cents
1. less money on repairs- I would not have to gear fluids for AWD, just one diff in FWD
2. Rear wheel bearings seem to go on AWD vehicles at the 100k mile mark and its a costly repair
3. fuel savings
Just my two cents
I came across this interesting post from a Canadian owner...I want to hear from all the FWD owners in snowy areas ! Hoes does it perform ? Does the ECT option help ?
For my part, I don't venture in deep snow or cottage country during winter. I don't even commute with the car during the week so I basically drive it in the evenings and week ends. As it is for most big cities, streets are plowed on a regular basis in Toronto but you can get caught in a blizzard...so I would like to know how the FWD perform in winter on All Season tires.
Thanks.
#21
I am in northern California and I only get 4WD/AWD when it comes to SUV. Purchase price is only a couple thousands more and fuel cost difference is minimal. Replacing the rear diff fluid is less than $100 every 15K miles, not a major expense.
I just want that peace of mind of having 4WD/AWD for the wife and kids. Plus a few skiing trips a year without having to put on chain - that's priceless.
I just want that peace of mind of having 4WD/AWD for the wife and kids. Plus a few skiing trips a year without having to put on chain - that's priceless.
#23
2IS/2RX/4RX
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I am in northern California and I only get 4WD/AWD when it comes to SUV. Purchase price is only a couple thousands more and fuel cost difference is minimal. Replacing the rear diff fluid is less than $100 every 15K miles, not a major expense.
I just want that peace of mind of having 4WD/AWD for the wife and kids. Plus a few skiing trips a year without having to put on chain - that's priceless.
I just want that peace of mind of having 4WD/AWD for the wife and kids. Plus a few skiing trips a year without having to put on chain - that's priceless.
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