clunker

My wife and I will be buying an RX330 in the next month but are unsure of whether or not to buy an all wheel drive or the standard front wheel drive. Is the maintenance less or the gas mileage better with the FWD only? Other than traction, are there any advantages to the AWD?

Thanks in advance. Any help or comments will be appreciated.

Carver

Unless you have a need for AWD I would avoid it on our aging cars. It's a whole lot more moving parts to maintain and replace. AWD are not that easy to find in Texas and that may be the case for Georgia as well. Go for a FWD and try to find one with the tow package which gives you a larger radiator, transmission cooler and a higher amp alternator, much more usable in your climate than AWD.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

clunker

Thanks, Carver. I did not know Lexus offered a tow package as I've never seen one with a hitch. I guess I need to do some more research!

Carver

I would say the majority never put a hitch on it. It's mostly added insurance for a hot climate.

chimera

If you're not in a climate that encounters a lot of snow, FWD is the way to go. The AWD vehicle is heavier (has a rear differential, etc) and thus will get slightly less in gas mileage. In Minnesota, you generally only see AWD RX's. There is no 'tow' package for an RX. They offer the option of a tow hitch receiver and ball mount, but that is all it includes. On a FWD vehicle, it wouldn't make much sense to do a lot of towing. The coolant capacity of the RX 330 is 9.6 Qt (w/ trans oil cooler), more than enough to keep it cool in high heat environments.

RX330inFL

Your RX did have as an option a Towing Prep Package. It included a Transmission cooler, Heavy-duty radiator, and a Heavy-duty alternator. The trailer hitch was a separate accessory.

Carver

130.00 option according to my window sticker.

RX330inFL

And well worth it, IMO.

diverchris

I wish Lexus offered the FWD option in Canada; if that was the case I would have bought FWD over the AWD

Adamjeeps

The AWD rear bearings are notorious for needing replaced after around 75,000 or so miles. They get loud. If you don't drive in snow then get the front wheel drive. I didn't think the AWD handled particularly nimble anyway so you are not losing much in that regard. Miles per gallon is about 5% better with front driver too.

clunker

Thanks for the advice! My wife picked up her "new" 2004 Rx330 Wednesday. Front wheel Drive. 51,300, 1 owner miles.

Carver

Congrats! If you haven't already, register at Lexus for your car's complete dealer service history. https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home

Post some pics!

LEXRX04

congrats on the "new" ride

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

welcome to CL!

clunker

Thanks, everyone!
I hope it's more reliable than her Range Rover was. Everything I've read says that it will be!