Excellent redesign of already good car. Requires adjustable suspension for safe operation under full load
Written: Jan 06 '04 (Updated Feb 17 '04)
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Pros: Good vehicle, needs suspension redesign.
Cons: A couple of cheap looking cosmetic touches. Unsafe full load capabilities.
The Bottom Line: This is a versatile vehicle that drives like a German luxury car. If they fixed the suspension flaw, or made the adjustable suspension standard it would be excellent
My trade-in for this vehicle was a 2001 RX-300. On the test drive I felt as if I had written a letter to Lexus, describing the weak areas of the 300 and they proceeded to address ninety percent of them.
Foremost among the improvements is the ride. While the 300 had soft ride, much like luxury American brands, the 330 has a firm controlled feel almost European. Much of this can be attributed to the up-sized 18 inch wheels, two inches larger than the previous edition. The steering is well weighted if not quick and the body roll when cornering is well subdued. The 300 virtually whallowed around corners. The handling is so good I didn't feel it necessary to get the four wheel drive option. In the 300 that gave an added sense of security, but at the cost of mileage and acceleration. The increase in horsepower coupled with a new 5 speed transmission make the 330 feel lighter and peppier if not actually agile.
Inside the car the interior has been similarly refined. The first evidence of this are the firmer more supportive seats which offer a wider adjustment range. The driving position is further enhanced by the new tilt/telescoping wheel. All the controls are within reach and easy to understand with the exception of the mirror adjustments, but this can be forgiven as this model has memory function for the mirrors; Something lacking in earlier models.
Added features for 04 include "Rain Sense" automatic wipers, power rear gate, in dash CD changer, 3 way split rear seats, extra accessory power outlets, front and rear, and more storage areas. Dual zone automatic climate control is another welcome addition.
The only gripe I have with new interior treatment is the "bushed alluminum" plastic in the center console. I have rather seen more wood or color keyed trim in keeping with the otherwise rich warm materials used elsewhere in the cabin. On the exterior the silver tail light treatment is a bit much, especially with darker colors.
With all the new features it was surprising to see they held the price. I actually paid less for the 330 than I did for the 01 300, although there are some pricey option packages that can run the price into the upper forties, expect to pay in the upper thirties for a nicely equipped vehicle.
UPDATE: After driving this car for over a month, I have noticed an Achilles Heal. When Transporting four or more adults, no luggage, about 700 lbs, the suspension rapidly runs out of travel and bottoms out. This happens on even the smallest of dips but is bone jarring on actual bumps. My old RX300 did not exibit this trait, presumably because it sat up higher. This being the case I would no longer recommend this vehicle to anyone that often transports multiple passengers. It's fine for two, but so is a Miata. If you must buy this car I would recommend the "Sports Package" which includes the adjustable suspension. A pricey option, but the only way to make this SUV safe with a full load, 950 lbs.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 37,000
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: RX-300, fwd, premium package, auto wipers,
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