- #396 of 465
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Re: RX350 or ES350? [praz]
by catdaddylong
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Feb 13, 2008 (5:35 pm)
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Replying to: praz (Dec 15, 2007 4:28 pm)
I bought my wife an ES330 back in 2005 to replace her ES300 which was 10 years old. I have ordered a RX350 that will be here in a week from another dealer (dealer swap). My wife rode in a similar RX350 that I am going to get an she has fallen in love with it and wants to trade me when it gets here. I was thinking that the RX was not a very "manly" SUV and was leaning toward a Highlander but after some serious and realistic thoughts, my days of running in the mud and up power lines in a FWD SUV are over. I do hunt and occasionally run into snow and mud but we are talking forest roads not the outback of Africa. The Highlander is just a RX with less luxury, less warranty and I would guess not the service that Lexus owners experience. The 2009 RX350 is unchanged from the 2008 except the same options will run you $1500 more. There is a Pebble Beach option that is not available in 2008.
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- #397 of 465
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Re: RX350 or ES350? [catdaddylong]
by carlovernj
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Feb 13, 2008 (6:44 pm)
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Replying to: catdaddylong (Feb 13, 2008 5:35 pm)
Hi catdaddylong,
What options cost more in the 2009 RX vs 2008? The option costs appear identical. The only change is the MSRP of of the vehicle, the price increased slightly. (For example, its only $100 higher for AWD).
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- #398 of 465
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Re: Cold Start Noise [jav08]
by rpac
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Feb 13, 2008 (8:14 pm)
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Replying to: jav08 (Feb 11, 2008 1:45 pm)
Hello jav08. I read with interest your post on the noise you are experiencing upon first start up of the day. Now, let me tell you, I am a Lexus nut. They come out with a new color and I buy it. That's probably why I am always broke. But I would never drive another model car than the RX350. Every RX I have owned has done the same thing you speak of in the morning. Sometimes, I get in and start the car and let it sit for a few minutes while I go thru the days paper work I have to do. Then by the time it is warmed up I experience no unusual noises. Guess it''s normal as they say. One other thing the dealer told me. When I start the car in the morning do not shift gears until the RPM has dropped to at least 1000 RPM. Good luck and happy driving. Good post! 
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- #399 of 465
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Re: Cold Start Noise [rpac]
by praz
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Feb 13, 2008 (8:26 pm)
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Replying to: rpac (Feb 13, 2008 8:14 pm)
He is right, it is better when you let the rpm to drop to at least 1000rpm. Also, as the doors lock when the gear is changed from "P" you might hear unusual noise.
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- #400 of 465
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RX350 steering vibrating when climbing around 70+mph
by turquoise_e1
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Feb 14, 2008 (2:41 pm)
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Ever since I got my '07 RX350 back from 15K service late last year, it developed a vibration at the steering wheel that felt terrible and at times unsafe when traveling at freeway speed. I can't recall having the vibration before 15K service.
The dealer looked at the problem 4 times now. They re-balanced the tires twice, changed to a new set of 4 tires, checked suspension and brake but the vibration is still there. Above 55 mph, you can feel a slight vibration. When I get an incline or decline and over 70+mph, it gets unbearable. Of course, the last time, they claim they can't reproduce it even after my specific instruction. They only drove 5 miles for the entire service; doubt they try too hard.
I am tired of not able to get to the root. I even think there might be a loose screw or some engine or transmission mounts or CV boots that are loose or something. But, dealer said they are all fine.
Does anyone has any similar experience or suggestion?
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- #401 of 465
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Re: RX350 or ES350? [carlovernj]
by catdaddylong
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Feb 14, 2008 (5:29 pm)
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Replying to: carlovernj (Feb 13, 2008 6:44 pm)
Carlo, I picked the same options for a 2008 RX350 and a 2009 RX350 and I was going by the Edmunds True Market Value as to what the cost difference would be for my area. The 2009 model TMV is $41,027 and the 2008 is $39,402. Actually a $1625 difference. This is what the real world cost is when buying. I was just pointing out that there is no difference between the two model years and it makes more sense to get a 2008 model while you can, other wise expect to pay about $1500 more for the 2009 for the same options.
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- #402 of 465
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Cargo and Floor Mats for the RX350
by catdaddylong
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Feb 14, 2008 (5:42 pm)
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For those who have bought after market all weather floor mats and cargo mats to protect the carpet what brands did you buy. I have seen the Husky liners and the Weather Tech and have not made up my mind as to which one to go with. Are there some other brands that you have found to be better and if you bought one of the two fore mentioned mats were you aware of the other and what persuaded you to buy one over the other ?
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- #403 of 465
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Re: Cargo and Floor Mats for the RX350 [catdaddylong]
by rpac
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Feb 14, 2008 (7:37 pm)
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Replying to: catdaddylong (Feb 14, 2008 5:42 pm)
Hello Catdaddylong - Interesting post. Maybe I can help. Forr years I have fooled around with cheap smelly plastic mats, until one day I discovered a company called Exact Mats in Katy, Texas. So far I have used them in a RX330 and two RX350's. They are very strong and do not smell and they hold their shape very well. The mats are made to each vehicles specifications. Some Lexus dealers are now selling them at a mark up of course. I live in L.A. and I have been up in the snow etc and the mats exceed their expectations. If you wish I can give you exact details on who to contact in Texas to get a good deal. They know me quite well as I have purchased many mats from them. And no, I do not get a comission from recomending them. If your local Lexus dealer carries them get the price and then compare with the factory prices. They ship right to your door. Good people I would say. Hope this helps. Happy driving! Incidentaly they are clear mats so the beauty of your Lexus mats are always visable.
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- #404 of 465
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Re: RX350 or ES350? [catdaddylong]
by carlovernj
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Feb 15, 2008 (5:55 am)
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Replying to: catdaddylong (Feb 14, 2008 5:29 pm)
Hi catdaddylong,
Thanks for the claification, I thought you were talking about MSRP in your original post, not TMV.
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- #405 of 465
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Re: RX350 steering vibrating when climbing around 70+mph [turquoise_e1]
by erik_h
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Feb 15, 2008 (9:20 am)
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Replying to: turquoise_e1 (Feb 14, 2008 2:41 pm)
There are a couple of things to look at.
1) Did you rotate your tires, try rotating them back.
2) Did the dealer over torque the lug nuts ?
3) Did you have your brakes worked on.
4) Did you have any flats, especially on rear tires, your rim could get bent slightly.
5) Does your dealer use a road force balancing machine like the Hunter 9700 ?
I had a similiar issue with my RX and it went away after I replaced the brake rotors. I don't know if it #2 or #3 on the list but it got much better with new rotors.
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