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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Lexus RX 350 Prices Paid and Buying Experience
3102 messages, Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 5:51 AM
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Replying to: jpzy3 (Mar 07, 2009 1:48 pm) http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f14dd11/43 >> The 2010 RX350 (and the Toyota Venza) F/awd system was adopted from the Ford Escape/Mariner/Tribute design and is WORSE than the previous RX F/awd system by a WIDE measure. >> The new 2010 RX350 F/awd system, like the Ford Escape, uses direct drive from the transaxle output to the rear driveshaft. At the end of the rear driveshaft a "linear" electric clutch is used to modulate, modify, the level of engine torque, 0-50%, delivered to the rear diff'l. The functionality of Braking, ABS, VSC, EBD, etc, depends on the rear driveline being INSTANTLY decoupled upon activation of any of these "features", and that is the Lexus procedure. The way I read the information the only time(s) the rear drive line will be automatically "coupled" is under HARD acceleration or with front wheelspin/slip arising from too much engine torque being used for road surface conditions. There is an intimation that OAT, COLD OAT will play a part in the level of torque automatically delivered to the rear drive line. If the clutch is fully locked, as it can be up to 18MPH under driver pushbutton control, the driveline and tires will be forced to "absorb" any stress due to high roadbed traction. If the clutch is only partially closed/engaged then the clutch itself will be forced to absorb any undue driveline stresses, stressing. The Ford manual WARNS that in this circumstance, linear clutch overheating, the system may go to FULL engagement or be disabled altogether and advises the driver that should this happen the procedure to follow is to pull over long enough for the rear linear clutch to cool off. Toyota and Lexus have been notoriously lax with this type of advice so I suspect we will not see this CAUTION note in any Toyota or Lexus owners manual until maybe 2013. While I am NOT a strong fan of the current RX's F/awd it can be made more functional than the new one. The current model uses a fully OPEN center diff'l that will allocate the engine drive torque 50/50 F/R just as long as both "ends" have equal, roughly equal, traction with the road surface. The "secret" to making use of the current system is to assure that F/R roadbed traction is ALWAYS roughly EQUAL. I do that by installing all four tire chains in times of need. The only option with the new system would be to "wire" the rear clutch fully closed and disable one of the front drive halfshafts. You would then have a RWD vehicle, ultimately more safe than the new F/awd RX350. I have been seriously considering the purchase of a Mercury Mariner hybrid (now with VSC) and should I do so it would go immediately into the shop for a REMCO front halfshaft modification and I would "hot-wire" the rear clutch fully closed. RWD but with part-time 4WD capability via manually engaging the REMCO halfshaft coupling device. |
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| does road in tire, multi shield and protection plus policy good...is it a good deal for future use? | |
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Replying to: mar1an1 (Mar 09, 2009 11:28 am) i guess i should go test drive the MDX. i've heard many good things, but acuras never really did anything for me. however, if it drives well, it maybe enough to convince me b/c I've already had my share of impulsive car shopping and i'm done - although i had lots of fun with those 2 impulsive buys. i test drove the volvo XC90 this weekend and was pleasantly surprised. i actually test drove it to confirm i should cross it off my list, but instead it's back on the list. also test drove the BMW X5 and was hoping i wouldn't like it soo much(i am biased towards bmw) and now that's definitely on the top of my list. can't beat that bmw-handling. but I can't see spending that much money on a new car so i may go used. i did cross the cayenne off my list. test drove a cayenne base although the one I drove might've had issues. i guess i was looking for anything to cross it off my list - the maintenance is too costly. i'm looking for a good quality vehicle at a very discounted price in this economy. a co-worker is also looking for a new subaru, but even subaru is not budging on price. i thought it was a buyer's car market too - what's the deal?! or should i say where are the deals in NJ? i was actually in the market for a used vehicle and this lexus marketing support through me for a loop b/c of the big discount. unfortunately, i found out about it too late. warnock said they were sold out of the 09 RXs a couple weeks ago and didn't have to go anywhere near $11k under list. i'll let you know how i like the MDX. maybe we can go in together and get a deal for two. thanks for posting that info on AWD.
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Does maintenance come with a new lexus purchase? I'm more familiar with BMWs and maintenance is included for first 4yrs/50,000mi. I thought it was included with a Lexus purchase as well, but from what I gathered from the service forum it isn't. Someone mentioned they pre-paid for maintenance... anyone recommend what a good price is and for how long are the contracts?
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Replying to: jpzy3 (Mar 09, 2009 4:29 pm) |
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Hi Car Man: Can you tell us if Lexus has announced any favorable money factor or other incentive yet for the 2010 Lexus RX 350? Thanks, CanStacker |
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Replying to: CanStacker (Mar 09, 2009 7:59 pm) I suspect many are waiting for an incentive, but Lexus is probably going to wait to see how the new RX is selling, especdially since supplies are somewhat limited now.. |
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Replying to: tmanmiata (Mar 05, 2009 11:32 am) where did you bought your RX350..may I have the Sale person name? Thank you |
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Replying to: CanStacker (Mar 09, 2009 7:59 pm)
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Replying to: soonercat (Mar 10, 2009 8:31 am) |
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