nstryker Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 What would you do? I'm excited to get a new RX330 but here are my choices: 1 - 2004 Silver with Gray Leather interior with Navigation/Mark Levinson and Performance package. It is 4WD and I don't really feel that I need it in Los Angeles (but I could drive up to ski resorts). Price would be around $300 under invoice. 2 - 2004 Bamboo Pearl with Light Gray Leather with Navigation/Mark Levinson and Performance package. I would prefer Silver exterior with Black interior. Price would be around $300 over invoice. 3 - 2005 in a few months for 1000 over invoice with same packages - but Navigation system is voice operated. Also, does the Mark Levinson CD Player accept 6 discs or do you need to load a magazine? Should I get the roof rack and rails Does anybody have a multi-panel moonroof? Thanks very much in advance. I'm stumped and really need some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 If it was me I'd wait for the 05s if you can guarantee that $1000 over invoice price. You could get just the FWD that way if that's what you want and there are other little changes that would be nice as well. Plus you'd have all the updates that have come through for the 05s from the 04s like the little computer tweaks and whatnot. If you get one with Performance Pkg (or any pkg actually) you get the roof rack and rails. If you wait for the 05s you'll get an 8 way power passenger seat as opposed to a 6 way. You'll get the AFS with the HIDs even if you forgo the performance package as for 05 they'll be packaged together. I read somewhere that the new Nav on the RX330 for 05 WILL NOT be voice activated in the RX, but will in the other models it's going in ... no idea why, but I DO know I read that somewhere. The new Nav will also have all the updated roads and whatnot and be Bluetooth compatible and the numbers of Points of Interest will go from roughly 750,000 to 4,000,000. All in all I'd say wait for the 05s especially if you can get it for $1000 over invoice b/c you'll be able to get your color combo and exactly what you want for the most part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 Sorry ... your other questions. The Levinson has the same 6 disc load in dash function and basically looks the same as the other stereo (from what I could tell). If I recall correctly there aren't many if any multi-panel moonroofs that came out ... some problems maybe?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nstryker Posted September 4, 2004 Author Share Posted September 4, 2004 Thanks a lot for your answer. The only reason I thought the 2005 comes with the Voice Activated Navigation System is because it says so in the brochure. I hope that's correct b/c it's a great addition to 2005. I'd love to find out where you read that it wasn't going to be in RX330. Maybe I can contact Lexus? What do you think about FWD v. AWD? Costs about $2K more. Mileage is just a drop lower, right? Acceleration is a drop slower due to increased weight (I think). Would it be useful in mostly-dry Los Angeles? What about for an occassional run up a mountain road to a ski resort? Or a once in a while Pacific rain storm? I also wonder, in light of the HID w/AFS packaged together, if it's worth the performance package to get 18" wheels, air suspension/sequential-shift automatic and rain-sensing wipers? I especially think the wipers are unnecessary and could be annoying depending on the settings. I'm also thinking of adding the Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, two-level heated front seats (does this come with an option package?) and bike and/or ski carrier? Anybody's thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 From what I've heard about the AWD system you'd be fine with the FWD model. Most have said it's not necessarily the truest form of AWD (i have no clue, but it was something to that effect). I would think FWD would do fine in the few times you head into the mountain and it's not like L.A. gets that much rain. MPG would go up (according to Lexus) 2mpg for both city and highway ... a pretty decent increase really. I think I read about the voice activated not being available on the Lexus website when watching a flash presentation on the Navs, but come to think of it it was probably a tutorial on the OLD Navs prior to the 05 coming out, so I'll bet you're right about the voice activation being on the RX for 05. Are the 05 brochures at the dealerships right now? From what I have read about the performance package the adjustable height adjustment air suspension really doesn't do a whole lot (of course this is based on people's OPINIONS I have read), but the sequential shift can help make the car feel a little sportier for those who would use it. I personally would just go with the Premium Plus Package myself b/c I would think more about getting the best MPG than having a sporty shifting option. That's just me though. The HIDs have been on the Premium Plus Pkgs in the past, so I would assume that the AFSs would now come with that as well at a higher price for the overall package. Most people who I've chatted with really like the rain-sensitive wipers, but that'd be up to you. They can be put on separately from the heated seats or packaged together. I would guess most in the LA area are sent with just the rain-sensitve and NOT the heated leather seats. Not sure if you know this but most Lexuses are just sent out to dealerships in certain configurations and the 05s with the Premium Plus package will have the Navigation system as well and have the 18" rims as well. Otherwise if you want a few different options that they don't send them out in, you have to order and then it would take 3-4 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 Check out Lexus' website for the options that are generally sent out in your area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted September 4, 2004 Share Posted September 4, 2004 Looks like most are sent out down there w/Premium Plus Pkg and the 18" rims with cargo mats and wheel locks. MSRP -- $39,713 OR All of that PLUS Navigation System. MSRP -- $42,063 ------------------------------------------------- Of course those are 04 prices, but I think we've seen there'll be a $280 increase in general for the 05s PLUS some of the packages will have elevated pricing as well ... for instance expect the Premium Plus to cost more as well b/c of the AFS now being packaged with the HIDs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jchauvin Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 Lexus officially announced the 2005 Lexus RX330 pricing on Sept 3: "The RX 330 luxury utility vehicle has been enhanced for 2005 by adding the power rear liftgate, 8-way power passenger seat, and a wood steering wheel and shift knob to the list of standard features. The available Lexus Navigation System gets upgraded software, and adds voice activation and Bluetooth® capability. Both RX models get a price increase of $500 with the MSRP for the RX 330 FWD model at $35,775 and the RX 330 AWD model at $37,175." Some dealerships here in Southern California already have some 2005 models in stock with additional vehicles arriving in the next few weeks. According to my local dealer, the EPA mileage for the 2005 Lexus RX330 has been reduced by 1 mpg compared to the 2004 models. Although the dealer did not have an explanation, I wonder if this reduction is a result of changes made to the computer-controlled transmission to improve acceleration and remove the transmission lag some people have complained about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nstryker Posted September 5, 2004 Author Share Posted September 5, 2004 That's good news. That'll help me get a better handle on the expected invoice price on the 2005. And it does appear from wherever that quote was from that the Nav system will be voice-activated. I saw on the Lexus web-site that it accepts about 100 commands. The 2005 brochure was at a Santa Monica dealership a week ago. I watched the receptionist open the cellophane on the bag. A day later I went back for a 2nd test drive and she said they were all gone, and they couldn't get one from other dealerships either. Thanks for the information, and keep it coming. I still haven't decided what to do and will probably wait until after Labor Day anyway. I think the "Golden Opportunity" sale will be over, but I was told by 2 dealers that it only affects interest rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nstryker Posted September 5, 2004 Author Share Posted September 5, 2004 Two more things: 1 - Do you know if the rain-sensitive wipers can be turned off or adjusted? I'd hate to be stuck with them on during a foggy/misty day. 2 - Do you think the sequential shift lowers the MPG just b/c of the way a driver might use it? In other words, if you didn't use it, even though it was an installed option, would the mileage be the same as one without it installed? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker4theSpurs Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 Yes, they can be turned off --- the rain-sensitive wipers that is. I would guess the sequential shift would have the same MPG if not used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.