skyman

I recently bought my wife a pre owned 2005 RX330. It has the optional 18" wheels with 235x55x18 Michelin MXV s8 tires. I have read terrible reviews of these tires in almost every category. I want to replace them with the best choice for all around capability. It seems the number one choice is the Bridgstone Dueler H/L Alenza,which for the most part has gotten great reviews. I have read a handful of comments though that this tire flat spots after sitting overnight, and the that several sets could not be balanced. I would like to hear some feedback from Lexus only owners that have bought this tire. Your comments will be appreciated. I have found that the choices are limited by this tire size. Other then looks,what is the advantage to these optional 18" wheels and tire on the RX330?

Have 99 LX470 bought CPO 8/01 18k miles  DOFU 5/99  Engine 2UZ-FE. Religous oil changes with mobil 1

Noticed engine knock on cold start at 46k miles.  Brought into dealer told them that I thought it was lifter noise. Dealer response: Tech 251 found concern with vehicle as designed. Told dealer that did not beleive this was as designed. As no other vehicle that I owned with this little mileage ever made this sound. Said I would monitor and if got worse would be back at them.

Well, obviously has gotten worse. My wife drives this vehicle most of the time and now with 55k miles on a cold morning here in MSP (10 degrees) engine sounds like a diesel and runs rough for first 45 secs - beyond unacceptable

It reminded me of my 1976 ford van with a 351 V8 that made the same sound starting at 130k miles. The problem - bad push rod. the fix new pushrod. the cost $10.00.  put another 70k miles on ford - no noise - car was rusty but trusty sold it for $200.

This sound doesn't make me confident this engine will make it even to 100K. Any data toylexmods can provide would be great.

BTW I use to race motocross on japanese technology - and continue to be pretty confident in it, however Lexus needs to respond more effectively than they have and do a proper diagnoses.

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I had responded to this thread in an earlier post. I finally got my dealer to say that they had several other complaints from LX470 owners recently. they said after speaking with technical people at Toyota that it is in fact piston slap. Other then reassuring me that there has never been a failure of this engine for any reason,no further action has been taken at this time. I said I would monitor and if it got worse they would hear from me loud and clear.

Thanks everyone, just getting around to checking back in on this.

I have a 2000- LX470, for the record.

I am considering Toyota and wonder if anyone has directly gone that route versus Lexus.

Do you think I should try to negotiate a better price from lexus service?

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Lexus has an agreement with Toyota relative to maintenance. If your local Toyota dealer will work on your Lexus they are required to charge you Lexus labor and parts rates. I got that from both the local Lexus and Toyota dealers.

I use Bp or Exxon 93 octane

I get 15mpg in mixed driving and 16-17 all highway at 65-70mph

I keep 32psi in all the tires

Victor,Please tell me what your are doing to get the mileage that you posted. I have an easy foot and the best I have gotten in everyday driving is 14.9 and it doesn't matter what grade of gas I use.

I am interested in LX470 owners experience with brake replacement and rotor problems. What kind of mileage before brake replacement? I understand from some that rotors have been replaced or resurfaced on every other brake change.

I have a 2001 LX470 with just over 30,000 miles on the original Michelins. There is 7/32 left on them. I will replace them when they get down to 5/32.