nstryker

Thanks for all the info. I want to post some pics but couldn't figure out how. I checked the help section to no avail. Please help and I'll get them right up. Thanks.

We've got a 2005 RX330 that we lease - starting about 3 months ago. My wife has some paint transfer and minor scratches on the R/F quarter panel from a pole in a parking lot. The car is leased. Should I take it to a good local body shop or to Lexus's body shop? Thanks.

I wish I could remember where, but it was both in this forum and elsewhere that buyers were suggesting that while Lexus wouldn't acknowledge the problem, cars manufactured after June, 2004 were performing better. I wonder if that's true and, if not, then whether there was a change in the 2005?

I want to get a 2005 RX330 with Nav/Levenson and Performance Package. I've talked to approximately 20 dealers and gone through the internet and a car broker. The general consensus is that only 1% of the cars have the Performance Package. The reason I want the package is for the Sequential Transmission and Air Suspension mostly. I was told I'd have to special order and wait 3-4 months and then have to pay through the nose. The Lexus brochure advises of the existence of the package with attractive features, why should it be so hard to find that I have to pay specially? Anybody else heard of this or seen this problem? Thanks.

Thinking about getting this Package on the 2005 RX330. Has anybody had problems or comments about the sequential-shift automatic transmission (in light of some comments about transmission problems, I am concerned) and what about the air suspension? Thanks.

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.

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.

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.

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.