teutonictrio

The company is sending me swatches of this color and charcoal (if I go with 'black', as the black in the RX330 is not terribly deep in color) and I'll see if it works. If so, I'll be sure to let everyone know and post pictures if my wife can keep the car clear enough for some.

I'm wondering if this is a match or not - guess I should order a sample. It's from 'YESessentials by Millikin' and is called dark taupe.

I'm not looking for the ivory mats, as that's what it comes with, and they show dirt SO fast and SO thoroughly - I want the darker gray/brown color that is on the dashboard and such - they have two colors of vinyl in the ivory interior, and the darker color would be great to get, as there is little black inside (just gauge surrounds) so black mats are out.

I am highlighting the color in this picture. It's gray, but some sort of unique gray with a brown or green tint to it. Anyone matched it before??

I want to replace the mats on my wife's RX 330 and rather than go with the light beige (ivory) that matches the interior, I wonder about that 'other color' in the interior, sort of a brownish hued grey color. Where could I get mats that match that color, and what color is it?

Anyone here know the hack to get the nav screen to show the videos when needed? I wouldn't want it all the time, but some times the passenger might want to see the video also, and it helps when our 2 year old is screaming that the OK button needs to be pressed or something...

The LR3 should be at dealers now (a 'tester' anyway) and I wonder if anyone has driven one and can compare it to their GX470. We were on the list but bought the GX instead - hope not to regret the decision.

The LR3 should be out in some dealers with a tester vehicle now, and I wonder if anyone here has taken one for a spin.

replying to my own post so I get email notification - sorry.

I've read forever that the Lexus Marc Levinson system is supposed to be the best in the world. I have an E500 that has a system a thousand times better, and even my wife's Audi A6 had a better system. Are we missing some 'magic button' or setting that prevents it from sounding good? AM sounds terrible, muted and warm like an old single speaker radio, and while the CD music sounds good, you only hear it from the speaker nearest you, whatever seat you are in. What about that surround sound and even simply stereo, for cripes sake?

I'm very disappointed, and hoping there's some dynamic setting or simple fix that we have overlooked...

That's where we want to put her, but the LATCH anchors are placed so that it would render the 60/40 split unuseable because the one is over the 40 split. They don't have two anchors on the 60 side unless you go to behind the driver. If you hook up the middle latch anchors, you have one on the 60 and one on the 40, so nobody can use the rear seat unless it is disconnected, then reconnected when they want to get out.

WHAT? I was told by our dealer that it qualifies ('04 model) and the towing capacity is listed at 6500 lbs in the current manual. It better qualify for the deduction!

First of all, we were on the list for the upcoming Land Rover LR3 for a number of reasons - technological prowress (from press releases and early drives), stadium seating, and supposedly the third row is designed for 95th percentile males (6'2", 215lbs). Well, we went to test drive the GX470 today (it's a car for my wife - I have a MB E500 and a Porsche Boxster S - we have a 19 month old and didn't want a minivan, although the new '05 Odyssey Touring was looking nice) so she could see how it rode before we get the LR3 in November. We now have a GX470 in our garage, loaded (nav, towing hitch, dvd, third row). I was surprised how much I liked it and she just loved it, and this for someone who hates trucks (my wife).

We test drive the LX470 also and didn't like it whatsoever - lurching, heavy feeling, underpowered, and didn't even have 2 zone climate control in the front!

Anyway, while we could have waited 2 weeks to test drive the Land Rover, I considered that it would have to be MUCH, MUCH better than the GX because of the huge benefits the Lexus has in reliability, service, and depreciation. She seemed excited to get it, and really enjoyed the ride and luxury, so we cut a deal for $1000 over invoice on the one we wanted.

Anyway, a few comments, and a few questions.

I'm not too familiar with many third row seats in SUV's, but I could sit back there (not comfortably, but with headroom) and I'm 6'2" There's little legroom for sure, but for a short trip it wouldn't be a problem for anyone shorter than me I would think. I read all these scathing review about the third row seat (seems the only thing the reviewers complain about on this vehicle - everything else is glowing) and don't understand what they expect. It's fine for me, and I'm quite tall! I wouldn't want to sit back there for endless hours, but kids will be just fine, or small adults, as long as there are no bumps...Are other SUV's (skip the Lincoln or other American stuff - just reliable vehicles like the Lexus) that much better in the 3rd row?

The LATCH system is really odd in this vehicle, offset so that the car seat sits half on the seat and half on the middle bolster. Anyone successful in affixing a car seat to the middle or the drivers side rear seat? What are the tricks that I'm missing?

Overall, fantastic vehicle - far exceeded my expectations, and hers too. The Lexus service and sales advisors were absolutely top notch, and I'm accustomed to Mercedes and Porsche, and these guys would blow them away. No pressure, true heartfelt concern, and fantastic knowledge of product.

I'd love your comments on the aforementioned issues, and hope to read more posts on this board as we enjoy our new GX. I know our daughter Ella already has (with the DVD).