Chris330

Image of the Thule Atlantis 1600 on my 2005 Rx330 It is positioned so that the rear gate doesn't impact when opened. Note: I had to remove the rubber filler pieces that blocked the forward crossbar from moving forward -- Anyone know why Lexus puts those filler pieces in there? Wind Noise? Removing them allowed the crossbars to separate up to 26" which is a better than the minum 24" for this cargo box. The front crossbar clicked into place solidly, so I know that it's suposed to move forward into that space. Other facts for those also interested in this box: Wind noise is low but noticable vs. the box not being there -- it has to be forward to clear the rear hatch. Haven't done an mpg test yet -- most of my driving is city, not highway -- will report back after july trips to south carolina. Height on car: about 6' 10.5" just an inch or more under 7 feet. Which is the framed opening of my garage. I had to adjust my opener to lift the garage door up higher and out of the way. Since my Genie opener didn't have enough screwdrive track length to move the door up and back out of the way far enough, I cut a 2" x 12" at 12" and used it as a mount point for the track to move it away from the door another 1.5" -- just enough to clear the top of the door frame. I won't ride with this beast on my RX all of the time, but when I do, I want to be able to park it inside...

I think the roof rack has a 75lb weight limit, probably more against increasing the potential for rollover vs mechanical strength. The 2005 RX330 Manual states that the roof rack can support 75kg (165 Lbs)... Which is good... My Thule Atlantis 1600 fits perfectly and the box itself is about 35-40lbs, which leaves about 120lbs of cargo possible. My recommendation isn't to max out the weight you put in the top of the car, or you may be looking out the drivers side window and seeing the ground close-up. Making the vehicle too top heavy is never a good idea. I use my cargo carrier for trips. Usually baby stuff (strollers, chairs, shelters, etc. go up there.). Heavy suitcases and other items definitely stay in the cargo area inside the SUV. I want as much weight as possible low in the vehicle if I'm loading up the thule box on top. Think of a rack top cargo box as a place to put bulky items.. not heavy ones.. and you'll be ok. If you want another heavy storage area, get one of the Thule trailer hitch mounted boxes. Yes, but all means, put the HEAVY load out beyond, behind, the rear axle, bumper even, that will only result, WORSEN, the potential for loss of directional control on a vehicle already highly subject to same, FWD, F/AWD understearing/plowing. They work extremely well on these light trucks. (especially since the trailer hitch on these things really can't tow much.) My opinion, worth 2 cents. -Chris330 I'll give you a penny for the good advice, heavy low loading with light Thule roof loading, but with-hold the second penny for the POOR rear loading advice. Oh sure... you and your wife probably only weight 250lbs together... me and 'shewhomustbeobeyed' tip the scales together at 600, so we're just equalizing the load... :chairshot:

i would agree with leaving the DRL's on. The reason that manufacturers put these in cars is becuase the average driver is too ignorant to knwo that they should put their lights on so that others can see them in bad weather or low light conditions. Usually the bad driver is thinking more about if they can see rather than is they can be seen... Leave em on and stop worrying about the fact that they aren't extremely pretty. (I was wishing they were bluer)

I think the roof rack has a 75lb weight limit, probably more against increasing the potential for rollover vs mechanical strength. The 2005 RX330 Manual states that the roof rack can support 75kg (165 Lbs)... Which is good... My Thule Atlantis 1600 fits perfectly and the box itself is about 35-40lbs, which leaves about 120lbs of cargo possible. My recommendation isn't to max out the weight you put in the top of the car, or you may be looking out the drivers side window and seeing the ground close-up. Making the vehicle too top heavy is never a good idea. I use my cargo carrier for trips. Usually baby stuff (strollers, chairs, shelters, etc. go up there.). Heavy suitcases and other items definitely stay in the cargo area inside the SUV. I want as much weight as possible low in the vehicle if I'm loading up the thule box on top. Think of a rack top cargo box as a place to put bulky items.. not heavy ones.. and you'll be ok. If you want another heavy storage area, get one of the Thule trailer hitch mounted boxes. They work extremely well on these light trucks. (especially since the trailer hitch on these things really can't tow much.) My opinion, worth 2 cents. -Chris330

I recently replaced my Michelins for Alenza Duelers only becuase I could get them $200 cheaper for 4 tires than the Michelins. I'm not sure about inclement weather handling.. its spring... but the ride is much different. The alenza's are a much stiffer riding tire than the michelins. If there was a night and day feel, this would be it. I'm not certain that I'd put alenzas back on this car the next time i change tires. A smooth ride to me is more important than tread life. -Christopher

My BMW's go 12-15K on BMW Synthetic oil - standard recommendation from BMW. I've leased 13 BMW's before leasing this Rx330. With BMW, full maintainance was always included in the car price for the duration of the lease or at least until the mfr warranty expired. I had the first oil change and the 15k checkup at 16k on my rx330. I can honestly tell you that I have no desire to do timely oil changes or any maintanance on this RX330 unless the wheels fall off. I'll be returning it to Lexus in another 22 months. Why should I bother paying for excessive maintainance costs? It's not my car. If Lexus doesn't care if its maintained, neither do I. It will defintely meet the minimum turn in requirements - they are very lax - and I won't have spent any additional dollars on keeping a car nicer when I won't benefit from it. If I bought the car instead of leasing, then I'd invest in better maintainance. No incentive on this for a lease. Besides, this model definitely has its issues -- two more years will have more better options for my next lease. Dealers and manufactures who wish to have decent pre-owned verhicles in their 'make' will include maintainance programs.

Does sanyone have good results with using a bluetooth phone with the handsfree bluetooth on the 05 rx330? Mine connects and works, but my call reciepients complain about clarity and call quality. Cabin is silent - fans off, windows up, etc. still bad. Phone is LG-325

I have my '05 Rx330 in now for a dash rattle that Lexus service introduced on my last oil/filters/etc service.

What a total rip-off You buy their expensive NAV... then they juice you for content updates -- especiallywhen you're leasing.. NAV updates should be included as a part of the service. Any other updates to your car to bring it current and fix issues are covered under warranty.

I have a Sprint LG325 and it pairs fine with my 2005 lexus 330. Actually everything except phonebook transfer works very well. My question to the group is -- does anyone else find that the quality of sound is much worse than if you are using the phone directly? Both the sound from the speakers and the sound to the person I call seems to drop quality and in some cases be less than intelligible. Any suggestions? Thx!

I have a Sprint LG325 and it pairs fine with my 2005 lexus 330. Actually everything except phonebook transfer works very well. My question to the group is -- does anyone else find that the quality of sound is much worse than if you are using the phone directly? Both the sound from the speakers and the sound to the person I call seems to drop quality and in some cases be less than intelligible. Any suggestions? Thx!

It's a very nice SUV...

Let me know how this goes for you.. I've been thinking about tackling that mod myself... Christopher

Hmm.. I also am looking for Fogs and DRL's that match the HID Xenons... any other sites to visit?

Hmm.. I also am looking for Fogs and DRL's that match the HID Xenons... any other sites to visit?

I may not be asking the question correctly... My last car was a 330... BMW 330CIC... and I replaced it's OEM fogs and DRLs to have the lights match the HID xenons... Yes... it's all about the look. Maybe someone can point me to a Lexus Modder site that would be more appropriate for my question?

I'm not into the yellow look of the DRL (Daytime Running Lights) of my RX330... can I either turn them off in some settings or are there whiter lights that can replace the OEM bulbs that keep the look of the HID Xenons.. Christopher

My dealer installs and warranties the product for 5 years against peeling, discoloring, and damage... so it's a no brainer to get it installed. I bought my RX 330 Flint Mica on Saturday and am getting the clear-guard installed on Monday. chips tend to show up on the dark colors easier.. Good way to protect investment. I'd rather see a thin eadge of clear covering than a goofy leather bra.. and especally better than seeing chips in the paint of my brand new car.. Christopher

I just picked up a 2005 RX330 Flint Mica, and I seriously looked at the 400h. I just couldn't justify the 400h. Sure, it has some cool looks, but it's not worth the $8k+ price difference that my delaer drew up. Much better to get a nicer outfitted RX 330. Everyone would like to have a "green" car -- but not with the crazy costs... it even costs more to insure the 400h over the 330... Christopher