first rx

It appears I hit a nerve. It's just that I expected better. I was not complaining about fit, finish, ride, or interior quality, just that underneath I expected more "heavy-duty" than what I saw. Sorry, Bob

I have heard for years how Lexus (this is my first) is a top-notch vehicle and spares no expense to make their vehilces as perfect as can be. After reading some of the posts about transmission problems, I checked out the underneath of my 2004 rx330. It looks like Lexus listened to concerns, or figured it out for themselves that the trans oil needed extra cooling because my 330 has a trans oil cooler on the driver's side. I was a little disappointed at the location, and the lack of a fan to draw in air. The times you would need extra cooling for the trans oil is when you are moving slow (under load, traffic, up-hill) ) or not at all (stuck in mud, snow, etc) Also, the lines running to and from the cooler are rubber hose with cheap spring-type clamps. Almost a guarantee of a leak in three years (or less). While the 330 is a great looking vehicle, has a great paint job, and rides very nice, the under-frame is no better than average priced vehicles I have owned or worked on in the past. I still like the vehicle, but I see no difference between this $45,000 one and a $30,000 Murano, Explorer, or Equinox. Disappointed, Bob

Great, thanks. I called them and this is a pretty cool deal. You pay as you go or need their info. Thanks, Bob

Does anyone have info or web addresses for purchasing maint/repair manuals for the rx330? Since it basically a Toyota, most of it is very simple to work on, but certain items, especially the electronics, require specific info. Bob

Lojack is a fine tracker, but it is old. It was good in the early 80's, but today, is obsolete. The thing that makes lojack different from a satelite locator or gpd system, is that it takes THREE police cars to track your car in a triangle pattern. So your police dept needs to have three cars in your area (with lojack equipment) respond to find your car. One can't do it alone. In my opinion, it is not worth the money. Bob

Thanks, sounds reasonable to me. Bob

Does anyone out there work as a Toyota Tech? What is so special about Toyota trans oil? Why do people complain about trans problems after changing the oil? Can Mobil 1 ATF be used as a replacement oil? The specs on Mobil 1 ATF say meets or exceeds all manufacture specs. I have used it on everything I've owned since 1995. But....never on a a Lexus. Also, I understand that there is not a regular filter inside the trans, it is a screen. Would adding an external filter do a better job than just a screen? I have been a truck fleet mechanic for 20 years, and have never heard of a trans that does not require fluid and filter changes to extend the life. The main enemy of trans oil is heat, and if you can keep the oil fresh, you extend the life. Bob