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