pauljcl

Somewhere on this forum, it was reported the engine noise was due to Lexus switching from a timing belt to a timing chain - saving us from having to spent the $800 to replace the belt every 90k miles (or whatever). If that's true, I'll put up with the noise to not hassle changing the timing belt (as I had to do with my old Acura and Miata). Just my opinion.. Mercedes engines have timing chains and they don't sound like the Lexus RX350. I got a 2009 RX350, and the A/C makes a continuous light 'clanking' noise, and the engine, at higher revs. (3.5KRPM+), sounds like an engine where there is some valve bounce. Very un-luxurious sounds. Much worse than a previous RX300 I owned.

I'm not one to do exhaustive research...but I've never had any complaints with Michelin myself. just put duelers on my 07, very happy It seems the Michelin "Energy" have been replaced with Michelin "Primacy". From what I have read on this Forum from other drivers, seems the only really good choices overall are the Bridgestone Alenzas or the Michelins. I have the Michelin "Energy" on my 2009 RX350 (only 7400 miles) and I like the tires. If they continue to eprform as they have been doing, I will replace them with the same (i.e "Primacy") tire. I run them at 32-33 psi.

As far as I know, the power outlet switches off with the ignition (key)?

The look of the prius fits, yet it hurts the brand. I think the majority of americans look at a prius and think "hippy" or "freak". A lot of people think the car you drive says a lot about the type of person you are. I'm not saying I totally agree with that, but sort of...... my marketing teacher believed it. I think if they made the prius look more "regular" it would appeal to more people. There are plenty of people who want the prius gas mileage without having to get laughed at when other drivers pass them. And I'm sure most people on this forum (or prius owners) don't think this is true, but I know plenty of people who HATE the look of the prius and every time they see one they make sure to joke about it. And like I said earlier in this thread, it looks like a little minivan, and that is not a good thing. I'm surprised to hear people on this board say the prius looks better. I did almost buy a prius a few years ago though..... <_< I saw one on the road (briefly) today, shiny silver. It seems a little tall and ungainly (maybe because I was driving a little BMW convertible), and the front grille made me think of a Ford. No s*x-appeal. If the inside is nice, it may sell well as it could allow luxury owners to assuage conscience without stepping 'down' to a Prius or a Camry h, or 'up' to an RX...h or a LS...h. It looks comfortable, though, seemingly with large interior space.

Yes, you should have received a copy of this inspection. (I did on mine) I did not get such copy when I purchased my RX300 (CPO) in 2002. Maybe this has changed. But, if I were you, I would certainly try to get the report. Had I known it existed, I would have insisted on getting it for my CPO car.

For our RX300 that we moved to, and left, in Michigan (i.e. summer and winter), we put on BF Goodrich Long Trail T/A Tour ("Tour" is important - it is a less aggressive tread). They are comfortable, good on summer roads and also in rain and snow, and in cold weather. Very long-wearing. We're very happy with them.

Clearance to the car body will be fine, but clearance to the ground will be reduced. Of course, the smaller circumference of the tire will result in a faster motor rpm for a given speed, somewhat faster acceleration, and more miles/kms indicated on the speedometer and the total mileage. You might be interested in checking out the site below for comparison of tire sizes: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html Good luck!

Well done! Sounds brilliant to me! We'll just have to see how long the fix lasts....

Yes, same procedure on the RX350. The 'maintenance required ' reminder counts a certain number of miles (usually 5,000) to alert to the need for an oil change. It counts from when the last 'reset' was made.

I can't really help. except to mention that white smoke usually means water, and black smoke usually means oil.

Agreed

Let me correct you on something. AAC is Apple's preferred format, if you buy something on iTunes it will be in that format, it is a low-compression format so it has a better sound. WMA is Microsoft's preferred format. MP3 is kind of everybody's general format, the problem though is that MP3 is highly compressed so you loose some of the super highs and lows. In my opinion AAC sounds the best but that isn't supported by the CD player. Thank you for the comment, and I stand corrected. I don't know about AAC, but for both MP3 and WMA you can set the level of compression that is desired, and I have found that, at the same level, WMA sounds a little better than MP3. It behooves one to set less compression, of course.

Could be the pump that checks for leaks in the EVAP system. You should hear all the funny noises the RX400h makes after it's shut off. Indeed: the manual mentions that a pump may turn on quite some time after the motor is turned off. I thought it was 1/2 hr. to 2 hrs. (from memory), but you should check in the manual.

The "Mark Levinson" is an upgraded system: better amp., different specs., and speakers include a woofer. The other system is the 'standard' Lexus system (made, I believe but cannot swear to, by Panasonic). The standard system's sound is less 'clean', the bass is definitely 'muddier'. However, when I got my '09RX350, the Mark Levinson system could not be purchased 'alone' but came withoin a package (and I don't remember what the package contained). Everything can be interchanged or converted at a price in $ and time and exasperation, but I would guess that the systems are essentially not a 'plug and play' exchange, if only due to the woofer in the ML system and the need to drive it appropriately. The MP3 and WMA labels indicate that the CD players play compressed files in the MP3 and WMA formats, which are the most used. MP3 is more the "Apple" variety, and WMA is a MSFT Windows format. MP3 is most popular, but - just listening - on the same compression level (i.e. same file size), WMA sound a touch cleaner than MP3 for the same piece of music. So many people have gotten so used to hearing music in MP3 or other compressed format, played on systems that aren't very 'transparent', that they don't miss the difference with uncompressed 'tracks'.

I never used my jack (thank goodness!), but, if they are so fragile, you may wish to consider another jack that might fit (e.g. from another SUV so you can can be assured it can carry the weight), and enquire from a junkyard? Good luck!

Just out of curiosity....How many miles on the belt? Yes: how many miles on the belt? [i assume the belt broke while the motor was running - no damage?]

Thanks Joe for your valuable input. I spoke with local lexus dealer and they are suggesting changing the locks and a new computer (which they need to get it shipped from CA) and estimated cost of $2000+. Someone broke into another of our cars and stole a bag which contained keys to the house and also the RX300. We replaced/re-keyed all locks. The Lexus bill was, like your dealer stated, in excess of $2,000 but this was taken of by the car insurance. [since I also have car theft insurance, it was their call as to whether to risk losing the car or payoing the $2K. They paid.]

Best bet...Ebay. Try going to this link... Maybe you can get what you need.... http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=52026 Good luck!

I haven't read the manual in quite a while, and I have a RX350 - but it seemed to me there were two steps: one for 'registering' the sensors, the other for setting the warning at (or slightly below) the pressure at which the ties were at the moment of the setting. (?) Do you want me to check my maual and see if I can figure it out?

I had read on this forum that advantageous prices for Lexus warranties were available from: My Email address is : TobyToyota@aol.com 1-800-335-3987 (see the posts at and following: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...t=0#entry371423 ) I had written and the response was prompt, quoting a large discount on the official price. Good luck! Paul

The cash for clunkers program requires the purchase of a new car; a used one does not qualify.

I happened upon this post, and ordered mudflaps/guards for my RX350. Thank you all!

Have you ever tried the Akebono pads? I was told they made the least dust of all and and similar to original Lexus pads?

No, I haven't. Don't even know what they are....

=================== That's a good analogy; LOL. It's very uncomfortable and not suitable if seniors or babies are on board. Here is a link to another post on the subject you raise. http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...c=41598&hl= Good (so to speak) to know that I am not alone in this. I had noticed the same thing on my new (Feb.) 09RX350. As a result, I 'modulate the throttle' myself as I can to prevent the lunging that the Cruise Control causes. It is also wicked when you have had to slow down with brakes (thus disengaging the CC), and then click it to return the earlier speed. I now drive up to that speed and then re-set. It wasn't that bad on the old RX300, so why/how have Lexus screwed it up? [On my return from MI, I was going to ask the dealer if there was a way to 'soften' the acceleration' on CC, but forgot to do so.] [There should/MUST be a 'flash' of the ECU available to reduce this problem.]