Affordable luxury: problem areas and ailments of the Lexus PX II with mileage. Lexus RX second generation: strengths and weaknesses Lexus rx 2nd generation
Good afternoon, motorists and professionals. I bought a Lexus RX 270 in the salon of the city of Surgut on November 4, 2013. Toyota Avensis (2008 onwards), which faithfully and faithfully served me for 5.5 years, I decided to change. Before that, he used only cars of the Russian automobile industry (Tavria, VAZs 21043, 201099 and 21011).
Lexus took it to order, since the beige interior and beige body were not available. The dealer delivered the car a month later than it was indicated in the contract, so they put protection and floor mats as a gift. As a result, with the signalization of the car, it came out at 2.1 million rubles.
I took the car for myself to carry my wife and myself to work. Before that, I was on a test drive of the hybrid RX 350 in the F-Sport configuration, as well as on the ES. Each car is good in its own way. But, since there was only 2 million money, I decided on the Lexus RX 270.
Impression
The car has a comfortable landing system. Salon comfortable (everything is at hand) and warm. The interior smells of leather and upholstery materials are pleasant to the touch. There is a rear view camera. Quite quickly set up the surround sound of music. It is convenient to use the phone via bluetooth.
Suspension moderately hard (comfortable). Visibility in the Lexu RX 270 is better than that of the Avensis. A water-repellent coating was applied to the glass (I thought it was a joke, but the snow immediately drains after the glass warms up). There is lighting outside. Parking to the curbs (curbs) is easy to carry out even backwards, even in front.
You can list the advantages of the car for a long time, but I simply don’t need many bells and whistles. For example, it doesn’t matter to me at all how many seconds (15, 30 or 60) the backlight near the car will be on, and the light sensor can also be configured. Or how the backlight in the cabin will work when getting into the car (all on or only the gearshift lever will be highlighted).
Of the minuses of the Lexus RX 270, I note the user manual (a book of 900 pages) and a book on navigation and music (another 500 pages).
The car's windshield is so thick that it's already hot in the car, but it only warms up by half (the snow melts outside).
Visibility is still not ideal - because of the wide A-pillars, when cornering, thin pedestrians are sometimes not visible. The car has a small trunk.
Once at -37 degrees the sensor worked low pressure in the tires, but after warming up to -27, the sensor went out. The book says that if you put a very voluminous and hard object in the trunk, then the sensor in the spare wheel may not transmit a signal, and the low pressure sensor will burn at any temperature. If you have to buy new sensors, then you need to go to the dealer for their programming.
There are also controversial points. For example, high fuel consumption is due to the fact that in winter it takes 10 minutes to heat the car, and then only 7-8 minutes to go to work, and we have traffic lights or pedestrian crossings every 300-500 meters.
With such a ride, the consumption is from 16 to 18 liters. On weekends, when there are fewer cars in the city, and I drive around the city for 1.5 hours, the consumption drops to 13.5 liters. On the highway, when the car drove from the passenger compartment for 300 km, it showed an average consumption of 9.1 liters (the speed was from 90 to 110 km / h).
Well, what really bothered me when buying exactly 270 was the reviews about the weak engine and front-wheel drive. To be honest, at first there wasn’t enough on the highway, maybe the car still needs to be run in. Moreover, the entire run has been on a snowy track so far and it was scary to press the pedal to the floor, although the car is moving confidently.
I calmly stay in the stream in the city, although I have to turn on the “driving on snow” mode in ice and snow porridge, but the wheel slip sensor sometimes works with it (even at a speed of 60 km / h).
Outcome
It’s too early to draw a general conclusion about the car, since there hasn’t been summer operation yet, and I haven’t hit the track (dry) yet. First impressions of the Lexus RX 270 are good. Comfortable car for city driving. I will not compare with other cars, although a friend drove a Toyota Venza, and a brother Mercedes GLK. Each has its own advantages. Merc, for example, drives very well and is tenacious, and Venza will have a larger trunk and it will have a plug-in rear-wheel drive, but the quality of the interior trim is inferior to Lexus. In short, good luck to everyone on the road and buying the desired car!
Lexus RX forever inscribed its name in history. It became the first premium hybrid crossover in the world. And immediately fell to the taste of buyers who liked the combination in the form of excellent dynamics, inherent in the premium brand of luxury and low fuel consumption. Buyers were not even embarrassed by the fact that there was no information about how the hybrid power plant would behave during long-term operation. But if the owners of the new Lexus RX could think about it only secondarily, remembering the life-saving guarantee, then in the case of used hybrid crossovers, this is no longer a dream. Possible problems You will have to decide on your own and at your own expense. However, there are even more crossovers with a conventional gasoline engine on the market. So choosing a second-hand used RX of the second generation will not be difficult.
Engine
The second-generation Lexus RX, which appeared in 2003, was first offered only with the usual gasoline engines, which suited most potential buyers of the Japanese crossover. However, two years after the debut, the Japanese offered something unprecedented for that time for the RX - a hybrid power plant, which was based on a 3.3-liter gasoline engine. The experience of operating hybrid RX in Russia says that the hybrid engine is not afraid of frost. The batteries in a hybrid will last no less than in cars with a gasoline engine. The only weak point is the inverter. It overheats, and the replacement can hurt your pocket. If you turn to official dealers, you will have to part with the amount for which you can purchase a fresh "budget". Fortunately, repairs are 3-4 times cheaper. But if you monitor the cooling of the inverter and change the coolant in time, then there should be no problems.
Lexus knows about problems with inverter cooling. At one time, the Japanese even made a revocable company on this occasion, so it is possible that the car put up for sale has already passed the necessary “upgrade”. As for the specifics of operating a hybrid Lexus RX, it is worth remembering that it is impossible to leave such a car without movement for a long time. The traction battery can be discharged in 3-4 downtimes, after which it will only have to be charged in a specialized service using special equipment.
If there is no trust in hybrids yet, then it is better to choose. With proper operation, it is able to withstand more than 300 thousand kilometers without major repairs. Although, with all the reliability of Lexus engines, there were some weak points. The 3.5-liter engine on cars manufactured before 2012 was marked by an oil line leak. This problem is relevant for cars with low mileage. A lot of problems can also be delivered by the variable valve timing system. The gears are too soft and wear out rather quickly, which eventually leads to a characteristic grinding when starting the engine. In the worst case, the assembly will have to be replaced as an assembly.
Body and interior
Lexus RX has no problems with corrosion. The paintwork, like most Japanese cars, is of normal quality. But many owners and dealers often covered the car with a protective film to protect vulnerable areas (hood, sills, trunk lid, front fenders). So if you happen to inspect a car whose body has no chips and scratches, but at the same time lacks a protective film coating, then there is a high probability that it was repainted before the sale ..
The weak point of the Japanese crossover is the windshield. Often it cracks not at all due to the ingress of stones, but due to inaccurate operation of the stove, when hot air is sharply supplied to the cooled glass. If it comes to replacing glass, then plan on serious expenses. If you put non-original glass, then forget about the heating in the area of the wiper blades and the rain sensor. The front optics of the Lexus RX is also not without sin. On used cars, it often fogs up.
The interior of the Lexus RX still looks good with age. Disappointing only leather upholstery. It is too soft, because of which traces remain on it even from a handbag or keys left on the seat. On crossovers with mileage, the upholstery all the more needs careful maintenance and caring attitude. Those who buy a Lexus RX overseas will have to especially try. American drivers, as a rule, do not bother themselves with car care. The initially silent interior of the Japanese crossover is filled with squeaks over time. The first to make unpleasant sounds are the trunk shelf and rear seat mounts.
Video: Lexus RX second generation typical problems!
Gearbox and suspension
The Lexus RX's five-speed gearbox is reliable. It can upset only by too rough switching from second to third gear. Fortunately, when changing the oil every 70 thousand kilometers, this drawback becomes less noticeable. But it's just as easy to defeat the current steering rack will not work. Fortunately, if the problem is identified in time, then it will be possible to get by with the purchase of a repair kit. If not, then you will have to change the rail assembly.
The suspension of the Japanese crossover does not cause trouble. "Consumables" without problems withstand a run of 100 thousand kilometers. Even the air suspension, which on most RX classmates does not have a very high resource, works here no less than a conventional spring. Although in general, pneumatics requires a little more attention and costs. So you should be prepared for the failure of the valves of the swap compressors or the body position sensor. The silent blocks of the rear levers serve for a relatively short time. They give up after 60-70 thousand run.
The second-generation Lexus RX was popular for a reason. And now, when such cars are found only in the "secondary", buyers do not bypass them. Japanese crossover practically has no weaknesses, therefore, operation requires relatively low costs. This is true for the hybrid version as well. Although it is unlikely that it will be possible to save with its help. Slightly lower fuel consumption will allow you to stop at a gas station less often, but then, when a complex hybrid installation requires expensive repairs, all the savings will be crossed out at once. So, when buying a used Lexus RX, it is better to give preference to a crossover with a conventional gasoline engine.
Video: "Ushatanny" Lexus / Lexus RX. Kill the unkillable. Fox Rulit.
The first generation Lexus RX appeared in 1998. But the real triumph for the model came after the launch of the second generation. There were three main components: fresh design, luxury attributes and advertised reliability. A lot of time has passed since then. What happened in the end, let's find out on the example of the 2007 Lexus RX with a 3.5-liter engine with a capacity of 276 horses and all-wheel drive. Mileage - 150 thousand kilometers. The issue price is 750 thousand rubles.
Unlike the more recent 3rd and, moreover, the second generation Lexus RX is more like an American. This also applies to the layout of the cabin, and finishing materials. It is immediately clear that the car is "old". But, on the other hand, there is not a single cricket or squeak in the cabin, and the build quality itself is quite good. high level. Although, as they say on Internet forums, the rear trunk shelf can spoil this harmony, and the swollen armrest looks depressing.
The character of the second generation Lexus RX is soft and calm, so there should be no complaints about the volume of the engine. This is not "driver's car" for you. Hence the sleepy reactions to the gas pedal, and "sluggish" handling; nevertheless, the main emphasis here is on silence and comfort. Well, high and all-wheel drive is, rather, for confidence on a winter road or for “curb parkour”, since on real off-road it will get stuck almost immediately. But the suspension of the second generation Lexus RX has excellent energy intensity, for our roads - “the very thing”. But how reliable the car is, we learn from the lips of auto mechanics of service centers.
Let's start with the engine. In general, this unit is very reliable. His most common problem is changing the valve timing. Over time, the VVT-i adjustment mechanism wears out and begins to “crunch”. This does not affect the speed, but the sound creates an unpleasant feeling of some kind of inferiority. In addition, on the RX300 and RX330 there is such a problem as . Therefore, the owners of these models need to be careful, otherwise you can overheat a reliable, in general, engine.
After restyling, it got better with this, but incidents still happen. They say that even 2 years for the radiator of the RX300 and RX330 is already a serious age. In this regard, many owners use non-original radiators - they cost several times cheaper and last longer. Sometimes they also write about oil leaking together with pipe connections. This also needs to be monitored. Otherwise, the engine does not cause problems, and 1 million is unlikely, but it can drive 500 thousand kilometers.
Now about the box. It's easy with her. Most complain about her jerks. The cure for this problem is flashing (especially on American models). And if you regularly change the oil with a filter every 40 thousand km., Do not carry loads and do not slip, then in general, there should be no problems with it.
Next in line is the suspension. The most common problem is that the steering wheel “beats” when braking. It's all about the brake discs. It is better to put perforated ones with notches, they last longer and are not expensive. Many complain about the rapid wear of the support bearings, the "acidification" of the rear calipers, as well as problems with the air suspension when the car rolls too much. The problem is that it is impossible to change the cylinder separately, you have to change the entire rack assembly, so many people switch to springs.
And all because the air suspension on the second generation Lexus RX is not as useful as on classmates from Germany. The car is not suitable for active driving, it is also not suitable for conquering off-road, therefore, change ground clearance doesn't make much sense. The weak points of the chassis can be safely attributed: the stabilizer bushings, they surrender after 50 thousand kilometers, the rear silent blocks and, a little less often, the steering rack.
Now the electrics. If we talk about the salon, then there are no serious complaints about it. The only thing the owners are not happy with is the radio, which either stops working, then “goes out, then writes various errors. The disease is treated by putting another laser head. By the way, in terms of electrics, there may be another problem for those who like to reset errors by removing the terminals from the battery. After this not cunning, in general, procedure, power windows sometimes stop working. And the most annoying thing is that they cannot be returned to normal life just like that, they will have to reprogram their brains. That's it!
Of the domestic problems, many complain about bad drains, which often clog up, and dampness corrodes the body. In addition, the second generation RX did not do without the usual “Japanese disease” - a weak paintwork with it. To this we can add fogging taillights, delicate windshields (cheap Chinese counterparts are stronger) and weak wipers, they need to be changed quite often.
Now let's calculate how much you need to invest in order to fix all the shortcomings, and what will be the benefit compared to buying a new car. Let me remind you that for our 2007 Lexus RX, sellers are asking, on average, 750 thousand rubles. Repairing the chassis, refreshing the interior and removing cosmetic defects will cost 50-100 thousand, which means real price car will be 800-850 thousand rubles. As for, the recently released 4th generation is being sold at dealers. In a similar configuration, the car costs 3 million rubles. The difference in price with a used second-generation RX, including the money spent on repairs, is more than 2 million.
The legend that the old Lexus RX of the second generation will easily drive half a million kilometers is, of course, a myth. As a myth, and the fact that spare parts for it cost mere pennies. But when compared with competitors, especially Europeans, this is a really reliable and unpretentious car. Indeed, according to statistics, more than 80% of the owners of the second RX speak of their car only in a positive way.
The new 4th generation Lexus RX was introduced in April 2015 at the New York Auto Show. Compared to, the new crossover has been significantly redesigned both technically and stylistically.
Exterior
The change in appearance turned out to be revolutionary. The new Lexus RX 2016-2017 is made in the corporate style of the brand and differs significantly from its predecessor. The SUV received an aggressive angular design with a rich relief. Of course, such a style is not for everyone - it will delight someone, and disgust someone.
Undoubtedly, the design of the front of the Lexus RX 2017 in the new body is characterized by a giant radiator grill, which the manufacturer compares in shape with a spindle, as well as diamond-shaped evil “eyes” of the head optics, a ribbed hood and an acute-angled relief of the fog lamp slots.
The new 2017-2018 Lexus RX model looks dynamic in profile due to the prominent “nose” in front, a long front overhang and a blackened C-pillar that creates the effect of a “floating” roof, enhanced by a rear spoiler. Almost square wheel arches, "filled" with large wheels gives the car a masculine look.
The design of the rear of the premium crossover resembles a squinting robot, whose eyes are the taillights. True, when viewed strictly from the rear, the view of the car deteriorates a little due to the small size of the real exhaust pipes located in decorative trapezoidal tips.
The silhouette of the Lexus RX IV 2017 also looks original due to the large length of the car with a relatively small wheelbase.
Salon
In the interior of the new Lexus RX 2016-2017, everything looks “on the level” - high-quality fit, fine leather, although, if desired, you can still easily find “oak” plastic and cheap plastic.
Perhaps the latter does not allow the RX to catch up with premium German SUVs. Instead, Lexus laser-etched decorative aluminum and wood panels are supplied by Yamaha's musical instrument division.
The model has received a new steering wheel that looks and feels premium, bristling with a large number of buttons. In the center of the front panel, apparently to confirm the status, there is a beautiful analog clock.
Due to the increase in the slope of the windshield and the shift of the A-pillars, the space under the glass looks like a tabletop. The screen of the multimedia system now has a tablet design and a large diagonal, located above the front panel in the center.
The interior of the new Lexus RX 2017-2018 model has become more spacious in almost all directions, and the increase in the wheelbase has a positive effect on the rear passenger legroom.
The latter is also optionally offered an entertainment multimedia complex with two screens. The front seats are comfortable and have improved lateral support, which is quite suitable for long-distance trips.
As befits a car of this class, there is a good Pioneer audio system with 9 or 12 speakers, depending on the configuration. For an additional fee, you can install a Mark Levinson high-end system with 15 speakers.
Characteristics
Advertising the new Lexus RX 4th generation, representatives of the Japanese manufacturer “sprayed” marketing slogans about the car’s “driving orientation”, sports sharpness, aggressiveness, rigidity, power and other words pleasant to the ear of a car enthusiast.
In reality, the car looks sporty, youthful and hot only in terms of design. If we talk about driving characteristics, then the new Lexus RX is more of a family car, or a woman's car with an imposing character. It is quiet, smooth, comfortable and tidy, but not wild, angry and hungry for overtaking.
The mid-size 5-seat crossover in a 5-door body has the following dimensions: length 4,890 mm, width - 1,895 mm, height - 1,690 mm, and a wheelbase - 2,790 mm. The curb weight of the car, depending on the engine and drive, is 1,885 - 1,965 kg. Trunk volume is 553 liters as standard or 1,626 liters with the rear seats folded down.
For a smooth and soft ride meets McPherson-type independent spring suspension front and independent spring multi-link rear. The car is equipped with 20-inch wheels 235/55 with ventilated disc brakes on both axles. The ground clearance of the crossover is 200 mm.
The Russian version of the model is offered with three gasoline engines: the new Lexus RX 200t has a 2.0-liter turbo four with a capacity of 238 hp. and 350 Nm of torque, the Lexus RX 300 is equipped with a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine with 301 hp. and 370 Nm, and the RX 460h is powered by a hybrid unit consisting of a 3.5-liter aspirated engine with 263 hp. and 335 Nm and two electric motors, giving out a combined power of 313 forces.
The engines are aggregated in tandem with 6- and 8-band automatic transmissions with manual sequential gear shifting, as well as a variator.
Price in Russia
The Lexus RX 4 crossover is sold in Russia in four trim levels: Executive, Premium, F Sport, Luxury. The price of Lexus RX 2020 in a new body varies from 3,389,000 to 5,574,000 rubles.
AT6 - six-speed automatic transmission
AT8 - eight-speed automatic transmission
CVT - stepless variator
AWD - all-wheel drive (plug-in)
h - hybrid power plant
For the first time, the second generation of the Lexus RX mid-size crossover (Toyota Harier in Japan) was presented to fans of the brand in January 2003 at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The second-generation Lexus RX crossover was produced from 2003 to 2009 and produced at factories in Japan and Canada, in 2010 it was replaced by the third-generation Lexus RX.
The appearance of the 2003 Lexus RX model largely inherited the successful design of the previous generation - the first crossover of the Japanese company Lexus. At a cursory glance of an inexperienced motorist - it was easy to confuse representatives of two generations, especially in the front of the body, but there were certainly differences.
The second generation Lexus RX has grown in size, in comparison with the ancestor, its dimensions have increased in length by 165 mm (up to 4740 mm), in width by 29 mm (up to 1845 mm), in height by 11 mm (up to 1680 mm), wheel dimensions base by 100 mm (2720 mm), the ground clearance remained at the level of 190 mm (with the air suspension installed, the ground clearance is from 170 mm to 215 mm). The front of the crossover is with large triangular headlights, the lower side bordering on the bumper. Between them, on a flowing hood, there is a neat trapezoidal false radiator grille with smooth curved corners. The front bumper with an additional air duct from below bears plastic protection, crossover unpainted plastic is present on the boxes and the rear bumper. Profile of the second generation Lexus RX - with large doors, large wheel arches, easily accommodating "rollers" 225/60 R17 or 235/55 R18, with a powerful rear roof pillar, which, together with swollen wings and highly climbed lighting fixtures, forms a monumental stern. The sloping roofline and heavily swept-up pillars give the body a sporty, unstoppable look. The spoiler, located above the sloping glass of the fifth door, seems not superfluous. Rear "crystal" chandeliers with LED lamps look amazing, especially at night.
The aerodynamics of the Lexus RX is the best in the class, only 0.33 Cx. Such good result became possible thanks to the installation of aerodynamic bumpers, a spoiler and generally smooth contours of the crossover body. As a result, the designers quite succeeded in the image of a swift devourer of kilometers of freeways.
The interior of Lexus cars amazes the average car owner with high-quality materials and a high, almost standard level of assembly and equipment. But for the owners of such cars, this is the norm.
The 2nd generation Lexus RX shows full electrification inside. Comfortable leather seats - with a lot of electric adjustments, the steering column helpfully enters the dashboard when getting in and out of the car. The steering wheel is optimally sized for the driver, pleasantly tactile and perfect in grip. The three deep wells of the dashboard are completely dark, but as soon as you insert the key into the ignition, they come to life and give birth to an enchanting performance. The front dashboard is massive, but just enough to fit harmoniously into the interior of a large crossover. The center console is stylishly framed on the sides with metal-like overlays, it houses music controls, climate control, in the most saturated versions, a touch-screen with a rear-view camera and a GPS navigator. At the bottom of the console at high tide, a stylish automatic control lever. There is no transmission tunnel in the cabin, in front you can easily change places with the driver, but in the back, the passenger sitting in the middle does not have to feel deprived of space. In the second row it is convenient and comfortable, the rear seats move on skids, the backrests change the angle of inclination. The luggage compartment is well organized and, thanks to the placement of the spare tire on the outside under the bottom, easily accommodates from 440 to 2130 liters of cargo. The rear door is optionally equipped with an electric drive. Cars sold in Russia had rich equipment: climate control, full power accessories, leather trim, Lexus signature music (perhaps even Mark Levinson), xenon, a sunroof, eight airbags and a lot of other useful and necessary gadgets.
Specifications Lexus RX 2nd generation- a typical representative of the "SUV". This is a crossover with a constant all-wheel drive, realized through the work of free differentials and electronic imitation of locks (TRC). Front and rear independent suspension on MacPherson struts with anti-roll bars and coil springs (option pneumatic elements), power steering, disc brakes with ABC EBD and VSC stabilization system.
For the 2003-2006 Lexus RX, two petrol six-cylinder engines were offered. The American version of the Lexus RX330 (230 hp) and the European Lexus RX300 (204 hp), three years after the start of production, they were replaced by the Lexus RX 350 (276 hp). All engines were aggregated only with a 5-speed automatic. In 2005, the complex hybrid Lexus RX 400h appeared - its sales in Europe were even greater than those of its gasoline brothers.
The driving characteristics of the second generation Lexus RX are striking in the softness of the suspension (regardless of conventional or pneumatic), absolute indifference to the poor quality of Russian asphalt, honed handling, stability at high speeds (up to top speed 200 km / h), excellent sound and noise insulation of the cabin. At any speed, Lexus RX gives a feeling of swiftness, but at the same time reliability and complete calmness, it seems that it is simply impossible to knock it off the trajectory of movement. Many owners consider this car to be the best crossover of all the analogues present on the market. Off-road, the Japanese Express becomes helpless and, accordingly, useless, even light off-road is a stumbling block for it. When the wheels slip, the electronics choke the engine and doom the Lexus RX to a stop in hard-to-reach places. Its element is autobahns, while driving a Lexus RX crossover you can easily drive a thousand kilometers without rest, just remember to refuel it. Average fuel consumption is 12.5-15 liters depending on driving style.
There are a lot of offers on the secondary market for the sale of the second generation Lexus RX. The price in Russia for a used Lexus RX crossover in 2012 ranges from 800,000 rubles for a 2003 car to 1,400,000 rubles for a well-groomed 2009 copy.