Children's soresRX300, RX330, RX350 andRX400 H (2003-2009).

Lexus RX is the best-selling Lexus model. In 1998, sales of this luxury SUV (crossover, SUV) began in the USA. The first generation RX was created in response to the Mercedes ML. In 2000, the RX-1 was officially sold in Europe. In Russia the RX 300 (in Japan Toyota Harrier) was sold through “gray dealers”.

But in 2003, when the second generation of the model appeared (RX300, RX330), and Lexus received a Russian registration, the flow of "gray" cars only increased. The popularity of the previous model (and the dollar rate, then it was more profitable to buy a car from the USA than from a dealer), the new design (which Hiroshi Suzuki drew) turned out to be very successful and even in 2016 the car looks modern, it is also worth noting such options as an electric trunk drive (set the fashion for other crossovers), adaptive low beam with "xenon", air suspension and many other options, increased the already good sales of Lexus.

Between 1998 and 2008, one million Lexus RX (1st and 2nd generation) were sold. It is no secret that in Russia they love the Toyota and Lexus brands primarily for their reliability, and prices in the secondary market have been falling for a long time. Well, let's look at the so-called "Toyota" reliability on the example of the second generation Lexus RX.

Weaknesses of the RX 300 (European market), RX 330 (United States market), RX 350 and RX 400H (European and US markets) or what to look for when buying a car.

I have highlighted the main sores rx 300, 330, 350 and rx 400h that it is desirable to eliminate, there are others, but they are not significant. Say a lot for a premium brand, and even for Toyota? In part, wake you right, all cars break down! But the most important components of the Lexus, and this is the gearbox, engine, suspension - are very reliable, and the body is resistant to corrosion.

On the Russian market, these are modifications with a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. Already in itself the concept of "premium crossover" is somehow doubtfully linked with the atmospheric "four". Not only is this engine frankly lacking for a two-ton car - the driver has to constantly “twist” it in order to achieve proper acceleration, the image also suffers. Imagine when, at a party or any other get-together, the owner of the RX 270 is inadvertently asked which engine is under the hood of his pet - an awkward situation in this case cannot be avoided.

In addition, the 2.7-liter version comes exclusively with front-wheel drive. And this is nonsense - a large crossover with a four-cylinder engine and a drive on one axle. All the absurdity of the situation is given in a short quote from a review of the Lexus RX: “Why the idea of \u200b\u200bchanging the car arises, so it is for the lack of all-wheel drive. It's still normal in the summer. But the heavy RX is buried even in the yard, where guest wipers are easily passing by on bicycles. Really, it becomes embarrassing for himself and for the car. And when starting up a hill, the front-wheel drive Lexus barely crawls, sullenly chirping with the traction control system. While the domestic classics bypasses me as a standing one. It can be a shame, it’s beyond words. ”

The other extreme is a crossover, the power plant of which consists of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 (249 hp) and two electric motors with a total capacity of 50 forces, one of which rotates the rear wheels. With the number of leading axes in this modification, everything seems to be fine. However, in some situations, the electric Lexus RX behaves unpredictably due to the uneven distribution of traction between the axles. After all, the rear wheels are driven by only one 25-horsepower servo motor. Therefore, the behavior of the electric crossover on the road is not much different from the mono-drive version of the RX. Moreover, in emergency cases, the control of the car becomes even more unpredictable due to the increased moment on the front axle, which is also twisted by the electric one. But that's not all. Such "Lexus" is unreasonably expensive - for an eight-year copy they ask for almost one and a half million. For this money, you can buy a new German or Japanese crossover, albeit a lower class.

It turns out that the best option is a crossover with a 3.5-liter V6 equipped with a 4x4 transmission, where an electronically controlled clutch connects the rear wheels when the front wheels slip. But here, too, not everything is so simple. With driving performance and handling, it seems to be all right. However, on the market, this version is slightly cheaper than the hybrid Lexus, but at the same time it has a fairly high gas mileage. There is one more point regarding all RX modifications.

Clients counting on comfort for cars of this segment complain about the abundance in the cabin, which, in general, applies to other modifications of the crossover. Especially annoying "insect colony" becomes in winter. Moreover, their habitat extends along the entire perimeter of the cabin - from the interior door trim and dashboard to the luggage rack and even the steering column. Truly a real "insect disco" from the Orthoptera order. Dealers are not only aware of this problem, but also offer their services for installing additional sound insulation. The list of services is extensive: from the banal protection of wheel arches for 15,000-20,000 rubles to a full package of Shumka for almost a hundred square meters.

Surprisingly, the fact is that a large crossover turned out to be uncomfortable for people more than 190 cm tall. Even with the seat down to the end, they have to sit behind the wheel, literally resting their head on the ceiling. There are no such problems on pedigree German classmates at all.

It is also worth mentioning that the trim used in the chairs leaves much to be desired. It is not only easily damaged by any hard or sharp object, but also wears out quickly. So don't be surprised if the leather seats look like on a 15 year old car on a fairly fresh RX. Again, this is by no means comme il faut.

What, then, is the strength of the Japanese crossover? Fans of the brand and model will surely say c. Well, let's check it out.

Lexus RX really has no special problems with engines. In the drive of the gas distribution mechanism of both motors, a strong chain with a proprietary VVT-i phase adjustment system is used. The valves are adjusted by selecting washers every 40,000 kilometers, but in reality this operation is required three times less often. After "weaving" on the engines, the drive belt should be changed along with the rollers and tensioner. At the same time, it is not out of place to check the condition of the crankshaft pulley damper (from 26,500 rubles) - by this time it usually wears out. By 150,000 km the time will come to change the VVT-i system couplings (there are two of them in the "four", and four in the V6) at 18,500 rubles for each and individual ignition coils (2600 rubles each).

A 6-speed automatic transmission Aisin U660E is combined with the motors. The automatic transmission is quite reliable, but its service life directly depends on the driving style. Already by the "hundred" of thousands of km, the clutches wear out and, as a result, the channels of the "automatic" valve body are clogged with wear products. Repair pulls at least 120,000 rubles. Therefore, it is advisable to change the gear oil in the box more often - better every 60,000 km.

For the first time, the second generation of the mid-size crossover Lexus RX (Toyota Harier in Japan) was presented to the brand's fans in January 2003 at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The second generation Lexus RX crossover was produced from 2003 to 2009 and was 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 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 - representatives of two generations it was easy to confuse, especially in the front part of the body, but there were certainly differences.

Lexus RX of the second generation has grown in size, in comparison with its 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 was from 170 mm to 215 mm). The front of the crossover has large triangular headlights, the underside bordering the bumper. A neat trapezoidal false radiator grille with smooth bends at the corners is located between them on the hood like a flowing down. The front bumper with an additional air duct at the bottom carries plastic protection, the crossover unpainted plastic is present on the boxes and the rear bumper. The profile of the second generation Lexus RX - with large doors, large wheel arches that can easily accommodate "rollers" 225/60 R17 or 235/55 R18, with a powerful rear roof pillar, which, together with inflated fenders and high-rise lighting shades, forms a monumental stern. The sloping roofline and heavily piled up pillars give the body a sporty, unstoppable look. The spoiler located above the sloping glass of the fifth door seems not superfluous. The rear LED crystal chandeliers look amazing, especially in the dark.
The aerodynamics of the Lexus RX are the best in the class, only 0.33 Cx. Such a good result was made possible by the installation of aerodynamic bumpers, a spoiler, and generally smooth contours of the crossover body. As a result, the designers have completely succeeded in the image of the impetuous eater of kilometers of motorways.

The interior of Lexus cars amazes the average car owner with quality materials and a high, almost reference level of assembly and equipment. But for the owners of such cars, this is the norm.
The second generation Lexus RX is fully electrified inside. Comfortable leather seats - with a lot of electric adjustments, the steering column obligingly enters the dashboard when getting in and out of the car. The steering wheel is the optimal size for the driver, pleasantly tactile and perfect in grip. The three deep wells of the dashboard are completely dark, but once you insert the key into the ignition switch, they come to life and give rise 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 on the sides is stylishly framed by metal overlays, it houses music controls, climate control, in the most saturated versions, a touch-screen screen with a rear-view camera and 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 the 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 a sled, the backrests change the angle of inclination. The luggage compartment is perfectly organized and, thanks to the placement of the spare wheel from the outside under the bottom, easily accommodates from 440 to 2,130 liters of cargo. The rear door is optionally equipped with an electric drive. Cars sold in Russia were richly equipped: climate control, full power accessories, leather trim, Lexus branded music (perhaps even Mark Levinson), xenon, sunroof, eight airbags and a host of other useful and necessary gadgets.

2nd generation Lexus RX specs - a typical representative of "SUVs". This is a crossover with a permanent all-wheel drive system implemented through the work of free differentials and electronic simulation of locks (TRC). Front and rear suspension independent on MacPherson struts with anti-roll bars and coil springs (optional pneumatic elements), power steering, disc brakes with ABC EBD and VSC stabilization system.

For the 2003-2006 Lexus RX, two gasoline 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, were replaced by the Lexus RX 350 (276 hp). All engines were aggregated with a 5-speed automatic only. In 2005, the complex hybrid Lexus RX 400h appeared - its sales in Europe were even greater than those of the petrol brothers.

The driving characteristics of the second generation Lexus RX amaze with the softness of the suspension (regardless of normal or pneumatic), absolute indifference to the poor quality of Russian asphalt, perfected handling, stability at high speeds (up to a maximum speed of 200 km / h), excellent sound and noise insulation of the cabin. At any speed Lexus RX gives a feeling of impetuosity, but at the same time reliability and complete calmness, it seems that it is simply impossible to knock it off the trajectory. Many owners consider this car to be the best crossover of all the analogues on the market. Off-road, the Japanese express becomes helpless and, accordingly, useless, even a light off-road is a stumbling block for it. When the wheels slip, electronics choke the engine and doom the Lexus RX to a stop in difficult-to-pass places. Its element is the autobahn, 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.

In the secondary market, there are a lot of offers 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 copy of 2009.

Few people know that the world's first mass-produced hybrid SUV was made not by advanced Japanese, but by conservative Americans. It was the Ford Escape Hybrid. Yes, there was not much off-road in it, yes, in the land of the rising land by that time, hybrids were riveted for several years ... But this very fact greatly annoyed the descendants of the samurai.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

What's the point of a hybrid car? Is it more than the marketing quirks of automakers and green pressure? Are there any advantages over, say, a small-capacity and economical internal combustion engine with an advanced exhaust gas cleaning system? As for the questions themselves, it is clear that the main bonus should be sought in the economic and environmental fields. As an example, let's take our hero - Lexus RX450h, whose power plant works according to the parallel hybrid scheme. The internal combustion engine, operating on the Atkinson-Miller cycle with long opening of the intake valves and a high compression ratio, is connected at medium speeds and above, almost never idling and avoiding the most harmful loads, where it is assisted by an electric motor. Acceleration from standstill, sharp acceleration, driving in a traffic jam - all this significantly increases fuel consumption and the level of harmful emissions. Moreover, this happens in places of maximum concentration of people. And so it turns out that the engine, in principle, is small in volume and economical, the dynamics is not lost, because the electric motor helps, emissions are noticeably less and fuel consumption is lower. These are the obvious benefits of hybrids. Less obvious, but extremely important for us, can be found by examining the state of affairs in the secondary market. Not so long ago, I had the opportunity to talk with the owner of an eleven-year-old Toyota Prius. This is interesting because the same power unit is used in the Lexus RX450h. So, the most important thing that I heard from the "priusovod" is that it never breaks. That is, in general! Well, the gradual wear of the chassis, well, bulbs, consumables, chips on the body - that's understandable. But, as for the engine, transmission and electrical systems, everything is incredibly reliable, requires almost no maintenance and does not lose its consumer properties even after 300 thousand mileage. To find out how much the battery life has fallen during the operation, we tried to drive in the "Electro" mode as much as possible. It turned out almost two and a half kilometers of ordinary country roads. The eight-year-old Lexus RX400h, according to owners, runs nearly four. It turns out that after our winters, service and torn urban rhythm, the battery is more alive than all living things. Actually, this is all that potential owners of hybrid cars are afraid, but not all that they may encounter during the operation of the third generation Lexus RX450h.

Battery backed by an eight-year warranty

JUST LIKE OTHERS

In addition to the unique "hybrid" problems, the Lexus RX450h also has the usual, so to speak, typical for each car. Associated only with the specifics of the brand and model. On the way, owners of hybrid Japanese crossovers most often complain about knocking in the rear suspension. Most likely, these are stabilizer struts. In general, penny parts (as well as their replacement), if it were not for Lexus. The original costs about 2 thousand rubles, but you can find a reliable supplier for 800 rubles. Unlike purely gasoline versions, the hybrid was not equipped with air suspension, which slightly reduces the cost of maintenance. Springs will cost 28 thousand rubles per pair, shock absorbers - 10. More often than others, the upper wishbone of the rear suspension also needs replacement - the silent block wears out. They say that it can be repaired in a workshop, but more often the entire lever is changed, which is relatively inexpensive: about 6 thousand for a lever and 4.5 thousand for a replacement. Tapping can also come from short traction

hub, which costs from 5 thousand for the original. Otherwise, with the exception of the stabilizer struts, the suspension does not require intervention up to 150 thousand kilometers, despite the fact that it is more loaded than usual, since the battery is stacked above the rear axle.

The minimum ground clearance in the area of \u200b\u200bthe gas tank is 180 mm

The front suspension did not show any typical problems, although fans of a sharp ride more often than others complain about wheel bearings wear. Well, stabilizers, where can we go without them. Both that and another can be replaced on the run for a little over 50 thousand. The bearing will cost 3 thousand for the original, and half of that amount, for example, for Koyo. The stabilizer stands will cost 700-800 rubles per part. The knock of the steering rack ends, as a rule, by replacing the tips. It's not as expensive as it might seem - about 5 thousand per pair. The rail itself is quite reliable, but if you do not monitor the safety of the covers, you can get a replacement, and this is almost 40 thousand rubles without work!

An E-CVT variator was installed on the Lexus RX450h as a transmission. The planetary clutch, which connects the front electric motor to the internal combustion engine, and the starter-generator also work with it. Quite reliable design, despite the large number of nodes. There were no serial refusals, no serious recall campaigns. The variator allows you to manually select virtual gears and allows the owner to decide in which of the three possible modes to move: economy, normal or sport. This is not counting the electric ...

Nothing special can be said about the engine. Despite the 450 index in the model name, under the hood of the hybrid crossover there is a 2GR-FE - a 3.5-liter V6. In fact, the same as on the RX350, except that it is derated to 249 hp, due to a special duty cycle. The timing drive is a chain, which, when replaced, will cost 5 thousand rubles. The drive should be changed every 150 thousand kilometers, and it is unlikely that you will have to do this more often, since the very design of a hybrid car does not allow the engine to work for wear. Questions may arise except for the injectors, due to the poor quality of the fuel. It is not easy to notice this, since the idle speed of the internal combustion engine is considered not, and the jerks during acceleration are compensated by the electric motors. Until 2010, the oil supply system to the VVTi system sinned with leaks, but after replacing the composite tube with a one-piece and massive service campaign, the problem disappeared. It happens that the phase change clutch grunts. It can be replaced if annoying, or you don't need to. Sometimes they complain about a pump leak, but this problem did not become widespread. In a word, an ordinary, boring Japanese motor, which cannot please even the most curious journalist with something ugly.

The hybrid is ready for fords and ruts,
but does not handle sand and snow poorly.
This is understandable - only the electric motor turns the wheels

JUST LIKE OTHERS

The most serious problem of the second generation Lexus RX hybrid was a sudden failure of the electrical part of the drive. More precisely, the burnout of the inverter of the power supply system of the electric motor-generator. And it doesn't matter if this happened as a result of overheating of the power transistor switches themselves or a breakdown of the inverter cooling pump. It is important that the unit was either changed under a warranty / recall campaign, or was bought for $ 700 on Ebay ... There seem to be no such problems on the Lexus RX450h. It seems to be because the official dealers say no, but at the same time there is a service campaign for the replacement of inverters ... The fact is that sensors have been added to the cooling system of the unit that turn off the current if the load exceeds the pump's capabilities. The owner only needs to closely monitor the supply of coolant in the expansion tank, or at least pay attention to the indicators on the instrument panel. Long before entering the critical mode, a warning signal of a malfunction of the cooling system warns of danger. The inverter board itself costs a little more than 100 thousand rubles, and the entire unit costs almost half a million, so you should not ignore the signal.

There are two electric motors in the Lexus RX450h. They work independently of each other, each actuating its own axis. There are extremely rare cases of damage to the rear motor housing, as it hangs to the side of the differential and is not covered by anything. A contract gearbox with an electric motor can be found for 40 thousand. Original new - three times more expensive. The front unit, new, original and ready for installation, costs about 220 thousand rubles. A generator costs about 150 thousand, which is also a launcher for an internal combustion engine. It is impossible to say that electric motors never fail, but failures are so rare that no characteristic problems have been identified.

Previously, the terrible words "hybrid battery" have long since frightened anyone. And at - 36 ° C it works, and a ten-year resource easily survives. I mean the main power supply, hidden under the rear row of seats and in the trunk of the Lexus RX450h. By the way, do not fill up the space between the first and second row of seats with luggage. There are air intakes for cooling and ventilation of the battery compartment. If they are closed, the battery may overheat and go into emergency mode. The warranty period for the entire block of elements is eight years in Russia. Any frequent complaints about battery failure have not been identified. However, it should be remembered that a new battery will cost the cost of a new "Niva" - almost half a million rubles.

Hybrid Lexus at the beginning of sales cost significantly more than their usual counterparts. They were sold so-so, although the owners quickly realized how successful their choice was. On the secondary market, there will hardly be a hundred of them per country. This includes both the American versions and those officially sold here. The cost starts at one and a half million. If you are not afraid of a hybrid in principle, you are not retrograde, you live close to a qualified service and do not go off-road heavier than a snow rush in half a wheel, - hybrid Lexus

The RX450h will be one of the greatest purchases of your life. And because Lexus, and because a hybrid. And the transport tax on it is almost twice lower than on a regular RX, since the declared power is 249 hp. calculated by combustion engine, not cumulative. In a word, not a car, but a bright future!

OWNER REVIEW:
ARTEM, LEXUS RX450H 2010

The car really liked its acceleration. Not even dynamics up to a hundred, but an instant response to the pedal. And both from a place and in motion. Very quiet. Comfortable interior, wide armchairs not in Japanese style, excellent equipment. They say that after the 2012 restyling, it became even more convenient. Consumption pleases, even in the city I can keep within 8.5 liters.

Lexus RX has written its name in history forever. It became the world's first premium hybrid crossover. And it immediately hit the spot with customers who loved the combination of superior dynamics, premium luxury and low fuel consumption. Buyers were not even embarrassed by the fact that there was no information on 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 necessary. Possible problems will have to be solved independently and at their own expense. However, there are even more crossovers with a conventional gasoline engine on the market. So picking a second-generation second-hand RX won't be difficult.

Engine

The second-generation Lexus RX, which appeared in 2003, was initially offered only with the usual gasoline engines, which suited the majority of potential buyers of the Japanese crossover. However, two years after its debut, the Japanese offered something unprecedented for the RX at that time - a hybrid power plant 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. Hybrid batteries will last just as much as gasoline-powered vehicles. The weak point is perhaps the inverter. It overheats, and a replacement can hurt your pocket. If you turn to official dealers, you will have to part with the amount for which you can buy a fresh "budget". Fortunately, repairs are 3-4 times cheaper. But if you follow the cooling of the inverter and change the coolant in time, then there should be no problems.

Lexus knows about the problems with cooling the inverter. At one time, the Japanese even made a revocable company on this matter, so it is possible that the car put up for sale has already passed the necessary "upgrade". As for the specifics of the operation of the hybrid Lexus RX, it is worth remembering that you cannot leave such a car without movement for a long time. The traction battery can be discharged in 3-4 downtime, after which it will have to be charged only 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 can withstand more than 300 thousand kilometers without major repairs. Although, with all the reliability of Lexus engines, there were some weak points. A 3.5-liter engine on cars manufactured before 2012 was noted with an oil line leak. This problem is relevant for cars with low mileage. The variable valve timing system can also cause many problems. The gears are too soft and wear out quite quickly, which over time leads to the characteristic grinding sound when starting the engine. In the worst case, the assembly will have to be replaced.

Body and interior

Lexus RX has no corrosion problems. 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, the body of which has no chips or scratches, but at the same time is devoid of a protective film coating, then it is highly likely 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 the careless operation of the stove, when hot air is sharply supplied to the cooled glass. If it comes to replacing glass, then plan serious spending. If you install non-original glass, then forget about heating in the area of \u200b\u200bthe wiper blades and the rain sensor. Lexus RX front optics are also not sinless. It often fogs up on used cars.

The interior of the Lexus RX still looks good with age. Only the leather upholstery of the seats disappoints. It is too soft, which leaves traces on it even from the handbag or keys left on the seat. On used crossovers, the upholstery is all the more in need of careful maintenance and respect. Especially those who buy a Lexus RX overseas will have to try. American drivers, as a rule, do not bother themselves with caring for their cars. The initially silent interior of the Japanese crossover fills with creaks over time. The trunk shelf and rear seat mountings are the first to make unpleasant sounds.

Video: Lexus RX second generation typical problems!

Gearbox and suspension

The Lexus RX's five-speed gearbox is reliable. It can only upset you with too rough switching from second to third gear. Fortunately, when changing the oil every 70 thousand kilometers, this deficiency becomes less noticeable. But 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 is not a hassle. "Consumables" can easily withstand a mileage of 100 thousand kilometers. Even the air suspension, which on most RX classmates has a not too high resource, works here no less than a conventional spring suspension. Overall, though, pneumatics require a little more attention and expense. So it is worth being prepared for the failure of the pump compressor valves or the body position sensor. The silent blocks of the rear levers are relatively short-lived. They surrender after 60-70 thousand run.

Lexus RX of the second generation was not in vain popular. And even now, when such cars are found only on the "secondary", buyers do not bypass them. The Japanese crossover has practically no weak points, therefore the operation requires relatively low costs. This is also true for the hybrid version. Although it will hardly be possible to save money with its help. Slightly lower fuel consumption will allow you to stop by for refueling less often, but then, when a complex hybrid installation requires expensive repairs, all savings will be canceled 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: "Cranky" Lexus / Lexus RX. Kill the unkillable. Fox Rulit.