Toyota engine experts V6 - Lexus RX

Discussions about other vehicles other than the Vibe & Matrix.
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GoLowDrew
Posts: 241
Joined: Mon May 17, 2004 2:56 am

Toyota engine experts V6 - Lexus RX

Post by GoLowDrew »

I read the wikipedia write ups.I'll use the Lexus RX as example.The second (current 09) gen started out as RX300. The old 3.0L V6 was ranked one of the best by Ward. 3.0L V6 was used by Toyota for a long time. Then it changed to 3.3L. RX330 for only two years. It was the corporate V6 and used on the Hybrids too. Then it was replaced by 3.5L as the RX350. 3.5L is the corporate V6 and will continue into the future 2010+. 3.5L is in just about car larger than a Corolla.Granted that Toyota build great engines, why the 3.3L life cycle was so short?Was there "something wrong" with it?Wife like an (used) 2nd gen RX. Since the RX looks the same, I'm not sure if maybe I should skip the RX330. Get the older RX300 or pony up for the RX350. I know newer is aways better, but that's not the point of this question.Thanks,
2004 Vibe, Auto Trans. Built Sept 2003. Date in service May 2004. Sold May 2006.
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: Toyota engine experts V6 - Lexus RX (GoLowDrew)

Post by ehoff121 »

The Toyota Highlander Limited is essentially the same for a lot less and you may find one with the 3rd row option.I've got an '05 Limited AWD and it's a great vehicle. Oil changes are a bit tricky because of the limited space between the radiator and the engine, but otherwise 40,000+ trouble free miles.
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
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