Faults:

Transfer case seals replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

We purchased this car in Jan 2010 to replace a Volvo Cross Country. (See my review under Volvo Cross Country or Volvo XC70).

We've had no issues other than the transfer case seals mentioned above. I believe Lexus has upgraded these seals, as I have read this is a common problem that's been addressed. The car is perfect for a family of 4 such as ours. Easily fits all our gear when we go on holidays. The rear seats slide forward, which adds another 6 or so inches to the rear boot space.

It's a bit of a gas guzzler, so watch how you use your left foot. Transmission seems reasonably smooth, but to be honest, I've driven better. I think it's a case of the driver modifying the way the car's driven, as opposed to Lexus modifying the transmission. No other problems at all. The car has great ergonomics. Everything where you want it to be.

Even though this car is a 2005, we purchased it with only 38000kms on the clock. We intend to pay the extra and get this car serviced at the local Lexus dealer in Brisbane, and I anticipate having this car for at least the next 5-7 years.

Regardless of what happens with this car in the future, there's no way on Gods earth that it could be worse than the Volvo it's replaced.

Faults:

From time to time, when the engine is cold, a strange and really nasty odor comes from the heating system. It dissappears quickly - one minute or such. The former owner wanted to sell it due to the persistent smell. The car went twice in service and had the entire A/C system verified, apparently no problem found. I didn't notice anything strange in the last month, when I started the car remotely, probably when it get warmer the odor dissappears before I enter the car.

Does somebody has any idea what could be the cause?

General Comments:

This car is a dream to be inside. Mine is the full version (air suspension, Mark Levinson sound, navigation, rear camera, electrical adjusted heated leather seats, etc) and it makes you feel really spoiled inside.

The performance is not outstanding for its price and the handling is rather clumsy comparing with my previous Outlander.

Mileage is awful (20 liters/100km) in town, but you regain your smile outside, with around 10liters/100km.

Extremely silenced, very comfortable on any road, decent off road capabilities (off road in this case meaning snow or a muddy road, not more).

Overall it is a very nice car to be inside, really comfortable to cruise on motorways and..did I already said this? really beautiful. Of course, these comes with a price, but I think it worth the money.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing. This is my second Lexus and the reliability of my previous ES300 was outstanding.

I also have the 2003 Highlander, which is based on the old RX 300, which I also loved, so I thought if the Highlander was great, I could only love a RX 300. In fact, the RX 330 is the first vehicle I have considered buying when it comes off lease.

General Comments:

This vehicle is comfortable, quiet and luxurious. I also test drove the X5, Volvo, Mercedes (15,000 more), and MDX.

The service is impeccable, and if you even mention a complaint, they are all over the problem, no matter how small.