Lexus RX 3 / AL10

The third generation Lexus is undoubtedly interesting from the outside. It is designed in accordance with Lexus design standards in the corporate style of “L-finesse”. The side doors completely cover the lower part of the body. This solution protects the thresholds from contamination, allowing you to keep the pants of passengers clean during boarding and disembarking. The front seats provide comfort and moderate support for the body and hips. The ventilation of the seats is not as efficient as in BMW or Mercedes models. And the back is really comfortable with only two. The control of the car systems is carried out using a color screen and the original device, which is a combination of a computer mouse and a joystick. The first contact with the device occurs in an atmosphere of mutual distrust, but after a while, difficulties with management no longer arise. In 2012, a restyled version of the Lexus Erix appeared with a massive grille in the form of an hourglass. The front optics received a strip of daytime running lights. The multimedia system was redesigned, the manipulator on the center console and steering wheel was updated. Top-end versions offer features such as Mark Levinson's premium audio system, two parking cameras (back and side in the right mirror), adaptive cruise control, hard drive navigation system, fifth door electric drive and a variety of electronic assistants. Already in the database Lexus RX has 10 airbags, and according to the results of the crash test IIHS (insurance Institute of road safety USA) received the mark “Top Safety Pick” (the highest level of safety).

Engines

A modest line of power units starts with a four-cylinder engine with a volume of 2.7 liters and a return of 188 hp (1AR-FE). In terms of dynamic characteristics, a 3.5-liter atmospheric V6 (2GR-FE / 277 hp) is much preferable.

The gas distribution mechanism of both engines is driven by a circuit. It will serve at least 250-300 thousand km.

All engines received a proprietary system for changing the gas distribution phases of the intake and exhaust valves Dual VVT-i. Unfortunately, closer to 100,000 km, the VVT-i lock pin wears out, and noise appears. At first, only after starting a cold engine, and after a while the characteristic sound does not stop after warming up. Later the coupling was finalized, but the modernized part one day again begins to make noise. The cost of the new clutch is about 8000 rubles.

In 2009-2010 cars, the rubber element of the VVT-i oil pipe often leaked. Later it was brought to mind, made entirely of metal. The cost of a new pipe is from 4000 rubles.

After 100-150 thousand km, the radiator of the cooling system starts to leak (from 10 000 rubles).

Transmission

Basic versions with a 2.7-liter unit (RX 270) are mono-wheel drive (with a leading front axle). All-wheel drive was only relied on by the RX 350. The RC all-wheel drive system works perfectly. But its main task is to ensure safety on wet and snowy roads, not to overcome sour soil. The rear wheels are connected when the front wheels are slipped using the electromagnetic coupling JTEKT. The all-wheel drive system does not deliver trouble. In pair with the engines, the 6-speed automatic transmission Aisin U660E / F works. The machine is very reliable, there are almost no malfunctions. With regular oil renewal (every 60,000 km), automatic transmission is guaranteed to last more than 300,000 km. The hybrid version of the RX450h is also worth considering. It uses Hybrid Synergy Drive technology developed by Toyota. The system includes a 3.5-liter V6, two electric motors (one for each axle), a continuously variable planetary gearbox and a powerful high-voltage battery. The total power of the two electric motors (front and rear) is 183 kW (249 hp), and the maximum torque is 335 Nm. However, the power performance of the internal combustion engine (245 hp) and the electric motor cannot be simply summed up. As a result, the passport capacity of the “Russian” RX 450h is 249 hp, and hybrids of other markets – 295-299 hp. Owners of hybrid versions of the RX will appreciate the main advantage – noiselessness. At the beginning of the movement, front and rear electric motors are involved. As the speed and discharge of batteries increase, the gasoline engine is turned on.

Walking

European versions could be equipped with air suspension with the possibility of changing the clearance. All other cars had the usual suspension - on springs. It's a little tougher. On the front axle are Macpherson struts, and on the rear - a scheme on double transverse levers. It is worth noting that heavy RX (more than 2 tons) does not like sharp maneuvers at high speeds.

The first in the suspension are handed over front shock absorbers (4-7 thousand rubles). They begin to leak after 50-100 thousand kilometers. To 100-150 thousand mileage comes the turn of the rear shock absorbers (6,000 rubles) and the rear silent block of the front lever. At about the same time, it is necessary to change the front Silentblock of the longitudinal lever of the rear suspension. However, he often squeaks long before his death. The cost of the Silentbok is about 500-1000 rubles, and the original lever is 10-11 thousand rubles. With age, the collapsed bolts of the rear suspension sour.

After 100-200 thousand km, the hub bearings are also handed over. The front changes separately (2-4 thousand rubles), and the rear assembled with a hub (5-15 thousand rubles).

One of the unpleasant defects is a knock in the steering mechanism. The reasons for this are several: wear of the plastic gear in the amplifier gearbox, breakage of the spring bearing of the electric worm, or wear of the intermediate shaft of the steering column (the least common). The failure is more prone to cars 2009-2010. However, there are also complaints among owners of younger RX. Fortunately, the problem does not affect safety.

The brakes need regular care (maintenance), otherwise they will later sour.

Other problems and malfunctions

Body is not prone to corrosion. However, many owners after 3-5 years noticed the appearance of red dots on the trunk door - it is not galvanized. Some owners managed to repaint the detail under warranty. They cause complaints and chrome decor elements. And the owners complain of creaking in the cabin and rapid wear of leather upholstery of the front seats.

Car robbers often encroach on the mirror elements of side mirrors. If the mirror was with a blackout, then for a new element will have to pay about 15 000 rubles. The usual “glass” with heating is cheaper – 4000 rubles. A simple reflector without any functions is even more affordable – only 400 rubles.

Sometimes the premium audio system Mark Levinson fails – the sound disappears, and the disc is spontaneously removed. Often helps trivial cleaning of all connectors, contacts and buttons. To do this, you will have to dismantle the head unit. The hard drive can also suddenly become numb. Sometimes it can be revived after flashing the audio system.

Headlights begin to shine under their nose (less often lifted up) due to a faulty sensor of the body position - the hinge sours. The new sensor is only in the original and is available for 15,000 rubles.

Engines

• In 2009-2010 cars, the rubber element of the VVT-i oil pipe often leaked.

Transmission

• The rear wheels are connected when the front wheels are slipped using the electromagnetic coupling JTEKT.
• The machine is very reliable, there are almost no malfunctions.
• There were also errors that signaled a malfunction of the oxygen sensor installed after the catalyst.
• For the transmission of torque in the RX 450h is responsible planetary continuously variable gearbox, which operates on the principle of the variator. He's not a problem.
• In case of failure, the craftsmen on the previous RX400h learned to restore the battery by replacing faulty cells (block packets).

Walking

• One of the unpleasant defects is a knock in the steering mechanism.
• The reasons for this are several: wear of the plastic gear in the amplifier gearbox, breakage of the spring bearing of the electric worm, or wear of the intermediate shaft of the steering column (the least common).
• Fortunately, the problem does not affect safety.

Other problems and malfunctions

• And the owners complain of creaking in the cabin and rapid wear of leather upholstery of the front seats.

The third-generation Lexus RX is a very comfortable and luxurious SUV that is ideal for long journeys, but does not accept the sharp curves of roads and rough terrain. German competitors are more versatile and sporty, but only the Lexus gets to the finish line with minimal financial losses for the owner.

• Engines: In 2009-2010 cars, the rubber element of the VVT-i oil pipe often leaked.
• Transmission: The rear wheels are connected when the front wheels are slipped using the electromagnetic coupling JTEKT.
• Driving: One of the unpleasant defects is a knock in the steering mechanism.
• Other problems and malfunctions: The body is not prone to corrosion.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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