BMW Vs Lexus

I am unable to decide b/n x3 and RX330.
Is it all possible to compare the two?
What would be the invoice for the two?
Can anyone help in this area before I made a purchase?
Thanks

Do you want a driver's car or a luxo cruiser? Both vehicles handle and drive very differently. Choose based on your own driving preference. Nobody can help you decide but yourself :(

[quote=dkl]Do you want a driver's car or a luxo cruiser? Both vehicles handle and drive very differently. Choose based on your own driving preference. Nobody can help you decide but yourself

I am not asking for you or anyone else to decide for me.
Thank you for telling me what I know.
Smile !!

We researched the RX330 and X3, couldn’t find many ( any ) forums devoted to the RX but found several for the X3

Did some window shopping at both dealerships
Sat in both at an auto show
test drove the X3

sometimes we wonder how the RX drives? ;)

Just by asking your question on this forum means you’ve already made up your mind.

If you test drive the RX let us know what you think

I HAD an RX before, but gave it up for the X3:

I had the RX for six months:
- great interior, very the "Luxy and Comfy"; very quiet; good interior space every where, higher driving position; loved how the back seats can be shift forward (without folding down) to make room for my 3 large-mid size dogs)
- BUT, no characters in driving; very soft suspension (it deserves the sports seats much mor than the X3 because the body swings much more with a just a little turn!);week pick up... etc.

Then I test drove the X3 and bought it for nine months now:
- superb driving experience; great suspension; smokes most of the car when leaving traffic lights (even without the intention to);
- BUT, interior looks cheap for it's price, internal space is less smart than RX (but still more than acceptable for my use); must fold down back seats for the dogs (2 would be fine).

I switched to the X3 for the MUCH better driving dynamic, with NO regret :buttrock

X3, of course! Lexus are just Toyotas in a tux. No character and would only be nice during its current model. Once a new replacement arrives, the Lexus you have will be a forgotten vehicle. BMWs are timeless. Ask yourself this, which would you buy now and 10 years from now? A 1990 E32 735i or a 1990 LS400? A 2001 X-5 or a 2001 RX300? A 2001 E39 540i or a 2001 GS400? A 2002, 3.0 CSL, 635i, E28s, E30s, E32s, E34s, E36s, E38s, E39s, E46s......these are still desirable and future classics. No Lexus can claim this. And if you like driving, BMW's the choice.

I personally would go for the RX330. I had the x3 as a tester, I was pretty uninspired compared to the 330.

I'm sure by now you've already made your purchase. If you like driving position and feel, you'll be driving the X3. I test drove the RX and to me the driving position is to high, meaning I couldn't lower the driver's seat enough to get that hunkered down position I'm a customed to.

I will never buy another Japanese made vehicle ever again.

I'm sure by now you've already made your purchase. If you like driving position and feel, you'll be driving the X3. I test drove the RX and to me the driving position is to high, meaning I couldn't lower the driver's seat enough to get that hunkered down position I'm a customed to.

Same opinion when I first test drove the first gen RX300 8 years ago.

We have an Rx330 in the family and personally the lexus drives just like a toyota sienna. They have that awful fwd mini van feel and drive just like it. However, they have a great interior and are very luxurious. Also, they are extremely quit and have a great kick despite being over rated as far as hp. We don't have many awd versions in the south but I would imagine they are similar + slower + more road noise. The brake feel on the 330 is really bad..its a stiff peddle with tons of fad. The handeling is typical Lexus roll and its honestly not that smooth of a ride. On the other side, the X3 is a great "little car" and I mean little. My good friend has one and its basically an oversized 330xi. I enjoy driving it bec. it holds thats same BMW feel, brakes, and steering despite being a mini suv. Its pretty much a fully loaded one and thats all i'd recommend. The huge moonroof, wood and sport package is a must have. However, this car really suprised me as far as acceleration. The 3.0 has no grunt down low and you really half to wait until those rpm's climb until its starts hussling...but using the tip helps alot and makes it a blast in the mts. I'd really consider one for fun if I had the money but I'd most def. wait until they drop the new 330i motor in. 255hp 7000rpm redline would make it so much better.

We have an Rx330 in the family and personally the lexus drives just like a toyota sienna. They have that awful fwd mini van feel and drive just like it. However, they have a great interior and are very luxurious. Also, they are extremely quit and have a great kick despite being over rated as far as hp. We don't have many awd versions in the south but I would imagine they are similar + slower + more road noise. The brake feel on the 330 is really bad..its a stiff peddle with tons of fad. The handeling is typical Lexus roll and its honestly not that smooth of a ride. On the other side, the X3 is a great "little car" and I mean little. My good friend has one and its basically an oversized 330xi. I enjoy driving it bec. it holds thats same BMW feel, brakes, and steering despite being a mini suv. Its pretty much a fully loaded one and thats all i'd recommend. The huge moonroof, wood and sport package is a must have. However, this car really suprised me as far as acceleration. The 3.0 has no grunt down low and you really half to wait until those rpm's climb until its starts hussling...but using the tip helps alot and makes it a blast in the mts. I'd really consider one for fun if I had the money but I'd most def. wait until they drop the new 330i motor in. 255hp 7000rpm redline would make it so much better.

A Lexus is only good at 2 things:
1. Cruising
2. Comfort

A Lexus is only good at 2 things:
1. Cruising
2. Comfort


true but the Rx dosnt even ride that nice. Its quite, but isn't smooth at all compared to the sedans.

Go for the X3, I think the the interior is much nicer than any lexus ever. Also its a BMW not a Toyota with an L on the front.

RX is/was based on the camry front wheel drive platform. the first gen's AWD is actually 'all wheel assist'. not a full time system. looks like they added a 'real' awd system on the new one.

rx/highlander/mdx are basically 'jacked up' station wagons. they are better at hauling people and things (that fit inside).

if driving dynamics is a higher priority to you than people moving than consider the bmw. X3/X5 is pretty cramped.

RX is/was based on the camry front wheel drive platform. the first gen's AWD is actually 'all wheel assist'. not a full time system. looks like they added a 'real' awd system on the new one.

rx/highlander/mdx are basically 'jacked up' station wagons. they are better at hauling people and things (that fit inside).

if driving dynamics is a higher priority to you than people moving than consider the bmw. X3/X5 is pretty cramped.

And if it comes to hauling people and things, go for a Land Rover LR3 with 3rd row seating option. Much better at doing that stuff than the RX330 & even the GX/LX470s. I know coz I have one. In fact, I traded-in my X5 for this vehicle due to a growing family. But I do miss my X5 which I agree driving dynamics is a lot better, even compared to the LR3.

japanese cars are junk. dont buy one.

The Lexus will have a nicer interior, and will more than likely be completely problem free for the life of the car, with very little maintanance. The X3 will provide a more dynamic driving experience, at the expense of a less comfortable ride and interior, and higher price (?). Over the long run, the bimmer will most likely cost more to maintain and require more maintanance overall. Ultimately, do you want a car that is predictable (albeit a bit boring) to cruise in, or a sporty vehicle that requires lovin' (much like any other relationship you're in :))

My ex had an Rx330 - great chick car. Exceptional on every level except for how it drives when pushed. It is like a camry with off road wheels. Luxurious and comfortable but no personality. I just picked up an X3 at Roswell United BMW. They have great residuals and a really low rate on them right now so you can pickup a X3 for a great price. The new sport pack is no joke - it has a full aero kit, M steering wheel, and bitch'n 18" wheels.

Good luck.