10th Feb 2006, 12:44

For reliability go with the RX330. I owned a X5 for a year before selling it due to mechanical issues. The depreciation was horrible to. I now drive the RX330 which is an amazing car. The transmission has had no problems. Id go with the RX330. Overall it's a better value.

10th Feb 2006, 12:48

If you buy the X5 you are in for a world of trouble. These vehicles have been nothing, but trouble since their introduction and they are rated one of the most unreliable vehicles in America. Same holds true for the X3.

That said, they are much better 'drivers' than the RX, so if your priority is pure driving experience in an SUV then it is best to go with the X5. But if you don't want to become great friends with your mechanic, go for the Lexus.

10th Feb 2006, 13:17

The X5 is a nice truck and handles like no other SUV in its class. The bad thing is that is not as reliable and repairs will cost a fortune.

10th Feb 2006, 14:35

Since people are raising valid points about problems with the X5 and RX330, I wonder if you should instead be considering a 3rd alternative if you want something a little more reliable. You seem to be focused on a luxury SUV, but luxury isn't as fun when it's in the shop and you're still writing the checks.

10th Feb 2006, 15:36

Well, if you're going to go down that road then an SUV should be out of the question altogether. After all, they get worse mileage, are less safe, cost more to operate, and have less room inside than a comparable car.

The X5 is a classic example. Compared to a (cheaper) 5 series wagon it has no advantages including space inside, especially given the 5 series has an AWD option.

There really is no logical reason to own an SUV other than sitting up higher in traffic.

11th Feb 2006, 14:18

I live off 3 miles of dirt roads in a rural part of Southern California. I have owned all the Luxury suvs including the RX300, X5, ML430, and now the RX330. Lexus is by far the best. I drive about 200 miles a day to the office in Los Angeles. This car does great on the freeway. My old RX300 was also good, but got horrible gas mileage. My wife drive the GX470 which also is an amazing suv, but since I drive so much I wanted the V6. My X5 left me stranded one night about a mile from my home. I can't get cell service out there so I was pretty much screwed. When the BMW got fixed it was immediately out the door. Sold it for much less than I paid. The ML430 has a great engine, but everything else is crap. My power windows and door locks were always out. The headlights burnt out all the time. I sold that after only putting on 30,000 miles. My RX330 has about 40,000 and I have not had any of the problems other people describe. Go with a Lexus. Cheaper repairs that any other luxury car although they are still quite costly.

14th Sep 2016, 02:19

I agree. My RX300 is now 18 years old. I've had no problems with it apart from normal wear and tear items. Replaced timing belt, water pump and tensioner, spark plugs. O2 sensors, and tyres. That's it. People still ask me if it's brand new when they ride in it.