Lexus RX 300

11415171920183

Comments

  • brs1brs1 Member Posts: 17
    Hi,
    I would appreciate a recommendation on a bike
    rack (for carrying two "standard" mountain bikes)
    for RX300. I do have roof rails. Any recommendation for roof rack vs. tow hitch rack?
    Thanks,
    brs1.
  • first_lexusfirst_lexus Member Posts: 5
    I second the above question (was just about to ask it myself). Has anyone bought the Lexus accesory bike rack that is supposed to go on the roof? How much is it and is it hard to get the bikes on and off? Alternatively has anyone been able to stuff two bikes inside the cargo space? Are there rubber liners available anywhere that cover the whole space when the seats are folded down? I looked at the huskyliner website but it seems like their mats only cover the cargo space with the seats up. Thanks.
    BTW, we got a better price on a RX300. It's supposed to come next week so if it works out I'll let you know the details.
    first_lexus
  • sjefferysjeffery Member Posts: 10
    Hello all, I am new to this forum. I am just about ready to put down the money on a 2001 AWD. I would appreciate any info on dealers and salespeople in the Montgomery County, MD, area that you may have. Also, if anyone on this list has purchased recently, and doesn't mind giving out the #'s, I'd be grateful for that as well. Thanks in advance, Stephanie
  • tictoc2tictoc2 Member Posts: 4
    Today was the first experience I had with driving on snow covered roads. I avoid driving in snow if possible, but since I was at our children's school for several hours, came outside, and the snow was coming down heavy, I didn't have any choice but to drive home in it. The Rx seemed very sure-footed and I relaxed and all was OK! I just love driving this vehicle, no problems after 7 weeks. I so very much enjoy hearing my husband rave about how much he likes the way it handles, using the Nav, etc, since it was totally my (the wife's) fault that we even considered purchasing this vehicle. As far as the mustang guy is concerned, his case sounds much like an infection of covetous. You only have to test drive an RX to know calling this vehicle junk is so far off base it's pathetic.
  • bcjacob1bcjacob1 Member Posts: 39
    I notice when whenever I back my '01 RX 300 AWD out of the garage + shift into drive from reverse, I hear a thump noise that sounds like it's coming from under the vehicle. Is this normal? Does it have something to do w/ the AWD system?
  • first_lexusfirst_lexus Member Posts: 5
    Stephanie,
    You don't say whether you are considering a AWD with or without Navigation package, or other options such as Premium Package plus, cargo mats, heated seats, etc. Check out the invoice prices on places like edmunds, consumer reports, and carsdirect, and total up everything you want. The carsdirect invoice is about 500 more than on the other sites; I read in earlier posts that the invoice price might have gone up by this much recently. In Northern California, around 2000 over invoice is a "good deal" according to the dealers but you can get 1000-1500 over invoice if you fight for it. Check out www.fightingchance.com. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
  • pkaiserpkaiser Member Posts: 3
    I too am trying to decide between RX300 and MDX. Having owned a Lexus, the service advantage is huge. BUT, I live in the snow belt and the MDX has done a lot better in USA Today and Car and Driver snow tests. What is everyone's experience on snow and ice? I drive an Audi A6 quattro which is unbelievable in the snow. Does the 2001 traction control improve snow handeling? Thanks.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    RX300 owners complaining about cupholders...

    If we're down to that then this must be one damn fine vehicle!

    Oh, by the way, it is a CUPHOLDER, not a BOTTLE-HOLDER!

    Snow and ice. We had our share of that here on the eastside of seattle just last week. I had absolutely no complaints about my 2001 AWD with VSC and Trac. I had to "push" things a bit just to see if the VSC and Trac would work as advertised and they did. Otherwise there was never a time in the two days or so of driving on ice and snow surfaces that I had the least bit of cause for concern.

    I have reviewed the AWD setup in the MDX and I don't doubt that the MDX has a much better mechanical setup for AWD. I am quite certain it would out-perform my 2000 RX that I traded in. The RX normal torque split is about 70/30 front/rear and it can NEVER deliver more than 50% of the available torque to the rear wheels, whereas it appears that the MDX can route full torque to ANY one wheel.

    But having the VSC and Trac in the 2001 clearly overcomes the shortcomings of the 2000 RX against the MDX.

    I would have more seriously considered the MDX if it had HID. I'm not really sure that VSC and Trac would be useful in the MDX but....

    Maybe next time....
  • first_lexusfirst_lexus Member Posts: 5
    Does anybody know whether the 2001 RX300 has lower child-seat ISOFIX anchors? The brochure lists tether anchors for the top of the child seat but no mention of ISOFIX anchors even though these are on the Highlander. If there aren't, is there a way to retrofit these lower anchors?
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    Last long weekend I took a round trip between Los Angeles area and San Jose in my 2000 RX300. Most of the driving was on I-5. I constantly drove at 80 mph, sometimes at 90 mph, and a few times at 100 mph. What a wonderful feeling I had in such a smoothly running car at a three digit speed, very stable.
  • rob8rob8 Member Posts: 16
    Thanks for the info. regarding road noise. I should probably do a similar test drive camparison soon as well. By the way, did you go to Longo? And, the 2WD RX you bought does that include the leather, cd changer, etc? Seems like you got a very good price.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Another explanation, from the MDX and Odyssey message forums: Gas in the tank shifting. Seems to be a common complaint on these vehicles.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    In my opinion, the RX's handling is head and shoulders above the MDX and other so called AWD vehicles out there. Here's why.

    The MDX, like many vehicles, is an auto-WD set up. This means that all of the torques is normally biased on either the rear or front axel. In the MDX's case, it's the front axel. These are reactive systems that will shift torque as slippage is detected. This is basically called traction control and will help you get "unstuck" from snow, ice, etc. But because it is normally front-wheel drive, the rear-end of such a vehicle can and will "fishtail" under certain conditions.

    The RX is a true all-WD, because there is some torque being supplied to both axles at all times (some say 70/30, Edmunds says 50/50). Because the torque/friction is distributed,there is less chance that a particular wheel will "break free" from the road surface. This feature improves handling. I believe the torque distribution is 50/50 because of the very "neutral" solid feel I experience when taking corners. The RX also has traction control that will shift torque when needed to help avoid "stuck" conditions. Now, take this a step further and add VSC. VSC will actually detect if the front or rear end of the vehicle is deviating from the driver's intended path, and then adjust the engine throttle and individual wheel speeds as necessary. This is a huge handling advantage. The only other cars I'm aware of that do this now are Subarus, Toyota/Lexus, MB, and BMW.

    Take a look at LexusSafety.com for more interesting info.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I'm not sure what "EM" tires are, but if you can get the dealer to swap in a set of Michelin Cross-terains or LTXs, that would be great.

    If you are close to Westchester, I can recommend a good dealer.
  • rparis2rparis2 Member Posts: 46
    How many miles per gallon did you average on your trip? The police must be very liberal out your way.

    Thanks for the info.
  • mlevinedcmlevinedc Member Posts: 45
    While I have not as yet purchased an RX300, I am looking at doing so if I can get the MDX out of my head. I've had an LS400 in the past and wasn't very impressed by the Connecticut Dealership I dealt with. In any case, being in the hills where we get more snow than in the rest of CT, I am wondering if the EM tires are good in snow/ice or should I try to get the dealer to change them over prior to delivery? Also, do the chrome wheels stand up to the rigors of snow and ice without peeling and degrading? I apologize if this topic has been handled before, but I couldn't find many references to same in the archives.

    Mark
  • kingscreekkingscreek Member Posts: 37
    Why in the world would you want to purchase the RX if you truly like the MDX? I certainly wouldn't. There's nothing wrong with the MDX -- from what I hear people love it. I also would not want to do business with a dealership that I did not care for. Go for the MDX. It sounds as though all signs are pointing in that direction. Resale value should be good as it is so hot now.

    Besides, no automobile is a permanent decision. You can try something else next time if it does not turn out to be everything you are hoping it will be.
  • arturitoarturito Member Posts: 16
    stephanie if you check dealer invoice numbers at carsdirect.com you may want to keep in mind they may include dealer advertising fees- i think you can click on the explanation window for "invoice what this is" or something like that hope this helps arturito
  • 00rxguy100rxguy1 Member Posts: 38
    Someone mentioned in the previous posts that they were interested in getting a wood/leather steering wheel. I suggested eBay because i bought myself a wood/leather one and it is a beauty. I got in installed at dealer for $95. Looks great cause mine is a 2000 and it doesn't come with one
  • mlevinedcmlevinedc Member Posts: 45
    Sorry about the repeated posts folks. I didn't mean to do that.

    kingscreek: I am looking at both vehicles at this time as I already have a '00 ML430. It goes against my grain to give Acura a 5000.00 markup on the MDX, I don't want it that badly.

    I haven't seen the Michelin Cross Terrains, thank you for suggesting them tonychrys.
  • cali5cali5 Member Posts: 15
    My 2001 RX300 does have the ISOFIX anchors as well as the tether points for the top of the child seats. Right now I believe there are only two or three child seats on the market that work with the ISOFIX/LATCH set up, but more should follow soon.
  • cali5cali5 Member Posts: 15
    I bought my RX300 from Westminister Lexus. It's a FWD, with the premium package plus (leather seats, sunroof, cd, etc.). It also has the rear spoiler, crossbars, cargo mat, and wheel locks for that price. If you are a returning Lexus customer you can get an additional $500 off. Tustin Lexus offered me the same price, but didn't have it in stock at the time. You may want to check with them also.
  • cali5cali5 Member Posts: 15
    Try taking a 12oz. water bottle along instead of the 16oz. Lol. I don't have any trouble with the 12oz. ones in the cupholders. The adjustable arm of the cupholder keeps it in there just fine.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    No problem, I deleted one of them - you can always go back yourself and delete your own post at anytime, using the delete button. You also can edit your post within 30 minutes of posting.
    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • livetofish1livetofish1 Member Posts: 1
    To anyone who owns an RX300 leather-only model without a CD changer: you can buy a brand new factory changer (and the associated parts) online for a whole lot less than your dealer will charge you, at lexuspartsmall.com. This is a Lexus dealer and they're super. You can also get Toyota parts from them.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Speaking of Lexus parts, I've just had a two day bad experience with Irontoad.com. I don't recommend you buy from them for the following reasons:

    1. The web order page is not secure, even though they claim it is. The page where you enter your credit card number is not encrpyted, you can check this by looking at the bottom of your browser and looking for the "lock" symbol. Plus, the page does not begin with "https" which indicates a secure page.

    2. After I notifed them of this, a person came back with a lame email response that "I asked the web administrator and he said it was secure." Folks, I've run major web sites for a living, they don't know what they are talking about.

    3. So, I went the old-fashion way and tried calling the 800 number. I called numerous times during the day and no one ever answered. I finally left a message saying I wanted to spend money. No one has yet to get back to me.

    I can't imagine what would happen if I actually could order something and then needed customer service.

    You've been warned.
  • gchristensengchristensen Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had trouble shifting in drive from park when it is really cold with the RX300 without letting it warm up? I really like my car but would like it to shift as soon as it starts up, at least a minute or so after.
  • mvs1mvs1 Member Posts: 462
    What Lexus dealer in CT did you deal with. I've personally dealt with two of the four. If you e-mail me (check my profile for info) I can help you contact someone more professional. Also my co-worker had the wheels on his ML chromed aftermarket and has not had any problems with pitting,foul weather, etc., and costs a lot less than dealer installed. I too am curious about the MDX. But Acura dealers in CT are out of their mind, might want to by in NYC.

    I too drive between 80-90 mph RX drives great well worth the price of the tickets I receive :)
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    is starting in 7 minutes time. See you there!
    /direct/view/.eea61db


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    All I remember is that After I got on I-5, I reset the average MPG. I paid some attention to the meter, and noticed the best was about 26+ MPG during the beginning short period, maybe less than 10 miles. Later it went down to around 23 MPG or so. I forgot watching that thing after that. My wife, my little daughter and I were in the car, plus a little luggage.
  • salimshah2salimshah2 Member Posts: 2
    Can any one post the wear limit on front brake pads.

    Salim

    ps: Some one was looking for Chrome bumper guards .. check out JAOS.
  • rob8rob8 Member Posts: 16
    Cali5, thanks for the response regarding pricing. I'll check out Westminister this weekend. Who did you deal with? And just to be clear, did your price of 33,693 include the loyalty rebate? With or without the rebate, it's a very good price.

    Tonychrys, I've ordered from irontoad on a couple of occasions. Didn't know about the security problem though. I too had problems contacting them via phone. Eventually, I called and pressed the extension for another make. I got through there and that person transferred me to the Lexus parts dept and I finally got to talk to someone. (I think you are calling a dealer's parts dept. and often no one is working the parts counter, thus no answer) Despite contact problems, the items I ordered on two diff. occasions were delivered promptly and I received good installation instructions when I e-mailed irontoad. Give e-mail a try.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    I am looking for a new front-wheel drive base RX300. I checked www.carsdirect.com, and found that at zip code 91377 (Oak Park, CA), the invoice is $30,804, and the CarsDirect.com price is $30,904. At zip code 33431 (Boca Raton, FL), the CarsDirect.com price is $31,204. In Ohio, the CarsDirect.com price is $33,830. I could pay for a vacation trip to CA or FL from the savings over the OH price. Three questions:
    1. Does anyone know if Lexus will make a RX300 with no options? I intend to keep the car for ten years, so resale value is not a concern.
    2. Could I use the CA and FL quotes to negotiate with an OH dealer? My concern is that the demand must be much higher in OH.
    3. Are there any major problems with dealing with Cars Direct that would negate any possible savings?
  • miket2001miket2001 Member Posts: 2
    Has anybody used their RX for towing on a regular basis? I'm trying to decide between several of the usual SUV suspects (MDX, BMW) and would like to purchase an AWD '01 RX, but I want to make sure that towing an 18'/2,800lb boat will not be a problem. The RX claims to have a towing capacity of 3,500 "when properly equiped" but I'd prefer to hear it from somebody who has already tried this.
  • cali5cali5 Member Posts: 15
    The 33,693 is the price without the loyalty rebate. I dealt with Andrea in the internet sales department. When you are sure of the vehicle, color and options you want to purchase you can get a quote by e-mail. When I went to pick up my vehicle the whole process took less than one hour. It would have been even less time, but Andrea goes over the entire car with you and shows you how every function works. The whole process was very pleasant. I was told that the price I received is $200 over invoice. I'm not so sure that's true, but the lowest price I've heard someone get from there was 33116 for the RX with the premium package plus, cargo mats, wheel locks and crossbars (no rear spoiler).
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    If you tow regularly and at that high of a weight, I think you may want to choose a body-on-frame vehicle, rather than a unibody vehicle. The RX is well constructed, but towing that close to the limit on a regular basis will put a lot of stress on the unibody structure, and over time, that may cause problems. Considering the length of your boat, the RX300's wheelbase is also rather short, relatively speaking, and that could cause stablity issues.

    Have you consider the MB M-class or the Toyota 4Runner? Both are body-on-frame, and have higher tow limits (5000lbs for the M-class).


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • arturitoarturito Member Posts: 16
    response 1) you could probably order one plain fwd thru dealer but last time i tried it they wanted a $2ooo non refundable deposit 2) i dont see why not- you are negotiating from a position of strength 3) just make sure they live up to commitment and car is not sold under you= I would make sure to get a vin number, for example arturito
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    Thank you for your very helpful reply. Your comments concerning non refundable deposits, negotiating, and getting a vin number from CarsDirect are valuable. It really is a wonderful day in the neighborhood.
  • rob8rob8 Member Posts: 16
    You can get a plain RX. I've seen them on occasion at some of the larger SoCal dealerships. I saw more of them floating around last year though.

    I too considered a plain RX, but in the end I decided to take one w/ the premium package bec.: 1. I really wanted a CD changer and getting it seperate from the premium package made no sense, 2. an RX premium package in the color I wanted was coming to the dealer in three days and 3. after negotiating prices at several SoCal dealerships I found that the difference bet. a plain RX and one w/ the premium package was not tremendous-- dealers just seem much more willing to discount the price of a car they have as opposed to one that would have to either special order from another dealer or the factory.

    You should certainly try to use the CA or Fl prices to negotiate a better deal in OH, but I would be very surprised if the OH dealer would come anywhere near those prices. Market value. I live in Northern CA and I'm buying my next RX in SoCal bec. the differnce in price is about $2000. I have not had much luck in getting NorCal dealers to match SoCal prices.

    You might want to give the SoCal dealers a call and see if they can sell/ship to you in OH. Some of the larger Lexus dealers such as Longo seem to have experience in dealing w/ out of state purchases.
  • kingscreekkingscreek Member Posts: 37
    For some reason, little mustang is starting to amuse me. I kind of like having him on the board. Every time I read his posts, I can't help but laugh. I assume he is trying to be insulting, but it is hard to take him as such for he is just so silly.

    What I don't understand is why he is going working himself into such a dither about a vehicle that he claims he has no emotion for. He sounds like a spurned lover to me. I think he is having an internal crisis.

    This is an ancient story. He states he neither wants to drive or own the RX, and yet he doesn't want anyone else to enjoy it. Don't you think there is a measure of the little green monster in this story? For what else can arouse such passion? Why would he care what we drove and how much we paid for a car? You would think he would be grateful that we are supporting our economy as good American patriots.

    No, my friends, there is a story to our little mustang and it is not the one he claims. Perhaps his dreams are filled with the glory of Lexus, but heart has been broken by the lack of an opportunity. Let him not arouse your anger, for he deserves only pity. Bless his little heart, he just doesn't know any better.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Now now guys, no need to incite flames. Things are nice (and civil) the way they currently are in this topic.


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • oakster21oakster21 Member Posts: 3
    I've been reading from the side lines for a while and wanted to say thanks, you've all helped me in my decision to purchase a 2001 RX300 AWD W/NAV. I'm very happy with the car, it is all I expected and more. I'm trying to get a feel for the cars normal sounds and such and was wondering, has anyone experienced a slight vibration through the steering wheel at idle as well as a very low pitch hum? It goes away as soon as you give it gas. I think it may do it only when it's cold out(below 40 degrees F) but I'm not sure as it has been very cold since I bought the car.
  • miket2001miket2001 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your input Drew. My cousin has a 2 year old MB and can't say enough bad things about it. I'm also trying not to spend that much $ (ditto with the BMW). I looked at 4Runner but think that it rides too much like a truck and it's V6 is underpowered when compared to its peers.

    I spent an hour at an Acura dealer yesterday, where they had 3 MDX's available. Cost was $2000 over MSRP plus whatever crappy dealer accessories they had already put on each model (the running boards look awful and the fender flares are just ridiculous). I may end up going with an MDX if I can only find one that isn't too messed up by the dealer add-ons. At this point I'm willing to pay up in order to forego a six month wait.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    Thank you for your very helpful reply. I agree that a CD player at $907 does not seem like a good deal when compared to the premium package. I suppose I could find a shop in LA to install the 3M film on the front before I began the drive to Ohio. Shipment to Ohio may make more sense than driving.
  • rmorin2rmorin2 Member Posts: 110
    I'm encouraged to see that others are experiencing a vibration and noise at idle as I was beginning to think we had the only RX in existence with this problem. Our dealer has been unable to determine the cause even after consulting a factory engineer. Our noise also seems to be more noticeable when it is cold. Perhaps if enough people complain, Lexus will see fit to issue a service bulletin to its dealers and try to find a fix. I am very disappointed with the reaction I received from Lexus on this issue. They tried to pass it off as "characteristic of this model". This is absolutely unacceptable IMHO. Would appreciate hearing from others with similar problem.
  • cali5cali5 Member Posts: 15
    Are there any other RX300 message boards out there? I see that there is an MDX and a BMW website and I'm wondering if there is one for RX300 owners.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Tony -

    (off topic) Please email me direct at jeffmust@aol.com.

    Loved your SF post to our pretend buddy GT!

    Noticed that you're in IT in New York; I'm in IT outsource services on the West Coast and would love to chat about specifics.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I've searched and none that are too active. Since the RX300 is the #1 selling luxury SUV, this could be directly attributed to the fact that RX300 owners are too busy enjoying their vehicles rather than complaining about them or trying to gaudy them up with aftermarket acessories. And that last remark was not meant to represent the MDX or BMW.
  • gtmustanggtmustang Member Posts: 41
    It is your opinion to say that the RX300 is the best SUV. I think it isn't. Now this is my opinion. If you don't like the Santa Fe, then that is your opinion too. I like the Santa Fe. That is my opinion. I don't see why Jeffmust and Tonychris feel insecure about this. I sure don't feel insecure that I drive a Santa FE.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I could care less whether you or anyone else doesn't like the RX300, or any other car for that matter. It's piece of metal, it doesn't define who I am. Being a good husband, father and friend defines who I am.

    What I do care about is annoying people like you who can't intelligently debate the issues. You make a fool of yourself everytime you post a message. You just seem to want to have the last word. I can't even begin to guess how old you are or how you socially interact with folks in the real world.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.