Lexus RX 300

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Comments

  • rmnixonrmnixon Member Posts: 21
    I'm not sure. I'll have to check the receipt. To my knowledge they did not use any solvent or "de-sludging" stuff on the engine. Supposedly they cleaned it all by hand. I have more confidence in the vehicle with the eight year warranty. That gives me another 4 years. If I don't have sludge again by then, the oil change interval of 3K must work.
  • rlui1rlui1 Member Posts: 93
    Thanks for the info re: airbags. From the footnote, it sounds like the side (head) curtain airbags are in the 2002 RX. If this is new, Lexus is not doing a good job making it known to consumers. This is a great selling point for some buyers. I considered not buying the RX because I thought it didn't have the side curtain airbags. I just totalled my 97 Pathfinder so safety is a primary consideration for me now.
  • jfetterjfetter Member Posts: 29
    I recently noticed 2 lumps (about an inch square, on the seat bottom back near the backrest of the seat) that are starting to feel more noticeable as the leather seats get more wear. I am guessing they are part of the heating element and are more noticeable as the seat gets more use. When I feel the passenger seat I can feel them in the same position (although they do feel a little back farther, almost in the crease of the seat bottom and seat back) so I know it isn't a problem with one seat only.

    Question, does anyone know what the heck I am talking about and does your RX have these marks as well? Mine is not quite a year old and I am concerned only because I don't want the seat leather to wear out in these locations. I considered seat covers but our BMW is 4 years old with heated seats and you can't see any marks on the seat/s. The Lexus leather is very soft, does this contribute to the lumps? I can live with the feel of a bump under the leather but if the lumps turn into permanents outlines of whatever is underneath I will be very unhappy...

    Anyone else see this?

    Jack Fetter
  • learn2flylearn2fly Member Posts: 16
    I am wondering what kind of gasoline do folks use in their RX300? The manual is a bit ambiguous. The Lexus manual says regular gas is ok but premium is better for your engine performance.

    I have read in more than reliable publications that always put the gasoline that is recommended by manufacturer. Higher grade gasoline may feel good to you, but does nothing to the car engine.

    What do folks use in their RX300s? Thanks.
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    My wife drives RX300. I think we use 87 most of the time and once in a while 91. I drive Maxima and Nissan recommends 91 (I think) but 87 is fine. On Maxima I compared both 87 and 91 so many times. I can't find any difference in terms of acceleration, idle smoothness, MPG, pinging, whatsoever.
  • gsenthilgsenthil Member Posts: 154
    Was in the same quandry sometime back, I use 87 regularly. The octane rating has more to do with the compression ratio- 91 is recommended for GS but for RX 87 is find. Further, I also remember Car & Driver doing an analysis and it pointed out prolonged blind usage of higher octane might harm a engine designed for a different octane in the long run.

    Somebody correct me on this- dont remember the source but read that 87 is actually considered premium grade in Japan.

    I guess I really need to save my sources so I can quote more confidently.

    Senthil
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    No noticeable difference except in the wallet!

    Pete
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    jack, I just came from the garage, having fondled the leather seat bottoms in wifey's RX. I believe I can feel, though not see, one of the lumps that you are describing. It seems roughly equally palpable in both driver's and passenger's seat, though the passenger seat only rarely has a rump in it.
    I can see no evidence of increased wear at those spots, possibly because they are so close to the seat back that the leather has minimal contact with rump. As the RX has 45k on it, I don't think there's going to be a significant wear problem. Anyone else??
  • ttc136ttc136 Member Posts: 17
    Has anyone else seen the USA today article from April 4th talking about sludge? It is at:


    http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/04/04/toyota-sludge.htm


    Don't know it's good or bad new ???

  • jj35jj35 Member Posts: 283
    http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38921
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    This article noted that owners of pre-owned Toyota or Lexus vehicles are also covered in the newest policy update... nice peace of mind, IMHO, especially since I own a '99 certified pre-owned RX300.

    Thanks JJ35 and Toyota!
  • rlui1rlui1 Member Posts: 93
    I washed my RX yesterday and noticed two holes at the inside bottom of each door. Looked like the holes were draining a waxy substance. What is this?
  • lefty15lefty15 Member Posts: 2
    Have about 550 miles on my 2002 RX 300. Computer shows I have averaged 26.4 MPG. Not really city or highway driving. Can this be right or is something wrong with the computer?
  • jmalik1jmalik1 Member Posts: 21
    Sounds incorrect to me, but you can verify manually. If it turns out to be the same then I must say that you'd be very lucky, 'coz most people get around ~21-22 mpg.
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    To rlui1 / Message #4917:

    Great to see others that wash all the doorjams! The waxy substance you see is a rust-prevention sealer that is sprayed inside the door cavities. Use a wax and grease remover to clean the bottom of the door jam around the weep holes so it does not foul up your favorite old chamois. Always make sure the holes are open to allow drainage.

    Hope this helps!
  • rlui1rlui1 Member Posts: 93
    Thanks for the information on the door cavities! Does this mean that the sealer will continuosly drain until none is left? Will reapplication be necessary?
  • day319day319 Member Posts: 1
    My 2002 RX300 AWD now has 500 miles. From the drivers seat the ride is smooth, sitting in the rear seats, however, provides a vibration in the seatback. It's most noticible on smooth roads, annoying after only 15 minutes in the back. Has anyone else noticed this?
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    To rlui1 / Message #4917:

    I have not noticed any evidence of the wax sealant after removing the small amount at the door drains, and the material inside the door is not affected by outside temperature. I believe the residual we noticed was only a result of the sealer curing when first applied during manufacture. My guess is they utilize the drain holes during the process to make certain coverage is complete. Good luck!
  • kimwipeskimwipes Member Posts: 21
    Last year I read some posts about this 'pop' noise coming from the back, possibly the sunroof area on hot days. Well, it got warm enough last week for me to notice them again, but the dealer had no clue last year. Have any of you resolved the issue? thanks
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    tightening the roof rack cross bars seems to help.
  • craigcurrycraigcurry Member Posts: 14
    The popping noise could come form the plastic sun roof linear. The metal clips in the linear under the hot sunlight will start to flex, causing the popping sound.
  • gambiamangambiaman Member Posts: 131
    I seem to remember a while back someone posting an email address for Lexus Corporate. I would appreciate the email and snailmail addresses for Lexus if anyone has them.
    Willard?
    Thanks
  • banner1banner1 Member Posts: 14
    I have not had much luck on the Highlander site with information about the ticking noise that comes from the 6 cylin. engine. I know it was discussed in the past but I don't recall the reason for it. If any information about this could be posted it would be very helpful. Thanks.

    I have a 2002 V-6 Highlander.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    customer_satisfaction_inquiries@lexus.com
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    eom
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    I have the same noise on my 01RX. It is coming from the sunroof area. If the car sits and warms up for a while, then is driven with the A/C on, the sunroof pops as it cools down. The dealer made about 5 attempts to fix it without any success. The dealer also admitted it is a common problem on 2001 RX's. The Highlander has a TSB out for this problem (TSB: NV014-01). I don't think a TSB is out yet for the RX. I am waiting for it because the TSB refers to a kit that contains parts to fix this problem.
  • siehsieh Member Posts: 10
    so much information here, I really learn a lot from here. If there is a way to search Key word from the message group, and sort out the simular message. It will be great! (To Host)

    This is Vincent from Los Angeles. I have the RX300(FWD) since July 98 and just done the oil change for 80K miles. like to share with you about my personal experience.
    Here is the list of problems I have experience with!

    1. 1st 5k service, It constantly pulls to the left but the dealer told there is nothing wrong with it.

    2. Noise from the sunroof area (Common problem).

    3. Rattle noise coming from rear seat area since 35000 miles service: I went back dealer for every 5k miles service and they try to fix it (It only works for 1 to 2k miles), including lubed rear seat tracks several times, readjusted rear seat track, until 75K miles service then they replace the "Sop Latch" in the rear seat. It seems they fixed it but it happen again 6k miles later. I give it up for this issue, plus I am out of the warranty!

    4. at 45K miles service, Power windows, A/C, Display, Auto headlamp were out causing by a fuse(repeatly burn out). It took them 2 weeks to figure out that is a wire got pinched and shorted to ground behind the seat belt.

    5. at 67K miles, A low frequency rumble when it is stopped(once a while). I saw many people already post their same kind of problems but No clear answer yet!

    6. at 70K miles service, Battery failed test, I replaced the battery at local Pepboy shop, $70 with installation. well, you know how expensive for the dealer to replace it.

    7. at 70K miles service, The right front door lock stop working which will cost $495 to fix it(out of warranty). (I havn't fix it yet)

    8. at 78K miles, The engine light on. OBD-II Codes: P0171 System too lean Bank 1. The local auto shop told me that is the Air fuel ratio sensor which will cost $380 for parts from dealer. Can any one verify this code with the parts? I would really appreciate if someone could have this answer!

    Hopefully, these issue will not happen on other people! It's a nice car but I think they should give the warranty up to 100K miles like other car maker.

    Thanks,
  • rlui1rlui1 Member Posts: 93
    Out of curiousity, which dealer do you take your RX? I'm in LA too.
  • dillydilldillydill Member Posts: 118
    I am looking at a 99 or 00 RX300 and am wondering do they come with Dual Zone Climate Control? Thanks.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Hi, Vincent!

    We do have a search function (Board Search - near top left of this page.) However, it doesn't work particularly well. I can tell you that Edmund's is working on making it useful and I hope to see it implemented in the not too distant future! Meanwhile, be patient!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • siehsieh Member Posts: 10
    To rlui1, I went to Longo Lexus but not any more for any regular maintenance or the repair jobs can be done by local auto shop. Of course, if you enjoy the free drink and leather seat waiting room! (For example, I brought Mobil 1 oil & fileter myself to shop, let them do the labor)

    To Host, Thanks for the reply and effort!

    Vincent
  • lexrx1lexrx1 Member Posts: 9
    #4928: banner1, the ticking noise you are hearing from your engine is normal. This is an all aluminum engine so it heats up and cools down quicker than an engine with an iron block. When you shut off the engine after it has warmed up you will hear it ticking b/c it is cooling off. The same goes for the sunroof. The parts are made of aluminum and tick when cold air hits them (after they have gotten hot). However, the sunroof shouldn't make this noise.

    #4938: dillydill, to date none of the RX models have dual-zone climate control.

    -nick
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    I'm pretty sure that I saw in a recent ad for '02 RX that this is now standard! Quite sure it wasn't available previous to this model year, certainly not in '99.

    Pete
  • lexrx1lexrx1 Member Posts: 9
    I kid you not, the RX does not come with dual-zone climate control. The obvious source to check would be lexus.com.

    -nick
  • krazyhopzkrazyhopz Member Posts: 17
    Buying a 2002 RX300. I think the standard rubber on the vehicle (225x70r16) does not do it justice. The wide body makes the tires look thin. Thinking about a 265x70r16 or a 245x65r17 both Michelin LTX.

    Anyone tried to upgade the tires to these sizes and if so, did the ride change? I know that Lexus always suggest the 16s, but just wondered if anyone had tried larger sizes.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I have 17X8 wheels, 30mm spacers all around, with Michelin CTs and am pleased with the ride and the quiet. 01 AWD RX
  • parnolaparnola Member Posts: 141
    Can the 265x70r16 tires be mounted on the stock rims for the RX? I too need new tires and wouldn't mind a wider one. My RX is leased, so I'll just keep the old tires (still have tread left, but they are the Goodyears, so what can I say) and have them mounted just before I turn her in 2 years from now.
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    235s are the largest tires that'll go on the stock rims without spacers, due to clearance (everytime I write that I'm reminded of "Airplane") problems with the rear struts. And unless you go to lower aspect ratio, a 265x70 will introduce a 7.8% error in your speedometer and odometer, which would be good for you from a lease/mileage standpoint (more actual miles traveled than indicated) but bad from speed standpoint (60 mph indicated = 64.7 mph actual), unless you happen to like speeding tickets.

    I agree the 225s look a little skinny though that appearance is improved with a more square shouldered tire such as the Michelin CT compared to the more rounded Goodyears. When I replace HER tires again, I'm going to sneak the 235 CTs on instead of the 225s, but that's a ways away.
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Does the 2000 RX300 have transmission, engine problems or another other problems? I am considering the option of buy a RX that has just come off a lease....... :-)
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    rates the RX300 as a recommended used car. Lexus has recently agreed to cover the cars for up to eight years against oil gel (sludge). I would ask the dealer to pull the front valve cover so you could inspect for sludge before you buy. If you change your oil at four months or 4,000 miles, you should not have sludge. Good luck!
  • zielinwzielinw Member Posts: 83
    The 2002 rx 300 does not have dual zone climate control.
  • zielinwzielinw Member Posts: 83
    Does anyone else feel they may have been slightly conned on the RX300 roof racks?

    With a load capacity of 75 pounds they are useless. I will admit that I did not ask what the load bearing value was when I bought the car, but give me a break. A 75 pound capacity makes the rack just a fancy design feature, sort like the fins and hood scoops in the cars of the fifties.

    Oh well, maybe I will take-up skiing and I can use the racks for that.
  • rlui1rlui1 Member Posts: 93
    I agree...the 75-pound weight limit is rather anemic. I only plan to put skis and the annual Christmas tree on my racks.

    Dual Zone Climate Control - My 2002 RX does not have it (and it wasn't an option), much to my wife's dismay!
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    Whether it is useful or not to me is yes and/or no. I usually don't have anything on it except maybe a 4' X 8' piece of board. Even if it's rated say 200 pounds, I certainly don't want to put heavy stuff on there to raise the center of gravity.
  • avery1avery1 Member Posts: 373
    I have a '99 RX. My roof rack came with the strips attached to the roof and I use it all the time. As we head off to our country place with a family of 4 I often need that extra space for a box of this or that or sleeping bags. Usually just one way because we come back with less. What I don't understand is why they removed the roof strips on later models. This would make it impossible to use the roof rack for what I use it for unless I invested in a another carrier of some sort and then it would be there whistling away and reducing the mileage on the return trip as well. I have tried asking at Lexus both online and at the dealer and no one can tell me why they did this. I expect it is because one idiot put too much weight up there and it dented the roof.
  • grndpadgrndpad Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 RX 300 with about 7500 miles on it. It runs great. However, I am a
    little disappointed in the gas mileage. With a mix of freeway(40%) and city driving(60%) I am consistently getting between 16 and 17 mpg. My wife does most of the driving and she is fairly light-footed on the gas pedal. What is strange is that the computer tells me I am getting between 18 and 19 mpg but when I check the mileage using the old fashioned method; determining the gallons used on fill up and the difference in odometer readings between fill ups, I get between 16 to 17 mpg. On my last service, I asked the service people at Lexus of Bellevue, WA about this and they thought it was the
    variation in the actual gas station pumps. I have used a variety of gas stations, different octane levels and it does not make a difference. So my questions are: Why am I not getting better mileage, and why is the computer read out nearly 10% more than my actual mileage? Is there a possibility I'm losing fuel somewhere? I would appreciate any suggestions.
  • dielectric7bbdielectric7bb Member Posts: 324
    Typically, on-board computers do not do that great of a job in calculating MPG, as this seems to be a problem on most vehicles with these new computers. I believe the main problem is that the computer has trouble calculating the total amount of fuel used. Gas pumps, I thought, had to have accurate readouts as to how much gas one purchased, otherwise they would all be in big trouble for making people buy gas that they didn't actually get!!!
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    The only time I get better than 16-17 MPG, 01 AWD RX300, is for all highway use, eastside to Bellingham and back for instance, then I get 20+.
  • JOFOJOFO Member Posts: 14
    Hello all:

    I read somewhere that a fresh new rx300 is coming out sometime this year. Any word? Any pictures? Any details?

    Thanks,

    J
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Thanks for the imput! :)
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