Lexus RX 300

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Comments

  • rxcurerxcure Member Posts: 33
    While in stop and go traffic, someone tried to pull around me and misjudged the distance, scraping the corner of my rear bumper with the side of his car. He damaged his own car worse than my RX, but he did cause a noticeable gouge in my bumper -- about 2" long by 1/4" wide by 1/8" deep -- deep enough to go through the paint and into the black plastic underneath. I don't want to put the guy through the ringer and make him buy me a whole new bumper -- both on general principle and as I intend to keep the car for a while so I'm not concerned about keeping it in mint condition for a high-value trade. Is it reasonably easy to put in some kind of filler and touch up with paint? Would a Lexus dealer be willing to do this or would I need to go to an auto-body shop (I don't want to do it myself). Or are there other options people would recommend? Thanks in advance.
  • jct520jct520 Member Posts: 4
    I have had my RX for three days now, I had the front windows tinted before I pick up the car, so did not know about precaution in the owners manual. Thankfully, my navigation works fine with the windows tinted. The tint was FormulaOne performance automotive film. However, the Lexus navigation system is set up for metropolitan area only. Within these areas (Phoenix, AZ) it is ok, in my small town of Payson, AZ, it comes up short. I have a Co-Pilot system on my laptop, which I use in the motorhome. This is an outstanding system for all areas. It also calls out street names in cities & rural areas, when the Lexus only calls out major highways and interstates. For streets, the Lexus system indicates left/right turns in so many tenths of a mile. I still glad to have the system in the Lexus, even if it is lacking in street name callouts. If anyone has additional information on the Lexus navigation system, please post.
    I will be towing the RX300 behind the motorhome, so any experiences with towbars, lighting, and braking system would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    I'm debating between a new Toyota Highlander and a certified pre-owned (CPO) 1999 RX300. By the time May rolls around (when my lease is up), I'm expecting the price to be about the same. I expect the long term reliability of both vehicles to be outstanding. Actually as a CPO, the RX300 would have a better warranty than a new Highlander. I plan on holding onto either vehicle between 5-6 years. I have some concerns about the resale value of the RX at that point. I suspect Lexus dealers may need to discount the CPO RX's in view of this competition from the Highlander. (Perhaps wishful thinking.) Any thoughts? Thanks.
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    Reply to #953 above. I had a similar scar on my rear bumper, Lexus wanted $600 to replace. Local collision shop refinished mine for $200. Can't tell where they made the repair.

    Pete
  • kingscreekkingscreek Member Posts: 37
    Are you kidding? -- that's one of the things I like most about you.
  • arturitoarturito Member Posts: 16
    you may want to check a publication called intellichoice for the info you seek it can be found in public libraries or in the internet at intellichoice.com i think they compile runnung costs for a five year period including things like insurance, depreciation repars etc not just the purchacse price for cars and trucks hope this helps arturito
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    mlevinedc Mar 2, 2001 12:06pm

    $38,300 is a great price, that's about $600 over invoice. In regards to other "fees", reasonable fees can include docs ($20 on my sales slip) and tax, title, license and inspection fees for your particular state. All of the above (plus $20 luxury tax, minus the NY 8.5% tax) at the time of my purchase came to about $195. Anything other than the stuff mentioned above is suspect and should be removed from the sales price. One thing that everyoneshould remember is that so called "Dealer prep" fees are already included in the sticker price from the manufacturer and should never be charged separate by the dealer.

    I just bought the Gold Kit from Irontoad.com at a discount. My Lexus dealer Parts counter wanted $265, I got it for $234 (along with some other accesories). If you can get the Gold Kit at time of new car purchase, do it. The reason is that even at a list price of $299, that should include labor. I might have to pay a labor charge to have the service department install it after the fact. Also, get the genuine Lexus parts, they are guaranteed for a year. It's not worth it messing around with an unknown source.

    TC
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    lacarguy Mar 2, 2001 2:36pm

    WRT overall costs, you really have to do your own homework, that's what we did. For instance, before we purchased we did several things:

    1. Called our present insurance company to get price quote on said vehicle. It's better to give them a VIN (just get one off the dealer lot for a comparable vehicle) so that they can look up all the safety features as equipped. We also then called competing companies just to keep ours honest.

    2. Gas costs-- from the EPA estimates and your own driving habits, calculate your annual cost range. You want to use premium gas prices in your math. The manufacturer requires it, this is a high end vehicle, don't treat it badly.

    3. Service-- go down to your local dealer's service department. They will glady sit down with you and discuss their costs and maintenance schedule. Ask the salesperson to photocopy the service schedule from an owners manual for you so you have a reference before you buy. I have heard that oil changes are easy on the RX300. Ask the service advisor to point out where the filter is, etc.

    We did all these things with no problems. A good Lexus dealer we help you. Good Luck.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    mvs1 Mar 2, 2001 4:04pm

    Thanks for the link! Know what I find amazing? That the production vehicle is exactly like the concept. It shows that Lexus designers know exactly what they are doing. Afterall, the RX300 is Lexus' best selling vehicle ever.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    rxcure Mar 2, 2001 5:29pm

    One thing many Lexus dealers are known for is having their own in-house body shop. I would take it their for an estimate first. You could also take it to your local shop as somebody pointed out. I'm sure both will do fine. Your car, your choice.
  • rxcurerxcure Member Posts: 33
    Tonychrys --

    As I'm due for a 15K servicing anyway, I'll hold off on fixing for a week or so to get the Lexus estimate (seeing if they're amenable to repair rather than replace). If they'll do it obviously my confidence is highest in them.

    Pschiffe --
    Your price quotes are helpful for me to have a point of comparison and I'm glad that your repair worked well -- I was hopeful that they wouldn't need to replace the whole bumper and your experience confirms this.

    Thanks
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Since the RX300 was sold as the Toyota Harrier before it every set foot in N.American soil, the concept Lexus SLV was simply a dressed up version LHD version of the Harrier, with a few N.American tweaks.


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    Rxcure, your dealer will likely want to replace your bumper rather than repair since they make more that way and as a result that will be their normal recommendation. But they should also be happy to provide estimate (and repair).
  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    While at the Lexus dealer go see the used car manager. Ask him who he uses for touch -up work.
    I guarantee it's not the Lexus body shop.
    I recently had a mobile service repaint a bumper and do some touch-up work on my Volvo- Turned out great and $500+ cheaper than the body shop quote.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Seems there will be a major snowstorm heading into the Northeast come Sunday night. Can't wait to take the RX and AWD out into the white stuff!

    Anybody up for some diner coffee Monday on Long Island, while eveyone else is stuck inside? We can compare RX notes and experiences.
  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    Yeah-
    If you bring your laptop and I can stay here in Scottsdale. (74' today)
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Already got it covered Dennis.. Motorola Startac with a serial connection to the laptop. Plugged into the one of the 12v outlets in the RX and I'm good to go!
  • harryrogers1harryrogers1 Member Posts: 40
    Tony (message 969)
    Nothing to do with the RX, just thought you might be interested to know that when I visit France with my car and Trailer I occasionaly connect my notebook computer to my Mobile phone and connect to the Internet. Unlike you lucky guys over there I have to pay for my mobile phone and when in France it costs 90p per minute. That's about $1.30 to you.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Good to hear from you! Hope you're enjoying the RX, I take it you are holiday right now? Anyway, most folks have to pay for their mobile phone here too, usually they buy plans on a monthly/minute basis. Checkout http://www.sprintpcs.com/index.html?refurl=universalhomepage/sprint/personal for an example.


    But in my case, it's true... my company pays for my cell phone, and laptop, and high-speed Internet access from home. If the impending snow storm is too much, I'll just connect to my office network via the Interent and work from home. I love technology.

  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    Work? or read this stuff?
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Isn't it the same? image
  • slee7slee7 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the update on your test drive. Let me know how the test drive went as well as your final negotiation, if it does, indeed reach that point. I had a question, did you go to McGrath Lexus off of the Kennedy or the one in the suburbs? I have to admit that I'm still considering the MDX. I test drove it again today and as far as size and power, the MDX seems to have the edge. In any case, let me know how everything goes. Thanks, Sam
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    does anyone know the best way to replace the oil filter? It took me a while to find it - I can't reach it from underneath, and it does not seem to be easily accessible from the top.
  • artvid01artvid01 Member Posts: 2
    I bought my new pearl white DX with the Premium Plus package. I paid $500 over invoice. I think the dealers feel the pressure of the Highlander, DX and the Rendezvous. I heard an add on the radio for Beverly Hills nexus big sale. Seems to be a buyers market.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    You got a good deal.

    BTW, don't use the spell checker here... it mangles the messages. Look at your last message.

    Enjoy the RX!
  • harryrogers1harryrogers1 Member Posts: 40
    Tony

    I'm not on holiday yet. We are going to the Basque region of France at the end of May. (for 5 weeks with the RX and our Trailer) We'll be staying around the Biarritz district at the foot of the Pyrenees. We wont be towing to much with the RX as we are travelling from southern England by Ferry to Bilbao in northern Spain and its only about 150 miles to Biarritz from there. The ferry is a large boat and it takes 36 hours for the trip.

    Lets hope the foot and mouth crisis is over by then. (I assume it's on the news over there).

    Harry (in the UK)
  • bentwrenchbentwrench Member Posts: 27
    Have changed mine once, and it was a bit of a struggle. Removed it from underneath. Bought a filter "wrench" which fits over the end of the filter and grips the serrations. It did not fit too well on the Lexus supplied filter, but it will fit the Fram or other filters which I replaced it with. Play around with different wrenches or socket drivers to find one the right lenth to fit in space. Don't recall, but I may have removed some of the cardboard sheilding to get to it. Good luck- It CAN be done.
  • trmgatrmga Member Posts: 50
    I have a '94 Lexus GS 300 (116,000 miles) and just bought an RX 300 last week. Regarding oil change and minor maintenance I have found that I can get the oil changed at the local Toyota dealer for about $20. Since the Lexus dealer is about 60 miles away and charges a LOT more I have also had the Toyota dealer replace a timing belt and water pump on the GS 300 at 80K miles. Cost just about 1/2 what the Lexus dealer wanted and the Toyota folks did a fine job. Don't know if I'd let them do anything really complicated but they sure have done good work on relatively minor maintenance stuff. A big money saver over the Lexus dealer. Just something to think about if you have a choice.
  • ejwintejwint Member Posts: 9
    I hear a subtle scratchy noise eminating from the area of the instrument cluster in my 2001 RX 300. This is mostly at faster speeds. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks.
  • ktildenktilden Member Posts: 1
    2001 Lexus RX300 2WD

    I have noticed a very light noise in the front left, maybe in the air vents? I thought I had seen mention of this problem on this board before? Any ideas? Thanks.
    K
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    In case anyone is interested:
    tonychrys "Lexus RX 300 Owners: Accessories and Aftermarket Products" Mar 4, 2001 7:32pm
  • ststephen0ststephen0 Member Posts: 37
    my 2001 awd also has a rattle around the front drivers side dash....seems to be somewhere around the left vent or left speaker (tweeter on top of dash) area.....any fixes known ??
  • dnf123dnf123 Member Posts: 2
    Just a note of thanks to all the great discussion here. It really helped me decide on the Rx awd, which I just picked up on Thursday. One question: what kind of break-in period should I follow, if any? Thanks again...
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Page 205 in your owners manual has this info.

    Enjoy the miles.

    TC
  • j199081j199081 Member Posts: 7
    Hi,

    May I ask can you provide a little more information on how you get $500 over invoice for RX300? Where and what exact option you have? I am now looking for getting one in NJ area. Thank you very much. Any input is appreciated.
  • frank115frank115 Member Posts: 2
    I recently investigated insurance costs, since I'm considering purchase of an RX300 this spring.Current premium is $47.00/month for a '93 Lincoln Mark 8. Insurance on the RX costs $62.00/mo. We're east of Kansas City about 50 miles. Rates seem reasonable since carrier (American Family) also insures house and another car. As always, shop around.
  • todtod Member Posts: 14
    I'm picking my RX up this week. I'm hearing conflicting reports about what octane fuel to burn. Some here have mentioned that premium is required. My dealer says they discourage this. They claim it causes a "hard starting" problem. They recommend plain old mid grade fuel.

    I filled the tester I had for a weekend up with mid grade and it seemed to run fine. Incidentally, I thought that RX was a little hard starting... didn't fire immediately, like I had expected. I often found myself having to crank twice to start it because I quit too soon the first time (expecting a start).

    Anyone ever hear of NOT burning premium in a new RX? Pros, cons? Etc.?
  • wayn1wayn1 Member Posts: 69
    If you read your owners manual, it states that a min. 87 octane be used. If you want more performance use a higher octane. I have tried all three octanes, no differance at all! Save some money and use reg unleaded. It will run just fine.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Everybody's got an opinion on this, from the dealer to my mailman. Guess what? none of them count (including mine) really since the manufacturer spells it out for you in black and white. Page 264 in the owner's manaul. Octane 87 at a minimum. For improved vehicle performance, octane 91 or higher is recommended.

    Since this fine vehicle comes with a systems and trip computer, I recommend that folks experiment and fill up with different grades according to the manufacturer's guidelines and make notes about a)perceived performance b)MPG readings. Then make an educated decision about what's important to you.

    Personally, if you can afford this vehicle, then you should be able to afford the few-cents difference per gallon for 91 octane or higher. That's what I do, but of course, YMMV.
  • ericpei99ericpei99 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I've asked my dealer but didn't get a clear explanation of what the "ECT Snow button" does. Could anyone help? Does it activate Vehicle Skid Control? does it lock the transimission in lower gears? would it limit the speed and the gas mileage?
    Thanks.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Wow, I'm shocked and dismayed this isn't discussed in the manual, at least I couldn't find it.

    What ECT does is start the car off in 2nd gear when you are at a standing stop (like at a traffic light). The reasoning is that there will be less torque, hence less likely that your wheels will spin in the snow. I use to do this all the time when I drove a 5-speed stick.

    I would not leave it on unless road conditions warranted it.

    Hope this helps,
    TC
  • todtod Member Posts: 14
    Anyone know exactly which functions are programmable on a new RX? I'm talking about things like remote control functions (door lock/unlocking, headlights on/off timer, etc.). Does anyone know how many different things you can have customized to your taste? Thanks.
  • herkherk Member Posts: 1
    the post is a little late, but I went to Lake Tahoe 2 weekends ago in my 2001 RX and it just handle way beyond my expectation. It snowed about 12" that day and chain control was in effect. I just rolled up to the CHP and he asked, u have a 4wd, I said yup and I went on. I put the RX in ECT and it didnt' slip once on the way up to Kirkwood and it was just a great on the way back. At one point, it was just out right blizzard condition, I couldn't see more than 20 feet in front of me. I am definitely very very please with the RX. That's the whole reason I bought a SUV in the first place, so I can go up to Tahoe when it is snowing when the snow is awesome on the slope!
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    Possibly I might clarify octane issues for some. Octane # relates to knock resistance; the higher the compression (among other variables), the higher the octane required to prevent "knock", which is detonation of the gasoline in the cylinder rather than the controlled burn which results in proper gas expansion during the power stroke.
    In the old days of noncomputerized carbureted engines, you either burned premium if you needed it or you burned your pistons. Now we have extremely tight control of air-fuel ratios that can be adjusted literally from cylinder fill to cylinder fill depending on engine load, octane available (knock sensors), speed, temp, etc etc. So, you can use virtually any octane gasoline in your RX (or any other modern high performance engine) and it will run fine. You won't necessarily have all your rated power/torque or mileage when you want it if you aren't using highest octane for which engine is designed, but that's your choice.
    To my way of thinking, the minimal amount of money that you will save in a year is a small drop in the bucket compared to the drop in performance. Me, I want it all. So my wife's RX300 and my GS430 both live on premium. Yeehaa!!!!!!!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I'm curious as to why the manufacturer's now refer to the AKI (anti-knock index) as opposed to octane rating? What's different? TIA.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • mlevinedcmlevinedc Member Posts: 45
    herk;

    I am wondering what tires you have on your RX that did so well in the snow.
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    Reply to #994 above, the systems and functions that can be changed by using the dealer's Lexus hand-held tester on the RX are listed below:

    Wireless Door Lock open door warning
    Wireless Door Lock buzzer volume
    Wireless Door Lock wireless operation
    Wireless Door Lock car finder
    Wireless Door Lock alarm function
    Wireless Door Lock interior light function
    Wireless Door Lock all doors unlock
    Wireless Door Lock auto lock delay

    Door Lock unlock/key twice

    Security answer back
    Security passive mode

    Power Window up/door key
    Power Window down/door key
    Power Window down/wireless

    Illuminated Entry lighting time
    Illuminated Entry on/unlock

    Reminder System key remind sound
    Reminder System key remind volume

    Auto Light Control light off delay
    Auto Light Control control logic switchover
    Auto Light Control sensitivity adjustment

    Moon Roof open/door key
    Moon Roof close/door key
    Moon Roof open/wireless
    Moon Roof door key operation
    Moon Roof wireless operation

    AC w/moon roof only set temp shift
    AC w/moon roof only air inlet mode
    AC w/moon roof only compressor mode
    AC w/moon roof only compressor/defroster operation
    AC w/moon roof only air inlet operation

    All these functions can be used to override the default settings according to user preferences.

    Pete
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    Steve, I don't know the answer to that one, though it occurs to me that "AKI" gives a more understandable idea of what octane actually is - I don't know if they are calcualted differently (along the same lines as "Octane Rating" vs "Research Octane Number".

    Checked my 2001 GS430 manual (closer at hand) and find no mention of AKI but will do a little looking when a little more time available. Now you've got me curious, too.

    Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Possibly some of the more engineering/tech oriented respondents to this forum will have an answer.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    This is what I found this am "The anti-knock index is simply the average of the RON and MON numbers". I think I'll quit while I'm ahead :-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
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