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Lexus RX 300

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Comments

  • mauiwowie1mauiwowie1 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone heard about a sport version of the RX300? I heard that the suspension is stiffer and may have fender flares. Or was I just misled by a salesperson?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Yes, the RX does come from the factory with what Lexus says are "fog lights".

    The only problem is that there is no way to turn them on without having the low beams on also.

    On my 92 LS I bypassed a relay so I could have true FOG LIGHTS, but the shortcoming was they didn't go off automatically. Haven't had a chance to check into how I might be able to make the RX's Fogs work independantly.
  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    I confess: The LTX M/S were in stock and $29 ($98 v.$127) per tire cheaper than the special order Cross Terrains.
  • gambiamangambiaman Member Posts: 131
    I had a 99 FWD RX before I traded it for a 01. It steered straight until the tires were rotated at 5K. After that it pulled to the right. At 10k the tires were rotated again (I assume back to the orginal position) and the pull to the right went away. At 15K it returned. At 20K ... I figured it was one of the tires causing the problem. I now have 6K miles on my 01 and no pull even after having the tires rotated. Both had the GY Integritys.
    I am interested in ride/noise/handling etc. with Michelin LTX's or the new Cross Terrian tires. They are both much more expensive than the GY tires.
  • bcjacob1bcjacob1 Member Posts: 39
    Is it me, or are the headrests on the '01 RX the most UNCOMFORTABLE headrests on any vehicle in the market? I love everything about my RX except the hard headrests and the layout of the Nav.

    On the nav, why is it that sometimes my house shows up on the map as a pic of a house while at other times it shows up as a bullseye?
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    gambiaman, re r/n/h issues with michelins, see my post # 1319 for early experience with cross terrains

    sl more expensive than ltx, but considering the price of the vehicle we drive and the tire lifetime, $30 or so per tire is a drop in the bucket
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Have you designated your home address as "home" in the NAV computer? If so, it will show up as a house icon. If your home is the actual target during route guidance, it'll be a bullseye like any other final designation.
  • aussiemagicaussiemagic Member Posts: 2
    I apologize if this has been covered, but has anyone experienced an intermittant burning smell while using the seat heaters?

    I have a 2001 RX300 with 2100 miles now.

    Also are various dash rattles common?
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    WRT to the "seat smell" I have not noticed anything other than the smell of warm leather. The only thing I can suggest is that your dealer might have put a cleaner, conditioner or protectant on your leather?

    Dash rattles are a funny thing because they can be "caused" by any number of things. When we first got our Rex we thought we had a dash rattle, but it turned out to be the unused CD cartridge sitting in the glove box. One time it was CD jewel cases in the bottom of the center console. So my best advice is make sure that all extraneous stuff is removed or secured before deciding it's the dash itself. Other than that, our Rex is very quiet.
  • gasman1gasman1 Member Posts: 321
    Hi;

    I just wanted to to say thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm a Toyota Highlander owner and thought that it might be a good idea to review your experience. It was.

    My Bridgestone tires have been replaced by the Michelin Cross Terrain SUVs. It's good to know that our conclusion of the OEM tires are the same.

    I really enjoy my HL and wish the same for you.

    Jim

    Ps This goes for all topics. It would be nice if people would review an entire topic to research a question prior to posting a request for information that's been covered over and over again.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    It would be pretty tedious to review all of these messages instead why don't we get together a fund to pay edmunds to upgrade their search engine so as one could locate specific subjects within a topic?
  • app1eqfapp1eqf Member Posts: 9
    Does anyone know of any sidesteps besides the ones that look like a black tube. I saw one lexus with a side step that looked like a real step you would see on the LX470 truck, body color, really beuatiful. Has anyone heard of them or knows a website where I can order one
    Thanks
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Actually, Edmunds has been working on an all-new search engine since we switched message boards software a few months ago. That has been the plan all along. The main problem is that Town Hall's needs are unique, and the default board search doesn't work particularly well. As such, Web Crossing started from stratch and is rewriting a custom search engine for us. No ETA on it yet, but hopefully it will be online soon.

    FYI, you can use our "Mark" feature to mark messages that you think are helpful. These marks will end up in your message centre, where you can add little comments in the text box next to the mark to remind you what you marked the message for in the first place. Try it!

    Hope this helps,

    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    I have been following all the posts on tires. When I was a young man, I would take my Car and Driver magazine with the latest tire test in to my local tire dealer, and tell him I wanted the best tires. My definition of best was the tire that scored the highest lateral G's on the skid pad test. Thankfully, my tire dealer sat me down and told me Michelins are the best tires based on roundness, ease of balancing, and lack of size variation.
    He explained that Michelin has a proprietary tire manufacturing process. He went on to say that when a contractor goes in to a Michelin tire plant to work, he is escorted to the work area, he performs his job, and he is escorted out. He is not allowed to waunder around. The tire dealer told me a lot of tire problems are caused by out of round tires. He usually solves a customer's problem by switching him to Michelins.
    He told me he only has to use half as much weight to balance a Michelin tire because they are so consistent.
    The tire dealer told me that when you rotate your tires, and then the car begins to pull to the left or right, this is because of size variation in a set of tires. He told me it almost never happens with Michelins.
    I took his advice, and bought Michelins. In the spirit of six sigma, I must admit that a sample size of one is too small to draw any conclusions. I will try to be as objective as possible by saying that I bought the "Lexus" of tires.
  • wegstereowegstereo Member Posts: 9
    I finally got around to taking some pictures (WARNING - pretty big file sizes).


    http://www.weggy.com/lexus/lexus.html


    Mike

  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    RE: Post 1358- Yes, I guess I'm cheap. Other than the cool mountain picture on the side of the Cross terrains I couldn't see the value in the extra $120 per set cost.

    I had a 2000 toyota Tacoma with a shimmy problem. Tires had been balanced three times. The service manager came over and said "Here's the problem" and pointed at the word "Goodyear" on the tires. He took a used 4 runner with michelins and put the wheels on my truck. Vibe gone. The Goodyear adjuster refused to help. His priceless quote: "No tires are round"-

    I suggested that would make a good ad slogan for his company but he didn't think so.
  • app1eqfapp1eqf Member Posts: 9
    wegstereo, thanks for the pictures. this is exactly the step that i'm looking for. do you know the company who makes it?

    thanks.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Censorship is alive and well... my crticism (was message #1364) of Edmunds.com has been deleted.

    There was no name calling so I'm baffled. Enough is enough, I think I'm outta here for awhile, I'm not going to invest my time in a place that doesn't appreciate it. This place has been going downhill...

    TC
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I think I'll take a ride to Rallye and see if they sell the boards themselves.

    BTW, your Rex looks very sharp!
  • wegstereowegstereo Member Posts: 9
    app1eqf, I haven't the slightest idea who the manufacturer is. I got the car at Rallye Lexus in L.I. Try calling them: 516-676-4000.

    tonychrys, don't leave. I just got here.
  • ronduwellronduwell Member Posts: 2
    I bought a 2001 RX 300 and a Highlander Limited at the same time...wife and daughter's first vehicle.... The Rx 300 was only like 3k more....Got them for 29k- 32K I like the Highlander Limited better actually.. Much better...The highlander has all of the stuff the Lexus had except that LCD screen thing that who would use anyway. Was considering the forerunner or Lexus equiv. but this one had less roll over potential and was smoother riding....
  • trmgatrmga Member Posts: 50
    In regards to tonychrys' comment to scroll through the messages rather than asking a question that has been answered before I would ask you to consider the following. While this is a very interesting and informative forum, it is not something that most people have time to review every day. Many of us have a life other than researching facts on the RX 300 and looking at this site every spare moment of every day. We are busy at our jobs, we ski, we golf, we play tennis, we are involved in community activities, etc, and therefor we really don't have the time to scroll through a weeks worth of messages to find the answer to one question. Rather than being annoyed at people that ask redundant questions perhaps you should realize that they are simply trying to get a quick, one time answer to a specific question without wasting time reviewing ancient history. There is a world beyond the RX 300.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Have you checked your e-mail account that is in your profile? If not, please do so. Thanks!


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • rparis2rparis2 Member Posts: 46
    My RX with 1000 miles-no heated seat smell or rattles. The vehicle is very quiet and smooth.
    A pleasure to drive other than the single front map light which I have commented on earlier. There really should be dual adjustable lights for night driving. I suggested to the regional Lexus sales person that Lexus come out with a modification kit for these lights I consider it so bad. It would also be convenient to be able to open just the glass portion of the rear "door".
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Sorry, tmrga, there is NO world beyond the RX300.

    And if the regulars that use this board to discuss Our Little World don't feel compelled to rehash a question that has been debated 500 times before in Our Little World, and people new to the board don't have the foresight to quit their day jobs and read all 1373 posts that came before yours, well, I guess it's just Our Little World.

    Bye.
  • trmgatrmga Member Posts: 50
    jeffmust2--Thanks for the comment. I've given up my day job, quite golf, tennis and other activities and am on message #77--only 1300 to go.
    Feels good to have my priorities in order. Have a great one.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Trmga - welcome to Our Little World.

    By the way, I'm unemployed - ah, no, make that "I'm a consultant."

    What job did you leave, did you have to show-up in person or just call in, what base pay, what are the hours, was your boss in the same state, and was it located near a casino and a brewery?
  • melanjianmelanjian Member Posts: 31
    to wegstero!!! where did you get those rear light
    treatments??? i think they look real nice!!
    thanks much... and how hard are they to install??
  • rparisrparis Member Posts: 368
    Potential buyers should be aware; I am told, that when the present dealer inventories are depleted with the $1500 value package, as of today, there are no other incentive programs for the time being. This according to Lexus customer service.
  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    Had the Michelins mounted. After they were off I looked at the Goodyears. The sidewalls were as thin as paper.
    The ride is firmer but not harsh. Same size but they look about an inch wider. Much better steering feel.
    Overall- A huge improvement.
  • robin007robin007 Member Posts: 4
    can you explain more with what you meant by the $1500 value package?

    thanks.
    robin
  • cas5cas5 Member Posts: 8
    If anyone is really interested in saving $ on a new RX 300 they should go to priceline.com. I did and got a bid of $35,385 for one with the value package. The only problem with the deal was they would not give me enough for my 1998 GS 400 as a trade.
  • rx2000rx2000 Member Posts: 11
    I see that the 2001 Rex has a rubber bumper guard on "wegstereo" picture (don't know whether this is standard or option). Anybody can help me on the part number of this bumper guard and approx. cost for it (place to buy will be nice too). This will be a real saver for the bumper. I already scratched mine.

    Thnks in advance
  • wegstereowegstereo Member Posts: 9
    Melanjian,

    The "rear brush guards" were a dealer installed option. $895. If you're in NY try calling Rallye Lexus at 516-676-4000.

    RX2000,

    I didn't pay extra for the rubber guards so I don't think they're an option.
  • ozharrierozharrier Member Posts: 2
    I just wanted to share our recent weekend experience in a Lexus RX-300 on a 4WD course in country New South Wales (Australia). Besides having a great time with our newly acquired Lexus (actually an imported Toyota Harrier) we learned a lot about our vehicle and negotiating real outback conditions.

    First, let me say that we were the standout vehicle in a class of Patrol's, Land Cruiser's, Pajero's, Grand Cherokee, Rodeo's etc. Even two purpose built vehicles from 4WD suppliers. We felt positively naked sitting next to these others. But hey, we have taken vehicles beyond their normal limits before and this was our chance to see what we could and could not do in this vehicle.

    You should understand that the Lexus RX is not imported by Lexus here yet. It can be imported in right hand drive from Japan as a limited import used car. Same basic AWD 3 Liter vehicle as the USA but for minor cosmetics and radio and steering wheel mounted manual shift buttons. We did add a Jaos front bash plate to it - which proved a handy addition.

    The first day started with a drive on river bed sand. The Lexus managed the course with both inflated and deflated tires. Some bottom scraping over rises but overall we managed the course with the pack.

    Afterwards, we went to a specially designed track full of rises, dips, drop-offs, mud holes, etc. Even the drivers of the other vehicles were apprehensive. The instructor picked on the Pajero to show how easily it could be stuck on just two wheels with no getting out of it with its traction system.

    We were horrified to see the sheer drops into mud pits and the articulation of several obstacles but the instructor thought we might actually make it round. Of course all the other drivers had been chuckling and egging us on.

    So I took it on the course hoping to not destroy our vehicle. All the other drivers jumped out of their vehicles to come see "it's the Lexus, it's the Lexus!" They came to watch this dwarf 4WD do the same course they were struggling with.

    Guess what? Aside from some bash plate scraping, we managed the whole course with flying colors. While the others dropped into low range and fixed their diffs, we just popped into manual first gear and off we went. Our maneuverability helped overcome obstacles the others took on awkwardly. The gathered crowd broke into applause.

    We also managed the steep descent and hill climb but had to use the brakes rather than extra low gear. Not ideal, but it worked on the short hill. The water crossing was equally uneventful - we actually managed it better than some (again, everyone gathered to watch "it's the Lexus!")

    Talking to the instructor later he said that we easily outperformed the M-Class, two of which had been on the course and whose drivers went away in disgust. The two things the Lexus really lacks to be a more serious outback drive are a low range (for climbing/descending long loose or slippery slopes) and a couple of additional inches of clearance to drive over small rocks and to clear the raised centers of tracks. A better set of off road tires would also help. If I could find a way of raising and then lowering the vehicle for roads I would do it.

    But the thing is, we bought the Lexus to get us comfortably, economically and safely TO destinations where we would hike and camp, and so on. It's our weekend getaway vehicle. There are many such roads around us here and long distances between destinations. If the road gets too rough we either fix it or we stop and go on foot.

    Many other 4 WD folks seem to only be interested in driving to a spot having a cup of tea and going off again. Meanwhile they burn fuel like no tomorrow, vibrate the passengers to distraction, scare the heck out of car drivers and wallow on the freeways.

    My wife are very happy with our vehicle and the weekend proved to us that the Lexus is capable of more than most people think. When I get some pics of the weekend I'll be able to post them.

    See 'ya!
  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    Interesting post!
  • malhokcmalhokc Member Posts: 83
    These can be purchased at much cheaper prices from urbanjunglesuv.com
  • finch3finch3 Member Posts: 113
    Here's some more info for you techs. Changed my oil today and can give you the ID on the "Cup Type" filter wrench you will need. As you recall, the best way to access the oil filter is from the front of the engine. This wrench when fitted on a 3/4 inch socket wrench and a short extension, will get that filter off. The wrench is a 73mm 14 flute size. I got mine in Advance Auto.I looked at the A/C Iilter, which is in the glove compartment area, to the right of the CDDCartridge area. At 15,000 miles, it was pretty dirty. Not even bothering with Lenexusrices, I called my Toyota dealer and they wanted $35. This is a modest little thing! So, I have ordered it from Iron Toad.com for $21. I tried to clean the filter, but it needs to be changed regularly, at least every 20,000 miles. For more info, write me at rered riderebtv.net.
  • sulawlesssulawless Member Posts: 3
    I am considering buying an RX after Ford buys back my Escape under the lemon law. I am debating between the Pathfinder and the RX. How is the gas mileage on the RX? How many miles does it take to get decent mileage? The stats have it better than the path.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
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  • johngreisjohngreis Member Posts: 70
    To #1392

    I have a 2000 awd and have had it on many long trips (13000 on odometer)and always get 22mpg at 70 mph. I once went on a 400 mile trip and set the cruise at 63 mph and I still get the same mileage. City is about 18.
    By the by - I use only 87 octane and have never had a ping.

    Good luck
  • bubbawantssuvbubbawantssuv Member Posts: 2
    I'm looking at both new 2001 and low-mileage 2000 models, both with the Premium Plus package but no NAV (which I don't need, anyway). I live outside Wash,DC in the Virginia suburbs, and so far I've got two dealers down to $38,200 from the $40,601 MSRP package. This is about 6% over invoice. Do I stand a chance of getting much lower on the price, and if so, how much? I found a 2000 RX with very low mileage with the Premium Plus package, in showroom condition, and (yes) the Badawful Integrity tires, for about $35,000. Does this price sound too good to be true? Of course, I would insist on a CarFax Report. I prefer the 2001 for: the VSC, TRAC, HID lights, and the new blue vapor color. Other than the color, is the premium over the 2000 worth spending for these items? I plan an absolute minimum of off-road or blizzard condition driving.

    Lastly, is the CD Changer/Slacker located in the 2000 model, but in-dash in the 2001?

    I would appreciate your comments.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If you're thinking of buying a 2000 RX AWD to save money then why not buy a FWD RX and save some real money. Without Trac you might never notice much difference between a FWD and an AWD RX.

    The addition of Trac on the 2001 makes the RX a REAL AWD.

    If you happen to be as old as I am then once you have driven on asphalt at night (in the rain?) with HID you would never go back to "ordinary" headlamps.

    2001 CD = glovebox...still.
  • bubbawantssuvbubbawantssuv Member Posts: 2
    I must say I done a lot of research on the RX but you are the first one to bring up this issue. Do you know personally, or know of any test data available, that describes the handling and braking similarities of or differences between these two models?
  • mkdwyermkdwyer Member Posts: 4
    Does any know if the dealer's chrome wheel option includes just the wheels, or is there more to it, like upgraded tires also, and if so what type/brand? Two local wheel shops quoted me $700 for a set of 4 RX300 chrome wheels on exchange, which seems like a big savings over the dealer. I'm trying to decide which way to go on this and looking for input. thx.
  • bcjacob1bcjacob1 Member Posts: 39
    Is there a way to automatically lock all 4 doors on the '01 RX AWD? On my '00 Audi, the dealer was able to reprogram the computer in the car to lock all doors at 15 mph. Just curious if there are any hidden features in the Lexus computer - there are a ton of hidden features in the Audi.
  • mlevinedcmlevinedc Member Posts: 45
    I have a 01 RX300 on order with the chrome wheels and every available option exc. for Nakamichi and Gold Pkg, They told me the chrome wheels include the spare, therefore I am getting 5 chrome wheels, not four as the tire shop may have offered you in trade. I am also told I will be getting Bridgestone Dueler HT All-Seasons and not Goodyears with the chrome. My local (big multi-store outfit) said there was no way to get a decent set of chrome wheels for 850.00 (Lexus dealer cost).

    30 days to delivery, I can't wait.
  • arturitoarturito Member Posts: 16
    you may want to scroll back to # 1384 for pricing info i live in no. va. and bought a 01 fwd rx in fla two weeks ago for price and avilability let me know if you want details also i think i saw some info on $1500 factory discount being discontinued in a previous post in this forum yet i saw it advertised in the current issue of newsweek magazine go figure! arturito
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    I believe the "speed-sensitive auto door lock function" is only supported on LS and GS models.

    Pete
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    You can do better with an independent tire shop for chrome RX300 wheels. Besides, it gives you a chance to dump the BadYears or the Duelers and put tires on the RX that it deserves.

    For not much more than the $850-900 they want to charge you for just to have chrome wheels and the same tires, you can have four (4) chrome OEM RX wheels (on an exchange basis) and Michelin tires, either the LTX or the Cross-Terrains -- both of which are vastly superior in all ways to the OEM BadYears (Duelers are not as painfully Out-of-Their-League so you could keep them without major depression).

    I have a new 2001 RX and I had my local tire guy chrome the four wheels and install Cross Terrains; with road hazard warranty, I think the total with labor was about $1070. And I have four Badyears sitting in plastic bags that Lexus can have back in three years.

    The chromed wheels look great, with the same gold-plated "L" Lexus logo initial in the center cap. I used the tire guy's subcontractor plating service a few years ago on a different vehicle - never had a flaking or defect problem. And if there is a problem, the wheel goes back and I receive another one at no charge.

    Easy decision.
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