Lexus RX 300

jeffmust2 · May 2001

Hey, MVS, lighten-up!

SUV Luxury, defined herewith:

1. Reliable: No worry about dealer and parts support, home and away. No need to check the fine print of the warranty terms before leaving on a trip - be it down the road to the market or cross-country

2. Safe: Does well in applicable safety tests by recognized test institutions.

3. Value: High resale value years down the road as a percentage of the original sales price. Three-year old RX300s sell for 80-85% of their new price in Los Angeles.

4. Build Quality: Self-explanatory; Lexus is always rated at the top or close to top.

5. Dealer Quality: From pre-sales, to sales, to after sales and service, customer should be Job #1. In general, Lexus does this best.

Others are welcome to add to this list!

tonychrys · May 2001

Just for reciting one of my favorite Bugs Bunny lines "I am Elmer J Fudd, millionaire, I own a mansion and yacht..." I'll answer your question.

Jeff nailed a lot of my answers, I'll add:

Superior parts: Almost like quality, but specifically better grades of leather, wood, vinyls, switches, tight tolerances on metal parts, etc. Flawless fit and finish.

Driving experience: User comfort in the cabin. Minimal road and wind noise. Suspension that soaks the bumps yet doesn't totally isolate the driver from the road. Controls within easy each. Superior sound system and environmental controls. Smooth, responsive and quiet engine.

Customer experience: Everyone associated with the vehicle is concerned with your satisfaction. Questions and concerns are handled seriously, politely and quickly.

abiswas · May 2001

Hi all,

Had a question regarding coolant,

Just purchased a 01 Rex and a have been driving the heck out of it since April! Already have 2600 miles in less than 2 months - love this car.

The question involves the level of coolant - today was the first day I popped open the hood and noticed that the coolant level (that funky red/fruit punch colored liquid located on the left side of the engine) was near the half-way mark. Is this normal? I just purchased the vehicle and already time to refill the coolant. Granted, it has awfully hot in So Cal and I have driving up a few inclined highways so that may have placed some strain on the engine - but isn't it too early for the coolant to be halfway empty? I have yet to turn the air conditioner on!

If I do need to refill the coolant, can any of you recommend what type of engine coolant is best? And is it ok to mix the manufacturer's coolant with some store bought product.

Thank you very much for all you help. This forum is excellent.

A. Biswas

mvs1 · May 2001

Just a question Jeffmust, you'd be surprised as most individuals define luxury as leather, wood, etc. The reason for my question was that USA Today had consumers in one of those blind folded tests. Placed them in various vehicles and asked to see if they could tell a luxury vehicle from a main stream automake. (i.e. Escalade, Tahoe) Also the question of which car do I buy RX300 or Highlander often comes up. And I happen to have the J.D. Power/Associates quality survey on my desk at work, most people often equate quality w/ luxury. Oh, and If I lighten up anymore I'll float.

tonychrys · May 2001

I guess we all know by now that Lexus once again dominated the JD Power Initial Quality survey, with the RX300 as the best luxury SUV.

mvs1 · May 2001

Put down the computer and come out with your hands up!

rmorin2 · May 2001

I am looking for a paintless dent repair company in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or south central PA. Have a door ding that needs fixing. Thanks.

jasonww · May 2001

After finally deciding on the RX300, I'm now facing the decision of whether to get the SilverSport edition or not. Cosmetically I think I like the SilverSport a little better, but I haven't driven it yet- probably will on Friday. The main thing I want to determine is the difference in the ride & handling, since the SS Edition has a different suspension.

But I don't know how much I'll be able to tell from one test-drive. So I'd also like some insight from people who already own a SilverSport-

How does it handle compared to the standard RX? How comfortable is the ride?

Thanks.

mvs1 · May 2001

Try DentWizard

spakchar · May 2001

Saw my first Highlander today(upclose), nobody in their right mind can think they look alike. The highlander has that typical box suv look, drab pedestrian styling compared to the distinctive looks of the RX. The RX looks like it should cost a lot more than 5k more than a loaded highlander.

mooretorque · May 2001

Abiswas, you are looking at a coolant resrvoir. Look at it when engine is cold to determine actual levels. Manual states that any level between top ("full") line and bottom ("low") line is normal. Only add coolant if level is at "low" or below. The coolant level in the resevoir will vary with engine temp so cold/undriven overnight should be your point of reference.

If you are actually in need of coolant, you also are in need of a visit to the service dept. You should NOT be loosing coolant regardless of time of year or age of vehicle.

gpvs · May 2001

Maybe the coolant was already like that when you purchased your vehicle. Did you check it the day it left the dealer?

tonychrys · May 2001

"If my friend Mugsy was hiding in this oven, would I throw a lit match in there like this?"

In my brain cells I have every single Bugs Bunny cartoon memorized. My wife hates me. And she hates the fact I'm getting my son into it. At three years old he and I can already do the "rabbit season, duck season" skit.

Bugs is one of my heros, someone with pure attitude.

nofeer · May 2001

luxury to me means the following:
quality/all safty items/traction, skid control
quiet
leather
wood
memory seats
technology-things that the near lux market doesn't have. gps, dual auto climate control, 2 trip odometers, steering wheel controls, backup sensor

what are changes for the "02 rx, when do you think the rx will be redigned to allow 3rd row seating?

malhokc · May 2001

Tony, I was very surprised to see that Mercedes (esp E-320) or BMW (5series) didn't top the list. Both of them are terrific cars. I was equally suprised to see that Honda CRV excelled over Toyota RAV.

outrun · May 2001

While MB and BMW are fantastic vehicles, their reliability is a mixed bag. They offer higher performance, on a whole, compared to Toyota/Lexus, but it comes at a price.

IMO, Honda/Toyota are tops when it comes to reliability and engineering quality.

-Craig

tonychrys · May 2001

From driving them, I agree both the MB and BMW are great cars. But the survey was about Initial Quality, meaning defects per # of cars delivered to the customer. Those MBs and BMWs can be quite tempermental from what I'm told.

The survey is more about the build quality of the vehicles, rather than the actual abilities of the vehicles.

stever · May 2001

Government Releases Rollover Results

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tonychrys · May 2001

I would love to gloat over the RX high marks (as compared to other SUVs), but everybody in their right mind knows this rollover rating is meaningless since it's purely mathematically. And doesn't even take into account vehicle active control systems.

mvs1 · May 2001

The "initial" survey is I believe the first three months of ownership. Unfortunately the data could be skewed in a sense. Let's say a BMW has a faulty glove box latch, although trivial and a problem most buyers would not consider serious. It still is counted against initial quality.

"How many lumps, ehhhh two or tree"

guyderx300 · May 2001

Seeking some advice regarding maintenance of my 2000 RX 300. Would you recommend that I take my car to the Lexus dealer for the 10,000 mile maintenance(who would charge > $100) or do you think I can take it to the local Jiffy Lube/Toyota dealer(who would charge around $30) to get the oil change done plus topping of all fluids. All of you enlightened folk, pls respond

tonychrys · May 2001

"Let's say a BMW has a faulty glove box latch, although trivial and a problem most buyers would not consider serious. It still is counted against initial quality."

Yea, but the same type of thing would be counted against all brands, including Lexus. I think the data is accurate and coincides with the Lexus experience from my personal experience.

As a matter a fact, I experienced the faulty glove box latch this morning. Really.

devlopper · May 2001

Did you know that the theory of relativity was defined using mathematics? Myself, I do place value in these test results.

mvs1 · May 2001

Of coarse the umbrella statement is true of all automakes. Do you think that a Lexus will be on the road longer than say a Toyota or have fewer problems?(Yes Toyota owns Lexus) Even though Toyota ranks fifth at 121 problems per/100 vehicles as opposed to Lexus that ranks first 85/100.Toyota sells a $10000 car while Lexus lowest priced car is $30000. The data should be weighted properly for consumers(i.e. cost of vehicle/problems/type of vehicle/warranty) as opposed to just lumping every automake together. Is an ES300 more reliable than a Camry? I personally would be more concerned with the overall quality over a period of time than the first three months which are covered under warranty. Acura was ranked 1st in 2000 at 95/100, the assumption that the MDX pulled them from first to third would be valid. Yet the TL is still in the top five vehicles 73/100. Is a Lexus better than an Acura? Use the surveys a as guide but to say Lexus is far superior overall to a BMW, MB, Acura, Hyundai based on initial quality is absurd.

The RX glove box should be redesigned

psb55 · May 2001

Does anyone have any experience in installing an after-market CD changer (FM modulated or direct) on an 2001, RX300? -- Thanks

tonychrys · May 2001

"Use the surveys a as guide but to say Lexus is far superior overall to a BMW, MB, Acura, Hyundai based on initial quality is absurd."

Define "overall". That's not what is being said. This particular survey is "Initial Quality". And it is feasible that a Lexus has better initial quality than a Toyota, even though they are basically the same company. Why?

The ES300 is better at initial quality than a Camry because it goes through more stringent QA and has tighter tolerances on parts. That's where some of those "extra $$$" you pay goes towards. Simple example: look under the hood or trunk of a Camry, where the sheet metal is folded over or welded. You can/see feel rough seams. Look at the same spots on a Lexus. Everything grounded down smooth and painted. I also beleive that the Lexus dealers/service goes through a more thorough and consistent pre-delivery prep than most other brands.

Again, the report is only talking about Initial Quality. What happens at 100k miles is still open for debate.

zqian · May 2001

I'd like to buy a RX300. Dealers usually ask for $5000 over invoice price. Is it possible to get one for $1000 over invoice price? and how can I find out the lowest price for RX 300. any particular regions are cheaper than others?

mrrogers · May 2001

I logged on to carsdirect.com, and checked Boca Raton, FL Zip code 33431. I found a base RX300 at $400 over invoice. I also checked Los Angeles Zip code 90292, and found a base RX300 at $50 below invoice. Hope this helps.

drivin · May 2001

Has anyone installed these side step tube bars? I would like to know if they fit well. I also would like to know if anyone has installed the rear grille guard from WAAG. Thanks in advance.

mvs1 · May 2001

The Hyundai insert was a joke. What's the difference in tolerances, .005. The initial quality survey is just that "initial" I don't think that's debatable. My point being, don't jump up and down and say Lexus is the best based on JD's survey. The rankings change year to year. In 1999 Lexus was 6th. Does that mean in 99' Another automake was far superior, NO. Lexus introduced the RX, they had some initial electrical problems, this could have easily brought the entire car lineup down a place or two. When new models are introduced they typically have various problems caused by poor engineering : )
That's why I said that the data could by skewed based on new/untested models.

finch3 · May 2001

Just about anyone can do an oil change, including your local Toyota dealer or Jiffy Lube. If you have the 4 wheel drive, they will need to check the re torque places underneath. Maybe Toyota can do that. Also, there is an inside air filter in the glove box that needs to be checked about then. It does clog up and needs to be replaced. No one but Lexus would have them, but you can buy them from Iron Toad or other Lexus suppliers and anyone can put them in.

mooretorque · May 2001

JDPower has so many different surveys with such a high degree of redundancy that almost every manufacturer is able to claim supremacy in some aspect of their vehicles in a JDPower survey at some point in the vehicle's life. I look on JDPower as more of an advertising/marketing tool.

Much as I hate to admit it, Consumer Reports is only publication that seems to provice relatively unbiased information on which to judge longevity and mechanical/electrical integrity.

app1eqf · May 2001

I have it all:
WAG tail light guards (installed by my self).
WAG rear bumper guard (installed by local alarm shop)
WAG side tubes (tried to do it myself and could not. You need to remove support bar from the rear and then reattach it with new set of bolts from the kit. You need air gun for that. Had to go to alarm shop for installation).
MANIA front grille (installed by local alarm shop).
All of those fit well.
Had two problems:
1. One of the tail light guards was defected and had to be exchanged. After installation guard was hitting the light.)
2. Side step bolt broke during installation. Called WAG and the send bolt kit.
Hope it helps.

I do not know how to attach pictures to the post. If someone tells me I'll post the picture of the car.

app1eqf · May 2001

Not MANIA
SHould be MANIK

malhokc · May 2001

I have the WAAG front brush guard and side tubes. It took be about 45" to install the brush guard and about 30" to install both side tubes. Though the installation is not difficult, having another body to hold these metal bars does make it much easier. Instructions are straight forward. My side step bolt broke also during installation due to over tightening. Recieved new ones from WAAG without hastle. I purchased mine from http://www.urbanjunglesuv.com/

stever · May 2001

There are pic posting instructions in "Town Hall Help" linked on the left navigation bar.

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elbowmac · May 2001

My new 350-mile RX, which I just love, makes some hollow sounding thumps from the far back of the vehicle when going over decent sized bumps or hollows in the road. It doesn't occurr when riding over smaller bumps and such. I looked for any loose objects in the spare compartment but didn't see anything, nor did I anywhere else. I am wondering if this is typical or not. Otherwise the car rides like a dream!!

tonychrys · May 2001

Not typical. Get a Tech to ride with you, your local Service Advisor will be more than happy to set up an appointment. Let us know what happens.

jfetter · May 2001

I recently purchased a Lexus RX 300 4WD, I LOVE the car (it is the smoothest driving vehicle I have ever owned) but I think my mileage may be too low. The vehicle has a little over 1,500 miles now and I have been averaging about 13 - 14.5 miles per gallon. I drive half city, half highway, usually with the air on (climate control always has the compressor engaged). I would consider myself fairly aggressive in regards to acceleration but certainly not a "lead-foot" or always flooring it.

I have been somewhat dissapointed with the mileage as I was expecting to average 18 or so. I have looked for leaks but do not find any, many folks here quote mileage far better than my own. I guess my question is, is there something wrong or is this within acceptable mileage variance?

Second question. Each time I get in the car after it is parked and start to move forward, there is a slight thump sound. This sound is not bad, it may even be related to the electro-mechanical rear differential or that fluid-filled power transfer but I just want to know if this is normal. The sound occurs EVERY time I start to move forward after getting in my car after being parked, it is not intermittent.

Thanks in advance for the help, this forum is great for information and advice!

Jack Fetter

tonychrys · May 2001

That "clunk" sound you here is normal, you're right it's a relay or something engaging. I don't know the specifics, but a tech at your next service visit can answer.

Mileage: I stay conservative (no lead foot, RPMs below 4000) within my own self imposed 10k mile breakin period. We average 20 mpg in mixed driving.

No you have Nav or the regular systems display? What I do in my Nav is go to the Information 2 screen display and reset the cumulative Avergae MPG setting right before a long highway drive. At the end of the trip it allows me to see "best case" results of what the Rex is capable of at the moment. We easily get 24 mpg or better.

Hope this helps.

P.S. I would also check to see if gas in your area is still using a winter formula.

outrun · May 2001

When picking up our RX last month, I inquired with the sales person about the break-in period. He told me that the engines in the RX are "pre broken in". Lexus runs them outside of the vehicle to do two things - eliminate the possibility of a bad (or out of spec) engine, and to break them in.

I then asked him what kind of oil is in the engine, as I know Honda uses a thinner oil at first to lube up every nook and cranny of the engine. He said it's normal oil that doesn't have to be changed until 5,000 miles.

Has anyone else heard about the lack of a break-in period for the RX? I wonder if this applies to the Toyota Highlander as well. Maybe the Highlander gets the "out of Lexus spec" engines?

I do know that it's not a good idea to slam on the breaks for 200-500 miles to let the pads and rotors get used to each other (and he DID mention that as well).

We're at 1400+ trouble free miles. And boy, the engine/exhaust sounds really cool at 6000 rpm.

-Craig

malhokc · May 2001

I have approx 14K miles on the RX 300, and also have noticed this "hollow thump" noise from rear of vehicle at slow speeds, especially after cold starts. Everything is in tact (suspension, rods, etc), per dealer, since they can not reporduce this sound. Maybe the neighborhood is too quiet.

elbowmac · May 2001

I only notice these sounds when going over fairly large ridges or bumps in the road, is this the case with you too? I do plan on mentioning it to the service techs at the dealership, but since it is pretty infrequent, I am not sure if I should be alarmed.

On another note I noticed that the fuel refill nozzle-receptacle section "swims" around a bit within the fuel door area. Noticed this when I was refueling this afternoon. Anyone else notice this? My prior vehicle didn't do this.

Despite these concerns I am confident I made the best choice for my particular needs and am diggin' on this machine!! It's great!!

drivin · May 2001

Thanks for the responses...very much appreciated.
Chrome or black? Which will go well on Pearl White with the Gold Kit?

jmalik1 · May 2001

In an earlier message I reported that we went for an RX300 test drive and my wife liked it so much that she wanted to drive back in an RX. Well this weekend we went to get an estimate for our trade in and check out some other details on the RX. Since, we didn't test drive the exact configuration we were interested in, the first time, we decided to test drive a vehicle with our desired configuration. Wife refused to drive home in the our "old piece of crap" [her words].

I would've wanted to research a little more, but what the heck. We were almost ready for the purchase and making her happy was priceless.

37K (plus taxes) for 2001 White/Ivory 2WD + Nav. Pkg + Crossbars + Heated Seats + Cargo Mats + Wheel Locks. Now, I didn't want the last four items, but to my knowledge, its hard to get just the VN package.

So far I am really happy with the purchase and I think I'll be a very happy RX owner.

This forum has been a great source of information and advise and I thank all contributers to this forum. You really helped me a lot in making my decision.

I started out with a list consisting of Volvo V70 T5, MDX and RX300. For my needs RX is the winner.

PS: The first tank of gas has yeilded 20 mpg in mixed driving (60% Hwy 40% stop 'n' go).

mooretorque · May 2001

elbowmac and jfetter, there have been some problems with strut mounts both front and rear, tho i've not heard of any being/going bad right out of the box. not a safety issue but the struts can move slightly which accounts for bumps in the back. In front, you get bumps and gradual loss of steering accuracy. Warranty issue, either way. May be rear strut problems, also. My service guys replaced my wife's struts at the same time as the rear strut mounts, and informed me that they had been seeing struts go bad too. Haven't checked to see if there is a TSB on the struts but there is one out on the mounts.

Mileage: 17.2 in AWD (99) mostly suburban driving, fair amount of stop and go. There is a thread on the ClubLexus RX300 board regarding mileage and this is close. 14-15 is low.

Breakin: manual says no break in necessary ,but then waffles and recommends not exceeding 4000rpm in first 1k miles, nor drive at same speed for extended periods (don't use cruise control, in other words) for optimum engine life/performance. You decide if that's breakin or not.

Other than the strut stuff, my wife's RX has been trouble free and perfect for our family. Replace your Goodyears with Michelin CrossTerrains and your automotive world will spin in greased grooves!!!

avery1 · May 2001

In the morning when just starting out I go over a patch of road with some small potholes on the right side. It sure sounds like something is loose under there. I have had the dealer check twice over 6 months, mentioning the struts and they say everything is fine. And it doesn't seem to do it later in the day. At one point someone mentioned motor mounts that need to warm up or something like that. Am getting near 50,000 miles on a '99 so if anyone gets more specifics about a TSB please post.

mooretorque · May 2001

avery1, you might try arranging with your dealer to leave your car overnight (ah, damn, have to drive new loaner overnight........oh well, someone's got to do the tough jobs) and then meet them the next morning so that you can ride with them when car is cold.
Even if they can't find it initially, once they've heard it, they should be much more willing to keep looking (should be anyway, but Lex service in many cases seems to have fallen a notch in last few years) and, if it comes to it, extend warranty if necessary.
Good luck; I know it's frustrating to go to the trouble to schedule service, get loaner, go back to pick up car and see "Could not duplicate problem" on the service sheet. Just don't lose patience or persistence.

nofeer · May 2001

any changes for o2, mayber lexus link, maybe a redesign. don't you think with the HL, that a redisign is due, maybe longer so it can have 3rd row seating. and more space in the back.

teddis · May 2001

I'm at 2090 miles on my new RX and hardly a problem. Mostly during freeway driving though I'll get an occassional really loud popping sound eminating from the side or rear of the cabin. Can;t figure out what it is. I read on this forum a while back that it could be the wheel lock giggling around in the back, but I looked and it is tied down with a plastic tie--guess Lexus got wise to this being a problem. The click or popping sound could be rocks hitting the body or something else? No rock marks yet. Stumped.

Lexus RX 300

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