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Oh well, I guess I'll have to worry now that my RX did not have a burning smell for the first couple of weeks. When I took ownership of the car, it only had 11 miles on it, so what are the "non-smell" RX owners missing??
Glad to hear it is nothing to worry about either way.
I bought my rx300 about 4 months ago from Magnussen Lexus in fremont. I shopped all dealers from San francisco to San Jose and they had the best pricing by far. Paid 600 over invoice and it was a no hassle deal.
I've recently experienced what I'll refer to as a sudden reversal of financial fortunes - the result of which is that I must cancel my order for my MDX which is due to be delivered sometime in mid-July. It's a black Touring Navi which will be delivered to a dealership here in Colorado.
The problem I'm experiencing is that the dealership took a $1000 deposit which is "nonrefundable." I put that term in quotes because I understood that that was the case, but the salesman I dealt with assured me it was indeed fully refundable should the reason for cancelling be financial in nature. In my case, it certainly is, as many on this board can attest to. I've anxiously been awaiting this vehicle for weeks and weeks now.
I was told that I could probably get all of the money back if I could find someone to replace myself on the list for this vehicle, so I'm sending out a call for help! Anyone interested in a black Touring Navi to be delivered in mid-July please contact me offline at dbolin@reallegal.com. I'll explain all the details to you and put you in touch with the appropriate person.
I'm sure the dealership can find another customer! Just ask for your deposit back, there are plenty of folks looking for the MDX right now, but you might try the MDX board instead of this one.
Looks more like an LS than a Focus. 2003 Camry which RX is based on also is all new, C&d has spy photos. mmmmmm maybe I won't get that 01' Silversport.
I pick up my new 2001 RX300 tomorrow! Couldn't be more pleased and excited. I've enjoyed reading all the messages and look forward to more information. Thanks for all the helpful hints. For the record, FWD, Prem Plus w/heated seats, HID headlamps, and spoiler. Tot: $35,785.
My wife just bought a 01 RX300 and is so excited about how it rides etc. Today she bumped the shift lever with a freshly painted fingernail, getting polish on the wood finish. The owners manual says not to use any organic solvents on the interior and I assume this includes nail polish remover. Any ideas on how to remove the polish without harming the wooden finish? Thanks.
I would use a fingernail to scratch the polish off gently. Nail polish dries pretty hard but and softening it with solvents will probably be more harsh than simply scraping it off slowly. The wood has a very hard acrylic finish and will not be scratched by your fingernail or something else not too hard. I think nail polish remover is also safe but make sure you use a -tip to apply it only to the polish. This will soften it up and allow you to wipe it off easier.
Saw the pictures, Hmmmmm, all cars are getting more "swoopy" but i want bigger, and a 3rd seat. i think i see extra headrests back there---maybe maybe it will have it and then i'll just wait for the o3 (that lexus service spoils me). I have an idea, get a y2k with nav used then trade when the o3 comes out----Hmmmmmmm. With a baby coming in january (adopting from china) can you fit the baby stuff in the rx? looking at strollers, diaper bags etc. i may need a sububan. Women with babies give me some help. My wife feels once you get all that stuff in the "family car" you don't really like moving it back and forth between vehicles. so what ever we get will keep all the "stuff" and use that as primary "baby" mobile. ANy thoughts?
We have one child, and went from Pathfinder to a RX300. The RX300 cargo space is only a tad smaller than the PF, if at all. Actaully, the two vehicles are pretty similar in overall dimensions. You'll be fine with one child, trust me. Once you get to two or more kids, then it's time to seriously consider the mini-van .
Plus from a parent's point of view, it's nice to know the RX is rated high on safety and one of the few vehicles out there that has ISO-fix latches for the baby seat/carrier. The hard part is finding a baby carrier that actually uses them.
We have an 11 month old, and the RX is the perfect vehicle size for us. It's extremely safe, reliable, and comfortable (luxurious). By measuring cubic feet, its 75 with the seats folded down. The Land Rover Discovery is 69 the last time I checked. I parked the RX next to my friends Disco. The exterior dimensions of the Disco are huge compared to the RX. But usable cargo space? The RX has more. That lends itself to much better engineering and usability testing than those English clowns.
We have a Fisher Price Safe Embrace II car seat (the first version got recalled by the way). It uses the ISO-FIX/LATCH system and we currently have it rearward facing in the middle of the rear seat. Only problem I see is that there isn't a ISO-FIX hook in the middle position when we turn the car seat around. Only left and right sides.
We can go out with the baby and buy almost anything we want without worrying if it'll fit in the car. Our previous baby-transporter was a '99 Acura TL.
I was skeptical at first, but from first hand experience, it's fine.
FYI. We also test drove the Acura MDX. While it was bigger, it looked very cheap inside and drove like an Odyssey.
Hello everyone. I am currently looking for a RX300 with FWD and the premium package plus. I am shopping local dealers in Houston by email and getting price quotes. The MSRP for the RX that I am looking at is $37,666. One dealer here said that they are taking anywhere from $1200 to $1500 off all RXs, and said that he can probably do better. Another quoted $35,000, and said that he can probably do a little better, but not much because they are "about to enter their biggest selling season" and they have a lot of cars now, but not too many on the way. What is a fair price to pay for this car, and is there anyone out there that has bought one in Houston? After researching, the invoice price on the above vehicle is $33,152, and after the dealer holdback of $678 it is $32,474. I will gladly pay $33,000 for the car, and maybe even $33,500. What are my chances? Thanks for any info.
2. The latches behind the seats are for "top-tethers", almost all child seats use this now as extra point of anchoring. It's a good thing.
3. The idea of ISO-fix is a universal, "parent-proof" system of securing child seats to cars. This was developed in response to parents complaining about hassles of getting the seat belts to properly thread through the seats, hold the seats tight, etc. A ISO-fix child seat will simply "latch" into the anchors, when combined with the top tether it is extremely stable and secure.
I'm not which are ISO-FIX and which are LATCHes, but here's the low-down.
Rear-facing seats attach at the bottom of the rear seats (where the seat and back meet). There are "bars" (shaped like this: ]) that allow the child-seat be secured via straps with a "latch" at the end (simliar to the way certain key-chains can latch onto your belt loop). Just latch onto the bars, pull the tightening strap, and presto, a very secure child seat. There are 4 of these points in the RX, spaced roughly evenly across. This allows the car seat to be mounted in the left, center, or right position. Only two are used for a single car seat.
Forward facing seats also uses these latches, but also use a "top tether" to secure the top of the car seat so it won't get tossed forward. Unfortunately, the RX only has two of these, one on the left and one on the right. You can not mount a forward facing child seat in the middle using the top tether since there isn't a mounting point there. I have NO idea why Lexus didn't include one there.
I have seen some different looking RX's, and I saw the SilverSport tag at the back. What's the main different between the 01 and the SilverSport? Does it have something to do with the suspension? How about price? How much more expensive?
I have a friend who recently had their first baby and was complaining to me yesterday that they now need a bigger SUV, they currently have a Land Cruiser. I guess it depends on what you pack that matters but I think the RX has a pretty decent cargo space for one baby. Another friend has an RX and they have one baby and he does not have any problems at all.
My thoughts--figuring the new design of the rx300 in 03 will have 3rd row seating (hope hope) and we need a "babymobile" jan-feb, how about a used rx300 yr 2k or 01 with nav-----but which has the iso-fix units. when did rx300 come with this. that way i get a safe vehicle and nav, and when the new one comes out later on trade. I would ordinarily not buy a used car unless it was a toyota/ lexus product. anything i would need to know about the y2k or 01 year?
I bought my 2001 RX from Westside Lexus (Houston)in February. Mine is a Blue Vapor w/ Black Leather with NAV package (2WD). The sticker was $42011 minus $1500 Lexus Value Package. I added a tint, pinstripe and spoiler, so my final price came to $37,225 plus TTL. This also includes 2 years and 24000 miles of free maintenance. Let me know if you want more info.
Does anyone have any clue to when the 2001 DVD for the NAV system will be released, and any ideas on how much it will cost?
Also, I think this has been mentioned before, my RX "creaks" from the front Drivers side while going over little bumps in the road. It has gotten progressively worse and seems to be fairly constant. Someone mentioned that it may be a relay clicking, but this sounds like it is coming from the suspension. Any thoughts on what to ask the dealer? The car has about 5500 miles.
1. Yes, AC vents for rear seat are at back of console and under both front seats. 2. Mine is the FWD model which is perfectly adequate in my opinion, and I live near Buffalo which is no stranger to snow. I do have the Traction Control System (TRAC) which was optional on the '99 FWD. You can determine if the model is so equipped if a "TRAC OFF" switch is found to the left of the cigarette lighter.
Thanks for the reply Ashish. I will probably visit Westside this week and see what they have to offer. Were you satisfied with the dealership, and the sales staff? Is there anyone that you recommend that I should talk to over there at Westside? Again, thanks for the info. Take care.
Perhaps the most pathetic television campaign comes from the geniuses at Lexus. It shows two "luxury SUV's" (a Lexus RX300 and a regular Cherokee!) heading up to a fishing hole on a bumpy dirt trail. Both drivers have their dogs with them. While the pooch in the Lexus is riding smoothly in the back of the Lexus, the one in the Cherokee is getting bounced all over the place. The voice-over explains that while some luxury SUV's have a bouncy ride off-road the Lexus is silky smooth. At the end of the ad the Cherokee dog wants to go back in the Lexus.
I don't even know where to start! First off, I love the XJ, but luxury is not a word I'd attach to it, in-fact I've never heard it described as a luxury SUV. The $20,000 truck is probably the only true sport UTILITY on the market. Second, the $36,000 Lexus sucks off-road. While it might ride ok on a dirt road, it's just a glorified station wagon. I once had a near death experience in one of these things trying to drive it down a steep grade due to its lack of a low gear. As the thing careened downward at an alarming speed I had to hit the brake which kicked in the ABS and traction control and the thing fish tailed wildly almost getting sideways and rolling.
I drove a Grand Cherokee down the same grade with no drama at all. It's ironic that they didn't use the Grand Cherokee which is the RX300's primary competitor. The reason is simple, both dogs would have been equally comfortable since the Grand Cherokee has equally smooth suspension on bumpy roads. Plus, it has the ability to go most anywhere something you definitely can't say about the Lexus!
There are a couple theories on negative comparison ads. One is that it's actually a back handed complement when your competitors mention your vehicles directly since their acknowledging that your vehicle is the market leader in that segment. Others feel that its just cheap shot marketing that undermines your brand by putting out information that is misleading or incorrect.
If their vehicles are so great why don't they just tell people about them instead of bashing the competition?
Uhh, last time I checked, there is no one from Lexus Corporate here. If you have an issue with their ads, my suggestion would be to take it up with them. None of us here have control over that.
Most RX300 owners know exactly why they bought the vehicle, it wasn't with the thought to do any heavy off-roading. We bought them for overall luxury, safety, and quality. So everyone here is comfortable with the choice they made.
Saw your complaint about that Jeep Cherokee vs. Lexus RX-300 TV commercial -- you're 100% wrong.
My dog and I have watched that commercial many times - in fact, it was the main reason the two of us decided to get the RX over the Cherokee.
Sure, from the driver's seat, all belted-in and secure, either vehicle feels OK for a human...
But get someone else to drive, drop the second row of seats, crouch on all fours, and see how you like the feel of careening over dirt trails at 35-40 mph for a few hours.
Just because we humans make the payments, we feel superior to our canine companions. Well, it's time we stopped that nonsense and considered the dog's point of view in all car buying decisions.
Come to think of it, I bet you feed your dog supermarket kibble that's on sale because it's out-of-date...
Just lurking here, but I thought you might be interested in a recent post over in the mini ute comparison forum. I found it humorous, but what do I know, I don't drive a lexus or a santa fe.
I saw it. It was hilarious and without merit. I don't even bother responding anymore to posts that have zero merit or thought put into them. What's the use? Some people like to spout off without having done any actual research or first-hand experiences.
Like I've always said, I'm not here to defend the RX300 or Lexus, they are both inanimate objects. I know the exact reasons why I chose my vehicle and I'll take the validity of my research toe-to-toe with anyone.
Edmunds is getting more and more tedious as folks who have no interest in logically debating the facts invade the various forums. Da' neighborhood is going downhill....
This question is for the 01 RX owners that have had their 5K service at the Lexus dealership. When they rotated your tires, did they rotate the spare into the mix according to the owners manual or did they do a simple front to back rotation? Is your spare a full size with alloy rim?
So, what about if I get that option with the intention of getting an aftermarket navigation system, since i would like to have a DVD based navigation system? Can you still get the moonroof?
I'm about to take my RX'2001 for 5,000 miles check. I've noticed it took 15 seconds for the headlights to turn on or off when enter or exit the parking garage if the headlight switch is in auto position. I think that's quite long. Any suggestion for the best delay time?
Since I beleive this is totally programmable, it's up to you.
It's based on two things: one is the light level transition set point, the other is the false trigger delay. I'm definitely having my light level point set more sensitive, I want my lights to come on sooner when dusk approaches or in extreme rain fall.
You don't want to set the false trigger delay too short (in fact, I'm not sure it can be adjusted). If you do your lights will be going on and off constantly.
"So, what about if I get that option with the intention of getting an aftermarket navigation system, since i would like to have a DVD based navigation system?"
Not an issue since Lexus Navs are already DVD based. Only Infiniti/Nissans and MBs are still CD based.
"Can you still get the moonroof?"
Ahh, good question! Last I heard, no. Seems to be a liability issue with folks having the moonroof open while ridding the world of LLCs. The hot exhaust gases from the rockets tend to scorch the inside occupants.
...but the problem seems to be that Lexus doesn't like my ideas for some reason. They are getting too conservative with all their sucess and are losing the ability to innovate.
Trust me, everybody will have LLC detection technology in 5 years, mark my words!
Comments
Glad to hear it is nothing to worry about either way.
The problem I'm experiencing is that the dealership took a $1000 deposit which is "nonrefundable." I put that term in quotes because I understood that that was the case, but the salesman I dealt with assured me it was indeed fully refundable should the reason for cancelling be financial in nature. In my case, it certainly is, as many on this board can attest to. I've anxiously been awaiting this vehicle for weeks and weeks now.
I was told that I could probably get all of the money back if I could find someone to replace myself on the list for this vehicle, so I'm sending out a call for help! Anyone interested in a black Touring Navi to be delivered in mid-July please contact me offline at dbolin@reallegal.com. I'll explain all the details to you and put you in touch with the appropriate person.
Thanks in advance.
http://community.webshots.com/user/vinceburlapp
Glad I got an '01 RX.
-Craig
A friend of mine who lives in Japan sent it to me.
It will be larger and more expensive.
I have other car photos too, all sent to me by the same person:
http://community.webshots.com/user/vinceburlapp
Jack Fetter
Q-tip... Q-tip... Q-TIP!!!
I feel better...
With a baby coming in january (adopting from china) can you fit the baby stuff in the rx? looking at strollers, diaper bags etc. i may need a sububan. Women with babies give me some help. My wife feels once you get all that stuff in the "family car" you don't really like moving it back and forth between vehicles. so what ever we get will keep all the "stuff" and use that as primary "baby" mobile. ANy thoughts?
Plus from a parent's point of view, it's nice to know the RX is rated high on safety and one of the few vehicles out there that has ISO-fix latches for the baby seat/carrier. The hard part is finding a baby carrier that actually uses them.
We have a Fisher Price Safe Embrace II car seat (the first version got recalled by the way). It uses the ISO-FIX/LATCH system and we currently have it rearward facing in the middle of the rear seat. Only problem I see is that there isn't a ISO-FIX hook in the middle position when we turn the car seat around. Only left and right sides.
We can go out with the baby and buy almost anything we want without worrying if it'll fit in the car. Our previous baby-transporter was a '99 Acura TL.
I was skeptical at first, but from first hand experience, it's fine.
FYI. We also test drove the Acura MDX. While it was bigger, it looked very cheap inside and drove like an Odyssey.
-Craig
Tonychrys/Outrun,
Can you comment on this ISO-FIX/LATCH. Where is it, what does it do.
Is this the latch that fits behind the rear seat to hold the strap of the car seat?
1. I'm not sure what MY they started.
2. The latches behind the seats are for "top-tethers", almost all child seats use this now as extra point of anchoring. It's a good thing.
3. The idea of ISO-fix is a universal, "parent-proof" system of securing child seats to cars. This was developed in response to parents complaining about hassles of getting the seat belts to properly thread through the seats, hold the seats tight, etc. A ISO-fix child seat will simply "latch" into the anchors, when combined with the top tether it is extremely stable and secure.
Of course, read more here:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/UCRA-OMB-J08/FinalRule.html
Rear-facing seats attach at the bottom of the rear seats (where the seat and back meet). There are "bars" (shaped like this: ]) that allow the child-seat be secured via straps with a "latch" at the end (simliar to the way certain key-chains can latch onto your belt loop). Just latch onto the bars, pull the tightening strap, and presto, a very secure child seat. There are 4 of these points in the RX, spaced roughly evenly across. This allows the car seat to be mounted in the left, center, or right position. Only two are used for a single car seat.
Forward facing seats also uses these latches, but also use a "top tether" to secure the top of the car seat so it won't get tossed forward. Unfortunately, the RX only has two of these, one on the left and one on the right. You can not mount a forward facing child seat in the middle using the top tether since there isn't a mounting point there. I have NO idea why Lexus didn't include one there.
So there you have it.
-Craig
Sorry if I offended you.
-Craig
Just my 2 centavos for today.
which has the iso-fix units. when did rx300 come with this. that way i get a safe vehicle and nav, and when the new one comes out later on trade. I would ordinarily not buy a used car unless it was a toyota/ lexus product. anything i would need to know about the y2k or 01 year?
what's new for 02? any links?
Can someone verify this?
As for the '02. I'm GUESSING that they'll add a center tether point.
-Craig
1. Does the RX have rear AC vents for rear passengers?
2. I'm looking at a FWD model and I'm wondering as to the driveablility in inclement weather - mostly rain, some ice or frost.
Thanks for your assistance!
Ashish
Also, I think this has been mentioned before, my RX "creaks" from the front Drivers side while going over little bumps in the road. It has gotten progressively worse and seems to be fairly constant. Someone mentioned that it may be a relay clicking, but this sounds like it is coming from the suspension. Any thoughts on what to ask the dealer? The car has about 5500 miles.
Thanks in advance,
Ashish
2. Mine is the FWD model which is perfectly adequate in my opinion, and I live near Buffalo which is no stranger to snow. I do have the Traction Control System (TRAC) which was optional on the '99 FWD. You can determine if the model is so equipped if a "TRAC OFF" switch is found to the left of the cigarette lighter.
Pete
Please indulge me since I don't have an owner's manual to rely on for information at the moment... :-)
Tom
I don't even know where to start! First off, I love the XJ, but luxury is not a word I'd attach to it, in-fact I've never heard it described as a luxury SUV. The $20,000 truck is probably the only true sport UTILITY on the market. Second, the $36,000 Lexus sucks off-road. While it might ride ok on a dirt road, it's just a glorified station wagon. I once had a near death experience in one of these things trying to drive it down a steep grade due to its lack of a low gear. As the thing careened downward at an alarming speed I had to hit the brake which kicked in the ABS and traction control and the thing fish tailed wildly almost getting sideways and rolling.
I drove a Grand Cherokee down the same grade with no drama at all. It's ironic that they didn't use the Grand Cherokee which is the RX300's primary competitor. The reason is simple, both dogs would have been equally comfortable since the Grand Cherokee has equally smooth suspension on bumpy roads. Plus, it has the ability to go most anywhere something you definitely can't say about the Lexus!
There are a couple theories on negative comparison ads. One is that it's actually a back handed complement when your competitors mention your vehicles directly since their acknowledging that your vehicle is the market leader in that segment. Others feel that its just cheap shot marketing that undermines your brand by putting out information that is misleading or incorrect.
If their vehicles are so great why don't they just tell people about them instead of bashing the competition?
-Buzz Watch
Most RX300 owners know exactly why they bought the vehicle, it wasn't with the thought to do any heavy off-roading. We bought them for overall luxury, safety, and quality. So everyone here is comfortable with the choice they made.
Saw your complaint about that Jeep Cherokee vs. Lexus RX-300 TV commercial -- you're 100% wrong.
My dog and I have watched that commercial many times - in fact, it was the main reason the two of us decided to get the RX over the Cherokee.
Sure, from the driver's seat, all belted-in and secure, either vehicle feels OK for a human...
But get someone else to drive, drop the second row of seats, crouch on all fours, and see how you like the feel of careening over dirt trails at 35-40 mph for a few hours.
Just because we humans make the payments, we feel superior to our canine companions. Well, it's time we stopped that nonsense and considered the dog's point of view in all car buying decisions.
Come to think of it, I bet you feed your dog supermarket kibble that's on sale because it's out-of-date...
Like I've always said, I'm not here to defend the RX300 or Lexus, they are both inanimate objects. I know the exact reasons why I chose my vehicle and I'll take the validity of my research toe-to-toe with anyone.
Edmunds is getting more and more tedious as folks who have no interest in logically debating the facts invade the various forums. Da' neighborhood is going downhill....
Regards,
TC
Only available with the Navigation models since it uses the GPS satellites for guidance information.
TIA
It's based on two things: one is the light level transition set point, the other is the false trigger delay. I'm definitely having my light level point set more sensitive, I want my lights to come on sooner when dusk approaches or in extreme rain fall.
You don't want to set the false trigger delay too short (in fact, I'm not sure it can be adjusted). If you do your lights will be going on and off constantly.
Not an issue since Lexus Navs are already DVD based. Only Infiniti/Nissans and MBs are still CD based.
"Can you still get the moonroof?"
Ahh, good question! Last I heard, no. Seems to be a liability issue with folks having the moonroof open while ridding the world of LLCs. The hot exhaust gases from the rockets tend to scorch the inside occupants.
Trust me, everybody will have LLC detection technology in 5 years, mark my words!