Lexus RX 300

15051535556183

Comments

  • ravlravl Member Posts: 129
    Thanks for the info about your recent brush with body damage repair. I think we've pretty much decided to ignore our little problem until it becomes a bigger problem. One solution offered by the GM of the dealership (I made anyone who walked by me go look at it!) :) was to find some rubber protection strips that run around the wheel wells. Since the dent is right on the double plated metal portion of the well, the plastic protection strip will hide the boo boo. I'm fortunate that my husband is so good natured--he actually thinks it gives character!

    Now, if I can get him to agree about the crossbars staying....he thinks the Rex looks better without them, I think it looks better with them. From the front of the vehicle (Silversport, black), I agree with him, it's awesome. But from the side, it just doesn't look right, IMO.

    Anyone care to offer their opinions on Rex's with and w/out the luggage crossbars?
  • steelgtrsteelgtr Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    We are very close to buying an RX-300 2wd. I'm in N.Cal and have been quoted $34,052 plus tax/lic/doc. ($600 over invoice)

    I was told 2002 will go up in price as they always have, but I thought I read here that 2001's went down?

    At 52, This is our first new real vehicle and I want to do it right. We were all ready to buy The Highlander, but a test ride in the Lexxy took care of that :)

    thx!

    bob
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    Though the RX's engine could easily handle more than the indicated 112 MPH, the vehicle's handling probably couldn't and that's possibly why the RX is governed to only 112.
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    MSRP of 2001s didn't come down, what happened was that supply met demand and dealers began some competitive discounting. Lexus dealers used to let you "walk" if you weren't willing to pay full MSRP for an RX!

    Pete
  • ashoknaga1ashoknaga1 Member Posts: 2
    The puddle collects under the front passenger seat.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    S/he means the water is dripping on the pavement just under the passenger seat. And Yes, water dripping from under the RX in this area is quite normal and has NOTHING to do with the Nav system, and everything to do with the fact that Lexus will operate the A/C compressor, regardless of actual need, all the way down to about 35F.

    HID... Only available from Lexus as complete assembly for almost $1000/side. Aftermarket upgrades are available but will not have the auto-leveling systems required by law.

    Crossbars... Took mine off becuase I thought the RX looked better without. Roof started doing "hollow rumble" on rough roadbeds so I re-installed.
  • subalsubal Member Posts: 9
    Can the Nav system be modified so it can be operated while the car is moving?

    If so, who/how?

    Allan
  • I've lived in PA., S. Cal., and now Ohio for the last 22 years. Every car that I have owned drips condensation on warm days. The more humidity the more dripping. Muggy days equal larger puddles. Window AC units and your home's central air does the same thing. This has nothing to do with the make of vehicle or options. I can see areas like the southwest with 10% humidity levels not experiencing this. But for the rest of us this is normal. Don't worry about it and enjoy the vehicle.
  • ladylisaladylisa Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for all the input you guys gave me for my RX300 vs. MDX vs. Highlander dilemma. My husband and I took our final test drives this weekend and finally decided on...you guessed it...the RX300! We have a fantastic radio station here in Atlanta that I listen to every morning so it's doubtful that I would ever need more than 6 CD selections at a time so I figured the changer in the glove box was really not an issue after all. As far as the turning radius goes, I decided it's a trade off I can live with. The RX just felt more comfortable to me and much more luxurious. I really liked the fact that the Lexus has the VSC, the Acura doesn't. I also liked the controls in the Lexus over the Acura. Plus the fact that the Acura sales guy was borderline sleaze and the Lexus guy treated us like gold. Unfortunately (or you men would say, naturally) my husband fell in love with the navigation system and just has to have it even though this is supposed to be my car. He even admitted that it was a "great toy". Sigh. Men. Now we just have to decide on a color and whether we want to go ahead and get a 2001 or wait for the 2002's. Any opinions on 2001 vs. 2002? Has anyone heard anything about what changes, if any, will be on the 2002?
  • mvs1mvs1 Member Posts: 462
    AC dripping very normal, just not if it's in the car under the passenger seat :)

    ladylisa if you like the current styling of the RX and think the reliability of the RX will suffer when production is moved to Canada (refer to previous posts) buy now, deals can be had. If your in no hurry, one thing to consider is that the ES300/Camry platform was redesigned and will be out in Oct., thus a new RX should surface within a 1yr (speculation).

    spakchar my driving patterns (speed) are quite similar, But I'm not to concerned with 110mph or 0-60 times. What I want is 90 to 65 in about 1/2 second to avoid those state troopers.

    Nav system- I'm still having a hard time justifying purchasing a vehicle with one. If you drive locally and considering that if you lease, the Nav doesn't have a residual (so your paying for it all) and your a male and never get lost save the $$$ and by a map or better yet visit mapquest.

    Cross bars- definetly looks better with than without IMO.
  • nofeernofeer Member Posts: 381
    I don't know there will be much changes in the 02 (mags now should be coming out with changes, and they probably been listed on this board)

    01--if you plan on keeping this for a long time the depreciation doesn't matter much, get a better price. get the nav--hope it is touch screen like my ls430

    02--dealers always say "it will go up in price" so you buy now, they get more incentives to sell left over 01's

    03????--i feel the rx is due for a redesign in 03 and my guess is that it will be bigger with a 3rd seat. but probably more $$$ and high demand.

    02--if you can wait till after jan the chance of getting a similar deal on an o2 is there with this stinking ecomomy

    How about this--can you wait till after jan?, what changes for o2 Get Nav regardless. does the 01 have a touch screen? if the 02 has this get the o2

    the subtle differences make the deal. there will be changes to make the o2 buyer feel like they didn't get stuck with the last year before a major design change. what about a yr 00 used and then wait till the new one comes out?

    As compitition heats up with this economy, deals will abound after the newness and new models ware.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Not trying to help the lexus saleman, but in the computer business if you keep waiting for the next "faster, smaller, more powerful, etc, you will never buy anything, the next improvement is always just around the corner....

    But at this point, personally, I would wait for a 2002 model. And I bought the Nav ONLY because I wanted the HID and it was "bundled" with the Nav. Maybe HID will be standalone in 02.

    Re-elect GORE in 04.
  • jfetterjfetter Member Posts: 29
    HID really has no bearing on whether the RX has NAV or no NAV. I have a 2001 RX AWD, loaded (including HID, heated seats, wood steering wheel, gearshift, bumper protector, towing package, etc). It was not a special order, the dealer has many in stock.

    My guess is your dealer either ordered loaded NAV's or base FWD and AWD models. My dealer thinks a little different, they figure the person buying an RX wants it loaded more often than not and simply looks at the NAV as an unnecessary option. The NAV and no NAV models are basically identical for the most part...

    Jfetter
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    I am going to the outer banks of North Carolina next week and plan on visiting some of the 4WD only communities on the northern beach. Has anyone been there? Is there anything I need to know other than letting some air out of the tires?
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Don't go any lower that 20-25psi for your tires. The RX doesn't have the kind of all-terrain tires that other SUVs do, and the thinner sidewalls will not put up to the same kind of abuse. If you have VSC, be sure to turn it off. Remember to air back up your tires once you get out of the sand.


    There is a SUVs for Beach sand discussion topic that you may want to stop by.


    Have fun!

    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    is next to Microsoftie Land, Redmond, Wa, dealer will not even exclude Lexus Link, because he doesn't have to.

    Should have bought out of town, but didn't know better at the time.
  • homers1homers1 Member Posts: 2
    All car A/C's drip condensation after they've been running. As long as the dripping stops within an hour or so there's no problem. If you see continued leaking after that or the fluid is colored or thick, its something besides A/C runoff and should be checked out.

    Just in case, I'll keep my eyes open for any recalls due to leaking navigation systems. Had to do it - sorry :-)
  • silly1040silly1040 Member Posts: 48
    I have to disagree with "As long as the dripping stops within an hour or so there's no problem".

    Your going to have condensation drip as long as it's humid air that your vehicle is traveling in.

    Our RX dripped the whole time while traveling through hot/humid areas. The RX was taking in for the 15,000 mile check up during this long drive, and came back with a clean bill of health. It dripped before the check up and after the check up.
  • rparis2rparis2 Member Posts: 46
    I do not know why everyone is making such a big deal about the water dripping with air conditioning. All cars drip water when the ac is on.

    Within a month of purchasing my new Lexus two people opened their car doors hitting the side of my RX. One of the dents was on the gas cap cover and the other was on the door. I had the gas cap door replaced. The part was under $50 and painting is was no big deal at an auto body shop. For the second dent, my dealer contacted a paintless dent removal company. For $90 they removed the dent within a hour. If I look very, very carefully I can see where the dent was, but it was about 10" long. Overall, no complaints about this repair.

    To those readers who have not read previous posts, I added back up sensors which I purchased from Autotoys.com. since I was having difficulty parallel parking. The sensors indicate when I am eight feet from anything behind my car, and give a readout every foot down to one foot. They were very easy to install.

    I would like the RX to have two front map lights that have adjustable angles. This way the passenger could turn on a light without causing glare for the driver

    Auto door locks would also be nice when the car is placed in drive.

    Lincold/Mercury etc. cars have, as an option, a key pad by the driver's door so that you can lock or unlock any of the doors without a key or key pad. This is very useful when you are carrying bundles. It saves you from having to put down the bundles to "free up" your hands, find the keys to the car in your pocket or pocketbook. I miss this featerure a lot.

    I miss, as part of the information computer system, knowing how many more miles I can drive based on gas remaining.

    Overall, I really enjoy my Lexus a great deal
  • rparis2rparis2 Member Posts: 46
    Several time when I have gone by police radar speed monitoring systems, which allows drivers to check their speed, I have noticed my speedometer does not seem accurate. My speedometer will register 35mph, yet the monitoring systems will indicate 31mph. I brought this to the attention of my dealer who showed me a technical bulletin that stated the speedometer can vary by several miles of hour and still be considered accurate.

    Has anyone else noticed this as it does not make sense to me? Every other vehicle I have owned (including an ES300) have agreed with the police monitoring system.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    I was reading in the Honda Accord forum that a speedo within 10% of actual speed is considered "accurate". I've done a few tests with our '01 RX against those silly police radar signs. Ours is within 2mph (radar shows 35, RX shows 37). Not a big deal.

    Don't worry about the odometer being off the same amount as the speedo. While they may use the same sensors, the odometer doesn't have variances of a needle, a printed piece of plastic with numbers, etc. that a speedometer has. The odometer is usually within 1% of actual.

    Just as a side note. If the rule of accuracy is 10%, then when going 100, it can be off 10mph, but going 10, it can only be off 1mph. Do the test at 10mph and have the Lexus dealer recalibrate it.

    -Craig
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    The 1994 aerostar front overhead lite fixture contains two swivel "map" lites which can be separated and modified to fit in the eyeglass container in the RX overhead.

    Why Lexus thinks an eyeglass container is more useful than a "real" set of map lites is totally beyond me. But then the "map" lites in the original LS are just as useless.
  • ravlravl Member Posts: 129
    Boy, that's the $64,000 (or is it $34,000?) ;) question, huh? Guesses are there will be minor, if any, changes made to the 2002 year as 2003 will see a style change. The spy photo that was lurking a while back leads me to believe I'll be thankful I got a Silversport this year.

    I guess it boils down to being able to deal more on the 2001 (another reason for doubts about changes to the 2002 is the '01's had quite a few things changed about it. They usually don't do big changes after only one year.) One thing that might make it worth waiting out the 2002's is to see what new color will be introduced.

    A few weeks back, I purchased a Silversport with chromes and Bridgestones (I paid a couple hundred extra to make them swap the Goodyears that were on the vehicle--important to get the Bridgestones or even better, Michelins out of the deal.)
    and paid $35,200+ttl. It broke down to $500 over invoice + 1050. for the chromes- *850./invoice + 200 for the tire change. Since it was my request to be done, I felt I should have paid for it. I prolly could have made them drop the amount, but it wasn't worth the haggle. I'm in SoCal and it sounds like you are getting a good quote out of them. Good luck with whatever you decide.
  • rxisbestrxisbest Member Posts: 2
    I recently picked up my new '01 RX. I've been noticing a loud "popping noise" in the interior as the car cools down with the air conditioning on.(The noise usually continues for about 15 minutes.)The dealer has tried putting "extra felt on the sunfoof frame" but that has not worked. They have no other ideas. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. If so, any ideas would be appreciated! (I traded in an '00 RX and never had the problem with that one.) Thanks!
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    See post #2556. There are also some previous to this one. The same problem also exists over on the Highlander forum.
  • malhokcmalhokc Member Posts: 83
    No issues with my 2000 RX model.
  • jp90jp90 Member Posts: 1
    I can get a 2001 RX300 for $34500. It has 10000 miles on it, and was used by the dealer's wife.

    It has the nav, the wood steering wheel, moonroof, etc. MSRP is $42,418. If it's a great deal, I'll get it.
  • drummerboydrummerboy Member Posts: 30
    jp90,
    DON'T GET THE CAR!! Go check carsdirect.com. A NEW RX300 AWD w/Nav (fully loaded) is available for ~$37,000. I would think that 10,000 miles would have depreciated the car more than $2,500. Plus, it's a used car. You should get a much better deal than that!!
  • rexxxyrexxxy Member Posts: 2
    Please advise.
    I have 2000 RX with 6400 miles on it. At about 70 - 75 mph my RPM is at 3000. Is that normal. I just want to have some info before I call service department.
    Thanks.
  • QuazimotoQuazimoto Member Posts: 15
    I am in the Washington DC area, and was wondering what people are paying for their RX. I am looking to replace my 1999 RX, which is GREAT, but we have put a lot of miles on it (40k) and figure with prices down, we should just buy a new one.

    I am looking @ a non-Navi, 4wd, premium, hid, heated seat, etc. The vehicle comes this way "standard" from what I have seen.

    Any good dealers, sales people names, etc. would be helpful. I bought my RX in PA, and call the dealer there. They quoted $37,000 +TTL. Is the $500 loyalty rebate still on?

    Any idea on what the my 1999 RX is worth in trade? Edmunds quotes ~$27,900.

    Thanks!
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Perfectly normal.
  • rexxxyrexxxy Member Posts: 2
    tonychrys Thanks for your response.
    I forgot to mention reason for my concern.
    My 1998 Toyota corolla has 56000 mile and at the same speed the RPM is at around 2200 - 2400. So for 6-cylinder car 3000 RPM to me seams little high. I wonder at 100 - 110 mph what would it be.
  • rwong1998rwong1998 Member Posts: 38
    10,000 miles and used by the dealers wife...don't bet on it. Sounds like a classic sales line. I'm surprised he didn't say that it was only used by an old lady to drive to the store to get groceries (but then I guess that would not explain the high mileage). More likely it was used as a demo or a service loaner vehicle!
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I understand your concern, yes, it seems high when compared to a smaller engine or even a the same V6 in a different model.

    RPM is determined not only by the engine's own specs, but also by the transmission configuration, drive line, and final gearing at the axles. That's why two different cars with the same engine can have different RPM readouts at the same given vehicle speed.

    I suspect that the RX revs a little higher at that cruising speed in order to squeeze a little more torque (for towing) out of the 3.0L V6.
  • rrabyrraby Member Posts: 10
    I'm no gearhead by any means, but I chalked up the higher RPMs to the four-speed transmission. My previous car had a five-speed automatic and typically ran at about 2200-2500 RPM at highway speed.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    ...this is way too funny (and pathetic):


    http://www.geocities.com/mercfilms/index.html

  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    As TC pointed out, rpm at given speed is determined by transmission gearing and rear axle ratio. Horsepower/torque has nothing to do with it except in allowing the mfgr to change ratios for better mileage, better towing, etc. For a given gear, speed vs rpm is linear.......so if you are turning 3000 rpm at 75 mph, you'll be turning 4000 rpm at 100 mph. Can't use redline in topgear to calculate top speed unless the motor has enough horsepower to deal with increasing wind resistance. And in the case of the RX, you are electronically governed to 112 mph.

    Generally, 5 speed autos don't necessarily have a higher overdrive gearing.....the first 4 gears merely make better use of a given engine's torque and horsepower curves with 5th usually being the only overdrive. If you have enough torque (eg, big enough or forceinducted motor), extra gears not really be necessary.

    Confused?? Me, too. Time for my medicine.
  • bobfloydbobfloyd Member Posts: 32
    Just heard that Jessie Jackson has gotten Toyota to commit to almost
    EIGHT BILLION DOLLARS over the next ten years for increased business with minority suppliers and increased hiring of minority workers. They thus avoid a threatened boycott by J.J.'s Rainbow-PUSH Coalition.
    We'll pay even more for future Lexus ( and Toyota) vehicles.
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    I always thought the RX revved a little higher than my other cars at higher speeds. I guess that's why the RX seems to get it's best gas mileage at 45-50MPH and then get worse at higher speeds in comparison to others.
  • rexlexusrexlexus Member Posts: 4
    This is my first time posting, and I want to thank everybody here for all the great observations and advice. It really helped me make my decision to buy the RX, which was delivered last week. With 390 miles, I am very happy so far.

    I do have a question though. It appears the front license must be installed by drilling holes into the bumper. I hate to deface this beautiful car like that. Can the license be mounted underneath somehow? Any thoughts or suggestions?
  • parnolaparnola Member Posts: 141
    The dealer installed my front plate for me - yes, you have to drill into the bumper, but they put a nice black holder/frame on and attach the plate to that, so it's not just plate on bumper.
  • sdeamesdeame Member Posts: 14
    I am looking at a RX300 AWD with our without Nav. Anyone have some recent buys to share? Looking a t buying or lease and any feedback on what I can buy over invoice would be much appreciated.
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    To bobfloyd, post #2641:

    Since all the RX's are manufactured in Japan, aren't they all built by a minority?

    Never pay ransom to an extortionist!
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Steve, depending on where you shop, prices are close to invoice.
  • drich70806drich70806 Member Posts: 1
    I recently test drove a Lexus RX300 but was surprised by the loud tire noise and unitized body roar at 60 mph on a smooth asphalt road. I know the vehicle is supposed to be quiet, and indeed it was in regards to outside environmental noise and engine noise. I couldn't imagine driving long distance with so much roar. Has anyone else experienced this? Were the tires overinflated? Is there an explanation? I test drove a Highlander a while back and don't remember it being so noisy, although I didn't drive it on the same road at 60 mph.

    On the positive side the interior is very impressive, and the reclining rear seats a real plus. I can see why owners would be proud of the RX300.

    I have test driven just about all of the luxury SUV's in this price range. and also the BMW X5. I plan to post my observations in the future.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    The tires were over-inflated.

    I can't believe how many car buyers don't carry their own pen-type tire air-pressure gauge, the correct presure is published on the inside jamb of the driver's door (on any car model). Tire over-inflation is one of the most common things that ruins a good test drive on any brand. The tires are typically over-inflated while on the transport truck or train. Sometimes the dealer prep folks forget to set the right pressure.
  • roberthorgroberthorg Member Posts: 1
    2 or 3 additional pounds pressure will make them roar like you wouldn't believe. Don't go over 32 PSI. I drive mine from Ohio to Florida and back every year and I have to be carefull not to fall asleep at 70 MPH
  • jfetterjfetter Member Posts: 29
    I paid $38,545 for my '01 RX 300 from Lexus of Alexandria (VA). I have the same auto you are looking for (AWD, loaded with pretty much everything except NAV). I purchased mine on April 10'th this year and the dealer was pretty much sticking with this "no haggle" price no matter what tactic I used. I even tried coming in through the Internet the next couple days after I told the salesman I'd "think" about it but the price was the same. I ended up telling them I wasn't sure and waiting a week but they didn't call me and try and deal as I expected.

    About the only thing they did to try and get me a better price was try and sell me a similar model with no heated seats. They had it in the showroom and were trying to move it I suppose. Anyway, I ended up buying at $38,545 and love it, by far the best ride of any auto I have ever been in. This is probably your closest dealer and if you stop in, ask for Jim Hain, he was a very nice guy and a good salesman (details)...

    Jfetter
  • rxcitedrxcited Member Posts: 7
    Park Place Lexus in Plano, TX, fixed my popping noise. It took two tries, but they did it.

    I picked it up on Tuesday, it's been in the high 90s and low 100s each day since, and amazingly, the noise is gone. The service advisor was out today, but I left him a voice mail for details on the fix (and my enormous gratitude).

    When I spoke to the tech prior to the fix, he suspected that there were "spacer" clips left on during assembly in the factory that were flexing against the sunroof. It's plastic against metal, and he thought that was what caused the noise. He planned to take them out and add additional padding (felt, weather stripping?).

    Again, if I can get better details on Monday, I'll post them. Several people at the dealership know that I planned to post the results.
  • jhpghjhpgh Member Posts: 2
    I've been reading the postings and have a question concerning what people are paying for a 2001 RX AWD,Premium Package Plus, in the Pittsburgh area. Has anyone purchased an RX outside of their home area and had it shipped? How much over invoice should I expect to pay? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
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