Lexus RX 300

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Comments

  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Automobile Magazine special issue 4x4 guide...

    2002 RX300...

    "Traction control optional with 2wd, not available with 4wd; stability control standard."

    Anybody know the truth of this or not? Seems strange.
  • lordkamalordkama Member Posts: 23
    Hello!

    Anyone out there with problems with the front speakers buzzing when the radio is turned up?

    What about wind noise with the crossbars?

    Any solutions?

    I have a 2001 AWD RX300.....otherwise, SUV is great!!

    Thanks for your help!
  • kuangtickuangtic Member Posts: 14
    Yes, old habit dies hard. As I see it, changing oil more frequent would not do any harm to the car, it always good for engine to have fresh oil. I usually buy a new car and try to keep it for 15 years (I would like to keep them for 20 years, but my wife keeps telling me to get rid the old junk after 10 years). If you change the oil yourself, the cost is really small comparing the price of a new car. I have or had 2VW(old air cool engine), 2 Toyota, 2 Buick, 1 Pontiac, and 1 RX. I still have 1 Buick, 1 Pontiac and 1 RX now. I always change oil myself at first 1500, then every 3000 miles, never had big engine problem except the 1984 Camry. The Camry 2L engine used a membrane oil pump, the membrane cracked and air was mixed with oil and oil pressure was only 20PSI. Not enough for the engine lubrication, but enough pressure not to trigger the oil warning light. I caught that problem when I changed oil myself and found some thing like aluminum foil type thing (crank shaft bearing shaving) at the bottom of the drain pain. I had to admit that Toyota designed the engine well, it happened at 37,000 mile right after 36,000 mile warranty passed. So I had to pay for the oil pump changed.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    or clatter?

    Clicking of RX300 injectors or is it the clatter of reindeer on the roof?

    Merry Christmas, Happy holidays, Happy New Year, and a very, very, GOOD NIGHT!

    Sleep Well, and in peace.
  • ke2feke2fe Member Posts: 37
    1. Remove the plastic splash guard under the front of the car.(about 8 bolts)
    2. With engine cool and oil drained, look up the engine on the right side (drivers side) and you will see the top of the filter. Using a cap type wrench, (get the right size by bringing the filter you will use to your parts supply store) and unscrew the filter counter-clockwise. Keep a drip pan under the area to catch the oil out of the filter.
    3. Replace with new filter by screwing on to the fitting clockwise. Hand tighten only.

    Sounds like the light bulb joke
  • ke2feke2fe Member Posts: 37
    1. Why are people replacing the transmission fluid when the sticker on the transmission dipstick says not to replace the fluid under normal driving conditions?

    2. Why are the dealers charging outrageous prices to change the transfer case oil and the rear differential oil? (along with any other service they offer)

    3. What are the dealers talking about when they say they torque the drive bolts during an oil change? I have checked these bolts during the past two years I have my RX300 (60k miles) and they never came loose or needed retorqing.

    4. I notice the new 2002 RX300 is still coming with Goodyear Integrity tires. I got rid of these and changed to Michelin as soon as I could. The width of the Integrity are too narrow to give the car stability. The ride change with Michelin is dramatic
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    is so great than the Lexus mechanics/technicians have nothing to do except "make work".
  • gimpyrxgimpyrx Member Posts: 198
    They get ya one way, or the other!
    NEVER again for me.
  • gambiamangambiaman Member Posts: 131
    ke2fe:
    You said you replaced the tires with Michelins. Which Michelin did you use? CT's, LTX or other? Also is it possible to replace the 225/70R16 tires with 235/70R16 tires? I have 20K on my MY01 and almost can't wait for the tires to wear out so I can replace them. Expensive but from what others say it is worth it.
    Thanks
  • ke2feke2fe Member Posts: 37
    Hi Gambiaman

    replaced with ltx
  • karen_tnkaren_tn Member Posts: 22
    Mine came with Bridgestone tires.
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    as we say down here in Arkansas. 235-70s will (barely) fit. LTX is a good tire, but the CT is a slightly newer design, supposedly for the car-based SUVs.

    I'm not sure but what almost anything is better than the Integritys.
  • bgsellerbgseller Member Posts: 18
    Visited our Lexus dealer for our 2002 RX300 1K/30 Day inspection and had them check on the rough idle. Service manager indicated this could be driven by poor quality gas?

    We have been using regular unleaded (87 octane) per the recommendation of our sales person. Is anyone else experiencing similar problems and using lower octane gas? Thanks in advance.
  • karen_tnkaren_tn Member Posts: 22
    I've never used 87 octane in mine although I have been considering it. I bought my RX300 November 3rd. I used 92 for the first month and have been using 89 since. Can't tell any difference in those 2 grades.
  • rmorin2rmorin2 Member Posts: 110
    Our RX has almost 38K on it. We have used 87 and 89 octane gas and do not notice any difference in performance or mileage.

    Dealer replaced exhaust system last week to try to cure rumbling noise when idling in gear. Noise is still there. Seems workse when car is cold. Motor mounts also replaced last winter.

    Any ideas? Thanks.
  • bgsellerbgseller Member Posts: 18
    Our dealer is confident further break in and higher octane gas will cure our rough idle but I remain skeptical. I will evaluate over the next few thousand miles and elevate my concern if the problem persist.

    Frustrating to say the least when you spend nearly 40K for an automobile. I also own an '00 Infiniti I30 with 15K miles and it is nearly silent and completely vibration free when running.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    It sounds to me like your service advisor is giving you the brush off. Higher octane gas will not improve your rough idle...especially considering that you have a VVTi engine, which automatically adjusts ignition timing based on many factors, including fuel octane.

    You should insist that your dealer address the problem. It shouldn't be tolerated on $15K Corolla, let alone a $40K Lexus.
  • gimpyrxgimpyrx Member Posts: 198
    OH WELL!
  • atlanta5atlanta5 Member Posts: 2
    About to take 2000 RX in for 30K service. Any tips, suggestions, etc. What should this Cost $$?

    Also, it seems as there must be a financial incentive for the dealer not to perform warranty work or admit a problem - such as the rough idling situation.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    So did they cover your engine or not? You know.. after not changing the oil for 25K? :)
  • zohrabzohrab Member Posts: 1
    i have read before that some people were having low clicking sound coming from what sounds like shock towers. I have 11K on my car and it just started to make that noise and it's driving me crazy. You can hear it only at low speeds on bumps or when just driving off from stop or turning. Any ideas before I go to the dealer.
  • gimpyrxgimpyrx Member Posts: 198
    LEXUS Glycol leak......court date to follow.
    I am looking fine. (4 more with same problem)
  • widmerwidmer Member Posts: 4
    Does anybody has experience with Michelin "Cross Terrain SUV" tires - or any other recommandation for all year tires.

    Happy New Year from Switzerland

    JJ.
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    I replaced the Goodyear Integritys at 26k with Michelin CTs. 11k on since, no visible wear. No increase in noise level, nor decrease in ride comfort. Much better steering feel and much less of a weak-kneed feeling in cornering. (The first two were important since the RX is my wife's vehicle.) Highly recommended. Be sure and replace the spare, too.
  • superman5superman5 Member Posts: 154
    hi all, i have sold my rx300, i just needed something lil more sporty, now i am a proud owner of is300 ..this car handles like dream
    anyhow i bought a brand new sun roof deflector , i bought it right before i sold the car, stoopid me, if anyone is interested, email me
    i also have front bumper clear light , if you want to make your front look cleaner, its a must have. Happy Rx'ing! Sorry about advertisement! its hard to find rx lovers like you guys but here. my email is johnnyx123@aol.com
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Upgraded to 17X8 wheels and Michelin Cts right after I bought my 2001 RX300 AWd about a year ago. I agree fully with mooretorque's assessment, and in the little bit of low traction surface I have already encountered this winter they seem to do fine.
  • sssstevessssteve Member Posts: 49
    I am looking to replace the tires on my '00 RX-300 AWD. I have looked at the Sears web site and they are suggesting the following tire:

    Michelin XC LT4 - P225/70R16 at $115.00 ea

    Is this the same (or close variation of) the CTs that everyone seems pleased with? How's this price look?

    Not real crazy about Sears - but they are real close to where I live.

    Any help is always appreciated!
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    I hope y'all are having a nice holiday season. I'm thinking of (who am i kidding, she wants one so she'll get one!) buying my wife an RX300. Does anyone here have any experince with any of the Boston area dealers? What is the going rate (how much above invoice? Does that include any regional advertising fees?)

    Any information would be appreciated!

    Thanks for your help!

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    Will the 6-disc changer play a CD of MP3s? Thanks for any help!
  • ttc136ttc136 Member Posts: 17
    Anyone know whether vehicle buyer has to pay so called "luxury tax" on purchasing a vehicle more than certain value, say 38,000 ?
    I live in Oregon, and don't know whether it applies or not.
    Can someone point out a light?
    thanks!
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    "Luxury tax" is federally imposed, so it won't matter what state you live in. It is, however, being phased out. In 2001, it was 5% of the amount of the purchase price over $38000, unless, of course, you were buying a boat or a fur or a plane, etc. The LT ONLY applies to ground based vehicles (and unfortunately, no exception was/is made for those lift equipped vans modified and sold to handicapped individuals). I believe it drops to 4% and $40k for 2002, but don't quote me.

    Either way, you should be pretty much out of the woods, even in Oregon (sorry, couldn't resist bad pun).
  • rparisrparis Member Posts: 368
    I bought an RX from Lexus of Watertown last March.Good dealer. Their service is great. I have heard, don't know if it is true, that Norwood tacks on hundreds in fees after you purchase the car.Do not know what is considered a good price today though. Also,, I believe, the invoice papers, do not include advertising fees-maybe hundreds of dollars.

    RP
  • rparisrparis Member Posts: 368
    My experience is the dealer will admit any warranty work without question and make every effort to correct any concerns. I had a1999 ES300 with a very difficult problem to solve and the local dealer never gave up or questionned me.
  • spfoteyspfotey Member Posts: 131
    i have read that there will be a new version of the rx300 -- anybody have any news about that??

    thx
  • silly1040silly1040 Member Posts: 48
    The rate for 2002 is 3% over $40,000.
    The tax is eliminated 12/31/2002.

    You shouldn't be paying over $40,000 for any new RX300. If you are paying that much keep shopping.

    Here is a link to the price I paid for a loaded 2001 RX300 one year ago. You should be able to get one for less now that competition is in full swing. http://www.carpricehunter.com/lexis.htm
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    I was told by my salesperson that the RX probably wouldn't undergo a major exterior change but that the engine may be upped to a 3.5-liter (read more horsepower). The salesperson was thinking probably 2003-04 for this to take place.

    Personally, I would imagine that with the exisiting design going on 4 years with 2002 that the RX will likely have some exterior changes in the next couple of years. Pure speculation, of course.

    With the intro of the soon-to-be GX470 that supposed to fit in between the RX and LX SUVS. The RX will surely have to be refreshed in lots of ways to stay up with the competition from Acura, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and the like.
  • ttc136ttc136 Member Posts: 17
    thanks silly1040 !


    anyone has real experience letting CarPriceHunter.com to hunt the best car price for you?

    can you share with us how true it is?

    what is the service quality they provide?


    it is : http://www.carpricehunter.com

  • lordkamalordkama Member Posts: 23
    Hello!

    I just had my 5000K service performed.

    I noticed that they did not refill my washer fluid after the service. I know this is a small thing but would you expect this from a Lexus dealer? Do they automatically refill fluids or do you need to specify?

    I bought Michelin Cross Terrain tires replacing the Goodyear Integrity tires that came with the RX300. Michelins are much better, especially with steering and grip of the road. Can't wait to try them in the snow!! BTW, I got them at SAM'S for $128.99 plus $9.00 for mounting, valve stems, and road hazard warranty.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    5,000k? FIVE MILLION MILES?

    WOW!

    Lexus needs you on TV!

    just kidding.. I couldnt resist ;-)

    Bill
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    I just did a little reading about Goodyear's new SUV tires: Fortera. The claim is they're the quietest SUV tire Goodyear makes. They supposedly also better in wet traction, etc.

    However, I had some trouble getting a price for them. Anyone know?

    Also, does anyone own a set or have heard experiences with the new tire?

    Thanks.
  • mvs1mvs1 Member Posts: 462
    If your asking if the changer plays CDs you've burned from your computer.....Yes.
  • albellalbell Member Posts: 185
    Howdy all. I am picking up my new RX 300 later this week. One minor point I neglected to find out: does the RX 300 have reading lights in the rear passenger compartment? Thanks.
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    Thanks mvs1 and dennis_miller for your responses...

    re: burned music CD - I burned some mp3s to an audio CD and tried it out before I read mvs1's posting and the 6-disc changer handled it fine.

    re: Goodyear Fortera Tires - Yes, I noticed the size difference as well thanks to another reply on another forum and was given the impression that it would still fit the stock rims. But I wonder if the relatively small difference in tread width would greatly affect the odometer reading?
    Also, I agree with you amount quality differences between the GY and Michelin tires. I had a heck of a time dealing with out-of-round GY Wrangler tires awhile back and sorta left a bad impression whereas I've never had issue with Michelins on previous vehicles. But I was merely curious about the Fortera since I read an ad in Car and Driver recently.

    re: Rear Reading Lights by albell - As for a true reading light, no, the RX doesn't have this feature. You could merely reach back and turn on the rear hatch's overhead light panel but definitely won't be as convenient as separate lights near the rear quarter panels say by the seat belts. Maybe this will be a potential feature for the next generation RX?
  • ravlravl Member Posts: 129
    I'm curious how many of you use the Auto setting for climate control. In the summer, I used it a lot, especially in cooling the cabin. In winter, I use it at start up, but have found my choices to be better than their (computer) choices.
    (So There!!)
    There is no way I'm cycling my a/c when it's cold outside and I want heat.

    Seriously, do you stick with what Auto offers, or are you futzin' around with the controls, like I am?
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    kmh, post over on CL re this indicated that closest Fortera size is 235-70. this will fit but will run +4.4% on speedo/odo (eg, you'll be going 4.4% farther than your odo thinks, and 4.4% faster than your speedo indicates.

    ravl, I'm with you. Auto, summer; Nauto, winter.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    First, I unplugged my A/C compressor clutch relay so it wouldn't even run in defrost/defog/demist mode. It cannot be over-ridden otherwise.

    When I get in and start it up in the morning I twist the setpoint knob to "max heat", and about 5 miles down the road I reduce it to about 77F and then if I am driving any distance it will end up on 71F.

    If I decide to activate defrost/defog/demist for ANY reason, I first give the setpoint knob a quick twist clockwise, verify I have reached "max heat" on the display, and then activate defrost/defog/demist. After the windshield has been heated somewhat I leave the system in defog mode but then I incrementally reduce the setpoint temperature to reduce my discomfort while keeping in mind that my safety depends on keeping the windshield warm and thus cleared of condensation.

    The other problem is that once it approaches the setpoint in automatic mode it will reroute the airflow to the dash outlets, damn discomforting.

    For all their knowledge and expertise in designing and building wonderful luxury cars, the very best in the world, they don't seem to have learned that the human body is greatly affected by radiant cooling from that cold, COLD, outside world in the wintertime.

    I absolutely do not need cool (as much as 20F below the cabin setpoint) dehumidified airflow to my bare face nor my upper body in the wintertime when that wonderful glass greenhouse I traveling in is providing my face and upper body with too much radiant cooling already.
  • rxcurerxcure Member Posts: 33
    I do use the auto setting to control temperature, but I turn the AC off by pushing the AC button. This allows me to adjust temp easily (by turning the temp knob) and stay in auto mode, but keep the AC off. I find I keep it on 72 in winter, and when I first get started on a chilly morning I turn on the seatwarmer which keeps me comfortable until the cabin has warmed up.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    We are off to pick up our 2002 RX for the evil wife. She got a Lexus for Christmas (always my fantasy to wake up to a shiny new car with a bow on it...never gonna happen), I got shirts and pants. Yeah, life is good.
    It's White/Ivory w/everything buy Nav. I think (hope) we got a good deal. Lexus seems to have temporarily increased the discount on the Premium Plus Pkg from $1500 to $2000. Dealer said it will go back to $1500 soon.
    I hope I get the hat and t-shirt they promised!
    I continue to drive the K car...

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • ravlravl Member Posts: 129
    LOL. Got a kick out of that. We're not "evil", just persistent! Relentlessly Pursuing that Lexus!

    Congrats. If you're anything like my husband, you'll be afraid to drive it(this is where the "evil wife" part comes in...) He's happy in his Grand Prix. And I'm tres' happy in my Rexus. And when *we're* (the evil wives) happy, life's good, right?

    As a rambling thought, I went out last night to buy a 6 pack for the hubs and realized that the "purse slot" makes a great sixer slot too.
    I like that plastic holder deal there on the floor. It's great for take out, too.
  • ravlravl Member Posts: 129
    Seems like this will be my MO with Auto climate control. They do a fine job of guessing what I'll like in hot weather, but a lousy job of knowing what setting I'll want when it's cooler outside.

    I just received my "What can we do to make the RX a better vehicle" survey. Tops on the list is Auto Locks and a true in-dash CD player. IMO, auto locks is a *key* feature. In this day and age of Carjackings, it's a no brainer to have this feature, *especially* on a Lexus! My husband's '98 Grand Prix has a few features that truly outshine the RX. Not only does it have auto lock/unlock, the radio stays on until you open the car door, and the light automatically comes on upon shut off. I also understand some vehicles in this class offering tire pressure gauges in dash. Don't get me wrong, the Lexus is a nice, Nice vehicle. *But*, it could be nicer and Pontiac has proven it can be done at a less expensive price.
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