Lexus RX 300

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Comments

  • danrxdanrx Member Posts: 13
    The Lexus Cargo Net has the little authentic "Lexus" tag on it that is where the price diff goes. It's like getting your 5K interval services done at Lexus ($159) vs Toyota ($49). @ Toyota you don't get the little Gourmet sandwiches, the Big Screen TV, and Capuccino.

    If you have kids in and out of the RX, I would highly recommend the All weather Rubber Mats and the Cargo Liner. I think Irontoad has them. I bought the Husky's but The Autoshops and Dept stores such as Target and Kmart (who would dare buy something for their RX @ Kmart) have them also.
  • joanziejoanzie Member Posts: 51
    Dorothy, I also ordered one at iron toad, plus some extra cd holders for long trips which are also less!
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    Six Sigma quality is 3.4 parts per million, not one in ten. My bad.
  • garmusgarmus Member Posts: 4
    Which vehicle do you prefer and why?
  • fasterthanufasterthanu Member Posts: 210
    I believe irontoad.com is a marketing arm of a Lexus dealership in Pennsylvania somewhere.

    I paid $40 for cargo net at local Lex dealer - worth it.

    Garmus:

    Prefer the RX ... it looks good, far better than the anonymous looking grand cherokee. Interior more lavish and lux than GC. Don't know about ride diff, but happy with RX.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If you need true, or REAL 4WD, above all else, then the JGC is your vehicle.

    If you want true luxury, outstanding reliability, descent people space (wide comfortable seats), then go for the RX.

    The RX300 is predominantly FWD and even with a VC (a prdominantly flaccid one)remains biased predominantly toward the front even in adverse, severely low traction, conditions.

    If you live in an environment like I do wherein you might need snow chains (snow ski parking lot, etc.) even on a JGC, then the RX is NOT your vehicle.

    If you "need" both of these "features", then look first at the ML320 and then at the X5.

    The X5 is the best of the lot overall, but at a bit too much additional expense IMO.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    EOM
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    Did Will just admit that he made a mistake in buying an RX where he lives? Wait a sec. Buying two RXs?


    If you live in an environment like I do wherein you might need snow chains (snow ski parking lot, etc.) even on a JGC, then the RX is NOT your vehicle.


    I think this is a first. Mark this day in your calendars, folks.

    -Craig
  • raddboyraddboy Member Posts: 3
    Yes, it was an admission....albeit....a flaccid one. :^)
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    I'd say something here, but I've already been censored for content on this board.......
  • garmusgarmus Member Posts: 4
    Maybe I'll just wait for the GX 470!
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    friends. I will admit that not everyone agrees with me. Car and Driver magazine did a long term test on the RX, and experienced several quality glitches. It some cases, the dealer told them it was their fault. I think magazine editors are harder on a car than the general public, but it does kind of make me wonder. They ended up recommending the Lexus LX470 for owners needing four wheel drive. The review is still available on their website if you care to see it.
  • 00rxguy100rxguy1 Member Posts: 38
    Take a look at the 2003 RX300. What do you guys think.
    I like it. I think I'm going to trade in my 2000 and get the 2003 model. If any of you guys are planning on buying a RX. I think you should wait until Oct. for the new models or else your going to regret.


    http://thehollywoodextra.com/rx300/rx300.html

  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    of a supposed 2003 RX.
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    is likely responsible. I concur with jeffmust2; that particular pic has made the rounds a couple of times and is felt (by those who've discussed this to death before) to be Photoshop edited.

    Toy/Lex has been even better than Honda over the years at keeping away from the spy photographers. New RX? NOT!
  • steevr1steevr1 Member Posts: 5
    I've got an '02 RX300 with 2,100 miles. I've noticed now that when the temp outside is less than 32, the RX will not shift into 4th gear until after about 2 or 3 minutes of driving. This stinks when I'm leaving work because as soon as I get out of the parking lot and drive 40mph on the main street, the tach is at about 3,500 (with a cold engine). That doesn't seem like the smartest design. Has anyone else noticed this, or is a trip to the dealer in order? Thanks.
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    Your RX isn't faulty, that's what it does. Has something to do with the engine coolant temperature getting up to operating temps. Check your manual under page 174 in Starting and Driving section.
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    kmh is correct. According to my service advisor (when I mentioned this characteristic on my wife's RX), the RX will not shift into 4th until transmission fluid temp reaches 186 F. Gotta light off those cats, keep that air clean.
  • jse75jse75 Member Posts: 5
    Dear Thread,

    I need to get the oil changed on my 6-month old 2001 RX300. (I don't drive very far each day, so it still only has 2100 miles, but it's been six months so I figure I may as well.)

    Is there any particular reason to use a Lexus dealer for this service? Or can I just take my car in to Jiffy Lube (where I never had a problem with my previous car). I recall seeing some mixed reports about this on the forum, but I can't find the old messages (the search function on edmunds is a bit tough!).

    Any advice appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Jason
  • danrxdanrx Member Posts: 13
    Jason,
    First of all your first service (5K) is free from your Lexus Dealer. I would take it there since it has been 6 months. I personally have not returned to the dealer after the free (5K). I have gone to my local Toyota dealer for 10K.

    I am staying away from the quick lube places (Horror stories have been posted). I have also been spooked with all the heated "Sludging" discussions around the Toyota 3.0 V6. From now on I am going to buy my own oil (Mobil 1) and Lexus Filter and take my truck to Toyota for the Oil Change.

    In short you don't have to pay the inflated prices @ Lexus but on the other had your RX300 deserves better than a $14.99 lube job
  • dave210dave210 Member Posts: 242
    Around me they (Jiffy Lube) run about $39.99...I wish only $14.99. You pay for that 10 minute oil change and no appointment. I called my Toyota dealer about when they could fit me in since they don't have Express Lube. They asked if in two weeks at 7:30 in the morning would be all right. No thanks...
  • silly1040silly1040 Member Posts: 48
    Sorry to beat a dead horse but look at the image of the link identified by 00rxguy1.


    http://thehollywoodextra.com/rx300/rx300.html


    The shadow of the front bumper on the ground doesn't match the bumper of the vehicle.


    Jeff and Moore are correct, it's as fake as a promise from a synthetic oil manufacturer.

  • gsenthilgsenthil Member Posts: 154
    I got mine done at Toyota Dealer and they had Express Service. Bought my own oil (Mobil 1 from Costco $22) and oil filter is available at Toyota (same that Lexus). Labor was $11- probably much cheaper than Jiffy lube. BTW- tire rotation is another $10. By visual standards, I dont want my RX in a Jiffy luve- at the Toyota dealer, I can watch everything from the other side of the glass and everything is much cleaner and well kept.

    Senthil
  • 00rxguy100rxguy1 Member Posts: 38
    Sorry guys, i guess your right. the car does look stylish though!
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    I have just been informed, however, that the shadow is from the 2004 RX300 with the Fuel Cell option in the front bumper.
  • emc3emc3 Member Posts: 39
    My wife is interested in giving up her minivan for a RX300. Can any of you longer term owners suggest things to look for and avoid. Due to college bills, etc we would like to go used either '99 or '00. Any insights will be appreciated. We don't live in a town with a Lexus dealer, the nearest one is 75 miles away if that is a consideration. We've heard the dealer, for a fee, will come down and pick your car up for service leaving you a loaner while your's is being worked on.

    TIA
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    Jeff, be careful. You are perilously close to voicing the Hyundai incantation that could release the bleating demon of the SantaFe......
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    The rabid Santa Feers (?) went to their own, "gosh-ain't-it-great-so-what-if-it-breaks-'cuz-we-got-The-Warranty!" boards because they couldn't take the heat on Town Hall forums.

    Even the "Santa Fe Problems?" TH board is usually a message free zone, even in the face of Hyundai's totally defective V-6 fiasco of late. That's the issue where the factory knew it had produced Really Bad V-6s, about 300 of 'em, put them out in the Santa Fes so owners could determine which ones they were. Some owners have gone thru TWO complete engine swaps when the replacement V-6 also proved to be defective. But you know...that Great Warranty cures all...

    Which, by the way, Daimler-Chysler nows offers at no charge on all their vehicles - so D-C owners can thank Hyundai for that benefit.

    Thanks, Lexus, for building the RX - one power window adjustment in 20k miles.

    Sludge report: No smoke yet.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    ..and a lovely 4" or so of fluffy white powder, took the family to lunch today. Dropped the RX off at the dealer, had them wash the car whilst we dined luxuriously (yup, double Quarter Pounders for all!) Walked back to the dealer, watched a little football, played with an SC, got the shiny white RX and went back to Chez Ronald to pick up la familia. Nice day.
    GO PATS!

    '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...)

  • karen_tnkaren_tn Member Posts: 22
    Took my RX-300 in for 5000 mile service on Friday. Noticed today a sticker on the windshield. Apparently they used Quaker State 5/30 motor oil. Is that a good oil?
  • JOFOJOFO Member Posts: 14
    I've read through some of the discussions through this board and it seems that some of the V6 3.0 engines have sludge problems. It is probably a small percentage, but still a concern. I read somewhere that the 2002 models have addressed this issue and should no longer be a problem. True or false? I can't buy a vehicle that will require me to rebuild an engine at 40K-80K miles. I was certain that the RX300 was the car for me, but I can't say that anymore. The ML320 may be the winner. I don't believe they have the engine problems like the 3.0 V6. It has other problems, but not major like engine problems...just electrical :P. I can probably live with that since the dealer would fix under warranty. This sludge problem sucks because owners have to prove that they've done all the oil changes and the scheduled maintenance. You need to prove your "innocence." Give me a break... Hey when is the RX300 going to change their styling?

    I've ranted long enough...
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    Engine sludge is always a problem for any vehicle if they're not properly maintained... I have only seen one individual post his "grievances" about this issue. Like anything take it with a grain of salt and don't let this deter you from considering the RX300.

    In regards to proving you're maintaining the vehicle, well again, that's the case for any manufacturer. That's why practically every owner's manual has a log book section for maintenance records. I keep an individual file (as I'm sure many do) as well and keep track of maintenance this way. Another good aspect of Lexus is that if the maintenance is done thru the dealership, a record is also kept by Lexus, too.

    As for the next update, I was given the impression that the next update won't be until probably late 2003 or early 2004. I have also be told that in the interim the RX may get a 3.5-liter engine bump up to put the RX more in line with current SUVs on the market.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Just returned from testing...

    Only conclusive test indicates maximum torque to the rear is approximately 25% and TRAC does NOT activate for F/R torque distribution.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    ...do we smell a ML in Willard's future?

    (signed)

    The Deer Population
    in the State of Washington
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Actually looking for a 1997 AWD Aerostar in really good condition. This "electronically" implemented stuff is beginning to scare me absent a progamming flow chart.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    This "electronically" implemented stuff is beginning to scare me absent a progamming flow chart.

    To heck with the flowchart - show me the code! :-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • gteach26gteach26 Member Posts: 576
    My wife just got her 2002 RX300 ($36,800 in S. Fla with the nav package -- email me if you want dealer/salesperson info). This car seems soo creamy! I drive a Lincoln Navigator and while I love the room it offers, the quality feel of the interior and exterior materials seem a few notches higher in the Lexus. You can really tell the folks at this company go the extra mile to make good vehicles. The ride in this car is VERY smooth.. the nav system is very easy to use and very accurate. Just sitting in this vehicle makes you feel pampered. I've got a year and a half left on my Navigator lease and am strongly considering taking the plunge into an LX470 or the GX 470 based on how nice this RX is. I can freely suggest to any potential buyers out there to go ahead and do it.. prices are getting very reasonable for this model and all respectable publications indicate that the reliability on this brand is second to none. Happy driving rxers!
  • bobbobbbobbobb Member Posts: 1
    Greetings,
    Grandmother looking for a 1999-2000 RX300 or ML320.
    I need no nonsense, straight forward opinions from owners of both and why you chose your vehicle.

    Tks
    BOBB
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    BOBB

    I would step up one year to the 2001 AWD RX, it has VSC and TRAC and you can get HID. Stay away from the Nav though.

    If you truly need AWD (and I don't mean off-road, just need) then I would recommend the ML but not the earlier models.

    If you don't need AWD at all the any RX will be your best choice.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Just don't use the Nav - it runs that durn RX right into the nearest deer...even plastic or metal lawn deer aren't safe!

    And there's a few "mods" you might want to know about because if you ever have a HVAC problem, you can probably forget any warranty coverage.

    But on the bright side, there's plenty of spare parts that come with it.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    bobbobb,

    Willy is Navigationally challenged. The Nav in the RX is probably the best one out there.

    We've changed pediatricians a few times for our little one, and the Nav has yet to fail us to find the new locations.

    We were on our way to a restaurant in Wayland, MA. On the way, the main road into Wayland (Route 30) was closed from some accident. We were forced to go onto secondary roads, and the Nav, within 5 seconds, completely (and very accurately) rerouted us and got us to the restaurant.

    BTW, if ever in the Metro Boston area, go to Mour's Thai restaurant in Wayland, MA. Excellent food.

    -Craig
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Franco's in Norwood has the BEST italian food, and it's worth the drive to Kittery for lobster.

    jeffmust

    You're right, both the 2001 RX300 and the 2000 GS300 are being written off as test mules and will be on ebay as such later in the year. We have made two patent applications over HVAC improvements and the buyers will have the option of having those disabled or signing an indemification contract.

    Sorry, can't do anything about the lack of AWD nor the Nav flaws, you'll just have to wait for Lexus' "passionate pursuit of perfection" to catch up with modern day technology.
  • mtggirlmtggirl Member Posts: 4
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    This was suspected over on the "Pardon My Sludge?" board earlier. His posting style cannot be hidden by non de plumes (that's southern for "phoney cover-up screen names", y'all).
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    ... as is LaStoria in Stoughton. Smaller, less formal than Francos. I still, however, miss DeRosa's and Rocco's in Westport! Congrats on th e purchase, dorothyct. Sounds like you got a great deal!

    The evil wife is still lovin' her RX! I'm lovin' the free washes (don't you just hate a dirty car? No free washes for me. That'll teach me to buy a 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...)

  • gsenthilgsenthil Member Posts: 154
    Just wondering..does "evil wife" read these pages? If she does..you are toast!

    Senthil
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,208
    ...and a new stove (again, how did this happen?). So, whether I profess her evilness publicly or privately (and I do both), she doesn't care!
    She wins, I lose. All is well with the world. I must have been fairly bad in my past life... :-)

    '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...)

  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Just out of curiosity, could you send me an e-mail with some info about your GS?

    I'm getting ready to replace my '93 Accord and am considering the GS, ES, TL, A4, 325i crowd.
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    I thought you guys were all monster motor guys!!! Willard's GS has a 3L I6 with only 225hp. May I suggest something in a 400 or 430, with 300hp (and either 310 or 325 lb-ft of torque, resp) just waiting for the chance to pursue and apprehend??

    Under the hood, too much is never enough! ;)
  • dorothyctdorothyct Member Posts: 24
    They found my RX...Burnished gold..."on a boat" somewhere. This was a week and a half ago. Hoping to get a call soon that we can go and pick it up. In the meantime I watch the snow melt and hope spring comes soon. I simply don't want my beautiful new vehicle to get all dirty! :)

    I cannot wait to be driving it.

    Perhaps we'll go to Rocco's to celebrate or maybe to DeRosa's. Or maybe both. I have some major celebrating to do! I guess I need to go shopping for a new stove too. :)


    Dorothy
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