Lexus RX 300

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Comments

  • learn2flylearn2fly Member Posts: 16
    I am considering buying 2002 RX300 2WD with Premium Plus Package and Two level heated seats.

    I asked 2 of local San Jose Bay Area dealers. Both said that Lexus does not configure 2WD with heated seats. Is this true or are they taking me for a ride? It is strange that Lexus puts leather seats on 2WD but lets your rear get cold soars!!
    Is this a typical ploy to upsell me a 4WD which I dont really need here?
    Thanks.
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    Thule (pronounced toolee) has a quick on - quick off option to fit the OEM tracks on the RX300 which allows push button rack removal. You would need 1 pr #LB50 50" load bars, 1 ea #430 Tracker II foot pack and 1 ea #TK4 Tracker fit kit. Optional would be 1 set #544 lock cylinders if desired. Street price for the rack assembly should be about $150 with about $30 additional for the locks. Visit their web site for more info and dealers:

    Thule


    Pete

  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    it is close to impossible to find RX300 with heated seats on the dealers lots in Florida. The same thing is probably true about sunny California :)
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    yeahup...

    Rare but it can be had.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Jeez.. thats NOTHING! :) A bit of Meguiar's Cleaner wax and some good buffing will make that look a lot better (Looks like a lot of transfer on there..the red paint..from whatever it hit to me)

    Try $175 to shoot the bumper, and $200 to shoot the fender. TOPS.

    Too bad you're not in Orlando...I have a great guy up here, he'd prolly charge $250-300 IF THAT to make that nice again. If you ever come into town for an extended stay, I'd be happy to give you his #.

    $800? What the heck?.. thats nutso!

    Bill
  • fantomfantom Member Posts: 211
    Ruski - I'm in Davie so we are neighbors. Got my Lexus at Pines also and their body shop values itself very highly. Since most of what they do is paid for by insurance companies, I guess they figure you shouldn't care. Sort of like the medical profession, patients who were oblivious to charges because they "were covered by insurance" and the resultant HMO cost containment efforts. Now nobody is happy.

    Anyway you may want to try The Touch Up Company at 954-382-2467. If it's just paint, they do it while you wait and they are inexpensive. Don't accept the first quote they give you. I had some touch up done by them a year ago on a car I was selling and they did a good, quick, cheap job. Good luck.

    Gary
  • sathomasgasathomasga Member Posts: 10
    Before I dive into this myself, has anyone researched whether the 2001 RX300 stock audio system (not the Nakamichi) has an auxiliary input? I'm considering adding an MP3 player to the system. I suppose could always go with an external FM modulator or a cassette adapter, but I'd prefer the superior sound from a direct input.


    FYI, the potential candidates at the moment include the Rio Riot http://www.sonicblue.com/audio/rio/rio_riot.asp and the Neo Car Jukebox http://www2.funmp3players.com/neocarjukebox/


    TIA


    Stephen

  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    that's not paint transfer :)

    it's rust.

    Basically the paint was completely scratched off and in Florida weather the area quickly started to rust.
  • pmhtvpmhtv Member Posts: 33
    Thought for a while that I was the only one to experience this annoying rumble, but I see that rmorin2 and I are not alone.

    I have a '99 RX that also has a low tone booming or engine rumble at idle with the transmission in DRIVE. The noise becomes so annoying at times that I have to put the trans into NEUTRAL while waiting at a stop light.

    I have taken my RX to the dealer three times to have them try and locate/fix the noise - unfortunately, since the booming is intermittent, the technician never seems to be able to replicate or repair. The last time I took my truck to the dealer, the tech said that he has only seen one other RX with this problem. He said that for that customer he loosened the exhaust system, shook it a little (very technical terms), and tightened it back up and has not heard from that person again. So, maybe that's the fix??? He also said that the "exhaust damper" listed in the NHTSA web page and changing the engine mounts would not work.

    Bottom Line: Any advice by anyone who has had this annoyance repaired would be greatly appreciated.
  • jelhz43njelhz43n Member Posts: 44
    I have 2K1 Sienna van which has the same problem. When in drive (usually at stop lights)it used to rev at 1k RPM and there was the annoying low tone rumble. Last time when I went for service I complained about it. The tech guy gave his comment as "No problem with idle speed" .
    But I found that now it revs between 600-800 RPM when in drive (it seems the tech guy actually lowered the idle speed/RPM). The low tone rumble still exists but not so loud and is not so annoying.
    May be tuning down the idle speed may help you guys.

    John
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    MacNeil Automotive Products (WeatherTech) is one source. If you have an April, 2002 "Car and Driver" there's a picture of one installed on an RX on page 91. Here's their web site:

    MacNeil


    Pete

  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    My 2000 RX has this rumble too at idle. It's so low that I have to turn everything off, and roll up all windows to hear it. I'd say that any other sound/noise will cover that rumble. My 96 Maxima also has a little. I'm not sure but think it's normal. When in gear, the car is designed to go therefore there is always a little. Yes it's annoying if too high.
  • njgirlnjgirl Member Posts: 3
    Unfortunately, the service guy said you can't change the idle as it is all computer controlled. Even if you did it, computer would override. It's definitely not normal as this is our second RX300 and the first didn't have this problem. Also checked three other RXs on the dealer lot and they did not have the rumble.
    Frank
  • cattledogsrockcattledogsrock Member Posts: 1
    My wife and I ordered a 2WD RX in Texas with the Premium Plus Value Package and Heated Seats (nice for a dozen winter days a year...) Our dealer had to go hunting for one in our color with all our options and indicated it would get here in a couple weeks from another dealer. Good Luck.

    cattledogsrock
  • rmorin2rmorin2 Member Posts: 110
    The noise in our car is very noticeable at times even with the radio and A/C on. It is almost a reverberation that can be felt as well as heard. This is why I think it is related to the exhaust system. Our dealer replaced everything from the cat back and the noise is still there. I am going to ask them to loosen the system drive it around a bit, and then tighten it back up. Sure hope it works.

    Any others will fixes would be appreciated.
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    Both my 2000 and 2001 RX have the rumble. Also I had a loaner at one point that had the rumble. My Alero which cost about half as much idles smooth.
  • stevernstevern Member Posts: 41
    Hi all....I was just randomly browsing the Lexus website and noticed that they are offering a 2002 RX 300 Coach edition. The exterior resembles the SilverSport (grill & uniform color) while the interior is tan leather around. Only three color options available: white, charcoal, gold. I was very surprised at this offering as I hadn't heard any prior info related to it. I'm still hoping for a '03 update (as my 00 lease is up in Jan.) Just a FYI.......Steve
  • spry1010spry1010 Member Posts: 2
    learn2fly -

    I'm here in Texas and bought a 2WD with heated seats and HIDs. My dealership had the vehicle shipped from another lot inside the state within 2 weeks.
  • outrunoutrun Member Posts: 539
    They did the same silly thing with last year's ES300 to push them out the door.

    This just about seals the fate that the 2003 will be redesigned, like the ES300 was the following year.

    -Craig
  • parnolaparnola Member Posts: 141
    I'm getting a bit tired of the Coach editions - the SilverSport was a much more original (and exciting) way to enhance the RX and spur sales.
  • rmnixonrmnixon Member Posts: 21
    Town hall readers, just a word of warning about sludge. The wife had our 1999 RX 300 to the dealer today for a couple of minor things (whine in the radio and a right front side window that would not close on the "express up", while it was there I asked to have them check for sludge since we bought it used at a Toyota dealership. Well guess what, they found sludge. We had no signs of any problems such as smoking, oil consumption, or dash lights coming on. They (Lexus) are going to perform their fix under warranty. The fix seems to involve new valve covers / gaskets plus cleaning out as much of the top end as they can. They will then drop the oil pan and do the same thing from the botton end of the motor. The service manager did indicate to me that this was a mild case (a 3 on a scale of 1 -10, 10 being totally siezed). When I inquired about whether I should keep the car or not (my wife drives it with our two young children) he stated he would be able to give me a better opinion after he has the motor opened up. He was also recommending 3000 mile oil changes which as we all know is not what is in the manual. I must say Lexus has been very accomadating so far. My wife is a little upset because she really likes the car. I'll let you all know more next Wednesday after it gets cleaned up.
  • zielinwzielinw Member Posts: 83
    How did they determine your car had sludge? Did the pull off one of the valve covers, or use someother method?
  • rlui1rlui1 Member Posts: 93
    How many miles do you have and how often were you doing your oil changes?
  • drummerboydrummerboy Member Posts: 30
    Does anyone know if the white color they offer for Coach Edition is the same as the usual white??
  • rmnixonrmnixon Member Posts: 21
    They pulled off the front valve cover. We bought the car used but the history in the owners manual seems to indicate oil changes were done every 4-5K. I would think that should be an acceptable interval, however, there is still some sludge in the motor. The service manager is recommending a 3K oil change interval. I'm going to play wait and see and find out what the service manager tells me on Wednesday after they take off both valve covers and drop the oil pan. I'll keep you all posted.
  • katildenkatilden Member Posts: 1
    2001 FWD RX 300 almost ready for new tires, any advice? Dealer suggests Bridgestone or Goodyear, read many bad things about Goodyear Integrity tiresi that are on there...thanks.
  • zielinwzielinw Member Posts: 83
    Thanks for the updates. It looks like the Lexus dealer is doing the right thing!! The RX300 is one great car, but this sludge issue is not helping us owners.
  • webguysterwebguyster Member Posts: 434
    Did your dealer charge you to inspect for sludge??? What milage were you at when this happened???
  • ravlravl Member Posts: 129
    Michelin has gotten high marks from people here. I'm curious how many known brand name tires are made in the size this car requires. I don't believe there's many choices out there...
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    My 2000 2WD RX came with Goodyear tires. I don't have any comparison but I feel Goodyear tires are generally OK. Yes I recall one time or two when I was at low speed in a particular case like on some road making a gradual turn, the tire slipped a little. Most of the time I could make much sharper turn at relatively high speed with no problem.
  • rmnixonrmnixon Member Posts: 21
    I had one week left on the warranty. I had no outward symptoms of sludge (smoking, oil consumption). They did not charge me to inspect for sludge.
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    jiamin, I rec Michelin CrossTerrains. Despite general vilification of the Goodyear Integrity, it's an OK tire. Many posters used to complain of issues with the RX pulling to one side or the other despite re-alignments, suspension adjustments (myself included); interestingly, this complaint resolves with change from the Goodyears. But for $55/tire, it's OK. But it IS still a lowball, bargain basement tire.
    The CrossTerrains are $124 each from TireRack, but my wife's 99 RX AWD now has better steering feel than my GS430 with 235/45-17s!, corners more securely and stably and rides just as well, just as quietly.

    rmnixon, pls keep us informed. Our 99 has 44k on it and I recently rcvd the sludge letter. No evidence of sludge to date, but then, you had none either. So, for obvious reasons, I'm VERY interested.
  • john339john339 Member Posts: 229
    rmnixon - what method did they use to clean out the sludge in your RX300?

    The reason I ask is because the oil expert on the Engine Sludge board indicated that the caustic material they typically use to clean out a sludged engine could cause damage to the internal parts of an engine. Most specifically the rubber valve stem seals.

    If the valve stem seals start to break down over time because of exposure to a caustic sludge cleaner, you could possibly experience engine problems later down the road (and maybe outside the warranty).

    http://www.federal-mogul.com/felpro/gasket_facts_valve_stem_seals.html

    As for symptoms, the same oil expert recently posted that he tested a dealership maintained Toyota that had no outward symptoms and found sludge in it. He did this by checking through the valve cover oil fill. He explains the process on the other board better than I can.
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    Thanks for the info mooretorque. When it's time to replace tires I'd definitely get what you and most other people recommend. By the way my RX does not pull to either side, when either driving or braking.
  • rmnixonrmnixon Member Posts: 21
    They haven't cleaned it out yet. This Tuesday is when they are planning to do it. To my understanding they will not be using any solvent. They will be doing everything by hand, now maybe that means they are going to spray the top and bottom ends of the motor with something. I don't know. My wife has the concern that you do about problems down the road. I don't think this vehicle is very long for my garage.
  • joanziejoanzie Member Posts: 51
    Pete, thanks for your post, I ordered one from Macneil.com it looks good, it is hard to get one to fit your model car sometimes, also checked out the picture in car and driver. This site is great for information even accessories!Still looking for a nice car top carrier, solid to put a few things in, we are driving from the East to California this summer, and could use a little extra room! Thanks everyone, Happy Holiday.
  • kimwipeskimwipes Member Posts: 21
    Guys, thanks for the hidden hitch recomendation. Easy install, fit perfectly.

    Can you guys recommend a cover? does lexus makes on that might fit?
  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    Re you inquiry above, the Cadillac, make that Lexus; of cargo boxes is the Packasport System, pricey but very nice (the System 90XP is about RX size and has 19.5 cu. ft. capacity):

    Packasport


    Here's one dealer:

    RacknRoll


    Pete

  • pschiffepschiffe Member Posts: 373
    My Hidden Hitch came with a slick black textured plastic cover which conceals the receiver and safety chain loops! Mine hitch was the #90647 with 1-1/4" Class II receiver.

    Pete
  • kimwipeskimwipes Member Posts: 21
    I ordered the round version, class 3 receiver, #70777 and did not come with a cover :(
  • zielinwzielinw Member Posts: 83
    Does anyone have excessive wind noise on their RX300 above 50 mph?

    I know that wind noise is a subjective issue, but I don't know if the noise is normal for this type of vehicle. It is much louder, than my I30. And, nowhere near as quiet as a Cadillac.

    I have not brought it in to have it looked at yet, as the noise is not coming from any gasketed window area. It seems to come from the front of the car. The car is so quiet in other areas (suspension, etc), that is wind noise really stands out.

    Any thoughts or advice is appreciated
  • tariktarik Member Posts: 344
    Wind noise issues have been documented by technical service bulletins (TSBs), but mainly on pre-2000 models, IIRC. They used to originate from:

    - roof rack cross bars
    - hatch seal
    - moon roof
    - little side glass in front of exterior mirrors

    If you go to Alldata's website, you can search for your model's TSB description lines. These and their repsctive numbers should jog the tech's memory. If your dealer (like mine) first plays stupid and denies the existence of the TSB in question, you can actually print the whole thing from the NHTSA's TSB search page and hand it to them...

    Good luck and keep us posted,

    Tarik
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    Your 70777 has a standard size class III square opening. Any class III cover will fit. Lexus has a black plastic one available with logo on it. There is even a boat propeller one available so you can drive in lakes and rivers.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Just remember to install the additional wiring harness that comes with the propeller unit; it energizes the "auto up" feature on all the windows and the moonroof.
  • john339john339 Member Posts: 229
    RMNixon - Thanks for the update on your repair.


    fyi, if you want to see what a Toyota/Lexus 3.0L DOHC V6 looks like with the valve covers off, here is a picture. This is reportedly a vehicle thatis being repaired by a Toyota dealer. It only had 12,000 miles when it sludged:


    http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/sludgedmeashgear.jpg


    The picture was taken after the engine was de-sludged for 45 minutes.


    In the picture you can see those 2 big meshed gears that drive the cams. These gears are apparently unique to Toyota and perhaps the cause of "oil shearing" which degrades oil very quickly, like within 4000 miles.

  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    That's a very interesting theory. Where did you get the theory on the source of gelling and do all Toyotas have these gears? If not, do you know which ones do?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check out the Engine Sludge? (Discussion Temporarily Closed) discussion for all the sludge theories. There's at least three different ones that I can recall off hand (gears, pvc valve & narrow passages - the brand/viscosity theories have fallen into disrepute I guess).

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • nypdaunypdau Member Posts: 38
    Looking for opinions/advice: I am moving to Northwest NJ (Lake Mohawk) soon, and this will double my drive distance to work. The miles will be mostly on Rt. 80 (busy interstate-I think it is designated Rt. 80 because nobody does less than 80mph on it!)

    The 2001 Soobie Forester has served me well, but the seats and wind noise, coupled with spartan amenities are making me itchy for more comfort. I guess what I need to know is: Do you RX-300 owners enjoy low noise levels at speeds of 75mph? Are the seats comfortable after 2 hours? Speaking of sound, how is the audio system? How is the vehicle in snow? My new home is at 1600' and will often get snow when NYC is getting rain.

    I absolutely love the Forester's handling on wet roads, can I expect the same from the RX?

    I am also considering the BMW 325 or 330xi.

    Thanks folks!
  • mooretorquemooretorque Member Posts: 241
    Noise: overall, a Lexus. Some have some wind noise issues, some don't. My wife's '99 AWD is one of the latter, apparently.

    Seats: comfortable after 8 hrs, much less 2. Some of the best SUV thrones out there.

    Audio: quite good with the Mark Levinson (or the older Nakamichi) upgrade. Not audiophile/aftermarket quality but best OEM system, imho.

    Snow: very good in moderate circumstances if you get AWD. Best step is to replace the original tires with Michelin CrossTerrains which are just as quiet, ride just as smoothly, have better tracking and steering feel and a more aggressive tread pattern than the Goodyear/Bridgestones from the factory.\

    Can't compare to a BMW 3**iX; the RX is a car-based SUV. It will not handle like a sports car. Not that I'm suggesting you shouldn't look at the iX, just that the comparison is apples to oranges.

    Good luck!
  • ctk1ctk1 Member Posts: 79
    Has anyone success to convince the dealer that the Goodyear tires cause the RX pulling ? and has them change to a different brand name tires? I have my 2001/RX300 check at Lexus of Norwood (MA), but they said there is nothing wrong and it's not pulling when tested. Of course, when driving localy with slow speed, it's fine. Only when drive on the highway with over 55 mph speed.
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