Lexus RX 300

Kirstie_H · July 2002

Has anyone out there bought a used luxury car such as Audi, Cadillac or Lexus recently?
If so, and if you're willing to talk about it with a major daily newspaper, please send your vehicle and contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Friday, July 31. Thanks!

silly1040 · July 2002

We had to call Lexus to schedule our 30,000 maintenance for our 2001 RX300. Me and my wife are extremely busy people with a one year old to entertain. When my wife called she asked if they could just pick up the car and drop it off when done, since the boy would be hell in the waiting room. The service writer didn't even pause and said "Of course". So this Friday they are coming to our house, dropping off a loaner, taking in the RX, doing the work, and returning the RX back to our house. WOW

Due to others on this board I'll also be sure that they don't try and do the schedule for "Hard" driving.

I talked to a service writer about the DVD update for the navigation system and was told that it would be $500, but that the updated information didn't include Las Vegas. Before I could say yes or no, the writer said that I should wait for the next update. Translation - I don't want your money because it would be a waste for you. I think any other place would have done a song and dance to try and sell me anything. THEY JUST KEEP IMPRESSING ME.

I'm having a hard time deciding on MY new car, it's going to be a Lexus GS300 or a BMW530. I really like the look and ride of the BMW better, but the service horror stories I've heard from BMW owners is making it really hard not to buy another Lexus. Other manufactures service departments just can't seem to hold a flame to Lexus's customer service.

I'm sorry that some of you have had some problems, but I've never had to have anything fixed and have always been treated well. I predict there will always be at least one Lexus in our garage.

bungo · July 2002

If your pre-03-LX transport need is only for 5-10 weeks, consider borrowing one from family or friend. Failing which, long term rentals from a non-mainstream rental co. will cost you about the same as the monthly lease payment on a RX.

Regarding lease, it does of course depend on options, example of lease of loaded 02 RX 4WD Nav in Northeast: My dealer matches the factory $2k discount so looking at $40k before any cap reduction, lease around $535 over 42m, rv of 51%. Dont know if they do 12m leases, and agree with wwest not a good idea to purchase 02 RX if selling it next year for whatever reason - recommend keeping it longer, RX a great ride and still a looker despite age, as you have probably experienced, might be too small if used to LS?

joanzie · July 2002

Can anyone tell me what they paid for this service at Toyota or Lexus? I just had my RX 300 done at Toyota and only paid 20.00 less than Lexus. 324. versus 344. at Lexus.I did not want a loaner car, gourmet lunch, free gift and car wash just the service. I guess for 20.00 I could have had it all! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Joanzie

bigorange30 · July 2002

as long as it is under warranty. The convenience is worth it. After it is out of warranty, I would take it to an independant mechanic that you trust. They will do it alot cheaper.

wwest · July 2002

Had you asked that either dealer do only what was recommended by Lexus the cost for 15k service would have likely been under $100.

Provided you're not running a Taxi service with it, that is.

mikey00 · July 2002

My Lexus dealer gets $99.38 including taxes for 15k service by the book. I use local guy for $30 and get better oil than the bulk stuff Lexus uses.

gsenthil · July 2002

15k service is a oil change and tire rotation. I bought Mobil 1 from Costco for $22. Got oil change/tire rotation @ Toyota for $30. The filter/seal were about $7. If I had gone with the standard oil that Toyota/Lexus use, it would have been about$7 (instead of $22) I think.

I didnt get a loaner car but most Toyota dealerships have Express Lube service where no appointments are required and you just drive in. I got mine done on a weekend and took about 1.5 hrs (including waiting time). I prefer to stay and watch (with eagle eyes) thro the glass window. Make sure they use the oil provided by you...and that they rotate the tires the way its specified in the manual (rotate the spare tires as well).

Use your cellphone weekend minutes to kill time while waiting and be in touch with long lost friends. Buy your own cookies

wwest · July 2002

$350 minus $52 leaves $298, that would buy a LOT of cookies.

Or a lot of medical aid for very deserving kids at St. Jude's or Children's in Seattle.

tucker2002 · July 2002

Your comments were very helpful. I am considering buying a used SUV, and keeping it for a year. I'll keep you updated on what I decide.

Thank you once again.

melanjian · July 2002

i have read every message on this board... and i thank my lucky stars that we have wwest on this
board to provide excellent knowledge and help
exposing dealer ripoffs... i will use your
advice when it comes to maintaince for my rx 300... please keep
up the GOOD WORK!!!! thanks again!!!!

wwest · July 2002

The feel of a nice cool breeze blowing through the willows is wonderful.

jeffmust2 · July 2002

"The feel of a nice cool breeze blowing through the willows is wonderful."

Oh, there's a breeze a-blowin', that's fer sure - it just ain't through any willows.

gsenthil · July 2002

tidester · July 2002

I would love to get back on topic and would hate having to insist on it! :-)

tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

grumb · July 2002

Spoke to my dealer the other day about the new RX's--Apparently they are leaving it as is for '03 and then coming out with the '04 in April/May as a redesign. So the '03 will have a lifespan of about 6 months with no changes from the '02.
My lease is up in January but I am already over mileage and paying about .08 for every mile I drive, so I am trying to figure out how to hang on till the '04 comes out. To complicate matters my 2000 has 52K on it and I was trying to avoid the big 60K service bill. Any suggestions?

wwest · July 2002

If you look more carefully at the factory recommended 60k service in your owners manual I think you might realize the BIG hit is at 90k not 60k.

timsls2000 · July 2002

Hey guys,

I am looking into leasing and 2002 RX300 next month and this will be my first Lexus. I was just wondering what kind of lease deals other people got on there 2002 RX300's.

Thanks for any input.

Timothy Clark

mrrogers · July 2002

with a residual value of $14,167. is what I found at www.carsdirect.com, for a 2002 RX300 FWD with the Premium Value Package. I used zipcode 91311 which is Chatsworth, CA north of LA.

patnmark · July 2002

Does anyone know if it is possible to extend the "backward range" of seat travel on the front passenger seat? Maybe changing limit switch setpoints? I'd really like to get another couple inches.

pschiffe · July 2002

I'm inclined to say no since I believe the woofer speaker is located under the front passenger seat, thus it is only 4-way rather than 8-way power like the driver's seat.

Pete

rxlax · July 2002

Guys,
Finally spend some $$ on some toys for my 2000 RX.
Got the COBRA Stainless A-Bar
Painted Bumpers, Lower, Grill and Cross
Bars for Silver Sport Look
After Market 2001 + Rear Lights
Clear Corner Markers w\ Super White bulbs
Stainless Exhaust tip

Check out the pics @ Clublexus

ang35 · July 2002

Where is the best place (online or other) to get Lexus accessories? Specifically I'm looking for a rear bumper protector for my 1999 RX300. The dealer wanted like $180 for part+installation! Seemed pretty high...

Thanks in advance.

gsenthil · July 2002

has Lexus parts for a lower price.

pschiffe · July 2002

The Toyota Sienna P/N 00278-08975 1998 rear bumper protector is an exact fit without the Lexus logo. I paid $26.40 for mine from a Toyota dealer a couple years ago. Get a price from Irontoad for both the Lexus and Toyota versions.

Pete

kmh · July 2002

Buy the bumper protector and do it yourself. It's very easy to install and you'll save yourself probably half of what they were asking for.

rlui1 · July 2002

The other day I had to avoid a car that abruptly stopped in front of me on the freeway. I braked and did a quick lane change. I heard two beeps. Did I activate the VSC or the traction control?

rerenov8r · July 2002

Not traction control, unless you were ACCELERATING as you swerved...

Possibly Brake Assist, if you slammed on 'em..., and yes VSC was almost certainly called on.

gsenthil · July 2002

Ive probably used the brake assist (or rather it kicked in) a couple of times and I didnt hear any beeps. I did, however, take a sharp turn (rated at 20mph) at about 45 and heard some beeps. Was concentrating on the road so didnt see which light came up.

BTW- I did this at 2am in the night on an offramp and I was driving alone.

rlui1 · July 2002

I was also preoccupied so I didn't see which light came on either but I think we both made the same manuever. To avoid the car in front of me, I made a sharp turn/lane change while lightly applying the brakes. If VSC was activated, what did the car actually do?

wwest · July 2002

Left turn/oversteer applies right front brake.
right " " " left " "

Understeer, both rear brakes.

Turning quickly with brakes on would likely result in slight understeer.

JStiller · July 2002

Anyone know of a place online to order updates for the RX 300 Navigation System?

dannysf · August 2002

I will need to get some all weather tires for my 99 RX300.

I go skiing to Tahoe 8-10 times per year, and always on decent roads.

Any suggestions?

pschiffe · August 2002

I'm about ready too, based upon previous posts here; I belive I'll go with the Michelin All-Terrains.

Pete

ctk1 · August 2002

My Rx300 was keyed on the passenger door side yesterday. It's about 12 inches long and deep to metal. Does any one a good body shop around Boston to do a touch up to restore it? Do not want to paint the whole door. Want to keep the original paint if possible.

wwest · August 2002

If you typically encounter ice or packed snow on the roadbed or in the ski parking area then I suggest the RX300 is not an appropriate vehicle for skier transport. It is FWD only, and even the AWD mode is predominantly FWD, with 70/30 torque distribution at best. If you find yourself needing tire chains you will be in real trouble as chains can not be fitted to the rear and chains only on the front can be really hazardous.

mooretorque · August 2002

dannysf, I believe pschiffe was referring to the Michelin CrossTerrains, in which I am a firm believer.

rlui, brake assist doesn't "beep" when invoked. Practically speaking, VSC functions as your traction control also, just working on whichever tire is trying to "light up".

gsenthil · August 2002

A better alternative instead of buying new tires for your RX is to buy a T&C AWD.

jeffmust2 · August 2002

pansy-waist (waste?) RX, MDX, T&C, Porsche, Jeep etc.

Don't know about the new H2, but on the original Hummer you can fold down that windshield when it fogs up uncontrollably. Best of all, deer just bounce off of it...

And if you complain to American General about anything like CO2 in the cabin or fogging or lousy 4WD engineering or dealer service rip-offs...well...they know exactly what to do with your complaints. As well as the horse you rode in on...

fantom · August 2002

.....are all the rage these days and Michelin is investing a fortune in advertising them. For a tire that is probably better, and definetly less expensive, chech out the Bridgestone Dueler HL.

The suggestion the the MCT is the only other good tire for the RX is incorrect. Look at the Dueler HL before blindly following the herd, you may be surprised.

krazyhopz · August 2002

Everyone talks about the Michelin X-terrains, but I believe the Pilot LTX is a much better tire. It has a nice ride and is is V-rated so you can real zip on them. It does cost more, but it is worth it. I have a set of 255x55x18s and they feel better that the original tires. Plus I hate white lettering on tires.

dannysf · August 2002

Your credibility is limited.

dannysf · August 2002

Mine came with the Bridgestone Dualer H/T's (I bought it used of the lot). They don't look like all weather tires, nor is there a all weather designation on them. I think the one's you mention need to be the Winter Dueler with Uni-T.

tidester · August 2002

Your credibility is limited.

I know of no exceptions to that charge.

tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

ogi · August 2002

Wha?

tidester · August 2002

Nevermind! One member was attempting to impugn another's credibility and I was trying to point out that no one is immune from at least some limitations on credibility.

Carry on!

tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

jeffmust2 · August 2002

"...What's the matter, son, are you just ignorant or are you too apathetic?

Replied the player, "Coach - I don't know and I don't care."

ogi · August 2002

Should I believe that? ;-)

mooretorque · August 2002

fantom, the CrossTerrain may be au courant and, indeed, Michelin is pumping it up.......but, when I bought the ones on wifey's RX 2 years ago, they were the newest of several SUV tires purported to be designed for car-based SUVs. Certainly, virtually anything would have been an improvement over the Notegritys. Maybe I didn't go back far enough but I didn't see anyone represent the CTXs as being the only good replacement (and they aren't.....go back a year or two for the big tire replacement debate).

krazyhopz, the way to deal with white lettering is to mount the tire blackwall side out. Did you have to use spacers to mount your 18s?

wwest · August 2002

As a matter of fact for anyone truly needing AWD I would advise the T&C AWD over the RX. But if you wish to stay with the SUV "outline" and could afford the extra cost I would recommend the X5 3.0 first and the ML320 second.

Lexus RX 300

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