Lexus RX 300

wmquan · January 2003

Make sure the MB dealership is giving you a price that reflects the current $2,000 MB incentive (according to Edmunds). Thus your price should be very close to invoice - $2,000. MB dealerships are dumping the ML320's because of weakening sales in the first place, and the fact that they are now replaced by the ML350, and the fact that a new M-class will debut next year.

Wonder if the RX300 deals will get better than $500 cash? E.g. when the RX330 actually makes it into showrooms, dealerships should still have RX300 inventory.

2003ml320 · January 2003

The deal I got from ML320 is very close to invoice - 2000. That's why I made a decision without even looking at RX300. I will give Lexus dealer a call Monday morning though.

jiamin · January 2003

is lowest rated, a black dot, according to Consumer Reports April, 2002. One friend said he bought ML320 just for the brand and if he wanted oerall quality/performance he'd have bought MDX.

tomgb · January 2003

Getting an answer to this may be a long shot but what I need is the dimension on the maximum front-to-back crossbar spread on the new RX330 from someone who might have pulled a measuring tape on one of these cars at a recent auto show. Or, if you were installing Yakima crossbars as close to the front and rear factory rack mounts as possible, how far apart would the crossbars be? I have a 19 foot double kayak that does best with wider spaced mounts and this dimension can be critical. Thanks

tidester · January 2003

I'm not particularly interested in what color glasses or contact lenses anyone is wearing. I'm interested in reading about the RX 300/330's.

tidester, host

ctraylor · January 2003

I'm in the market for an '01 RX. I've seen a few on the road with an "Coach Edition" badge between the front wheels & doors. Anybody own one of these? If so, what does the package include?

Thanks.

gsenthil · January 2003

Special edition for 2001 was a SilverSport
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/rx_01.html

This is what the SilverSport contains:

http://www.lexus.com/about/news/popups/pr_2001_04_10.html
http://www.lexus.com/about/news/popups/pr_2001_01_03a.html

For 2002 it was Coach Edition
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/rx_02.html

COACH EDITION
Coach Hampton Cabin Bag and Demi-pouch
Monotone Exterior Paint
Roof Rack
Modellista Front Grill
Coach badges
Unique Coach Edition Floor Mats
Perforated Leather Seat Surfaces
Birds Eye Maple Wood Trim
Birds Eye Maple Wood and Leather Steering Wheel
Chrome Plated Wheels

rparis · January 2003

I have posed this question on the ES300 discussion, but have not received a response. Thought possibly someone here might know the answer. I own an ES300 and am thinking of trading for a 2003. Has anyone driven the pre2002 style as well as the 2003 or 2002. Is the car much different? Is it substantially better? Also, any idea what a good price over invoice is on a car without nav.? Thanks

jiamin · January 2003

I test-drove 00 ES300 but ended up buying 00 RX300, and test drove 02 ES300 but ended up buying 02 QX4. Also one time I drove 00 ES300 loaner car.
Since that's all I drove the ES300, I don't have a solid comparison. However my "rough" comparison tells me there's not much difference between 00 and 02 ES300 in terms of driving feelings, not their features, bells and whistles.

borg1of2 · January 2003

There was a post back a bit that commented about a known problem with squeaky brakes. I too have had them, but didn't push Lexus hard enough and now I am outside of warranty. So, my question is what was the fix for this problem? I would like to go ahead and get it fixed, but hate going into shops without some kind of guidance on what needs to be looked at.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

jeffmust2 · January 2003

so check with your dealer; your warranty expiration might not be a disqualifier.

avery1 · January 2003

A while back there were numerous posts about Michelin Cross Terrains at Costco. I have a '99 and it takes 225/70 R16. When I went to Costco today they only had Michelin X Radial LT in my size. They are $125 each less $60 if you buy 4. Has anyone ever had these? They guy didn't really know how they compared to the Cross Terrains. Any info would be appreciated.

pschiffe · January 2003

I have no experience with the XLT, I have Cross Terrains recently purchased at BJ's. But, Michelin's web site does have some information. This is apparently a promotional item which is exclusive to BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club. Wet traction is 9 for the XT and 7 for the XLT, Winter traction 9 for XT and 8 for XLT, Max tread life 10 for XT and 9 for XLT. Quiet ride 10 for XT and 8 for XLT, overall 9 for XT and 8 for XLT. XT also has 65,000 mile limited warranty. Personally I'd stick with the XT or possibly the Bridgestone mentioned in earlier posts.

Pete

bobfloyd · January 2003

was repaired under TSB by replacing front rotors, pads and hardware. Dealer took care of it under warranty at my 10K service.

fantom · January 2003

As we have been over many times before, if you desire a quantum leap in traction, ride, and control, the tires to be considering are either the Michelin XT or the Bridgestone Dueler HL.

And the only major difference between these two are advertising and price. Do a search for lots more opinions.

rpawlak98 · February 2003

Has anyone change the oil and filter on the RX300? Is it easy to do or are any special tools needed?

bobfloyd · February 2003

have not been changed; now at 20K. Can anyone offer do-it-yourself instructions to a non-mechanic type person -- me? Or is it best to have dealer do it?

jiamin · February 2003

are two easiest parts to DIY. Between the two, air filter is easier than in-cabin AC filter. Fotgot details on AC filter but it's really easy.

brandona · February 2003

After reviewing some older postings on this board and discovering that many others had the same sunroof clicking/popping problem I have on my 2000 RX, I printed all postings, and went to my Lexus dealer. They added the felt padding, more insulation, etc., ....noting there is STILL no TSB for the problem on the RX. Their attempt didn't work. It still clicks quite frequently. Has anyone else other than postings 5618 & 5830 been able to resolve this problem? I know it's minor, but it is really annoying.

gambiaman · February 2003

Well I had the RX in last week to fix the steering noise and the carpet. They said they lubricated the "steering shaft grommet." Got it home and after listening it still makes the same noise. Called the service manager today to complain and he claimed he drove several other RX's on the lot and they all made the same noise. Of course he did not brother to tell me that when I picked it up. I will print out post 6650 and return to get it fixed. I can not believe I have to live with the noise the rest of the time I have the car. They had to order new front carpet to fix where it comes out from under the door cover. I am not presently a very happy camper with their service and let them know that today when I called them. Does everyone have this steering noise as they claimed?

ruski · February 2003

in-cabin AC filter is pretty easy - open the glpve compartment and take all the junk out

there is a plastic panel that can be popped off that hides the AC filter. Pop it off and slide the AC filter out (it is attached to a plastic "frame"). Take the old filter off the frame, put the new one on, slide it back into the hole in the glove compartment, snap in the plastic panel, put all your junk back into the glove compartment. Done.

pdsway · February 2003

Just got my 2000 AWD serviced at Lexus of Rockville (MD), 60k miles, total bill $481.67. I've generally had good service for a good price there, kinda ambivalent about this trip.

Initially I was quoted $800+ for the 60k service, so I dug into it. The two items they wanted to do that were not in the manual were "Replace Transmission and Differential oil" and "Replace Sparkplugs". I was told the oil changes would only cost me $50 so I went for that, but showed him the manual that says the plugs aren't changed till 120k. A "master tech" confirmed that IF I had iridium plugs than yes, they stay till 120k, but not all RX's have iridium. They checked my car and it was iridium and not changed.

The bill looks like this...
$300 flat labor fee for "60k service"
$143 Parts
     $22 AC filter, $39 air filter
     $37 ATF TYPE T-4 (oil?)
     $7 Brake fluid
     $20 Antifreeze (and some small stuff)
$36 Shop supplies (sounds bogus)
Tax etc.

I had a small list of issues and wanted all TSB's checked. Nothing was fixed or changed. I basically got the feeling that if it wasnt broken they didnt care much, which is different than last time I went there (30k) where I sat with tech and changed all computer settings and talked of other things. I'm wondering if they care less because now the car is out of the 50k warranty (although I have ext warranty to 100k).

I dont mind paying the money if I get great service. They did hook me up with a loaner and it was generally painless (and yes, car was washed) and car runs great (knock on wood), so really cant complain. Although I think $350 would be a reasonable price (even in this area) so I may try another Lexus dealer for the 90k.

PDS

pdsway · February 2003

While I'm here...

I changed my original Bridgestone Dueler's at 58k (2000 AWD). I was generally happy with the tire but the postings here and a sale led me to the Michelin Crossterrains ($648 all said and done w/ alignment and lifetime bal/rotate). I wanted to see if the extra $$$ was worth it. I'm guessing I could have saved $200 if I went back to the Dueler's.

I've also driven some other RX's on the Goodyears (Integrity), but not in-depth experience.

Overall the Michelins are very nice and noticeably better, esp turning. However some of it is just having "new" tires I'm sure. They are kinda rugged looking but doesnt do much for me. They seem quite stable at all speeds. I noticed the shop guys had a time balancing one of the wheels and I now have visible weights where the original Dueler's had none (that I could tell anyway). However they are smooth as glass so whatever they did worked.

Here's how I would rank the three tires (IMHO) and take it with a grain of salt, I'm no pro...

Looks: Dueler, Integrity, Crossterrain
Ride: Crossterrain, Dueler, Integrity
Turns: Crossterrain, Dueler, Integrity
Value: Dueler, Crossterrain, Integrity
Noise: Crossterrain, Integrity, Dueler (hard to tell however)

I guess I wont really know if the Michelins are "worth it" until I see how long they last. I'm doing my best to keep 34psi (cold). I think my Duelers wore on the edges cause of under inflation. My alignment was generally still dead-on, he adjusted right-front a tad.

Thanks for all the good info here, I've been meaning to pay it back and will add more as I can.

PDS

chihshun · February 2003

While I can get below invice price $1000 for 2WD without NAV model in north california, I still wondering if there are any furthur price drop after RX330 appear in dealer's show room next month.

BTW, I've notice the price on Carsdirect.com four days ago is invoice price and three days ago is over invoice $500 and then two days ago is below $500 of invoice. But today it become invoice price again. There are $1000 incentive to dealer from these two days according dealer told me.

laurasdada · February 2003

I've made an appt. at our Lexus dealer for the evil wifes '02 RX for the 15k check up. They wanted $500. I said how much for just the 7500 mile interval service as recommended in the manual (oil change, tire rotation, inspections & adjustments, if necessary)? Answer: ~$108.00, including wash. Cool. See you next week. No loaner, however as it should take less than 2 hours, I'm told.
An educated consumer...

mikey00 · February 2003

Lexus has a great strategy going here. It actually makes you feel good about paying $108 for about $35. worth of service.

laurasdada · February 2003

Actually, this will be the first service I've paid for at the dealer. You're right, Mikey. For an oil change/tire rotation I've been paying about $35. But at 15k, I'll let them do it and all the inspections and if needed adjustments. That should be good for about another $25 so the wash will only cost me about $50! I'll get it back in coffee and donuts...

And, it ain't just Lexus. My Chrysler dealer wanted over $500 for the 30k checkup on my '99 300M. I said if we just go by the manual? Oh, that would be $140! Okey-dokey. Still a racket, but a lot less so.

stever · February 2003

Sounds like it's time for another plug for The Edmunds Maintenance Guide. It'll tell you what we think should be done and how much a service should cost for your zipcode.

Steve, Host

mikey00 · February 2003

I don't understand where Edmunds comes up with the mainenance guide prices. They have $13.95 for inspecting the cabin air filter which is actually easier than checking the air pressure in your tires. Yet, $4.65 for the oil filter labor which is much harder on the RX.

pdsway · February 2003

I agree, I doubt a LEXUS dealer exists that will get even close to the prices in the "The Edmunds Maint Guide" and I KNOW it's impossible in my area.

So to get those prices you'll have to go elsewhere which is a whole other subject "Lexus service vs. Others".

PDS

rlui1 · February 2003

I've had my steering wheel boot lubed twice already and I'm still getting that annoying sound when I back out of my driveway every morning. I didn't buy a Lexus to put up with this!

ch05e · February 2003

Today I test drove the Infiniti FX35 AWD and I really liked it. The interior was something I was concerned about, but after coming from a 1997 Dodge Caravan, just about anything is luxurious to me. But seriously, the interior was really nice and it had a lot of nice features. Leather was nice, but the middle seat in the back is not very comfortable, however for four, the vehicle is perfect. I loved the trip computer, it was really easy to use and the 1 slot 6 CD changer was a nice touch (I know lexus vehicles have there cd changers in the glove compartment). My only complaint was that I wished the handles were chrome or aluminum, but besides that everything was great. When the salesperson drove it up, I could hear the engine's exhaust note and it sounded just like a porsche. Very nice! On the road it was really strong and the engine moved the car, or suv I should say, with great ease. However the ride was a little bumby on some old backroads that were poorly paved, but once I got to the freeway it was smooth sailing. Don't get me wrong, I love the RX, but there is just something so irresistable about the infiniti. I thought I was going to wait for the RX, until I saw the Infiniti. There is so much money for the dollar, that I just can't pass up the offer. I didn't buy one yet, because I wanted a week to think it over, but I'm pretty sure I will be purchasing one next weekend.

gteach26 · February 2003

rlui1, my wife's 02 RX was making a rubbery grinding noise when making slow turns. The dealer "lubricated the steering wheel cable" and the noise stopped. It's been almost three months with no noise. The service rep seemed to know what the noise was from as soon as I described it. Perhaps they can check this cable for you too?

zefram · February 2003

I test drove the FX35 with sport package(20" wheels & sports suspension) yesterday. Very impressive. I put a refundable deposit down on it yesterday with delivery mid March. I was(still am) leaning toward a RX330 but the FX35 had the options & color I wanted(Laser red exterior/brick & black leather interior). I guess there are pros & cons to both. I have been a loyal Toyota owner for 15 years. I love the reliability and I know Infiniti rates right up there. Another good problem, I can get the Infiniti below invoice with the VVP(vechicle purchase program) through my company. I will be saving over $4,000!!! Not quite sure what to do. I'm sure I'll never get a RX330 for $35,000. I wish the Infiniti got a little gas milage(16/22).

tidester · February 2003

I wish the Infiniti got a little gas milage(16/22).

I think you're telling us that the Infiniti DOES get a little mileage! :-)

tidester, host

jeffmust2 · February 2003

..do you have to pay for the $9k (!!) "Technology Package" option as the ONLY way to do so on top of the base at $35k for FWD?

I think that's what Edmund's specs currently show.

About the same "just-stuff-it-down-their-throats" strategy as used by Acura (making Nav only available on their MDX Touring Model) and Lexus only making the new RX330's Nav available together with the Mark Levinson audio system.

For shame!

2001frisco · February 2003

what kind of deals are the Lexus dealers offering on the rx300? I'm thinking about picking up one of them if the deals are good. I know that the APR is good, but does anyone know how much they are coming off of MSRP?

levyrob · February 2003

The Toyota dealer up the street from the Lexus dealer will NOT service a Lexus. They are both owned by the same folks, so they obviously don't want to step on each other's toes.

However, the Toyota dealer that has no nearby Lexus dealer is more than happy to do a Highlander 30K service on an RX300. The price is half of Lexus ($300 vs. $600). Yeah, I don't get a rental car, but for $300, I can bum a ride.

Since there is still a year left on the warranty, is there any risk in having the Toyota people work on the car? Has anyone had problems when they needed warranty work at Lexus after a Toyota service? I don't want to have them "blaming" Toyota if something breaks.

Thanks in advance for any advice (or any pointers to existing messages on the board).

Rob

wwest · February 2003

The cost of 30k service should be less than $100, maybe as little as $50, look at your owners manual.

bigorange30 · February 2003

That's not reasonable for any car at any dealer. I have never had one less than $200 on any car period.

wwest · February 2003

5 qts oil + filter $23
air filter $10
pollen filter $37

anything else ?

stever · February 2003

Tire rotation? Fluid check? Brake pad check?

Steve, Host

bigorange30 · February 2003

You're already above your $50 and you haven't even counted any labor. Is the dealer gonna make any profit on your 30K service? Some say that they don't make $ on the sales, they make it in the service.

In addition to what steve pointed out, you left out A/C check, hose check, brake lines and rotors, retorque the driveshaft bolts, check the fuel system and check steering system.

mooretorque · February 2003

Hey, Steve, is that the same "fluid check" that we used to do on every car that came in for a fillup back in the days when I worked in a gas station?? (I know, the trilobites were still dying to make fossil fuel back then, but it only took about 1-2 minutes to check power steering fluid, brake fluid, oil, trans fluid and coolant levels - somehow, it takes my Lexus tech somewhere around 0.25 hrs to do the same thing, at $75/hr. I understand Willard's frustration and ire.......some things are reasonable, but, as has been debated here before, some things are just gouging.)

mikey00 · February 2003

Here is a recent post of mine regarding 30k service. Items are straight from the RX owners manual.
"I just had mine done by a local garage that I trust. Oil and filter change using Quaker State 5w30 High Performance Synthetic blend - 28.95, cooling system service 34.95, brake fluid flush 24.95. They also check everything else brakes, hoses, belts, etc. and top off all fluids. I changed the air filter myself previously - 7.50 for Purolator at Strauss and also torqued the drive shaft bolts myself. The bolts are easy to do and I can't imagine my guy charging more than $10 if I asked him to do it. Total cost was $96.35 plus tax.
I didn't have the tires rotated because I have Cross Terrains from Costco and they rotate them for free."

stever · February 2003

That's the one.

You'd be surprised how many people are uncomfortable checking their transmission fluid, since it's usually required that the engine is running when you pull the dipstick.

Then there are mechanically competent types like Willard who don't mind applying a torque wrench to a jacked up running RX300 <G>. (Some images from Town Hall just seem to stick with you!).

I suspect most of us are closer to the first example with our comfort and hassle level.

Steve, Host

jiamin · February 2003

Hi Steve,

Yes I found it's usually required to let engine idle when checking the transmission fluid level. But I don't know why it is required. Couldn't be the temperature since the dipstick has both cold and hot marks like the engine oil dipstick. Anything else with engine running that could affect the transmission fluid level?

Thanks.

wwest · February 2003

For all of you that might have "re-torqued" the driveshaft bolts yourself, has anyone found them loose, actually in need of re-torquing?

Personally I haven't bothered, with my 00 or now my 01.

mikey00 · February 2003

Never. I really feel I am wasting my time doing this, but I do it because it's in the owners manual.

mikey00 · February 2003

Make sure you use your owners manual not Edmunds maintenance guide to determine what needs to be done at 30k. Under normal service Lexus requires brake fluid and coolant change. Edmunds leaves these items out.

Lexus RX 300

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