By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
"may be used with", not MUST be used with.
"Not in substition for, headlamps." The way I read this is to say if it is an appropriate circumstance for headlamps then they should be used.
There is an appropriate time for the use of fog lamps only, and the way I read this "law", it allows for such use.
It is illegal in California to drive with parking lamps alone on although a lot of people do it around dusk or in early morning light. In other states this is legal but not CA. I suspect the same thinking colors the "no fogs only" rule
A (not so) clear violation of CA's no parking lights only.
When I use my fog lamps alone they are not in substitution of headlamps. During the times that fog lamps should be used alone it would be totally inappropriate for headlamps to be used.
Considering the number of fools that drive around with driving/fog lights on (Pontiac drivers seem especially prone around here), legal discouragement is apparently not done/enforced any longer in this state. But one could wish........
How much did I pay for the timing belt replacement?
After checking with independent mechanics, I decided to use the dealer--Smithtown, NY Lexus.
Belt and labor--490.00
Water pump and labor--135.00
The dealer gives a 1 year unlimited milage on the work. I liked it because if the belt should let go in the next year, any Lexus dealer will back it up. It is a good idea to replace the pump at the time the belt is replaced. A water pump shaft could fail and the result is the same as a broken timing belt-- blown engine.
But typically someone notices the water dripping down from the front of the engine, or a low coolant level, long before any serious damage can occur.
Just another dealer promoted waste of money IMMHO.
WW: So are you saying we should skip the water pump at all or postpone it to a later date? Would it cost more to have it done by itself?
Sorry am too lazy to fish out the exact post at CL
I really do not understand the term "interference engine". I can only imagine what is happening internally when the valves are moving out of control or timing. The pistons might collide with the valves destroying lots of internal engine parts.
ke2fe
In a non-interference engine it is impossible for this to happen regardless of how far out of time.
Broken water pump shaft is not a common failure, certainly not a "wear" failure, and was therefore likely the result of a manufacturing defect. Just as likely to happen with the new one you put in.
Speaking of which my guess would be that most dealers install rebuilt (new shaft bearing and seal) water pumps, not new ones.
Go ahead and check - every day you can see the mechanics, sifting through those old parts till they find one that kinda fits...few good whacks with a mallet or iron bar and, presto - good as new!
Really keeps their service costs down low, them bein' a "single marque" dealership and all.
I wasn't implying anything wrong with using rebuilt water pumps, there is basically, no difference between a rebuilt one and a new one.
On the other hand, under warranty service, dealers probably can use rebuilt parts under the fine print of the warranty plan.
Always a pleasure to inform the masses.
Has anyone done this job themselves out there?
What plug did you use? make and model#
How did you access the 3 plugs closest to the firewall? There seems to be a bit of "plumbing" blocking access to the plugs.
ke2fe
And no I haven't, and don't plan to, EVER!
I have 96k on the car. Do you think the plugs will last forever? Gee, I hope so! It looks like a bear of a job to do it myself and save a few hundred.
Ke2fe
Steve, Host
Larry
There were a few RX300's that were supposed to have had an oil gel (sludge) problem. If the oil was changed at least once a year, Lexus was repairing the engines. I suggest you ask your dealer to remove the front valve cover for an oil gel inspection. Newer engines have a larger part in the PCV system which is supposed to help. Good luck!
Search on this subject here at Edmunds and you will see a ton of info on the subject. It was discussed at great length not too long ago.
Larry, if you are changing your oil every 3k (or so) you shouldn't have any problems with gelling. Just don't forget! Be sure to stay on top of oil changes. Also be sure to keep all records of oil changes if you are not having it done at a Lexus dealership - in case the problem comes up and you want Toyota to repair under warranty.
I and pretty much everyone on this message board are sure to change the oil religuosly. But heck, I've done that for years on all kinds of cars I've owned. That along with Toyota's commitment to stand by their owners gives me confidence that it will not happen - and if it does it'll be taken care of.
Just keep changing the oil and have fun with your Lexus!
What does the CPO warranty really cover? Is it the same as the original factory or are there some pitfalls and items not covered that I should be concerned with? I called Lexus and all they could tell me is that any Lexus dealer would honor the CPO warranty.
Next, you folks sure love your RXs (I've been reading...). I'm probably going to fly down to Portland, OR and pick one up, then drive it home, since prices here are, well, insane for most any car. Anyone care to give opinions on decent CPO prices? I'm seeing $30k-$31.5k for the models I'm searching for here, on used car lots, and about the same in Portland for a CPO vehicle. I figure the cost of a plane ticket and $400 in fuel (and a mini-vacation through Western Canada) is worth getting a CPO vehicle, but I don't know if the prices I'm seeing are decent or not.
I've driven two RX300s, both 2000 awd models with the Naka sound system. I was thoroughly unimpressed with the bass level in either of these... so I'm wondering if people have upgraded their speakers, or added a stealthy sub?
I've read about the HID conversions. That'll be the first thing on my To-Do list (did it to my 850 turbo and loved it).
Thanks guys, and I continue to search for the perfect RX300!
/aside
Hey Steve_host! Don't rat me out to my MPV buddies!!!
/end aside
According to kbb my 01 AWD/nav/HID with 27k is worth just shy of $30k for a private party sale. I would think CPO would be close to that range.
But the further north you drive an RX the more trouble you will encounter with spontaneous windshield fogging and horribly poor defog design (both issues bordering on the hazardous) and the fact that the RX is NOT a vehicle to be used in adverse wintertime roadbed conditions.
(let me guess - no sales tax in Oregon, eh?)
Steve, Host
I guess it's understandable since I have it on reliable authority that he's been heard singing the following ditty...
"I just gotta do it my way...
Don't need no other RX's on MY highway...
Tell'em ya can't see thru the fogged 'shield...
And that the Lousy Nav will get you killed...
Gotta rewire every switch & swap every filter...
Use Home Depot parts when it goes out of kilter...
I just gotta do it my way."
CPO warranty coverage is very close to the original factory bumpter-to-bumper one minus some dealer adjustments and if there are any scratches or dings in the glass it generally doesn't cover them. I've had a CPO Lexus and it's a great way to buy if the numbers are right.
Buy and enjoy your RX! 300,000+ previous buyers have so you'll be no different.
The good and the bad.
You might want to take notice that very few of those 300,000 purchasers have complained about the lack of capability of the RX300's VC being up to the task at hand. Yet Lexus is going to the expense and trouble of upgrading the new RX330 to the ML and Sequoia type AWD torque proportioning system.
Someone at Lexus displeased with the RX300's VC performance maybe?
<edit> What's this about the VC? I'm very used to driving in adverse conditions, so not much phases me on the road. What should I be aware of here? Thanks for the input, I am definitely here to learn the good and the bad.
</edit>
Steve_Host, you didn't even let me buy you a mocha when you were up here. And yes, no sales tax in OR is a great incentive. Sales Tax= the Devil, don't you know? I'd go to BOI, but that's an extra day of driving (well, 1/2 day at my pace), and then there's that Devil=Sales Tax issue to overcome.
I was at Lexus O' Alaska yesterday, and the sales mgr was trying to put me in a Highlander Limited for $40k (hmmm, not). I don't get it... I say, "I'm looking for a CPO RX300...," and somehow the translation was "I can't afford a new one, so sell me a Toyota that I didn't ask for..." If he only knew... Anyway, I'm on his 'list' for when people start trading in their RX300s, which he said was 'a long list.' Ah, I'd rather have a CPO deal anyway.
Thanks for your responses. I'm sure I'll have more questions, as I'm still looking.
Just kidding. It was because of your calls and letters, Willard.
Ego the size of Alaska.
I own a '99 CPO RX300 and have been happy with the warranty.
The warranty covers bumper to bumper for 3 years or 100,000 miles. So it behooves you to find one with as few miles as possible.
I've had to use the warranty for a few repairs and all have been covered without any money changing hands plus I get the use of a loaner (usually another RX).
The only thing the CPO won't cover are adjustments. For instance minor issues likes rattles and such may not be covered unless you can convince the advisor that the issues is a "failure".
Overall, though, I've been pleased with the level of coverage and the service of my RX.
Best.
/j
Follow the link at post #7278
And a single word search of "flaccid" in this thread should find you all you need to know about the RX300 AWD system.
/j
Then you can stop worrying about this item because, presumably, you have the IQ to figure-out how to set the defrost controls if and when the windshield fogs up.
Therefore you best be smart enough (this is were IQ comes in...) to figure out an alternative method that works reliably and consistently.
Or in the alternative you might just be as old as me and having learned from life's experiences how to best and most quickly defog/demist a windshield interior surface and keep it that way.
Do you understand that my discussions about fogging windshield only pertains to the Toyota/Lexus AUTOMATIC climate control systems?
Toyota/Lexus AUTOMATIC climate control systems wherein, according to the owners manual, there is only ONE button to be pushed for automatically (were it designed correctly) defogging/demisting the interior surface of the windshield?
I haven't checked recently but up until about ten years ago almost all MANUAL climate systems had some form of the following directions.
1. Turn up the heat.
2. Turn up the blower.
3. Route the system airflow from the windshield defog/demist outlets.
4. If an A/C is available then turn it on.
Child's play, really, not so much a matter of IQ at all.
Real shame the Toyota/Lexus design engineers couldn't locate a child.
<edited...>
Yup, the same one that sued Lexus over the same problem in his LS400 and lost - but apparently The Battle Is Not Yet Lost on the boards of Town Hall.
Give it a rest and, rather, post more about changing tires when questions are asked about upgrading audio systems. I need more Monthy Python type humor today.
In advance - thanks for your support.
Yes, if climatic conditions allow, then the A/C can be used for dehumidification.
But.
With the incoming outside air (I assume we ALL know about NOT using refresh airflow in defog/demist mode) already cool, say below 55F, the humidity of that airflow must be unusually high (dewpoint spread must be substantially less than 20F) for an A/C evaporator operating at 34F to perform efficiently as a dehumidifier. And as the incoming airflow temperature declines below 55F the A/C becomes less and less efficient for dehumidification purposes, until at 34F it is non-existent.
My 92 LS would automatically shut the A/C off if the OAT declined below 34F.
Go ahead, use your Lexus A/C to defog/demist the windshield on a rather cool winter's day. But now you'll need to use it again, and again, and again, every few minutes after you shut it off.
Oh, jeff, I'm really glad to hear that you have gone to the trouble of checking with those other 299,999 RX300 owners, that does give your statement a great deal more credibility.