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Comments
Pete
My car smells like gas when I stop at a light; it has been checked for leaks 3 x by my mechanic and he can't find anything. Have a 2000 RX300 with 90,000 miles and it has been properly maintained. Anyone else out there with this problem or any thoughts about what it might be? Thanks
Steve, Host
Pete
Thanks,
Jim d.
Pete
Ejecting and re-inserting the disc from the nav unit at the back of the car didn't have any results. Nor did unplugging and plugging the unit itself back in. I even removed the face plate to confirm that the disc was spinning and it was. The disc is not scratched or anything.
Has this happened to anyone else? And any ideas?
If so then the answer is to dry the cabin out using a heater and slightly open windows in the garage overnight.
Any other tips?
Pete
I took it to my local shop for a ATF drain and refill hoping that that might resolve the issue. My mechanic mentioned that the ATF was very grayish in color. I later found out that Lexus is now recommending ATF changes at 15K interval because of this problem.
Well, unfortunately, the drain and refill didn't work. So I took it to Lexus and had the problem diagnosed rather quickly. The tech that I took a test drive with immediately confirmed that I needed a new tranny.
Fortunately, I purchased a 5yr/100K extended 3rd party warranty just in case. The disadvantage with going with a third party though is they wanted to put "their" rebuilt transmission in. Which junk yard might they have found it was a concern to me. Lexus said they would put in a Lexus rebuilt one for the difference of $700. The warranty from Lexus was also much better than from the warranty company. Guess which I went with! I guess I'm still ahead since I'm also getting a new antenna motor and they are discounting the timing belt, water pump and spark plug change recommended for the 90K service. They said since they are already getting paid by my warranty company for the tranny labor they would give me a break on the other replacements.
The best part of this is they have given me a loaner no charge for the time it takes to get my car back. It looks like it might be ready by the end of next week, so that's a loaner for 1½ weeks no charge. You can't beat that.
The "wheel" must squeak loudly before it gets "greased".
Also you mentioned they are discounting the timing, water pump, and plugs at 90K. That's great but the only one of the three required at 90K is the timing belt. I just had mine done at a Toyota dealer for $339.
Steve, Host
That being said, I've been reading around and know the cross terrain is the best tire for the Lexus. But i live in Arizona were there is no rain, no snow, and just dry driving conditions. Is the Cross Terrain the best tire, or can i buy something cheaper with the same handling on roads and highways.
I’ve been looking at used SUV’s and just started looking at the RX300.
I saw two today from private owners, one a 2002 2wd with 73k miles, asking price is $18.5k (but I think he’ll take $18) and the second is a 1999 2wd with 114k miles- asking price $13.5k. Both owners have taken excellent care and both SUV's are in great condition.
After reading through posts here last night one of my concerns is the transaxle thing that people talked about. I asked both owners and neither have had any unusual problems at all- only standard maintenance.
I’d love any feedback on the pricing- do you think these prices sound reasonable?? (both are in Kelly Blue Book range)
I’m just a little gun shy to jump in. Also another factor is that I may need to sell the car in two years so I’m also concerned about resale value at that point.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!
And you may want to ask for advice in the Real-World Trade-In Values discussion too.
Steve, Host
It looks like the price on the 1999 is a little high.
Any other thoughts on buying with such high mileage??
You can estimate future scheduled service costs with the Edmunds Maintenance Guide.
Any owners with opinions about buying a high mileage RX 300 for Cara6?
Steve, Host
2000 Lexus RX 300 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon
Trade-In/Private Party/Dealer Retail
$15,560/$17,381/$19,350
Mine has been very reliable - replaced a light bulb - can't recall anything else unexpected. I also had some exhaust system repairs, but I cracked the system driving through a huge puddle (my bad).
I get all my service done at the local Toyota dealer - generally cheaper (and 45 minutes closer - in fact I bought it there), but since the Highlander is essentially the same vehicle, they know it.
I did upsize my wheels to 17s, and like the slightly firmer ride. Gas mileage is not so good - between 19 and 20 (with AWD, and on regular fuel), but up to you if that is OK, and not outside what it should get.
If you really want it, get the price down. In my case I was still within warranty for 11000 miles, but I think yours would be too old. That should affect the price, too.
Hope this is useful. Tim
Pete