I'm A New Lexus Owner...

[Sal Collaziano]

Even though I'm a Cadillac enthusiast and have owned Cadillacs for years, I decided to add a Lexus to the mix.. A 2001 RX300 in mint condition. I'll post pictures soon.. It just felt right mentioning in here since I've been a member for a long time without a Lexus.

[wwest]

Check the transaxle fluid condition IMMEDIATELY!

Many RX300 owners are reporting premature Transaxle failures, most seemingly on the order of 50,000 to 70,000 miles, some as early as 15,000 miles.

While there is no recommendation in your owners manual for scheduled flushing and replenishing of the ATF the factory is now saying they recommend 15,000 mile fluid change-outs.

[LexKid630]

Deffinetly watch how you treat the transmission...It's not fun to have it burn out, especially when having to put $4400 into it at only 60k miles an my 99 did.

Watch how it's driven. The mistake i make which made mine go was that well, people say i have a "heavy foot" I tend to floor it right away

Acceleration is the WORST thing for an rx tranny. ;) This is just a suggestion from a person who has had problems with it....The rx300 seems to be the only car that can't take a heavy foot....

Also just the little things:

-watch for scratches; they make it look bad :P

-condition the leather; even my 2 yr old rx300 (62k miles) has wrinkles in the seats which are very unsightly.

...just a few ;)

Good luck and enjoy the Lexus; the best cars on the planet in my opinion..and yes i have owned Cadillac's before. My sister has a 2000 deville i think? Pretty nice.. I have only driven it a few times but still like the Lexus's ride

[jgr7]

Hey Sal, I thought your name was familiar. I am a member of Cadillac Forums, although I traded my Eldorado in for my RX300. Good to see you here.

Jeff

[Sal Collaziano]

Hey all. I'm not officially "back" yet. So I'll reply more in depth shortly. In the meantime, do I really have a whole lot to worry about if the car is certified pre-owned with a warranty to 100,000 miles? We don't intend on keeping it that long anyway. Just a couple of years... The transaxle is covered. Right?

Thanks...

[Sal Collaziano]

P.S. My Wife drives this car primarily.. We traded in her brand new, top of the line Passat V6, fully loaded in ultra-mint condition with 7800 miles on it for this 2001.. It's definitely an upgrade... :)