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Here is my Brand New 1999 Lexus RX300! Just turned over 215,000 miles. With the headlights replaced, it looks like a new car! I removed and replaced all four door lock actuators, too! Speaking of headlights, how do I adjust them?

OK, let me follow up. I worked for years, maybe decades in Calif State Parks doing erosion and trail condition assessments. I have driven just about every sort of off-road trail you can imagine. Going off road is as much about mind-set as the vehicle. Since you have a 330, you have a different sort of AWD than the RX300's and the 07~09 RX350's. Your vehicle has a different transfer case and links between the front wheels and rear. " 2nd gen 04-06 has the MFVA transfer case, and does not contain the viscous coupling mechanism, it is lighter and simpler than 1st gen model. (according to Toyota) " What this means is that in your 330 all the smarts of the AWD system are electronic, and use the ABS to control wheel spin. This is designated as TRAC in Lexus lingo. And it can go to a place where it will throttle the engine back to very low power to prevent wheel spin. But, occasionally you need to spin tires a bit and power through. What to do? Pull the TRAC and AVS fuses temporarily and drive on. The fuses are under the hood in the fuse array. I say this to demonstrate how one overcomes adverse off road conditions w/o calling for an expensive off road tow. Anytime you are off the paved way, you have to keep your wits about you, and have some options. But, as long as you do, you'll be fine. The RX330 is a moderately capable vehicle. With decent tires, it will go on all the "trails" you are describing, and many you are not even contemplating. Things to have with you, and/or preparation. Pull out your jack and lube the threads. Make sure it works well and easy. Nothing in the world is more frustrating than getting a bit sideways crossing a small drainage and have one wheel loose traction by 1/2", and you are not ready to deal with it. Have some 1 foot square 3/4" plywood pieces in the back. Jack up the offending corner and put the boards under wheel - drive out of trouble - put your stuff away and carry on. Have a flat ribbon tow strap in one of the cubbies in the back. If you get stuck, just ask the next Jeep or Pick-up going by to tug you out, and carry on ... Find a local indy tire shop that will help you select appropriate tires. You can get pretty close to the suspension as long as you do not need to install chains for snow. They can mount a +1 tire with some reasonable on-road & off-road tread and test to see if they clear. If they do, get a set of four and you are ready to go. I'd have a set setup for summer camping. And I'd have a set of smooth riding road tires for the rest of the time. An on-sale Harbor Freight floor jack and 4-way lug wrench will have the spare wheels and tires on in 20 minutes. A wrecking yard can supply 4 OEM rims same as your current that will carry the new (and sharp treaded) off-road tires for summer season camping, etc. Trane one of the kids or your wife/GF to get out and help you drive around obstacles and help you keep the tires planted while slowly maneuvering in tight place. A spotter is worth more than $10K of vehicle mods out on the trail. Yeah, it's macho to think you'll just bully through. But smart trail drivers have a good relationship with a spotter, and can go many more miles in, and come back out more relaxed w/o vehicle damage 'cause 2 heads are better than 1 🙂 Have fun. You car is fine. Enjoy it 🙂

Hi, I too am new to the forum, my 05 RX330 has 246K still doesn't use a drop of oil between changes (I am strict on changes, if it's time, IT'S TIME). Just added push button start, with proximity lock & unlock, and remote start.