zieke

Rachel,  I'm guessing there is a loose solder joint somewhere either in the cluster or at the main computer if the light doesn't come on when you turn on the ign. before you start the car. If the smog people could check for codes I would think that result should be good enough to pass your RX.  The traction control is probably just a sensor if it stays on. You can also have auto zone or etc. reset the codes for free. Good luck.

If this is a stock radio I would replace it with a used one from a used parts yard. The price shouldn't be too high given the year of your rx. Probably a capacitor or etc. gone bad, not worth trying to chase it unless you are a electronics geek.

You are correct. timing chain on 2007 & up 3.5 engines . Hybrids ???

There is just too much we don't know about this diagnosis to even make an intelligent comment . Not having any more info than presented I would be quite skeptical of this diagnosis and would at least get another opinion from a Lexus  or  Toyota dealer. Another option is a good independent mechanic with the proper equipment.

I bot my 2nd key from a good reputable seller online and figured since I saved some money this way, I would have the dealer program it for me. It works perfectly, and I didn't waste time trying to circumvent the right way to do it. For what it's worth.

I'm quite sure your cable is either rusted or bound up with junk on it. You will have to completely unwind it and clean it 

I would think a 1 owner engine would be properly maintained so that issue would not have happened. Since it did, I would have it professionally inspected before I would buy that vehicle.

I also had a 2007 RX350 and liked it quite a bit. If it was I, I would reinstall the mirror and try to figure out how to tighten it up and try to get an acceptable setting.  I know they're not cheap,, but they made quite alot of them, so you should be able to find the correct mirror at a parts yard. At worst you could have it painted to match your car. As with any older vehicle you can spend just about as much as you want, depending on how nice you want it to be.

Hi Dawn, I have Nexen  n'fera tires on mine and like them pretty well, given the good price for them. My next set will probably be Hankooks as they are on my Trailblazer and should get a little better mileage. The Nexens will get around 35 to 40k miles. Good luck!!

I bot a complete set of toyota Highlander lugs from a parts yard, and threw the locking nuts away. The Highlander nuts are longer and look very nice. I don't regret not having to deal with those lockers a bit.

As I own the same vehicle as you, here is my take. Altho my nav unit works as intended, I found it to be one of the most cumbersome units to operate, and unless you have paid the ridiculous price to have it upgraded, the maps are outdated. Do yourself a favor and get the Wayz app on your smartphone. It works real well, and is always up to date. Or you can buy a Garmin on e bay. They also work very well.  As a Lexus dealer once told me, Lexus builds cars quite well, but not nav units.

Clearly an in-dash issue, either a mechanical door issue or a computer glitch.  U will probably need a dealer to diagnose it.

Tammy, Glad U have resolved some of your RX issues. If U would like, keep me posted of anything that crops up in the future. (email servison@mchsi.com)

Some of these garages seem to be like politicians, no scruples at all. Too bad. I used super glue with a brush, and had to hold each part for a minute or so until glue set up. Of course U know the timing belt is most important when it's due. 100k I believe at the most, possibly with a water pump, (while they're in there) All the luck.

Tammy,

 Sorry I did not think to question your garage's bad strut diagnosis, as I figured after 200k they would need replacing. I have 103k on mine, and have never driven a car over 130k. My rr boot has also has splits in it, but since replacing the boots require removing the strut, I just got busy with some super glue and went after it. It is somewhat tedious, but  has held up and much cheaper than having struts removed. I, like another poster, mostly stay on paved roads, so am not worried about much dust or dirt. Glad U got a second opinion.

I assume your "garage" is not a Lexus dealer, which is fine. I would go aftermarket if they are a quality piece, not made in China. I guess I would ask the garage folks for a good aftermarket unit with good reliability, and I don't think the ride would change appreciably. A Lexus unit seems to be quite overpriced, given your price differences, and $700 plus doesn't seem too bad for both units. With 200k I'm surprised the front ones are good.

I bot a two step plastic unit with a small carpet piece on each step (I think in housewares or etc. I'm getting old and can't remember.) My dog is 65lbs. and I had to work with her to get her to go up the steps, but she finally got the hang of it.

Tammy, I would not try & lower the RX, (too much money) instead buy some sort of step or etc. so the dog can get in the rear. My dog got so old she can't get in any more unless I lift her in, which may happen to yours also. Just  spend the money on the stuff the car needs to be safe and reliable.

I think U might as well keep the one U have, as 13k will not buy U one any better than yours, just with new problems. A low mileage RX 350 is hard to find, but if U would happen to find one make sure to research the service records.

Looks like U have more than got your money's worth out of it, so you could just milk it to the very end (when a repair would out strip the car's worth). The only caveat would be finding an immediate replacement, but if worse came to worse, you could rent a vehicle until U find one U like. Personally, I don't really like the new RX350's because of the ft. design. It also appears they have no ft. bumper, so if someone would back into U the grill would almost always break. The Honda CRV's and Pilots look quite nice. Best of luck!!

My coils started going bad at 75k. I bot the new ones online and had the Toyota dealer install the rear ones (not real easy) and plugs so the problem wouldn't recur.  My opinion is that the Japanese made ones should be ok. Not Chinese!

From what U have said the head gasket thing sounds pretty likely, but not a new engine unless the old one has lots of damage. A good mechanic will be able to determine that problem and solve it for U. I had the coils in mine start to fail at 75k which was very premature, so I had them all replaced.

My guess is that the temp thermostat is defective and erroneously turning them on.

U can get at the rear plugs by removing a bunch of stuff from the top. There was a tutorial on this site on how to do it. Altho it's time consuming I think it would be easier than messing with the mounts.

Susan, I am not a fan of hybrids, so I would not buy that car. In your case U said only the rear bumper was replaced, which indicates a minor accident. Then I would buy it if the car checked out and didn't have too many miles on it. A minor accident is not a game breaker, a major one (maybe over 7k damage) could change my mind. Good luck.