ritchieg

Try search of RX350

Recommend you check out used car values such as at http://www.kbb.com/ & see what they show as the value(s). Also check cars.com as well as local newspapers for similar cars in your area. Note: I have sold two cars using cars.com.

I have never driven the RX300 2wd but I do have an AWD. I have driven many 2wd cars in the snow in the Sierra mountains in Calif/Nevada and do know their limitations. I drove my RX300 AWD in Sierra snow three different times last winter and it handled great. Regarding the Front/Rear ratio of power: the ratio really does not matter unless you are in competition snow racing. Most of us do not use a lot of power when starting or accelerating in the snow. My understanding of the AWD system is that the ratio of 90/10 is used unless a tire starts slipping, then the ratio will change to reduce power to the slipping wheel to the point when it will regain traction. That means if both front wheels start slipping, the ratio could change to put more power to the rear with a ratio of say 75/25. In any case, I was very happy with the performance of the AWD. I did try to spin the wheels when starting from a stop but it would not do so. It just launched forward as if there was no snow. I also tried some slow turns with various power levels and found the car to be very "roadworthy." Good luck this winter & let us know how your RX handles in the snow. PS: my 2001 AWD has 46000 miles and never has had any transmission problems (knock on wood!).

I have experienced an excessive amount of noise from the cross bars of a roof rack. I had a Toyota Camry and after installing a roof rack with cross bars, noticed a great mount of noise. I eventually made aerodynamic surfaces that wrapped around the cross bars to reduce the noise. I guess for me, it is only common sense that if the cross bars are moved away from the front of the car, it could reduce the noise level. Just my opinion. Gordon PS: I have a bit of wind tunnel experience & drag forces have a component of noise related to to the drag forces.

Do you mean that you can have the "map" on CONSTANTLY while driving, even if you don't put in an address? So when you turn the car on, the map is already up? ← Yes, we always have the Nav system on. If an address is not selected, then I set the screen to show gas milage and other things. You can also select a split screen with map on the left and other things on the right. It also shows the radio station.

We have the Nav on ALL the time. And we run everything else (radio, a/c, etc) at the same time.

I use 87 octane in our 2001 RX 300 & it has never pinged in the mountains nor at sea level.

I think the 400h should not be included with the RX300 & RX330. There are too issues with the 400h that clutter the RX300/RX330 forum pages.

As with the previous reply, it happened to me in a new BMW. The carpet was loose and bunched up next to the brake and accelerator. Every time I pressed on the brake, the carpet pushed the accelerator too. Very dangerous problem.

Is the "coach" the same as the "silversport" or are they just different production years? When I bought my 2001 RX300 last year, I was told it was a silversport. It has perforated leather & a different style grille.

I use reg in my 2001 RX300. It does not ping and it never has. I have driven in the mountains as well as at sea level at temps from 15 to 100 F and it has always run great. I guess the spark retardation system does work.

I have had a 2001 RX300 silversport for less than a year. I am very happy with it and will consider buying another Lexus SUV. I really like the AWD system when I am in snow (about 15 days a year). Horsepower and handling are not up to the standards of a high performance sports car but definitely okay for this type of car. If I wanted a high performance car, I would not have sold my Ferrari. The ride is very good, the navagation sysem is not as good as my BMW Z4 but definitely acceptable. I have not had to take the car in for anything except the first free oil change and that went just fine. The interior and accessories are excellent when compared to what I want.

Have you checked with the dealer you bought it from to correct the key problem? This is the first option!

I think some of the RX models have different suspensions which could have differnt "ride" characteristics. For example, the 2001 RX 300 Silversport edition is suposed to have Euro suspension which may provide a different ride. Maybe someone else can clarify this on newer models.

I did a quick search on "key" and found this which may answer your question: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...c=17315&hl=keys

Last year, I got my 2001 Silversport AWD with 36000 miles, navigation, 4 new tires, 3-year Lexus warrenty, 30,000 service, from a Lexus dealer for $27,000. It was a lease car & serviced by Lexus and their computerized service records showed only a couple of minor service issues during the prior 3 years and no body repairs due to accidents. Since it is about 6 months later than when I bought mine, I think $24,000 sounds okay but not a steal.

Many years ago I used to work for Shell Oil and was responsible for octane testing of fuels for engines in automobile, aircraft, chain saws, large trucks, etc. I found the web site below dated 7/30/2003 to be reasonable regarding octane requirements and gas mileage for engines with knock sensors. If the Lexus engine sensors, timing, etc. are set such that no knock is sensed with 89 octane at a given load on the engine but will sense knock with any lower octane, then using a fuel with higher octane at this load will not give more power unless something is changed (e.g., the timing). Can anyone tell me if the Lexus electronics will "advance" the timing and if so, what type of sensor is used? http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-0...remiumgas_x.htm

In Southern Calif we get about 15 when driving in town & 20 when on highways (outside of LA). It is not as good as I would like; but, I like the AWD when in the snow areas a few times during the winter. My wife drives in town & does not try to get good milage. I know we could get about 17 in town if she really tried. And on the highways, if I drove 60 to 65 instead of 65 to 75, I'm sure we would get better than 20!

We have owned our 01 RX 300 Silversport with new OEM Bridgestone Duelers for less than 6 months. We bought it so we could drive Mammoth Ski area as well as Yosemite and not have to put chains on (unless it gets too deep or icy). We have been in the snow twice. I frist drove on snow covered parking lots to see how it handled: it was great for steering as well as braking. But, I did not try it on slipery steep roads.

Good idea! Ask her if a small BMW Z4 will be okay with her. Maybe she will let you drive it once in a while? Gordon (Z4 & RX300)

If you decide to get another shifter, I see ebay has a couple for sale by auction. I did a search on www.ebay.com for lexus rx300 shift to find the ones currently available. I have never removed & replaced one so I don't know what to be careful of. Rewiring could be a problem? Gordon

This may be a duplicate but I don't think my previous reply was sent. Why not check out ebay.com. There are currently five covers with starting auction prices from about $5. Here is the search page I received: http://search.ebay.com/lexus-cargo-cover_W...ojsZ1QQfromZR40 Good Luck, Gordon PS: if you need any help with bidding on ebay, let me know. I have a great deal of experience.

I live in Redondo Beach Calif and get about 15 in town and 20 mpg driving 65 to 75 mph. It is not as good as I would like; but, the AWD works so well in the snow that I am very happy.

I have an RX 300 and a BMW Z4, both with nav. Because my wife really needs them (and because I want them too), we will never have another car without it. I gladly paid the $2K to $3K extra. Regarding the Levinson audio and Laser cruise, I can do without both. But I guess it just personal preference as to what each of us thinks is important. Good luck.

I bought our 2001 RX 300 Silversport with Nav with dealer 3-yr/100K warranty about 3 months ago for $27500. It had 36000 miles, new tires, recent 30K maintenance and appears to be in excellent condtion.