Dave_02RX300

I haven't posted in over a year - Took it in for the 50k maintenance: for about $230, they did the oil and oil filter, air cleaner, safety inspection, checked the works, and rotated the tires. Pricey. I passed on the cabin air filter, since this is so easy to do myself (and there's about a zillion posts here for those who doubt that). In addition, the following was done (required) - and since I own a CPO (warranty 3years or up to 100k mi), the following was done for FREE: Of course, I had to list these items out for the dealer - basically I said "can you fix the following": 1) replaced lighter assembly - it was not able to run a cell phone or other device (or heat the lighter). 2) replaced upper and lower rear boots on the struts - the rubber boots were cracked or torn 3) replaced the radio motor and antenna assembly - I explained to them how it was making a bad noise, and that didn't seem right. The warranty items would have been about $850, according to the paperwork. Nice that it was warranty and free. That's about it. -Dave

I bought a CPO 2002 RX300 last year; has about 40k on it - no problems. The CPO warranty covers it to 5years or 100k (since I'm low mileage, it will be 2009 before my warranty runs out). From what I've read on the forum, some have sludege and some have trans. problems. But statistically it's rare - you will hear about it in this forum because if all is well, no one posts. Also, my understanding is that these problems are even more rare with >=2002. I have a friend who has a 1998 RX300, 90=k miles, trans failed. Dealer cut him a deal (or sorts) - free rebuilt factory trans, plus a new warranty, and my friend had to cover labor ($1400 - nothing's free). Cheaper to keep her.

I haven't posted in a while, and I wanted to relay my good experience with the Lexus dealer regarding my free 5kmile checkup (I got the RX300 with 33kmiles, and it was time for an oil change at 38k). I didn't know the oil/filter change would be free. The "consultant" also asked me if there was "anything else" they could do for me, so I gave him a list. The belts were squealing on startup; the left front tire was losing 5spi of air a week, likely a valve issue; the lighter contraption didn't seat correctly - the ligher falls out of the hole; and one of the lug nuts was missing it's crown and was rusty. So for free, the replaced all the belts (not the timing belt) - they said it wasn't worth figuring out which belt was noisy, so they replaced them all. They fixed the valve stem on the tire. They rotated the tires. Installed a new lug nut. And they ordered a new lighter assembly.- they also washed the car. I'm not quite used to this sort of thing - but I could get used to it. -D

Sorry to bug you all - after 20min of searching - is there a similar post for the 2002 RX300? Thanks -Dave

I would go with the 2002 or newer, simply on the engine sludge issue (99-2001)... Also, lower miles. That's why I got the CPO '02.

How often is it recommended to replace the brake fluid in an RX300? My Odyssey must have it done every 30k miles.

re: "lol. that would be one portion of the manual that i really don't read because i normally have the dealer do all this. ;)" I hope you are kidding... Really, you should be able to replace this filter yourself. Open the glove box, remove the clip to the filter, remove the filter, put in the nice new clean filter you bought (for way less than the dealer charges) at Napa or some other place down the road. Put the clip back, and close the glove box. Seriously, if you want to see a really tough job of filter replacement, get a 2001 Honda Odyssey (my other car). http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.p...t=&pagenumber=1 http://users.accesscomm.ca/jigsaw/filter.pdf <<< the instructions for the Odyssey. This replacement job takes about 45minutes and several tools.

I think they do mark them in some secret way... My CPO 2002 RX300 (got it about 2 mo. ago) had a small, 1/8" diameter BLUE dot stuck on the left rear tail light. On the clear plastic part of the light. We noticed all the cars on the lot had that. I'm not sure what it means. When we got the car home, we removed that blue dot sticker. It was about as big as this smiley face.

They are safely boxed and packed away in the rafters of my garage. I thought I would have to remove the track end pieces, but the plates under the rack just slide out the back. I marked where they go on the track (hidden from view) because they were in the perfect no-wind-noise positions. -D

Yep - the 2002's are coming due at dealers like it was said above, because of the 30k lease mileage. I've owned my CPO 2002 RX300 (FWD) for about 6 weeks now (has 32k miles) - it's perfect! It's like a new car with an old odometer. I checked this thing out stem to stern. I am VERY happy with it - in fact, it's the most pleased I've been with a car. Wish I could afford the 330 or 400h. We'll see what those options do this year and next. -Dave

I checked the FAQs and did several searches, and I checked the owner's manual, but I coudn't find any instructions on how to remove the horizontal (right to left) pair of bars. I read about noise issues, and even one post regarding the fact that the wide edge of the bar faces forward (kinda obvious I would think). It should increase my mileage (yeah, right) by increasing aerodynamics and decreasing vehicle weight. They will take up room in the garage rafters. I suppose this will invoke a poll regarding whethere the car looks better with or without them. Is it an easy job to remove the bars? I appears you just remove the thumb-screws and they come off? Or do I need to mess with the track (as in remove the track end-pieces to get the bars to slide off)? Thanks -Dave

I lived most of my life in Chicago, but now live in San Diego. -"Da Bears!"

I asked the boss for a raise and promotion - sheesh - Looks like I'll have to stay with the 02 RX300 for a while longer... I should have cashed out my stock options when you did... :-( -Dave (also in San Diego) P.S.: I finally saw a 400h last week (in Del Mar). Was it yours?

When did you boot the 400h guys out? I guess I got to read the posts more than once a week! -Dave

mikey00 sounds like he has the best solution: a 20$ blank key and just take the plastic parts off of it. I'm going to file this thread of posts, because one of my keys already looks like it's ready to kick the bucket. -Dave

What is the VIN number range? Or where do we go to find the VIN number range for this TSB? Thanks -Dave

"Where do I put it?" I chuck it in the back behind the passenger seats or in the boot. :D I routinely drive with the right rear seat folded down, so I can stuff my bicycle back there. I also have one of the custom cloth bedliners that velcros in (150$ investment). Just to be safe, I put a painter's dropcloth over that. And I keep my bike clean. And I can shake out the sand and grit and dirt without removing the bedliner.

I ended up buying the recommended one: http://www.autoanything.com/products/produ...shade_uv_shield online. It's great.

www.autotrader.com Here's what a search for your location turned up: http://autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.js...=40160&x=70&y=6 Based on the prices you see here, you can figure out a price for your car.

I searched this forum, and ebay, but could not find any links for this. I would like to get (buy) a sales brochure for my 2002 RX300. Anyone have an extra? I bought my RX as a CPO last month, so I only have a 2005 RX330 brochure. Thanks -Dave

re: "Bought '04 RX330 CPO with 22500 miles for $30900 " I guess SoCal has really jacked up prices on these... No way you would get this great a price in San Diego... Sigh... another reason why I need a raise. -D

Thanks everyone! This is one of the most fun threads I've been in. I will definitely get the RX300 custom sized sunshade. But not the car cover. You're right - the paint will last, it doesn't snow here as far as I can tell, and who wants to strain their back getting it up over the top. Maybe just an umbrella taped to the antenna? www.cocktailumbrellas.com/

Anyone have a make/model/brand of CAR COVER they like? I never owned a car worth covering. I don't need to protect it from snow. Just leaves, dirt, dust, and sun. Thanks.

LexKid630 - Dude, you must have had some bad Karma on that RX300. I assume below your name are all the cars from Lexus that you own or have owned... I wonder why the RX300 was such a lemon to you. Sounded like my 1970 Volvo 164. -Dave

Yep - that's true - sure you don't want to hear about what I found under the hood of the Civic?