Erv

At some point in time over the next year we'll come to a crossroads with my wife's 2000 RX300 AWD where a decision will have to be made about replacing it or driving it into the ground. Since my brain is ruled by financial calculations and when it becomes acceptible to swallow the depreciation and get a replacement vehicle, that decision point arrives for me at around 130,000 miles as long as the vehicle continues to hold up with no additional major failures. We've had no serious problems with the vehicle since December 2004, which translates to about the last 32,000 miles or so (it's currently showing about 108,500 miles on the odometer).

The well-known RX failures that we've experienced and had Lexus fix on their dime include the transmission, the exhaust manifold, multiple oxygen sensors, the rear main oil seal, the front strut mount bushings, and probably a couple of other repairs that don't come to mind right now. My guess is that the next known failure on her vehicle may be the dogbone engine mount, but this is relatively minor and easy to replace if and when it becomes apparent that the engine is shaking a bit when idling or the transmission is shifted from drive to reverse and back.

Being the cost-oriented and ROI-driven consumer that I am (my wife would laugh and say "cost-oriented is just a businesslike term admitting he's a damn tightwad"), my preference would be for her to keep driving the thing beyond the 130,000 mile threshhold as long as my routine maintenance costs don't increase dramatically and she is still reasonably comfortable with the vehicle and doesn't lose trust in it again (as she did when the transmission failed). That's preferable to forking out $35,000 or so for her next vehicle. Preferable to me, anyway. Probably not to her. But that's another story for another day.

All of this background information builds up to my real question: Is there anybody out there with 150,000 to 200,000 miles rolled up on your RX300 AWD? If so, what have you had to do to it beyond my list of repairs checked off above to keep it roadworthy? New timing belts and water pumps would probably be expected, as would a new set of iridium spark plugs. All of those items can really be considered routine maintenance, though.

So if you're out there cruising along with a high-mileage, all-wheel-drive RX300, please jump in here with the problems you've had to resolve. I'm looking for trends that will help me decide whether or not it would be better to go ahead and get rid of this thing at around 130,000 miles or try to stretch it for another year or two assuming my wife won't kill me in my sleep for refusing to let her go ahead and obtain her next primary vehicle as originally planned. Thanks for any input offered.

P.S. - Stay out of this thread, Monarch. You have no dog in this fight, nor any credibility with me....

At some point in time over the next year we'll come to a crossroads with my wife's 2000 RX300 AWD where a decision will have to be made about replacing it or driving it into the ground. Since my brain is ruled by financial calculations and when it becomes acceptible to swallow the depreciation and get a replacement vehicle, that decision point arrives for me at around 130,000 miles as long as the vehicle continues to hold up with no additional major failures. We've had no serious problems with the vehicle since December 2004, which translates to about the last 32,000 miles or so (it's currently showing about 108,500 miles on the odometer).

The well-known RX failures that we've experienced and had Lexus fix on their dime include the transmission, the exhaust manifold, multiple oxygen sensors, the rear main oil seal, the front strut mount bushings, and probably a couple of other repairs that don't come to mind right now. My guess is that the next known failure on her vehicle may be the dogbone engine mount, but this is relatively minor and easy to replace if and when it becomes apparent that the engine is shaking a bit when idling or the transmission is shifted from drive to reverse and back.

Being the cost-oriented and ROI-driven consumer that I am (my wife would laugh and say "cost-oriented is just a businesslike term admitting he's a damn tightwad"), my preference would be for her to keep driving the thing beyond the 130,000 mile threshhold as long as my routine maintenance costs don't increase dramatically and she is still reasonably comfortable with the vehicle and doesn't lose trust in it again (as she did when the transmission failed). That's preferable to forking out $35,000 or so for her next vehicle. Preferable to me, anyway. Probably not to her. But that's another story for another day.

All of this background information builds up to my real question: Is there anybody out there with 150,000 to 200,000 miles rolled up on your RX300 AWD? If so, what have you had to do to it beyond my list of repairs checked off above to keep it roadworthy? New timing belts and water pumps would probably be expected, as would a new set of iridium spark plugs. All of those items can really be considered routine maintenance, though.

So if you're out there cruising along with a high-mileage, all-wheel-drive RX300, please jump in here with the problems you've had to resolve. I'm looking for trends that will help me decide whether or not it would be better to go ahead and get rid of this thing at around 130,000 miles or try to stretch it for another year or two assuming my wife won't kill me in my sleep for refusing to let her go ahead and obtain her next primary vehicle as originally planned. Thanks for any input offered.

P.S. - Stay out of this thread, Monarch. You have no dog in this fight, nor any credibility with me....

Sorry, But I seem to be having a hard time with the format here...

I just wanted to put ion my 2 cents, I have a '99 Rx300 with 182K+ miles.

I am located in upstate NY and drive the vehicle year round. My rear wiper has stopped working and my power antenna is not working. Other than thos things everything is fine. I have not done anything with the trans, or any other major componants. I bought in 2003 with 100k on it and have changed all fluids once, changed one O2 sensor, changed one front strut, and a mass air flow sensor, timing belt and brakes. Other than that I would say I am pleased. I am a sales rep and depend on my RX everyday to get my work done and I have not been let down yet. If I was in any other vehicle, I probably would not be able to say the same. I challage a chevy, ford, dodge etc to accomplish the same!

At some point in time over the next year we'll come to a crossroads with my wife's 2000 RX300 AWD where a decision will have to be made about replacing it or driving it into the ground. Since my brain is ruled by financial calculations and when it becomes acceptible to swallow the depreciation and get a replacement vehicle, that decision point arrives for me at around 130,000 miles as long as the vehicle continues to hold up with no additional major failures. We've had no serious problems with the vehicle since December 2004, which translates to about the last 32,000 miles or so (it's currently showing about 108,500 miles on the odometer).

The well-known RX failures that we've experienced and had Lexus fix on their dime include the transmission, the exhaust manifold, multiple oxygen sensors, the rear main oil seal, the front strut mount bushings, and probably a couple of other repairs that don't come to mind right now. My guess is that the next known failure on her vehicle may be the dogbone engine mount, but this is relatively minor and easy to replace if and when it becomes apparent that the engine is shaking a bit when idling or the transmission is shifted from drive to reverse and back.

Being the cost-oriented and ROI-driven consumer that I am (my wife would laugh and say "cost-oriented is just a businesslike term admitting he's a damn tightwad"), my preference would be for her to keep driving the thing beyond the 130,000 mile threshhold as long as my routine maintenance costs don't increase dramatically and she is still reasonably comfortable with the vehicle and doesn't lose trust in it again (as she did when the transmission failed). That's preferable to forking out $35,000 or so for her next vehicle. Preferable to me, anyway. Probably not to her. But that's another story for another day.

All of this background information builds up to my real question: Is there anybody out there with 150,000 to 200,000 miles rolled up on your RX300 AWD? If so, what have you had to do to it beyond my list of repairs checked off above to keep it roadworthy? New timing belts and water pumps would probably be expected, as would a new set of iridium spark plugs. All of those items can really be considered routine maintenance, though.

So if you're out there cruising along with a high-mileage, all-wheel-drive RX300, please jump in here with the problems you've had to resolve. I'm looking for trends that will help me decide whether or not it would be better to go ahead and get rid of this thing at around 130,000 miles or try to stretch it for another year or two assuming my wife won't kill me in my sleep for refusing to let her go ahead and obtain her next primary vehicle as originally planned. Thanks for any input offered.

P.S. - Stay out of this thread, Monarch. You have no dog in this fight, nor any credibility with me....

At some point in time over the next year we'll come to a crossroads with my wife's 2000 RX300 AWD where a decision will have to be made about replacing it or driving it into the ground. Since my brain is ruled by financial calculations and when it becomes acceptible to swallow the depreciation and get a replacement vehicle, that decision point arrives for me at around 130,000 miles as long as the vehicle continues to hold up with no additional major failures. We've had no serious problems with the vehicle since December 2004, which translates to about the last 32,000 miles or so (it's currently showing about 108,500 miles on the odometer).

The well-known RX failures that we've experienced and had Lexus fix on their dime include the transmission, the exhaust manifold, multiple oxygen sensors, the rear main oil seal, the front strut mount bushings, and probably a couple of other repairs that don't come to mind right now. My guess is that the next known failure on her vehicle may be the dogbone engine mount, but this is relatively minor and easy to replace if and when it becomes apparent that the engine is shaking a bit when idling or the transmission is shifted from drive to reverse and back.

Being the cost-oriented and ROI-driven consumer that I am (my wife would laugh and say "cost-oriented is just a businesslike term admitting he's a damn tightwad"), my preference would be for her to keep driving the thing beyond the 130,000 mile threshhold as long as my routine maintenance costs don't increase dramatically and she is still reasonably comfortable with the vehicle and doesn't lose trust in it again (as she did when the transmission failed). That's preferable to forking out $35,000 or so for her next vehicle. Preferable to me, anyway. Probably not to her. But that's another story for another day.

All of this background information builds up to my real question: Is there anybody out there with 150,000 to 200,000 miles rolled up on your RX300 AWD? If so, what have you had to do to it beyond my list of repairs checked off above to keep it roadworthy? New timing belts and water pumps would probably be expected, as would a new set of iridium spark plugs. All of those items can really be considered routine maintenance, though.

So if you're out there cruising along with a high-mileage, all-wheel-drive RX300, please jump in here with the problems you've had to resolve. I'm looking for trends that will help me decide whether or not it would be better to go ahead and get rid of this thing at around 130,000 miles or try to stretch it for another year or two assuming my wife won't kill me in my sleep for refusing to let her go ahead and obtain her next primary vehicle as originally planned. Thanks for any input offered.

P.S. - Stay out of this thread, Monarch. You have no dog in this fight, nor any credibility with me....

If anyone has experience with replacing or rebuilding a rear wiper motor I'd like your input.

They want $410 to replace at the dealer. I can get by with dirty rear window but we get snow and ice in upstate NY.

Have had NO responses from used sources.

Have not found any aftermarket either.

First off, I owe RX an apology!

My voltmeter was not working when I checked the juice to the pump.  It WAS getting juice.  Come to find out earlier today (when I tried to test something else), that there was a short in one of the voltmeter lines.  I retested everything, and sure enough there is power reaching the pump.

I tried RX's suggestion (sort of) and got the pump back to working order.  I pulled it off the car, connected both output lines with a small section of clear hose (to seal the system, so to speak), and filled the pump area with WD-40.  After warming it up as suggested, I kept working it in forward and reverse directions from the battery terminals for a second or 2 at a time.  Withing 5 minutes or so, it freed up and circulated the WD-40 through the clear hose.  I ran it for several seconds to lubricate everything, then fully cleaned it out and reinstalled it.  It works perfectly again.

Anywho, just wanted to throw out the update and also to thank RX for his suggestions.  It's appreciated...

Oh, and Happy 4th of July!!! 

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im about to hit the 70k miles. I just got this car for about two now and i just want a major tune up for peace of mind. Dont you can the spark plug and wire, roter cap , distrubitor?

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You'll find a surprise if you go looking for all that stuff... There isn't any cap, rotor, wires. Looks as though it's a coil for each plug with no wires. As for the spark plugs; I realize that the Iridium tipped plugs are a bit expensive but $350 was the quote I got from the dealer to change them. When they do the rear bank of plugs they remove the intake manifold and then have to re-seal it!!! Good thing this doesn't need doing til the dealer recommended 90,000 miles. Mine has 157,000 on it and has original plugs.

90,000 was also the recommended time to change timing belt. I had an independant shop do this for about $500. The books allow for 6 hours labor to do this, and it was just about right.

Be careful working on it yourself, if you ruin something it'll be expensive as it seems most of the parts are "Dealer Only". Ouch!!!

Good Luck

Well all i can think of is the transmission. Just check the fluid every once in a while, if it starts to get dark, replace it.

you're one of the lucky ones!!

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At what mileage do you think the spark plugs should be changed? I don't think they have ever been done. (155,000 miles)

Can I do this myself? I know you have to use the specific iridium tipped plugs, but how hard are they to get to?

The last thing I want to do is break something or cause another problem.

On my Dodge Caravan I didn't change the plugs 'til 125k miles, and as soon as I did one of the coils burned up!!! Should have left it alone!

Hello everyone, I am a new member and would like your advice/expertise on buying a used 99 RX300.

I am looking at purchasing a 1999 RX300 from a used car dealer, it only has 48,500 miles and seems to be in excellent overall condition inside and out, they are asking $14,900 with a little negotiation I got the price down to $14,000.  I took it for a road test both in the city/highway and it seems to be in very good condition.  Although on the highway it seemed to rev very high around 4000 rpm at 60mph but in retrospect I don't think I had the OD button pushed, so I'll test it again to confirm. 

I would like to know what items I should have the mechanic look for during the inspection before I buy.  The only problems I seen with the car was that the driver side window kind of 'hicups' when it rolling up (slightly), the rear passenger pwr door lock doesnt work and the air conditioning isn't all that cool.  Beyond that there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it. 

I would like to get your opinion on this, does it seem too cheap (or expensive)?  IMO I think it's a good price.  What items are problematic for this model?  What parts would you inspect before buying?  Dumb question but I'll ask it anyway, how can you tell if it's an AWD or FWD model? 

I really love the RX and would like to buy it but want to make sure I am not buying a money pit either.  Thanks!  :)

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In 2003 I bought one with 97K on it and paid $18K for it. I had to have an O2 sensor changed ($100) on it and have had 3 wheel bearings changed. My parking brake system went to hell because of corrosion ($1,100 Ouch!), also had timing belt changed ($350). But these are all maintenenace items that would have to be done on any car.

The only thing is that many parts are "dealer only", and you really get whacked when the parts come over the counter at a Lexus dealer.

Overall I have been very satisfied, the vehicle is a blast to drive, I look forward to it every day. It's great in the snow. I put on 55,000 miles in 2 years.

If you can buy a warranty for it I would do so. The repair costs can be mammoth on these things because of the prices for parts. One parking brake shoe is $35!

The good thing though is they are built well and they use high quality materials and construction methods; I think that is why they hold up so well.

Just don't let a 3 year old boy loose inside with a ball point pen!

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2001 RX300 and both of my front rims are always almost black from the brake dust.  The back rims look fine and other RX300's that I've seen don't seem to get as dirty as mine.  I would wash the wheels and rims and within a week, they are black again.  Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks

Scott

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I changed over to ceramic pads on front and back. This eliminated most of the brake dust issue. Brand name I got was "Satified", bought through JC Whitney at about $60 per set.

do you have all wheel drive or front wheel drive?

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AWD, I've been reading some of the comments and concerns here about transmissions; But I have had no issues,mine has a factory towing package with a receiver hitch, maybe it has extra cooling capacity. I bought the vehicle with 97K miles on it and had all the fluids changed at about 140K. Trans, Coolant, Differentials. The A/C is flawless!!

The only problems I've had in two years is an O2 sensor ( luckily it was the "cheap" one), and my parking brake system which is understandable in our upstate NY climate, parking brakes never hold up here because of corrosion.

Any other issues I have had have been related to poor workmanship and service on the part of a Tire shop.

Oh yeah, I got rear-ended last June, I was afraid to get out and look but it was not too bad.

I have a 2004 RX 330...  I am experiencing a whinning/hum noise from what I believe to be the rear end or trans. 

A month after I got the car, they installed some kind of insulation on the trans line which eliminated some of the whinning, but this is a different sound.

The dealer says the tires are worn and scalloped, and that's where the noise is coming from.  They said if I replace the tires, that should take care of the noise. It's hard to believe that a car with 33,000 miles already needs new tires.

Last time I had my car in for service, they loaned me another RX 330... it was quiet as a mouse!

My questions are:

1)  Has anyone else experienced the same noise issues?

2)  Could it actually be the tires??

3)  If it is the tires, does anyone have a recommendation as to a "QUIET" tire replacement.  I know some tires produce more road noise.  I have the 215/18 tires.

thanks in advance

mike

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I have a '99 RX300 and I had some noise also from the rear. Ended up finding a bad rear wheel bearing and a dragging parking brake shoe.

Tires: I'm not sure what is quiet but I do know what is noisy.

Continental Contitrac SUV, dealer took a set back from me with 20,000 miles on them because of noise/ broken belts/ bad balance etc...

Now running Firestone Destination LE, not the quietest but the vibration is gone and they ride nice; plus they did not cost me anything!

Thanks for the info.  just found out my mom wants to be around $18,500 looks like the RX300 will still have to be a dream for her.  I guess I shouldn't of gotten my toy and could of helped her out.  :whistles:

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In July of '03 I bought my '99 for $18,000. It had some miles (97k) but I have 155K now and no regrets!

Good Luck!

I'm looking for recomendations for new tires for my 2001 RX300. I need tires that will preform well on snow and ice.

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I'm not sure what to recommend for a summer tire, I just had a real bad experience with a set of Continental Contitrac SUV's.

For winter here in Upstate NY (170" of snow per year) I've been running the Michelin Arctic Alpins and they are a great all-around winter tire, quiet too for a snow tire. They made less noise than the Continentals.

Good Luck!

I have a '99 RX300 with 155,000 miles on it. Just wanted some feedback from any other high mile RX owners on what things to watch for.

I recently had to re-do all my parking brake cables, shoes, rotors, spindle.

Had some tire issues that were just fixed (Never put Contitrac SUV tires on this vehicle!)

Most of my problems are likely due to our climate here in Central NY, roads are heavily salted in winter so corrosion is a big probelm with all vehicles.

My engine, trans, A/C, electronics, cooling sys have all been great.

Any help I can get avoiding problems will be appreciated as I work out of this vehicle and put 30k on a year; when it's in the shop, I'm out of business!

Thanks