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My 2002 RX300 purchase (bought used) was because it is the perfect car/SUV/station wagon mix, IMO. We have a big Honda Odyssey so the RX is really our "car" not our big people hauler. No towing or hauling stuff from Home Depot, just a car that sits higher for my wife. Also, it has the most comfortable seats of any in this class. The drive is smooth and comfortable, but NOT exciting. Cornering is more like a boat than a sports car. We prefer smooth comfort so it's perfect for us. Used 2002 w/ 55k mi was 20K (FWD, not AWD). That seemed like a great deal for a luxury semi-SUV. We love the RX300, btw.

Thanks, SW. I'm just wondering why POLISH rather than wax? They are two different processes, correct? Also, I get the Zaino online only?

Thanks for the answers. Looks like I should at least wax 2x/year. Actually, with snow/salt etc. here maybe at least 3x. No big deal. Re: Zaino, which product would I want? They have lots at that website. Also are any decent ones available at Sears/Pep Boys/Home Depot or whereever? or is on-line ordering the way to go? Thanks.

I know there is a "detailing" forum, but that one has lots of other type lexus owners and I'm not sure all is the same with different models and years. Also, most over there view detailing and cleaning as a "hobby" whereas I view it as a necessary evil. When I hear them talking about a 3 hr plus "event" then i know it's not the right forum for me! Anyone out there just wash and sometims wax (or other product)? Something that taes 1/2 hr. or so to put on. Does a 2002 RX 300 even need waxing? I know it's much different from old cars which lost their shine quickly if not waxed. Lastly, I see talk of "clay" over there - what is that? Does it replace wax? Thanks.

Maybe. Maybe not. There may be an objective way to find out. Of the dozens of 1999 RX300's for sale at cars.com with over 100,000 miles, I could answer the for sale ads and query the owners or car dealers to find out whether or not the transmission has been replaced. Good idea, Monarch. I'm quite sure that we'd all trust your honesty in reporting what you found out. Your honest approach to this subject on this board has earned you the respect of all! Hey, I have a better idea.....Let's call Toyota and ask them directly if the RX300 has a transmission design problem! I'm sure we'll get an eaqually honest answer. Pleeeeease give it up already, dude. You're getting tiresome.

oops.....Monarch forgot I watch him and his misinformation in this forum. Here we go again...... Yes, there are 37 100k+ Highlanders on cars.com. BUT........ there are 127 100k+ RX300s on cars.com. Hense, I guess your latest "proof" goes the way of all your other "proof". Never mind the fact that having 37 Highlaners for sale that are 100k+ miles adds absolutely NOTHING to the discussion so his post really needed no reply..... It's still fun to factually outwit Monarch AGAIN. C'mon Monarch, THAT'S all you have?!?!?!?!?!? Too easy.

Again, some deception by Monarch. This time he's actually been a bit clever in his silly post.... The Highlander came out in 2001, not 1998/99 like the RX300. Most of the tranny failure discussed in ALL RX300 forums are in the 70k+ milage range. The average vehicle sees about 12,000 mi./yr. This puts most of the OLDEST Highlanders around 60k so far. Add that to the specific search terms and you can see why his search came up nil. Also, because the 99/00 RX design was such a problem, there may have been some changes to the RX300 in its THIRD model year which is the FIRST model year for the Highlander. Sorry, Monarch, I caught you again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh good grief!!!!!! Is there no limit to your silly "proof"? OBVIOUSLY no one is going to ADVERTISE that the vehicle they are trying to sell crapped out! You have got to be kidding! Yeah, they may mention a NORMAL maintanance item (Timing belt) so the new owner would know that one is covered, but a NEW TRANNY? In the ad? Monarch's Add for his RX300 (if he actually had one): For Sale: 2000 Lexus RX300. 100k mi.; Tranny blew out twice; sludged engine replaced from junkyard; Poor turn radius so find big parking spaces. Ideal for those who drive like a grandmother on prozac. ALL fluids changed every 2,000 mi.; Totota quality (up 'till warranty which long ago expired); Comes with extended warranty for everything EXCEPT all parts and labor. $20,000

As long as we're on the subject of tranny fluid..... I was considering a Tranny fluid flush at Jiffy Lube. I know they have MANY issues with poor work so I may go elsewhere. i do NOT want to go to Toyota/lexus because I am having it flushed after I use Auto-RX additive to clean the system. I'm sure Toyota would use that to void my warranty if a problem ever developed. I recently had it flushed at Toyota so they know it's not 'due" for one. ASSUMING jiffy lube (or whoever) can do it properly, I wonder if the Quaker State synthetic fluid they use is OK for the RX300. Of course, they claim it is, but I have no idea. I figure synthetic is probably better as a rule of thumb, assuming it is OK for that particular engine. Any opinions on Quaker State synthetic Tranny fluid? btw, after about 200 mi. with the Auto-RX in the tranny fluid I have noticed a bit smoother shifting, as has my wife who didn't know I added it. Mine seemed fine already, so I'm in more of a PM stage on the cleanup. The fluid didn't look so good when I had it flushed at 55k mi. It's used and I'm not sure if the previous owner flushed it or not. The Auto-RX goes for about 1000 mi. then it is flushed out. I know many would say not to screw while it's still under warranty, but I have no desire to have a failure after hitting 70k - I figure if the Auto-RX will help, it needs to be done sooner rather than when the tranny is on it's way out! I'll just lie to Lexus if anything happens under warranty (may sound "dishonest" but that's how the warranty game is played). If the failure were truely MY fault, then I'd own up to it. However, they use ANYTHING to point the blame back at the owner so I'll play their game.

Then why don't the 2WD RX300, ES300, Camry's, Sienna Vans, etc. transmissions have failures? They do. Find a Sienna site from that time frame and you'll see tranny complaints just like here. The Camary is less so because it is a much lighter vehicle, of course. Also, the 2WD RX300 DOES have many reports of failures. At least, quite a few considering how few were sold compared to the AWD. OBVIOUSLY, Toyota/Lexus should have instructed owners to change the tranny fluid every 20-30k miles on this vehicle. However, had they done that many fewer would have been sold as most buyers would have assumed it meant the tranny was inferior to what they expect, especially from toyota and and from a $40k vehicle! btw, Monarch, you're "gently driven" remark was a nice touch! I can just see the TV comercials for the "Monarch RX300" - "Drive it with tender gentleness and ALWAYS change the fluids when you stop for gas and your new luxury lexus might last half as long as you expect from Toyota!"

Monarch, when are you going to "get it" that we ALL KNOW your true "intent" on this board is to excuse Toyota/lexus for a tranny/power design that is a disaster? You latest "advice" is getting comical indeed! "Don't use 4th gear", "Change tranny fluid whenever you fill up the gas tank", "Don't accelerate", "Don't carry passangers", "NO children over 40 lbs (including car seat", "Use a different vehicle to "haul" groceries", "no long trips", "No short trips", ..... What's NEXT? "Go on a diet before driving the RX" !?!?!?!?!? Dude, you well know that most lexus owners are not kids racing off stop lights. Few even tow with this "SUV". You really need to re-read your posts to see what a joke it's become!

You know, I recently had my fluid flushed at toyota and they mentioned the additive but I didn't inquire any further. What is it? Is it used as a "flush assist" or is it added after the flush and stays in the fluid? How long have they done this? Is it used on all flushes or just for certain vehicles? I was planning on using Auto-RX in my tranny soon, but I wonder if Toyota added something that is supposed to function in a similar fashion.

An additional problem is that many owners fail to realize the service intervals prescribed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide of ALL carmakers are merely the minimum frequency intervals required to keep the 70,000 mile powertrain warranty in effect. But for optimum mechanical component life, more frequent service intervals are necessary. Good grief!!!!!! Monarch, even you had to chuckle when you posted THIS little bit of wisdom! This sounds like the 1970s U.S. made cars "designed NOT to last!" Please let us know the page in the owner's manual of our $40,000 vehicle where you saw that service information. I must have missed it. I DID NOT miss where it said the Tranny fluid doesn't need to be changed at all under normal conditions! Again, for those that don't know, Monarch is a shill for Toyota/Lexus and his posts ALWAYS blame the owner for the design flaw we ALL (including Monarch) know exists in this vehicle's tranny design. Oh, and btw, MANY tranny failures in the RX300 were to vehicles with tranny fluid changed at 30k intervals - that's why Monarch now says "15k", which, as we ALL KNOW is totally unheard of for a tranny fluid change interval!

Search AutoTrader or cars.com, You find plenty of privately owned Lexus' for sale. Well, just for kicks i did search cars.com and found a total of ONE RX330 for sale by a private owner within 250mi. of my home. One out of 257 total for sale in that radius. As I said, tough to find with so new and high-valued a vehicle.

edgil, finally, someone who agrees with me and doesn't like the look of the wood! It looks sooooo cheap/fake/plastic that I just don't "get it". I also don't like the feel of the wood when it's cold out so I looked around until I found one with an all-leather steering wheel and shifter. I haven't seen the aluminum trim but I know I'd prefer it to the wood. let us know how your conversion works out (although regardless of how nice it looks, i'm WAY to lazy and cheap do do it myself)..

LexKid, I wish I could be sure of that statement because I have a FWD, but I'm not. I have seen a few reports of the FWD tranny dying at about 75k mi. I'm afraid that the reason it seems so much more prevalent on the AWD is simply that MANY more AWD RX300s are out there. However, I do HOPE that the FWD is at least somewhat less prone to the problem. I bought FWD for that reason but still can't be sure it makes much difference. Same with the sludge issue you reference as not being an '02-03 issue. No evidence of that either as that engine is the same. I don't know where you get this info from but believe me, I hope you're right. i just see nothing to support it and I've researched this for some time on the internet.

Hey, here's a question I just thought of. I could care less about auto-antenna ...... can I easily disable the motor and use it as a manual up/down antenna? OK, I have to put it down for the car wash a few times a year, I don't mind. Mine's still making a bad noise and will likely die soon if not fixed. I'd just let it die if i can easily just do it by hand. I'm not too into "power-this-and-that" anyhow (although I love having settings for the power seat for my wife and me). Windows also, but after that, don't care. Any ideas on this?

I agree with the previous post with one exception - Few vehicles that new are privately sold - the vast majority are traded in due to the great resale value. This is especially in states with a tax on vehicle purchases because the tax is based on the difference in cost between the new and trade-in, thus saving lots of taxes by trading in rather than re-selling. However, many dealers sell used Lexus' that don't add the CPO cost. As SWO said, you can easily buy the extended warranty either from Lexus or 3rd party for MUCh less than the CPO adds. Also, the powertrain and engine are likely still under warranty on a vehicle 1-2 yrs old, right? If you want the "Lexus purchase experience" then I guess the CPO is the way to go. Also, it may give you more of a "no worries" feeling - there's something to be said for that but I can't put a $$$ value on it.

Well, I haven't seen any conclusion as to whether the Tranny issue is more on the '99,'00 models. I'm afraid that is only seen because they are now at the 75k+ mileage where the failures seem to happen and the later models haven't gotten there yet. I could be wrong, but I've seen nothing to show there was any change to solve the issue in '01-'03 models. On the plus side, i knew this and bought a '02 FWD anyhow and love it. I MAY regret it if the tranny dies but I took my chances because it was a well-maintained vehicle and now we know to change the fluid at 15k intervals so maybe that will help lessen the likelyhood of the problem. RX300 Plus: NICE, smooth ride. VERY comfortable seats, Engine almost silent; Enough Features without overboard; still looks good (not "obsolete" vs. newer model vehicles). Drives like a luxury car, not SUV/truck (If you care, I DO); reasonable used prices out there. RX300 Minus : Tranny issue, Sludge problem for some; A bit loud in wind, NOT sporty to drive if you care (I don't), NOT for off-road if you care (I don't) Don't even consider one without excellent maintenance records. Check tranny fluid for color smell.

well then.......speaking for Monarch.......There are absolutely NO problems with ANY Toyota or Lexus vehicles unless you caused them yourself. Aside from the issues you already caused through neglect, improper driving, using non-OEM fluids and other bad stuff, you should be OK for another 300k miles.\ Oh....and don't forget...... don't follow the owners manual because that is written for lazy Americans who don't want to maintain their vehicles. OK. Let's see....did I pretty much cover Monarch's normal comments? Hmmm......Your fault.......Toyota perfect......OEM good, other all bad.....following owners manual not enough.....YEP, that's about it. Now he REALLY can skip this thread because i just made his post for him.

One of my new missions in life is to periodically warn new board members that Monarch is a stooge for Toyota/Lexus. Whatever the reported problem here, he plays the "it's your fault, NOT Toyota's" card. In the face of all facts, he will try and fool the new members. Don't fall for it. FACT is, most of the failed trannys were on RX300s that were LEXUS maintained vehicles. They followed the service requirements exactly and still had failure. MOST even went well beyond the Lexus service recommendations once they heard about the failure problem. Lexus manual says there is no need to change the fluid under normal conditions. THIS ADVISE is printed right on the dipstick for the tranny fluid as well! And no, trannsmissions DON'T normally fail on vehicles when the fluid is changed every 60k miles. Sorry, that's just false information. Monarch, if you don't even OWN an RX, why do you polute this RX board with your Toyota/Lexus propoganda?

Gee, that sucks. Labor, of course is most of the cost normally. I was hoping the 2WD was immune from the tranny failure, which is why I got a used 2002 RX300 FWD. Itseems the FWD is also prone to early failure. Don't buy into the "all transmissions fail" crap. We own a Lexus partly for the reliability Toyota is known for. Tranny failures before 100k mi. is the stuff of pre-1990 US auto makers, and many of those lasted much longer. This is a FLAW and Lexus should have to pay for them.

Guys, there are few things more annoying than YOU knowing how OTHER PEOPLE should spend their money! "Do it yourself or you're stupid", "If you go to a Lexus dealer and get ripped off you're a moron", etc. Just keep your unimportant opinions to yourself! I run a financial planning business for wealthy people - you'd be surprised what they "waste" their money on. meanwhile, while you're under the hood saving $20 on an oil change, they're making $300/hr in their business or profession! While you're worrying about THEM wasting money at the Lexus dealer, THEY just met their next (also) wealthy client in the Lexus waiting room. I bought a USED Lexus because I wanted the RX300 and I have no personal need for the newest and best. Some feel just the opposite way, which I totally respect. I go to Toyota for service because I personally have no need to go to the Lexus dealer who's further away and YES I enjoy saving a few $$$. However, i rarely, if ever, do any car maintenance myself beyond pumping my own gas - and that's only because very few stations pump it for you in my area. For gosh sakes, people who take their Lexus to the lexus dealer know what they're doing.

Thanks lenore, the wd-40 seemed to help quite a bit. it's still making a bit more noise than I'd expect, but now it doesn't sound like it's about to die completely.

The antenna on my RX300 (2002) is making a loud noise when ti retracts - especially noticable when I just turned the vehicle off. Is this likely the motor or maybe it just needs some oil to move more smoothly? If it is the motor, is there a solution or just wait until it fails then replace it? The noise is fairly loud but not enough for me to spend much to fix unless I'm avoiding spending more in the future. Thanks.