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Here in the NE it gets cold. I've driven for 24 years and never really heard of warming up a transmission. Years ago we used to let the engine warm up for a few minutes, but at some point that was deemed not needed and maybe a bad thing to do. Now, I have my first "expensive" vehicle and it seems unable to shift as well when a bit cold as it does after running for a few miles. I even read here that it may refuse to go into 4th gear until "warmed up". What is THAT? Not being much of a "car guy", I'm wondering if it's unusual to have a poor performing tranny at 30 deg (not COLD by my standards, btw). My Honday Odyssey does not have this issue as best I can tell. Is it a toyota thing or specific to this tranny design? Lastly, is this what is causing all the tranny problems we read about? Could warming it up a few minutes like in the 70's be a solution? Is thr tranny fluid too viscous (sp?) at lower temps?

Thanks for the answer lexdog. I bought them oneBay today so I guess I'll find out. Not a big gamble because for $212 I'm sure I won't lose much if they aren't right and I need to re-sell them. Just a hassle I guess.

The back seat difference is that in the 330 they contoured the two outside seats in the back bench leaving the middle on kind of a "hump". Also, the back folds down as an armrest (console maybe also) and it is VERY uncomfortable as a seat back when up. Again, I'm not saying it's worse, maybe even better for 1 or 2 back there. But we need three across sometimes so it's not practical for us.

I'm not sure these would fit my RX300. looks like a good price if they will. I don't want the tires, just the rims. The eBay link (maybe you'd need to paste into address" below shows the auction. The seller doesn't know much about them as he is not a tire dealer. Anyone able to help? Thanks! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Well, I researched this vehicle a lot and was lucky to find out all the potential problems before buying - then I bought one anyhow. I think you can reduce your chances of any major problem now that you know them. Here's what I wound up doing based on the reported issues: 1. FWd instead of AWD. AWD is mostly for marketing anyhow. FWD seems to not have the major tranny issue. Also, FWD allows me to turn off Traction Control if I want AND I could get an all-leather steering wheel which I prefer to the ice-cold wood in the winter (but most prefer the look of the wood - I don't). 2. 2002 rather than 99-01. Again, seems to have been SOME changes that helped the major problem. not sure though. 3. Excellent maintenance from previous owner. Oil change especially. Toyota or Lexus shop so you know the proper tranny fluid was used. These things made me very comfortable with a FWD 2002 RX300 w/ 54k miles for $19k. It drives GREAT and we love it. I hope the steps above will prevent me from regretting the purchse in a few years. I am confident they will, but not 100% certain. Good luck.

Well, actually, no. I did test the 330 and ruled it out in about 1 min. Why? Well, it comes back to the 300 being a perfect fit for us. I have three young kids. The 330 redisigned the back seat basically making it for two people, not 3. Although the RX is not our "family trip" car, we needed to be able to use it for all five of us sometimes, and actually are using the RX300 for all 5 quite a bit because it is so comfortable for all. I'm not saying the 330 isn't great. Most lexus owners don't car if 3 kids fit in the back. But the 2nd row middle seat is FAR worse than the old "hump seat" in old rear-wheel drive sedans. It's basically unsitable - and I grew up riding in the back cargo section of a Ford Ranchwagon so I'm not overly picky! I THINK the 330 can have a 3rd row seat, but that's a pain to use also and then you're approaching a minivan which we already have.

User forum boards are often just for complaints and problem solving. I have been in several discussions here about the sludge and tranny failure issues. however, as much as those things concern me a bit, I am still extremely glad I bought my used 2002 RX300 FWD. Is is as close to the perfect vehicle for me as I can imagine for features, comfort adn function. All vehicles have strengths and weak spots. Fortunately, I know what I wanted and spent quite some time learning the strengths and weaknesses of most of the "car-based" SUVs before choosing the RX. Most of the "negatives" with the RX I read about may be very true, but they are non-factors for me! That's why I picked it. Not really good off-road ...... I NEVER go off-road with my "car" which this is for me. "floats" rather than tight handling on turns ......TRUE! But I prefer this ride and never race on winding roads! Not for towing much weight - also likely very true given the tranny issues without towing. I have a small boat and a PWC, but I have a 2005 Odyssey that hardly can notice the boat behind it. Also, most of the newer SUVs have an 3rd row seat. We use the Odyssey for family trip anyhow - that's why we have it! I didn't want a "van-substitute" I wanted a car substitute. And lastly, the RX300 does not look "outdated". Actually, many of the newer SUVs look more like it than the newer Lexus models. It's nice to have an 8 year old model design that still looks modern. Actually, I can't find a single thing I don't like about this vehicle. Now, if the engine dies or the tranny goes........

IF that's true, then you are making our point for us, monarch. It is just dishonest and false to do this. If they know the fluid requires changing then it should be publicly know and in the manual so the consumercan make an informed decision. However, I expect it is NOT true that the same vehicles have that different of service requirements in the manual in various countries. If they did THAt then they'd lose any lawsuit filed on the topic with only the proof of their own foreign manual. No, it WAS a design flaw of some sort. I'd bet anything the RX330/RX350 owners do not have the same problems. I'm not even sure the 2002 has the same problems. Sure hope not!

Toyota doesn't requrire 15K tranny fluid changes, only people in this fourm suggest it. OF COURSE they don't "require" it. If they did, no one would buy their vehicles! NO vehicle requires that unless it has a major design flaw. OBVIOUSLY, this design is flawed. No, not everyone has a tranny failure within 100k mi., but many do. The old Toyotas were known for great engines and transmissions. They can't keep their reputation if they say "oh.... this one fails if you don't baby it and service the tranny each year". Again, the dealers know it so they just add it to recommended 30k and 60k services. Some also say 15k as has been pointed out. Either Toyota told them this or it's just based on their experience with failures. Lastly, it is NOT just "people in this forum". It's all over the internet that this engine sludges and the tranny fails. Mostly, these are long-time toyota/lexus folks.

It's so absurd to need 15k tranny fluid changes in a modern auto that it's laughable. Toyota choose to let their reputation as a maker of durable vehicles get them through this and it worked for them! This has not hurt their reputation so they won't do anything about it. So what if the current owners of these have a problem, it's the overall public perseption they care about. I have discussed using Auto-RX and Transmatic addatives in this forum to address the issues we KNOW could cost thosands of $ to fix. I just started an Auto-RX cleanup of my engine yesterday. I'll likelt do the tranny next. I'm not sure if this is a "cure", but I won't just sit back and wait for a KNOWN problem to occur. The original owner of my 2002 RX300 never changed the tranny fluid and he was anal about service! He just never was told of the issue so he did what the manual said. Fortunately, it's a FWD not AWD because I checked the forums before buying and choose to avoid the AWD issues. FWD is just fine in my opinion as AWD is mostly a marketing ploy. AWD is great in "stuck" condition, like deep mud or very deep snow. I don't go off-road and the plows take care of the deep snow. Anyways, I'm posting regarding the Auto-RX and Transmatic products because I did a ton of on-line research into the sludge and tranny issues and those two seemed to actually work based on USER reports in other forums. I sure wouldn't sit and wait with a RX300 over 50k miles!

I think a transmission flush might be in order also even though it's not in the Manual, as far as I know. I assume this need is different on the 330 vs. 300 but not sure which you own.

mikey, then my apology for lumping you in with the "Toyota does no wrong" crowd. I misunderstood your reason for being an Auto-RX naysayer. You weren't saying "no problem exists" but more like "yeah, there may be a problem, but Auto-RX isn't the solution". My bad. However, I will stick by my internet analysis of the validity of Auto-RX effectiveness on oil system cleanups. So many folks have used it successfully for older engines and some of the newer "sludge prone" ones. Almost 100% of those who reported their use were positive, from what I found. That was very surprising to me also, so I can see how many would be sceptical (as I was). For tranny clean up, I haven't found the depth of evidence of successful use I would like. So I may not do the tranny cleanup right away. I might though, because I found no negative problems reported anywhere. Good luck with your RX. I hope your good PM work does the trick for you. I personally don't like the odds in just that but many do.

Thanks, Tuned. I appreciate the wheel/tire education. Why did you go 235 vs. 225 OEM ? How does that effect ride comfort and handling? Or is it just a better "look" for you? Also, I still can't get soemthing here. Can the wider tire (235) be put on the same 6.5" rim? I know you don't have OEM rims now, but can it be done on the OEM 16" x 6.5" rims. Lastly, you mentioned the offset is +35 OEM. OK, then would I use that or a more-posative (say, 50 ofset) or do I go more negative (20 offset)? Or doesn't it matter much. Obviously, if I buy new from a wheel shop they can hook me up with what i need. But if I buy from aBay or the newspaper I need to know what to get. Thanks again.

Guys, thanks again for getting me straight on this. I still have one issue to better understand on this. What is the width of the OEM rims? Is it 6.5", 7", or 7.5 "? AND do I need the exact width in a new set to fit well? Also, is the "offset" I see mentioned on rims fairly uniform or do I need to duplicate the OEMs on this? I guess what I'm wondering is how specific the rims are to the vehicle. Do similar vehicles use the same )Highlander) or is it even more broad tha that? Would MANY makes/models of vehicles have rims that fit my 2002 RX300? I know many are sold used fairly cheap but I don't know how I know if a set will fit like I want.

glad to see you AGAIN can't address the point of the discussion, mikey. Now YOU KNOW that you were very wrong about this engine problem and are embarrasing yourself trying to backpedal. Sorry, won't work. If folks like mikey feel they can fool others in this forum about the DOCUMENTED issues with the RX300 engine sludge and tranny crap out then they are mistaken. It is becoming very obvious that MANY owners have either an engine blow out or tranny seizure before the 100k mark. THIS IS WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND EVEN TRANNY FLUID CHANGES, although the manual says you don't have to do them. Many cars have problem inherent to the design flaws. As an owner, one has to do his best to avoid them once it is known. It's unfortunate for the many who learned from experiancing the engine sludge and tranny failure, but it's FORTUNATE for those of us who now know of these issues and can take action.

great, Topshelf, complicate my decision with experience and research..... Just what I needed. I'll have a look at 'em. Especially if I see them on sale around here! They are an "all-weather" correct? What size do you have on yours?

Just one last thought on the topic and mikey's last post. I hope all here realize what a JOKE an 8 yr/70k engine sludge warranty is! If I was happy with 8 yrs. then I'd have purchased a yugo or ford escort. The reason to buy Toyota/Lexus is they had previously had TWENTY year engines in many cases! Most 8 yr old Toyotas run great and the owners expect many more years out of them. I'm about 1 yr. from the 70k point and I just got this RX300! So I'm going to be satisfied with one year for any sludging to expoose itself and kill the engine, if it's going on? How stupid. Certainly I will have the engine looked at. However, that doesn't rule out problems where they can'tbe seen. Why do you think so many have crapped out this engine? Carelessness? No, ONLY monarch still believes that Totota line. The ignorance of the "snakeoil" posts, even after an invitation to reseach ita bit show laziness of thought. Google make information so redily available - go find some. Can't wait for the 3 bottles of AUTO-RX to arrive. NC.RX, how should it TASTE for me to know it's OK???? j/k (previous thread reference)

Thanks for the response. My documented oil changes every 3 -3500 miles will cover #1 ahhhhhaaaa....hey monarch.....I guess this didn't fit you're agenda too well did it!!!!!! Winger, just to let you know, monarch is a shill for Toyota/Lexus and will cry "owner's fault" to his dying breath (which seems soon in this forum due to recent outings of him). Pay no attention to his "you didn't maintain it properly" posts. He's a one-trick pony, and not much of a trick at that. Here's my OPINION as a buyer. I'd wonder why you're selling it IMMEDIATELY after the engine replacement. Don't you trust the "fix"? (What I'd be thinking, not a question for you). No, I'd be much more comfortable after you've run it a bit and are happy with the new engine. Even then, I say the new engine is a small advantage, but not huge. Good luck.

Oh, one more question on the topic of rims/wheels. If I'm looking on eBay for a set (I'm in no hurry) what other vehicles use the same OEM size wheel? Is it 16" x 7.5" rim? I see lots of Highlander wheels that are 16" x 6.5" . I assume I don't want those, right? I have also looked at tirerack.cm and tires.com to see what's out there. I'd prefer used from eBay for my snow tires if I can get a great deal.

HEY!!! I resent that! DID I say I was CHEAP?!?! uh...oh yeah.....that's right, I am cheap. Thanks for the reminder, RX/NX. I think I'll stick with the 16" rims and buy a second set for my snow tires. Also, my research points to the Michelin Cross Terain or the Yokohama Geolander as good choices for all-weather tires when the snows aren't on. I only put the snow tires on for the "meat" of the winter, so i want decent traction in crappy weather with my "normal" tires. However, I value comfort/smooth ride for the Lexus (that's why I bought it, after all) and the reviews I read say these two tires provide that also. It's also why, after all the good advice here, I'll likely stick with the 16" wheel. Yeah, I know those are expensive tires, sometimes even us cheapos splurge a bit. (Of course, i'll shop around for the best deal I can get!).

monarch, for you to continue to pretend it isn't a well-known FACT that this engine has a tendancy to develop sludge and that the tranny has a tendancy to crap out just shows you think others are stupid. Obviously, all RX300s don't have engine and tranny replacements by 100k mi. However, quite a few DO. Even the example you just gave shows there is a problem. That person has changed the tranny fluid every 15k mi. ! I very much doubt the used one I bought had that done - why? - because why would anyone do that if they weren't trying to avoid a KNOWN problem? NO vehicle requires tranny fluid be changed every 15k mi.! An owner of the RX300 would certainly have had absolutely no reason to do this unless he knew about the specific PROBLEM. I'd point out a ton of examples to you all over the internet, but I KNOW you are very familiar with these problems and you know they exist. Lastly, please don't post in any thread I start. I come here looking to discuss ways to help maintain my vehicle. Many others are here for the same reason. You have some odd obsession with trying to prove to the Toyota/Lexus world that these known problems don't exist. That adds nothing to the thread so I politely ask you to spam someone else's thread and ignore mine.

My guess is you're in a heap of costly trouble. I have seen countless stories on this and other sites about this tranny giving out at 70-80k mi. A nice $4k repair! I'll get ripped for this by the naysayers, but if I were you I'd do some fast internet research on two addative products I've seen very posative reviews on. AUTO-RX and TRANSMATIC I'm no mechanic, I just play one on the internet. However, I am capable of fast learning with google searches and these products both have bailed folks out if they get at it before the tranny is too far gone. On the flip side, I've seen nothing but tranny replacements for folks who do nothing once the problems start (or sooner if you can). btw, I have NO IDEA if those products will help your situation. I passed the info along because the past 3 weeks I just did a ton of internet research on the two RX300 MAJOR problems - tranny failure and engine sludge - and those two products were ones that many people say work. Do your own research and good luck!

Not sure that helped much. No reasons, no info, no ideas. Sorry, but it really bugs me when folks are nay-sayers, but without any logical reason. Just to be negative, I guess. OBVIOUSLY, if you do any research at all, you can only conclude that Auto-RX has really helped MANY folks with engine clean-up. That can not be refuted. I'm not saying it should be used by all RX300 owners or even ANY for thatmatter, but to ignore that it does do what it claims is just being closed minded in the face of all the evidence. If someone can logically say why it's a bad idea then have at it. LOGIC, not just 'Toyota GOOD, all else BAD" crap. Many of you act like this is a magic potion or something. Chemical cleanup of fouled systems is done all the time in industry. So, someone has applied this to sludge in and engine - why is that so hard to believe? Likely has some chelating agents in it or something. It's no "miracle" fluid, just something that gets the crud flowing again so it can be filtered or drained with the oil. I'd expect if one looked around there are other such treatments that can help also. Not rocket science, so stop being so afraid of something you just didn't know about and/or understand.

Thanks, scoobie. My 2002 RX300 does really lean on turns. That's the worst part of the "ride" of this vehicle I'd say. So a larger wheel size would help that, which makes sense based on the physics of it (smaller rim, more rubber to "give", larger rim, less rubber profile). Now, does the smaller rim give a smoother overall ride? (more rubber and air to ride on)? Thanks again.

um....yeah....isn't that the reason one would use it? If it does slowly clean deposits/sludge, then of course it WOULD do all those things. No outlandish claims there at all. Also, it's EXACTLY what users have reported happens. I'm sorry I even reply to you, Monarch, as it took me about two posts to see through your shill for Toyota cover up. Fooling no one, dude. btw, I agree that Toyota/Lexus makes a good vehicle or I'd have never JUST bought a used RX300. I just am not blind to the obvious shortcomings of this and other vehicles. They are MANAGEABLE shortcomings, imo, and it's a great vehicle otherwise so I bought it. Now I will manage the known issues based on the best available info from dealers AND a proponderance of the anecdotal evidence found in various user groups. Not too tough to figure it all out with some research. That's why I have the FWD instead of the AWD. (Also I'm cheap and have driven FWD in Rochester NY winters for 20+ years),