safric99

thx for the info. Is mileage or time the more important factor ?

ihateduke - so you just recently did your timing belt replacement on 99 RX - @ ~8yrs, >130k mi . What was the condition of the belt you changed? tjmc11 - was yours also a '99 ? What was the condition of your old belt ? Anyone else change timing belt at >90k mi, what was age of the vehicle when you did it ?

Difficult park to reverse, just moving out of park, really, is generally an indication that the electric solenoid (Audi) safety shiftlock is beginning to stick/fail or the brake light switch on the brake pedal is intermittent. Check your owners manual, they is a manual over-ride procedure for this. Thx wwest. BTW - seems to occur only when car is cold.

Anyone have trouble getting their rx300 out of Park into Reverse ? No other problems - just want to know if this is first indication of trouble to come ...

Thx for the feedback. Honda dealer wanted to do intake cleaning for wifes Odyssey at 60k service. Got me thinking about using one as preventative maintenence - better to slow/prevent any buildup than try to get rid of it. I do use costco gas quite a bit - generally costco products are pretty high quality but not sure if that applies to gas as well ... SO recommendation is to just use a good brand of gas - any preference ?

Did a search and did not find info much besides the seafoam cleaning. Was considering using gumout all-in-one. What is general opinion on effectiveness of fuel additives like Gumout/STP/etc in cleaning the fuel system, intake and engine ? Anyone else used this or similar products ?

Love to get a set too. Please let us know if still available. If available please send to garyhertz1@yahoo.com

Was in a training course entire day - did not have a chance to call anyone yet, but sent e-mail requests out last night. Email responses from lexus dealers : -- Dealer 1: In looking at the age of your car and your request, I will recommend the 7yr. / 90,000 mile service instead. This service includes everything you are inquiring about: Oil change, rotate and balance the tires, replace the engine air filter, flush out the engine coolant, flush out the brake fluid, replace the spark plugs, replace the timing belt, replace the wiper inserts and perform a thorough inspection of the entire vehicle. That service runs $1199.56 including tax. To add on the water pump, would be an additional $272.02 including tax. -- Dealer 2: The 60,000 mile service will consist of the following main maintenance -Oil and filter change -Rotate and balance tires -Replace engine air filter -Replace wiper inserts -Install fuel,oil and power steering conditioners -Flush brake fluid system and fill -4 wheel alignment -Replace drive(serpentine) belt(s) -40 point safety inspection The cost is $689.95 total(parts/labor/tax). The timing belt is usually due at 90,000 miles, however age may be factor with your year vehicle. Timing belt, waterpump, thermostat and coolant- $849.95. -- No response from Toyota yet ..... Questions : Is it necessary to have water pump replaced ? How does pricing sound ? Both quotes come to ~1500 if I include water pump. One other point : service manual states timing belt replacement is for "special operating conditions". So is it truly necessary to replace at 90k/72 months ? How easy is it to check the condition of the timing belt ?

Appreciate all the advice. Will be calling Toyota dealer for a quote/appointment to get it done. thx again.

Appreciate the feedback. Guess a visit to the Toyota dealer shortly is in the cards :)

Lexus mechanics specialize and get more practice specifically on Lexus vehicles. Wondering what the opinion is on taking my RX300 to a Toyota Dealer instead of Lexus dealer for major service [Timing belt, etc].

'grataballi' - thx. Busy downloading ... Much appreciated - you guys all rock.

I have a low mileage 99 RX300 due for 60k service. Dealer says due to age of vehicle to do the timing belt replacement. Is timing belt replacement more dependant on mileage/usage or time ? I drive low mileage (~7mi to work , although sometimes in bad "stop-go" traffic)

I have 99 RX300 with very low mileage - just hitting 60k Mi and due for service. Lexus dealer trying to push timing belt replacement due to age of vehicle. Current work mileage is only ~10 mi each way though sometimes heavy traffic (stop/go driving) Do you think it is necessary to change or can it wait ?

Love to get a set too. Please let us know if still available.