pauljcl

The dealer where I got my RX350 last week is 'out' of them for all practical purposes: he has 11 left, all with 'holds' on them. No 2008s either (the Lexus 'support' is now extended to 2008s). Lexus deserves a big 'congratulations' for the manner in which they supported the dealers and helped them get rid of soon-to-be-old inventory before the arrival of the new RX. Cleaning the decks makes the prospects of the new RX a lot better: no competition with the old. I was told that some Texas dealers had some in stock a week ago, but I do not know if that is accurate.

My neighbor (in garage -> close to mine) replaced the run-flats on his SC430 with Bridgestone tires, and he also purchased a 'mini-spare'. He's very happy about it.

I really don't know why some have them, and others don't. I just received a 2009RX350 and: no tape deck. I am 'sure' that another one I had sat in did have the tape deck, and it was not the enhanced ("Mark Levinson") sound system. I will ask next time I go to Lexus (and if this topic is still visible, will post what I was told). For the moment, the only thing I can think of is tha the date of manufacture dtermined the tape deck inclusion, probably with the later ones not having it. Actually, checking the manual(s), it would seem that the RXs equipped with navigation have tape decks, and those without navigation don't (have tape decks).

Superior lubrication is not the only reason people buy expensive motor oil. I HATE changing oil, and I don't trust anyone (quick lube) locally, nor am I going to drive 70 miles to pay Lexus $100 to change it for me. So, switching to Amsoil was an easy choice. Now, instead of changing the oil at least 5 times per year, I change it once. It is so nice. Also, my fuel economy has gone up 4%. I picked up an additional 1 mpg on the hwy after switching (yes, same driving style, speed, climate, traffic, terrain, octane, etc.). It saves money too. An oil change with Mobile 1 (and conventional oil is not much cheaper) cost me roughly $35 * 5 changes/year, so I would have spent $175/year on oil changes. Now, I spend $100/year on an Amsoil oil change. Saving time solves my problem. Saving money with improved fuel economy and less oil and filters to buy is just an added bonus. :) I would strongly recommend against this practice with a Lexus still under warranty. Yeah, while under warranty, but it appears he has a 1999 model Lexus and a 4 year old BMW. Is there any auto manufacturer that recommends running oil beyond 7,500 miles?? BMW recommends 15,000 mile changes or one year, whichever comes first - they use synthetic only, incl. in a new car. The 'oil change/service indicator' usually recommends an oil change around 13-13.5K miles, however. Amazingly, this is from the get-go (zero miles). I have a 330 CiC, couldn't believe it and changed the oil after 1200 miles. Thereafter, once a year (approx. 5,000 miles for me).

In the US, we do not have a DRL indicator. However, any Lexus dealer (Parts Dept.) could tell you what bulb is needed, if the info. is not in your manual. If you are 'sure' it is the same bulb as the 'drive' bulb, there is a thread on this forum where the replacement (and type of bulb) of the Drive light is discussed as well as the manner in which to access the bulb. Here is a thread from another site that contains - somewhere 'down' - instructions on how to access bulbs behind the gauges on the dash. Good luck! http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx300-foru...eferrerid=12681

In the US, we do not have a DRL indicator. However, any Lexus dealer (Parts Dept.) could tell you what bulb is needed, if the info. is not in your manual. If you are 'sure' it is the same bulb as the 'drive' bulb, there is a thread on this forum where the replacement (and type of bulb) of the Drive light is discussed as well as the manner in which to access the bulb.

I really don't know why some have them, and others don't. I just received a 2009RX350 and: no tape deck. I am 'sure' that another one I had sat in did have the tape deck, and it was not the enhanced ("Mark Levinson") sound system. I will ask next time I go to Lexus (and if this topic is still visible, will post what I was told). For the moment, the only thing I can think of is tha the date of manufacture dtermined the tape deck inclusion, probably with the later ones not having it.

Well, maybe you do not, but I believe I do. Her's why: I do not do much mileage on each of my cars - say 5K miles a year. 1. I have noticed improvement in smoothness and 'feel' of an engine when I switch to Mobil1, vs. dino oil. You can quibble about whether that would show up on a dynamometer, but it shows in the 'feel' I have of the car - of several cars I have owned, actually; and I like it - 2. I believe that synthetic oil allows me to space out oil changes - still at the same mileage interval, but not at the same 'time' interval: i.e. I can do one oil change a year (at 5K miles) instead of two; 3 'sludge issue', which I do not fully understand, but I do get some peace of mind knowing that knowing parties believe that it reduces or eliminates the possibility of getting a 'sludged' motor; 4. Synthetic oils used to have a somewhat wider effective viscosity range than dino oils. When I lived in Canada, the sentiment was that a synthetic oil with the same viscosity as a dino oil 'flows' better when starting from really cold, and maintains the higher viscosity end when hot better than dino. Again, don't know why, but this was a common belief. So, in summary, synthetic oil costs me more per oil change, but less per year, and I feel my engine runs smoother, and I'm happy about it.

I have a 1999RX300, with DRLs, and there is no indication on my dashboard that they are 'on'. The 'blue light' only lights when I turn on my headlights, and set the high beams. Does your blue light come on when your lights/high beams are 'on'?

Great!... and they also are giving it on 2008 models! Tks. for posting it!

Note: to PM, click the arrow next to a User name and select "Send Message" Yes, found it, thank you. Letter's gone as promised. Hope you get it soon! Tks. again!

I made the decision that another poster suggested: I went for the new 2009 RX with discounts (see posts above). To my knowledge, the discounts ("marketing support") ended Mon Feb 2nd, and new discounts have not been announced. The feeling among the dealers I spoke to is that they will be continued at the same level (i.e. $5000 per), with dealers still giving 'invice' pricing, i.e. some 9-10K $ 'off' MSRP. But you need to check what the 'new' program will be. As yet, it seems not to have been announced. IMHO, if another 'support' program is announced, you should lock in a purchase of a new RX. I'd say go for the brand new one as it has some good discounts. I don't know the new incentive for Feb but don't think it's less than Jan. I got mine for 10K less than MSRP and very happy with car :)

http://www.lxparts.com/MC-DAID-BGC.aspx Try this link but consider shipping charges. FWIW, I was looking up some other stuff and came across the following info.: PT228048045 was available from Lexus of Roseville for $280 w/shipping, and at $212 + sh. from lexuspartsonline.com. I did not verify the info. If you do find something similar, please post it, 'cause I just bought aan RX350 with TO - delivery later this week - and want to install a trailer hitch. Good luck! Actually, I just checked: at lexuspartsonline.com, the cost is $240+24 shipping = $264 - part PT228-48045.

Hey! Good deal! You know what? Don't worry about the difference between now and then. The problem with waiting too long is that you may not find the one with the options and colors you want. You got a great deal and the car you wanted! Let us know how it goes! I'm in the same boat, so to speak. Feb. 2 is end of the current Lexus market support; I'm looking at an RX350 with the options I want, and it appears to be the only one of that kind within 100miles (the others are more expensive/more options). Last month, Lexus had discontinued the Dec. market support Jan 5, but then introduced the Jan support (double the Dec. amount) on Jan 8. Do I wait, on the hope that Feb 5 they will introduce a higher support amount, or do I pull the trigger tonight (Feb. 2nd) because of the 'only' RX with my options and because of the unknown (but estimated to be at least as much as current, "if" it comes) support to be announced. Answer: I'll be buying tonight, unless Lexus pre-announces the next support today. A good price is a good price. I'm not a gambler: the potential loss would sting more than the potential gain would satisfy. Like you, I'm not going to take the chance. But if ANYONE knows what Lexus will be announcing for the Feb incentive/support - please post it quick, before tonight!!!!! Well, pulled the trigger tonight. We'' see what Lexus does in a few days. If there is another 'support' program from Lexus, will someone post it, plse? Tks!

Because they're guaranteeing your business for 50,000 miles and he's getting paid completely upfront for work they don't have to do now. Makes perfect sense why they would do it... I just bought a RX350. Dealer asked how many miles I do per year - answer is 'few' - several cars and we also bike, and don't drive to work - and he said he would have offered the pre-paid plan but it only suited people who did much mileage each year, otherwise not worth it. I didn't think of asking where the 'break-even' was, but I generally do not 'go' for those 'deals': the dealer is in the business to make money, not lose any, statistically speaking.

http://www.lxparts.com/MC-DAID-BGC.aspx Try this link but consider shipping charges. FWIW, I was looking up some other stuff and came across the following info.: PT228048045 was available from Lexus of Roseville for $280 w/shipping, and at $212 + sh. from lexuspartsonline.com. I did not verify the info. If you do find something similar, please post it, 'cause I just bought aan RX350 with TO - delivery later this week - and want to install a trailer hitch. Good luck!

Have a laugh... Instead of IS, put on "ISN'T"

My RX300's antenna is also beginning to make 'crunchy' noise when retracting. If the antenna is still available, I would be glad to accept your kind offer. [Don't know how to 'PM']. You can let me know at pjc819@yahoo.com, and I'll send you the $10. Tks!

Hey! Good deal! You know what? Don't worry about the difference between now and then. The problem with waiting too long is that you may not find the one with the options and colors you want. You got a great deal and the car you wanted! Let us know how it goes! I'm in the same boat, so to speak. Feb. 2 is end of the current Lexus market support; I'm looking at an RX350 with the options I want, and it appears to be the only one of that kind within 100miles (the others are more expensive/more options). Last month, Lexus had discontinued the Dec. market support Jan 5, but then introduced the Jan support (double the Dec. amount) on Jan 8. Do I wait, on the hope that Feb 5 they will introduce a higher support amount, or do I pull the trigger tonight (Feb. 2nd) because of the 'only' RX with my options and because of the unknown (but estimated to be at least as much as current, "if" it comes) support to be announced. Answer: I'll be buying tonight, unless Lexus pre-announces the next support today. A good price is a good price. I'm not a gambler: the potential loss would sting more than the potential gain would satisfy. Like you, I'm not going to take the chance. But if ANYONE knows what Lexus will be announcing for the Feb incentive/support - please post it quick, before tonight!!!!!

I don't know if Lexus uses synthetic oil or not. Often, on cars that require a change of oil at 1000 miles, the original oil is a 'running-in oil', and requires that amount of distance to do its job. I am of the opinion that unused oil in a crankcase does not really deteriorate, and, accordingly, though I am buying a car received by the dealership in Jun 2008 (we are now Jan/Feb 09), I do not plan to ask for the oil to be changed. IMHO, particularly if synthetic oil is used, the time between oil changes can be extended to a year (though I still stay within the 5000 mile use). But I believe I am in a minority position here, the general opinion being 'can't hurt to change your oil, so do it frequently'. I was brought up hating waste.

The dimming mechanism works by comparing the luminosity front of the car (photocell on 'front' of mirror) with the luminosity received by the mirror from the back. When the back is stronger than the front (in relative terms, as set), the mirror dims. Thus, it could be that if you turned on your headlights in the garage, the mirror would not dim as much. This, of course, is assuming that all is working correctly. I had the reverse problem in my BMW: the mirror did not dim enough, and, the car being a low convertible, the lights of cars behind always disturbed me at night. So, I pasted a small 'tinted transparent plastic' cover over the front photocell of the mirror, and all is now perfect. It took a couple of tries to find the right color density.] I have an RX300, and soon another (RX350). Haven't noticed any problem with mirror dimming. Maybe you should ask the delaer to check your dimming response?

Well, back to the original question: avoid RX300s like the plague. People write about the transmission, but you may also encounter engine sludge, leaky rear engine seal, cracked exhaust manifold, struts.... the RX300s generally seem to generate an unconscionable (or it should be unconscionable to Lexus, but isn't) mess. The Lexus foremen themselves admit the design mistakes (== flaws) and recommend only the 2005/6 RX330 for whoever wants an RX. The transmission weakness is more evident when a transmission has been stressed: AWD or loads. The rear engine seal (which happened to me at 68K miles was provoked by (unknown): car was driven gently always, but maybe the warm FL climate made the engine block too hot and Lexus provided insufficient cooling. Anyway: bottom line is AVOID.

I just returned from Michigan, where we put the RX. Needless to say, the mats were filthy as they never were in FL, what with the snow, ice, mud etc... (and Michigan tries to minimize use of salt, by spreading 'earth'). The best I could do was a stiff brush (about 10" long) and detergent in a big laundry tub, then a pass with 'Scrubbing Bubbles' and another rinse and scrub, then dry, then spray much Scotchguard. Claudia would not let me put them in the washing machine, but I think it would have been a good solution, to start, anyway.

I have no idea. Presumably, if a leak occurs, one repairs the leak (changes the gasket or seal) because it indicates a weakness.

Here's an answer off of Castrol's site: FACT or MYTH? Synthetic motor oil will ruin the seals in older vehicles and cause leaks. Answer: MYTH! We're not sure who leaked that rumor, but synthetic motor oil does not cause leaks. It is 100% compatible with all automotive seal and gasket materials. In fact, SYNTEC meets additional ACEA seal protection requirements not even addressed in API specs. Someone on this site, in a similar topic, noted that it may be that synthetic oil is 'slippier' and thus might 'slip past' the gasket/seal more than regular dino oil. This is not a sign of seal damage, but of oil 'quality'. Makes sense....