RX300owner

Hey zyca, you DO realize your little picture has a Toyota symbol on a brand new LEXUS RX330, right?? I dunno about anyone else but I wouldn't be caught DEAD with a toyota symbol on my new lexus, even if it IS the same company!

My recommendations (more as an engineer than as any kind of "service professional"): 1) double-check battery in key 2) check circuit connections in key 3) check wireless receiver in car (possibly by using a second wireless key) 4) You should have already checked with a licensed service dept. before taking my advise

One reason for squeaky breaks is rusting. Rust occurs on Iron surfaces in a range of temperatures, as long as the car sits for a long enough period of time and there is moisture in the air. Unless you leave your car out for a VERY long time (on the order of years) without use, the rust that might build up on your breaks will rub off as you use them. That's why it takes a little bit of use (for me, just driving around the block once) for the sqeaking to stop. That's just my theory. It works. Call me wrong if you like.

My current (factory default) tires are much too thin for the wintery conditions I have. I'm considering upgrading to bigger/wider tires. Does anyone know a good place to buy new rims and tires (online) ?

I have similar experiences, though I dont think my rx300 seems to shift as "hard" as yours might. Though, I still think my shifting (and acceleration, etc) is rough. I blamed this on the weather. I live in a pretty cold place (winter here is ~5 - 6 mo. and is continually below freezing day and night for ~2 - 3 mo.) and I think the parts, as previously mentioned, just need to warm up. If you need to picture it, think of it as the lubricated oil is near-frozen (well, not really, but it's cold sludge) and makes the car parts harder to move while cold. So warming up the car, the parts and the oil makes for a smoother, more desireable ride :D

It may be obvious information to some people, but not everyone knows that Toyota owns Lexus. Toyota centers are certified to handle Lexus vehicles. So, keep that in mind. Just a friendly reminder :D

I have a 2003 RX300 as well (bought Nov '02, currently 4500 miles on it) which also makes numerous ticking noises. The only one I have checked and found to be normal is the one created by the capicitors of the windshield wipers. You may notice that whenever the windshield wipers move from their 'down' position, you hear a tick (which sometimes is louder than my music at high volume). I've heard numerous other clicks while driving, though I tend to believe they are normal (not to say that I dont also worry about the ticks)