bluestu

Toyota told me they could not perform a complete flush of the transmission if it used type T-IV fluid. They said they could not run that type of fluid through their flush machine. They told me to look at the top of the dip stick to see what fluid it called for. (It said: Type T-IV fluid, transfer case uses different fluid). I also know that just draining the transmission fluid still leaves about half of the dirty fluid in the transmission. You need to have it flushed completely and replaced with T-IV fluid, otherwise the fluid will always be dirty. That dirt will destroy your transmission over time. A man who rebuilds transmissions told me to flush the transmission at least every 15-20k mi. and replace the filter if it has one. I'm trying to find someone who knows exactly how to service the entire transmission of an RX300. You would think the dealership's service depts. would have it together better than they do.

My wife comes home every day complaining about that noise. I think it has to do with the brakes. That noise went away on my other RX300 after the brake pads wore down a little.

Sounds normal for a Lexus dealer. It would probably cost you about half of that at a reputable service mechanic.

I've been using Castrol 5w 30 in both my RX300s. Would it be advisable to switch to synth now that both cars have 74,000mi. on them??? I don't want my cars to go into withdrawal!!!

I thought that question might get you guys going. :D

Thanks guys for all your help and great suggestions!!! I think all RX owners should know that Lexus OEM tires are total crap. Why doesn't Lexus put a high quality tire on a high quality car??? Cost cutting on something as crucial as tires makes no sense!!!

Thanks, Lexus Freak!!! You sure know your tires. I took your advice and went down to a local tire store that specializes in high performance tires. I looked at the Yokohamas, Michelins, and Pirellis. The owner said that all three are superior tires with the Michelins being the most expensive and providing the smoothest ride. The Yokohamas were the best value and the Pirellis fell in between in price. However, we took them out next to the RX wheels and everyone agreed that the Pirelli Scorpion STRs were by far the best looking tire for that wheel. The tread and sidewalls look more like a high performance/touring tire, but are designed for SUVs and light trucks. The treadwear is 530. They come in either whitewalls or blackwalls. I thought the STR (A) only came in a 225/70/16, but the dealer said that the STR also came in that size. The STR tread design is supposed to provide a little smoother ride than the STR (A). After comparing all three tires, I'm definitely purchasing the Pirellis, simply because they look the best and are comparable to the Michelin and Yokos in performance. I have a styling car, might as well have the tires to go with it!!! p.s. The tire dealer also said that any of the tires mentioned would be a drastic improvement over the Goodyear Integrity tires that are presently on the car.

That's a good question. I don't know much about Pirelli tires except for the reviews I have read. I didn't read anything about a ride guarantee. I thought they might look good on the RX wheels and I'm just wondering if anyone might have tried a set or possibly the Bridgestone Dueler HL?

I appreciate your opinion on the tires and I realize that the tires you suggested are great tires. My only problem with them is that they look like truck tires and I was looking for something a little more stylish. I live in NC and snow is not a big factor for me in selecting a tire. I do need a tire that will perform on wet roads. The Goodyear Integrity tires that are on the car now are definitely unsafe on slick roads. They are pretty smooth and quiet, but as with all the Goodyear tires I have owned, they wear very uneven, especially around the edges. I am mainly curious if anyone has tried the Pirelli STR (A)?They're a fairly new tire for SUVs and are designed to look and ride more like a street tire with good traction. They come in blackwalls, which is a must. If you get time, check them out and let me know what you think. thanks!!!

I discovered that you can only get the Pirelli STR (A) tires in a 225/70/16. The STR does not come in that size. Also, the Michelin tires a called Symmetry instead of Symmetrix. I'm sorry for the mistake. Does anyone have an opinion or review on tires for the RX300? thanks.

I have researched the tire issue for the RX300 and have come up with a few possible choices in an all-season tire that would probably look good on an RX wheel and available in a 225/70/16 size. I'm listing them according to the ratings that I have read: 1. Pirelli Scorpion STR - no negative comments, excellent reviews. 2. Pirelli Scorpion STR-A - slightly noisier than STR, but corners better. 3. Bridgestone Dueler HL - no negative comments, very good reviews. 4. Michelin Symmetrix - OK tire 5. Bridgestone Dueler HT - Many unfavorable ratings and reviews 6. Goodyear Integrity - smooth ride, dangerous on wet roads, terrible snow traction. weak side walls. Bad ratings and reviews.

I don't think I would try towing anything with an RX300. The car does not have enough power or torque for towing a 2000 lb. trailer. You'll probably ruin the transmission which is very expensive to replace.

I need new tires for my RX and don't want SUV tires because personally I think they they look bad with the RX wheels. The only tires I can find that are stylish are the Goodyear Integrity, Bridgestone Dueler, and Pirelli STR. I currently have the Integritys which have received terrible reviews along with the Duelers. I was wondering if anyone has tried the Pirelli STR which look like a cross between an SUV tire and a touring tire?

I had my transmission fluid drained and replaced recently at the Toyota Quick Service, and I asked two service guys if I needed to have the differential fluid changed, and they said that it all flowed together. They also said that there was no transmission filter. Is all of this true or have I once again been misinformed?

With just one window down, especially the back one, it sounds like a tornado. If you put both windows down on either side, it will not make the noise near as bad. I roll all my windows down when cruising down the road and there's not much problem.

My 1999 will do the same thing. I don't think the car is designed for quick acceleration from a stand still. I don't think it is wise to let a teenager drive an RX300. Teens usually have very heavy feet. I also own a 2000 RX300 and Lexus seemed to have corrected that problem along with a few others.

Personally, I think the RX300 looks much better without the roof rack and with a rear spoiler instead. It makes the car appear longer and more streamline.

Sorry, my mistake. You are correct. Michelin only makes SUV tires in 225/70/16. I have the MXV4s for another vehicle I own and really like them. I guess that explains why Lexus puts the Goodyear Integritys on the RX300s. I'll check out your recommendations when I need tires for my RX300. thanks.

Hey, I think that girl in the picture is my wife!!!!

Sears Auto Center has very good prices on the Michelin MXV4. If you buy them there, they will rotate and balance the tires for free for the life of the tires.

Advance Auto Parts sells the Bosch Micro Edge which I've found to work fine and look very similar to the originals. They will install them for free.

I have a 1999 and a 2000 RX300 and I've noticed that they both idle loudly at times. When I put them in park, the noise stops because the idle goes up a little bit. I asked Toyota if the idle could be raised a little to stop the vibration and they said that there was no idle adjustment, that it was all computer controled. That's all I know.

A Lexus is for chilling, not spilling!!!

My check engine light stays on all the time. I've had the codes cleared and it comes back on. The dealer says that it is a problem with the 1999 RX300 and could either be the O2 sensor or a problem with the emission control system. My car also seems to be sluggish on power. Does anyone know the solution for fixing the problem and if a bad O2 sensor might cause a drop in engine performance?

$130 for a tire rotation and oil change is ridiculous!!! I get my tires rotated and balanced for free and the oil changed for $17 with a high-grade oil filter. It takes a total of 30 minutes. All you really need to do to maintain a car is change the fluids regularly and have it inspected periodically by a good mechanic. I found a guy who won't fix anything unless it is absolutely necessary. I can trust him to do a good job when something needs fixing. If you look around, you can find great deals on car maintainence. I see too many people getting ripped off bad on car repairs and service. Toyotas are built to last a long time and ten years from now the car you own won't be worth much anyhow. Save your money for your next purchase unless you have money to burn.