Moeferd

Should the Lexus RX300 be considered a classic? One journalist makes a compelling case.

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salimshah

To be a classic, the object has to be rare. As much as I love mine, it will not be a classic. If you have the early production run, the one with luggage tracks glued on the roof, then that may qualify.

It certainly was a game changer.

Salim

hypervish

Hard to call the RX a classic, but it definitely shook up the market.

Lexmex

I am not sure if it is going to be collectible, but it certainly will have its place in automotive history. I can tell you that in my years in Mexico it certainly got its fair share of looks and many people remarked that kind of vehicle needed to be sold there...it's design stood out that much.

jwigley

I agree that it is NOT a classic but it is historically important/significant.

Time will tell though, any car that is old enough becomes a classic at some point. I sure wouldn't want to deal with the transmission and sludge engine issues though.

VegasRX300

A car to be considered a classic has to be at least 20 years old and not over 40. This is what I have always gone by since forever.
The State of Nevada (and most other states) issues Classic Car plates if the car is 20 years old or older (costs extra of course)
So the RX has a few more years to go.

But the Classic Car Club of America goes even further saying it must be at least 30 years old and not over 49 years old to join their club as a Classic. 50 years to 99 years to them is Pre-antique. 100 years + old to be a Antique.
I remember when they moved up the age from 20 to 30 years, they didn't want all the '55 '57 Chevy owners joining their club.

Antique Automobile Club of America also considers 20 to 49 years old a Classic.

The car does NOT have to be rare, a milestone, historically important or tend setter to be a Classic, just old.

trhs75

I never realized a car could age out of classic status. I thought, "Once a classic, always a classic!" I guess my old Volkswagens have moved into a new category!

Maybe we should call the RX300 a "milestone vehicle" instead. It created its own market segment and has totally dominated it ever since!

NickTee

The 2004-2006 GTO isn't a classic, despite being far more compelling a case, so a RX300 certainly isn't.

matts6887

as much as some people might disagree; I dont think the rx will quality as a "classic". Even though here in AZ; once a vehicle reaches 25 years old or older; you can get a historic/classic vehicle plate. But i dont think i will be keeping mine long enough to qualify for that.

Baetke

If you google the definition of a "classic" car you will find as many different definitions as there are sanctioning bodies. Here's my definition...

"If you love the car enough to spend more money restoring it than it will ever be worth" then it is a classic.

trhs75

I think Baetke's definition is excellent!

gazi001

I don't think so. My opinion is different than some of yours ideas.

NickTee

Pretty much. I think that writer simply has too much time on her hands. I guess the first minivan should be a classic, too.

salimshah

If nothing else the name car-(and)-a-van needs to be in the hall of fame.

Salim

jwigley

We also have to remember that this article was written by a contributor to the Puff-ington Post. Lots of egos there.