Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

Hi all! We are blessed to have just purchased a 2004 RX330 AWD. What an impressive car for the money!

My main priority is doing everything we can to make this a bullet-proof reliable car to put 20-30k miles a year on for quite some time - and we're starting at 163k! The car was a 2-owner - first owner had it till 30k miles, second owner just sold it to us. The entire time it was fully maintained by the local Lexus dealer, and Lexus.com has records the entire time:

161,701 - Engine Oil & Filter
154,886 - Engine Oil & Filter
157,000 - New Michelin Tires all around
147,806 - Engine Oil & Filter
142,410 - New Battery
140,732 - 135k Mile Service
Engine Oil + Filter
Rotate Tires
Replace A/C Filter
Replaced Lower Radiator Hose
134,327 - 130k Mile Service
Engine Oil + Filter
Rotate Tires
128,432 - Front Brake Pads + Resurface Rotors
127,837 - 125k Mile Service
Engine Oil Filter
Rotate Tires
121,962 - 120k Mile Service
Engine Oil + Filter
Rotate Tires
Replace A/C Filter
Replace Brake Fluid
Replace Air FIlter
Replace Spark Plugs
Crankshaft Pulley Recall
115,961 - Engine Oil & Filter
Carpet Clip Recall
107,241 - Washer Fluid Cap
106,703 - Air Filter + A/C Filter
Fuel Induction Service
Master Cylinder Recall
96,929 - Replace slashed tire
Replace 2 broken stud on RR
95,768 - Water Pump & Timing Belt (7/14/2010)
Rear Brake Pads + Resurface
95k Mile service
Engine Oil + Filter
Rotate Tires
90,264 - Replace Key
90k Mile service
Engine Oil + Filter
Rotate Tires
Replace A/C Filter
Replace Brake Fluid
Replace Coolant
Replaced Radiator
1 New Tire

It goes all the way back to 0, but I figure that's enough to give you an idea. Other than an oil change, which was just done, I'd like to start with new fluids - Coolant, Transmission, Differential (if that's separate?), Power Steering, Brake, etc. I'd love to hear your suggestions on the best of each fluid for longest life and maximum protection.

Secondly the steering rack is leaking. Just curious if it's safe to drive it with the leak for a while, and wait for more severe symptoms before spending the money to replace it, or if other collateral damage can be caused?

Also need badly to do a headlight restoration, as they're quite foggy. I'll also be using the Toyota/Harrier badges, and eventually the "Thundercloud" grille posted here: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...ll-and-emblem/

What other modifications or maintenance items would you all recommend? I think we've got a great foundation, just would like to build on them.

Cheers!

Foshoopd

Awesome list! I just replaced basically all suspension components (struts and control arms with ball joints) and the car drives a lot better now. Steering rack also leaking. Does your car ride and drive smooth up to high speeds on the highway? You may not need anything at all except your mentioned fluids as just maintenance items.

tfischer

Thanks for that news. I bought an '04 in '07, and have been driving it since then. For the most part, all service has been only routine; these cars are as trouble free as they come. Although I am still not anywhere near the 100,000 mile mark, (I have two cars, and don't drive either of them very much - I just sold my '02 SC430 at the 50,000 mile mark) it's comforting to know that the RX is good for just about as long anything else. This is why the Lexus cars maintain their value.
As for the steering rack, since I'm no expert, I would try to get an unbiased opinion as to whether continued driving is (a) dangerous or (b) will cause additional damage. On a car that age, my inclination would be to get such a crucial part attended to expeditiously.

Thundercld

You don't have to do headlight restoration yourself if there is condensation visible. Lexus will replace the housing at no cost by 10/31/2015.

roadbike56

Ahheck01, you are about 20K miles from the required replacement of the timing belt (usually includes the water pump) is due at 180K miles. Cost is usually around $800 to $1000. That's the big bill that the RX330's get every 90K. Can't comment on the steering rack leak although it is common and not inexpensive to repair. Others can provide you with an estimate. These are great cars to drive, but they're not bullet proof like their brothers, the first gen Toyota Highlanders. Still, probably worth the investment as they will last a long time if maintained. When I bought our used 09, ran into someone on their third RX. They put 300K on the first, and then sold it! Their second gen had over 210K on the clock and it was in the Lexus dealership for some routine maintenance. Then they just bought their third gen car. From what I've read here, there are some issues like all cars have, but the Lexus will deliver if kept up.

sderman

I didn't see any mention above of engine oil type, but I would go with a full synthetic if that is not what has been used up until now.

LSBen

I would clean the mass air flow sensor with an Electrical cleaner spray that you can get from any autoparts store. This should be done at 30k mile intervals whenever you change your air filter. What good is a clean air filter if your sensor is dirty? On my 04 RX330 I bought at 188K miles, the sensor was dark grey on one side and dark amber on the other side. It was more than 50% blocked and wasn't registering air flow correctly. The car ran so much better after just cleaning this sensor. You just need a Philips screwdriver. Sensor sits on the tube right after the air box.

I would also clean your fuel system out using a good Fuel System cleaner. Do this every oil change and your car will run so much better. I like the Berryman Chemtool fuel system cleaner or Techron Fuel System Cleaner. Other good ones mentioned here are Redline, Gumout, or BGK44. Be sure to use the Fuel System cleaner, which is different than Fuel Injector Cleaner. It cleans more than just fuel injectors, it cleans piston top and chambers as well. It costs more also. or you can use both alternating every 3K to be really on top of it.