Bobk528

The odometer on my 2000 RX300 recently passed the 100,000 mile mark. Exclusive of the regular service checkups, engine oil changes every 5,000 miles with Mobil 1, Castrol synthetic or Valoline Synpower, tire replacements, and other routine or incidental items, below are some items of interest:

0 miles – April 2000
26,900 – replaced automatic transmission & differential fluid (Lexus dealership)
43,300 – replaced automatic transmission & differential fluid (Lexus dealership)
49,200 – replaced rear brake pads (Lexus dealership)
62,700 – replaced the “D” light bulb (Independent mechanic)
62,700 – replaced front brake pads and machined rotor (Independent mechanic)
62,700 – replaced the mass air flow meter (Independent mechanic)
64,000 – replaced battery – lasted for 68 months before replacing (DIY)
69,100 – cleaned the IACV (Independent mechanic)
72,500 – drained and refilled the transmission fluid (DIY)
74,600 – replaced antenna mast arm (DIY)
80,300 – drained and refilled transmission fluid (DIY)
80,600 – replaced rear lift gate struts (purchased on Ebay and DIY)
83,200 – drained and refilled transmission fluid (DIY)
88,300 – replaced ignition coil no. 2 (DIY)
89,000 – drained and refilled transmission fluid (DIY)
89,100 – replaced power steering fluid (DIY)
89,200 – replaced rear differential & transfer case fluid (Toyota dealership)
99,100 – drained and refilled transmission fluid (DIY)
100,000 – April 30, 2009

Next year, I plan to schedule an appointment with my independent mechanic to replace the timing belt, water pump, belts, hoses, and spark plugs as a preventive maintenance measure.

In a few years, I would like to replace the struts and shocks (although they still feel fine, I prefer something more firm), AC servo motor, oxygen sensors, fuel filter, alternator, repaint the front hood, upgrade the braking system, install a portable navigation system and IPOD connector, and have a decent sounding connection to my wireless phone.

Overall, I have been extremely pleased with the Lexus RX as it has been very reliable and inexpensive to maintain. Although my BMW 3-series is far more enjoyable to drive and not comparable, it also has been very costly to maintain because the high performance engine and handling parts constantly need replacement. I am looking forward to driving my 2000 Lexus RX300 for another 100,000 miles!

By the way, I sold my 1984 Toyota Camry about 15 years ago after putting on 140k miles on it and I still see it being driven every day by the same person who purchased it from me. I also put on a lot of miles on a 1995 Volvo GLT and 1972 Chevy van before selling them. When you frequently change the engine oil and other fluids, these cars just go and go for a long time.

2000LEX

iTrader: (2)

congrats , i thought my struts were fine to but after a 5000 mile trip to 118k it showed up on the tires so now it sounds like truck tires in the rear. other than that the rx still rides great even with bad struts.

artbuc

[QUOTE=Bobk528;4488346])
49,200 – replaced rear brake pads (Lexus dealership)
QUOTE]

Wow! I'm surprised they didn't last 75-85k. Do you live or drive much in San Fran?

bob2200

Congratulations! It looked more impressive back when cars had 5-digit odometers

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Remarkably similar to my own experience (including the fuel system problems at ~ 70k). I'm just surprised the brakes needed doing so early - my last 3 cars (BMW525, BMW530 and RX300) all went 90,000 miles before the brakes needed replaced. Your "to-do" list is the same as mine - I had them done at around 110,000 miles.

Incidentally, my BMWs were more reliable and less expensive to maintain than my RX300 (spent over $1000 just on the fuel system problems)!

lexus114

Yeah right? It did didnt it!!

Bobk528

[QUOTE=artbuc;4488673]I live and drive in the flatlands of the SF Bay area. The RX was taken to a Lexus dealership prior to the expiration of the warranty at 50k. The invoice states:

"Rear brakes are worn to 2.5 MM total thickness. Technician replaced rear brakes and resurfaced rotors."

Bobk528

I purchased a used BMW 330Xi with 46,000 miles on the odometer from a dealership and ended spending over $8,000 repairing the car. The repairs included replacing the power steering hoses, driveshaft, alternator, battery, front wheel bearings, two rear window regulators, motor mounts, parking brakes, front brake pads and rotors, calipers, rear brake and rotor, thermostat assembly, CV boots, oil temp sensor, and idle pulley. I ended up filing a lawsuit against the dealership for not honoring an extended warranty and was awarded $4,000. Now that all the problem parts have been replaced, the car runs great and is a joy to drive. I'm planning to replace the automatic transmission fluid and filter this weekend.

bob2200

My experience is that local Lexus dealer advised me that front brake pads were worn, and when I checked they weren't.

Lexmex

I had a tire place tell me that my pads were virtually dead last year. I have been on the same pads since mid 2007, when I was still in Mexico.