Daddy-O

What is the history of Lexus?

The first Lexus automobile was introduced in the fall of 1989, setting a new standard for luxury cars around the world, but the history and tradition behind the success of Toyota's luxury division actually goes back to the days of the Toyopet Crown and the Corona.

In 1983, Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Eiji Toyoda determined that the time was right for Toyota to produce a high-end automobile for buyers in the luxury segment. From the beginning, Toyota has very much been a family operation; therefore, Chairman Toyoda had the power and latitude to undertake such a project. It was his vision that breathed life into Lexus and gave it a philosophical direction.

The new luxury automobile produced by Toyota, determined the chairman, would be the finest luxury car in the world. This car had to be world-class in every area, offering speed, safety, comfort, elegance, dignity and beauty. This ultimate automobile also had to be accompanied by unprecedented levels of customer service that greatly exceeded the expectations of current luxury car buyers.

After Chairman Toyoda's approval and more than six years of research, the Lexus Division of Toyota Motor Sales was launched in August 1989, introducing the LS 400 as its flagship product.

Since the launch of the LS, Lexus has introduced the ES, SC, GS and IS. Along with the car lineup, Lexus introduced the LX and RX as sport-utility vehicles. With a complete line of automobiles that are unsurpassed in their respective classes and a philosophy that puts the customer first, Lexus will continue to forge ahead, actively strive to set new precedents, and carry out the legacy first established by Eiji Toyoda more than 50 years ago.

Daddy-O

How can I reach Lexus regarding Lexus insurance programs?

For general questions or coverage availability, please dial 1-800-448-1505 to speak with a Lexus Extended Service Coverage Program representative.

Daddy-O

How can I reach Lexus Financial Services for general information?

Please dial 1-800-874-7050 to speak with a Lexus Financial Services representative.

Daddy-O

Where is the best place to quickly find the vehicle identification number (VIN) on my vehicle?

The VIN is printed on the certificate label located on the front driver's-side doorjamb. There is also a VIN plate located on the lower dashboard (closest to the windshield on the driver's side).

Daddy-O

How can I update my owner information, such as an address change?

Attached to the back of each Lexus Owner's Manual Supplement (OMS) is an Owner Name/Address Information form. This form is postage-paid and preaddressed to Lexus. Just complete the requested information and mail.

If you have used this form and need further assistance, or cannot locate your OMS, please call 1-800-USA-LEXUS. Please be sure to have ownership validation available when you call.

Daddy-O

If I take my Lexus outside of the U.S.A., will I still have warranty coverage?

As noted in the Lexus Owner's Manual Supplement, warranty coverage is applicable to any vehicle registered and normally operated within the United States mainland, Alaska and Canada only. If you are touring or relocating outside of the U.S. mainland, Alaska or Canada, warranty service may not be provided by the local dealer because the local Lexus distributor may have no obligation to provide warranty service to your vehicle and/or your Lexus may not comply with the regulatory and/or environmental requirements of certain countries. Please contact the local Lexus/Toyota distributor applicable to the area for more information.

Daddy-O

What is the advantage of a Certified Pre-Owned Lexus?

Before it becomes a Certified Pre-Owned Lexus Vehicle it must pass a 128-point inspection checklist.
For more information:
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/benefits.html
http://www.lexus.com/cpo/checklist.html

Daddy-O

Is premium fuel required in my RX 300?

Select Octane Rating 87 or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 or higher is recommended.

Daddy-O

What are the names of the Japanese vehicles that are equivalent to the Lexus models?

ES Windom
LS Celsior
GS Aristo
SC Soarer
RX Harrier
IS Altezza
LX is not sold in Japan, only the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Daddy-O

Is it possible to have the previous RX300 roof rack slats installed with the new RX300 Crossbar Kit?

Lexus is no longer supplying the slats because it was determined that the design change to the vehicle does not allow the use of the roof panel to support the weight of luggage. The Accessory Crossbar Kit is available with a bike attachment or a ski attachment. If a customer is able to have the slats mounted to the roof panel, distortion or damage to the roof panel is a likely result.

Daddy-O

How much weight can be put on the RX300 Accessory Crossbar Kit?

The Crossbar capacity is 75 pounds for any attachments, bikes or skis, mounted to it.

Daddy-O

What are the RX 300 specifications?

•Body type: Five-passenger luxury sport-utility vehicle
•Construction: Welded-steel unitized body
•Overall length: 180.1 in
•Overall width: 71.5 in
•Overall height: 65.7 in
•Wheelbase: 103.1 in
•Aerodynamic drag coefficient: 0.36
•Ground clearance: 7.7 in
•Breakover angle: 21 degrees
•Approach angle: 28 degrees
•Departure angle: 23 degrees
•Curb weight:
1999-2000: 3,692 lb (FWD)/3,900 lb (4WD)
2001-2002: 3,715 lb (FWD)/3,924 lb (4WD)
•Tow rating (max):
3,500 lb (requires hitch accessory)
2,000 lb (without towing package on 4x2)
•Fuel-tank Capacity:
1999-2000: 17.2 gal
2001-2002: 19.8 gal
•Cargo capacity (max): 75.0 cubic feet (rear seats folded)
•Headroom (f/r):
39.5/39.2 in
38.1/38.6 in with available moonroof
•Legroom (f/r): 40.7/36.4 in
•Shoulder room (f/r): 57.8/57.0 in

Daddy-O

What kind of performance can I expect from my RX 300?

PERFORMANCE

0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds (FWD)/8.8 seconds (4WD)
1/4-mile: 16.4 seconds (FWD)/16.6 seconds (4WD)

Mileage:
•1999-2000
19/24 mpg (FWD) city/highway
18/22 mpg (4WD) city/highway
•2001-2002
19/23 mpg (FWD) city/highway
18/22 mpg (4WD) city/highway

Daddy-O

I saw some cool headlight bulbs that are higher wattage than the OEM. Are there any problems changing to them?

OEM bulbs are 51W(9006 Low-beams, Fogs) and 60W(9005 High-beams). Many companies offer higher wattage bulbs for your RX 300. They range from 55W to 80W for 9006 bulbs and 65W to 100W for 9005 bulbs.
While there have been no problems reported in this forum using the lower range of these bulbs (55W-9006 and 65W-9005), please note that increasing the wattage increases the heat generated, as well as power consumption. The stock wiring may not be able to handle the draw created by these higher wattage bulbs. Simply upgrading the wire harness will enable you to run these higher wattage bulbs safely.

Daddy-O

When can I switch to synthetic motor oil?

The easiest way to go is simply to take advantage of the Lexus free service included in your purchase, then switch. This will allow your engine to break in for 10K to 15K miles on free "dino" oil before switching to synthetic.