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buying a 99 rx300 awd need input

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Old 03-17-12, 11:02 AM
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swat1727
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Default buying a 99 rx300 awd need input

Hi Guys im looking to buy a 99 rx300 awd with 108k miles on it. any suggestion on what are some common issues? things i need to look out for. also, what is the gas mileage on an AWD rx300?

thank you very much in advance for your help!
Old 03-17-12, 11:11 AM
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FirLexx
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[QUOTE=swat1727;7093344]Hi Guys im looking to buy a 99 rx300 awd with 108k miles on it. any suggestion on what are some common issues? things i need to look out for. also, what is the gas mileage on an AWD rx300?

thank you very much in advance for your help!





I would check to make sure you dont have any unnecessary lights on dash. Ask about the timing belt i.e: if and when it was changed. These are required to be changed at 90,000 miles. May not need it but still good to know. Take it to the dealer or Auto repair shop and hook it up to the computer for codes. If you have the money to spend on a full diagnostic i would do that too to make sure shes good to go. Gas mileage is about 18/19 city 23highway. Thats what i get anyway.
Old 03-17-12, 11:21 AM
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swat1727
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that's pretty good for an AWD thank you very much! and if the guys said he doesnt have have record but changed timing belt at 90k, is there a way to verify it??
Old 03-17-12, 12:20 PM
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Bttrfly76
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My mechanic was able to tell month and year the timing belt was changed by looking at it, so check it out. I am averaging 17.4 mpg on my '99 AWD. It has 116,000 on it. Have transmission checked for sure. Mine was throwing codes with no cel so definitely get it checked!
Old 03-17-12, 02:24 PM
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hypervish
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Make sure that the oil was changed on time. These vehicles are prone to sludge if the oil changes were not completed on time. If the oil changes were done on time, I wouldn't worry about it.

If the timing belt was done, there should be a sticker on the timing belt cover showing when it was replaced. Or, you can take off the upper cover for the timing belt to check, but that requires a little work.
Old 03-17-12, 05:35 PM
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thomas1
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if it is a AWD and in California, expect about 16 to 18 in city and 20 on highway...We have crappy gas in the Left coast of California....When I would go out of state the mileage would go up because of better gas (Less emissions additives.)....Make sure the transmission fluid is fresh and red in color....If it is burnt smelling or brown, than be very careful.
Old 03-17-12, 11:20 PM
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code58
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Originally Posted by Bttrfly76
My mechanic was able to tell month and year the timing belt was changed by looking at it, so check it out. I am averaging 17.4 mpg on my '99 AWD. It has 116,000 on it. Have transmission checked for sure. Mine was throwing codes with no cel so definitely get it checked!
That's some kind of mechanic, I've never heard of that before.
Old 03-18-12, 09:52 AM
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trhs75
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We get 17-18 mpg inour '99 AWD with mixed driving on 10% gasohol. Kind of disappointing, actually, but we love the vehicle.
Old 03-18-12, 10:26 AM
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NyCrAzY
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I get 15.5 mpg 99 awd
Old 03-18-12, 03:19 PM
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I get 19.5 mpg in a mix of around town and highway on my '99 RX AWD. Looking at everyone else's mileage, I guess I should be happy. My suggestion would be oil change every 4,500 miles and a transmission fluid drain and refill with every third oil change. I also keep my tires at 32-33psi instead of 30, it seems to me it handles better and does not squeal as much if I take a turn a little quicker than I should. I would also recommend getting a new timing belt and water pump if it's the original. You might as well do the water pump too as it should not cost any more labor as the mechanic will already be there (unless it's a dealer). Some posters believe the timing belts need never be replaced but my second one broke after only 75,000 miles or so. Some conspiracy theorists think I was ripped off and the first one was never replaced at 90k despite the receipt. Maybe they are right, who knows.
Old 03-31-12, 07:24 PM
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Bttrfly
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Originally Posted by code58
That's some kind of mechanic, I've never heard of that before.
Lol....I don't think he was the belt whisperer....I imagine it had something to do with the sticker mentioned above!
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