Fern

Does this part on the rx300 really serve any purpose other than cosmetic...

I had a pathfinder and the oem deflector actually helped keep the rear window much cleaner.
Was wondering if the RX's did the same?

And by the way, which one should I get ('99 or '00) I know there was a change in style at some point.

Thanks,

Fernando

HarrierAWD

I have a 2002. It seems to help reduce the rain drops on the rear glass, so I rarely have to use the rear wiper.

I heard that the rear wind deflector was an add-on to reduce wind noise around the rear hatch. The first version didn't really solve the problem. The later model did. I have not seen a late model (after 2001) RX without the deflector. Maybe Lexus made it a standard equipment.

steevr

I also have an '02 and the only time I have hve to use the wiper is to clear snow. The deflector helps keep the rear window clear of rain.

The rear deflector is not standard. I had the dealer add it to my '02. I know two other people that have '02's and neither of them have the spoiler.

Lexmexico

I have a 99 with the old style deflector. I don't know who has been pushing the issue about more noise with the older versus the newer version (this was a previous topic on Clublexus), but it is baloney. When I was back in the States for Christmas, I had two friends who lived nearby where I was staying. One had a 2002 with the newer style, another had a 99 like mine, but with no deflector. We took turns going up and down a stretch of I-75 at about 90 mph tops (better have your Valentine-One) with each other's cars. Nothing, no difference.

The one difference that I do know exists is that the newer version seems to keep the back window much cleaner.

Personally, I like the older style version on my black RX as the newer style does not seem to accent darker models. However, if I had a lighter cooler version, I would opt for a newer type spoiler.