I am on the hunt to find a good used 99 or 2000 RX. One with 100K+ miles in great shape does not bother me, I looking at price. How common is finding the limited-slip rear differential on either model year? I am also having a hard time finding the Venetian Red Pearl color too in either model year no matter what the price or condition. Lastly, is there a BIG difference in the 2000 model having the interior air filter and the 99 model without? Thanks for your help. ---Duane

 

I don't think the Limited Slip Differential is hard to find. I ordered it on my '99 because I wanted all possible safety options and it was cheap! You also mentioned the interior air filter. It is on my '99. Therefore, I don't believe you'll have much trouble with either item on a '99. Red was not a popular color in this area. Most of the ones I've seen have the gold emblem package. Good luck.

 

I don't mean to 'bust' your bubble but the 99 RX300 DOES have a cabin air filter because I change my filter out periodically on my 1999 RX 300.

GCrim21

 

Gentleman-
Thanks. NO bubble bust I was going off of the data presented at 99 Lexus RX Specs comparing them to the 2000 Lexus RX Specs. This is where the 99 specs did not mention the interior air filter. How do you check the condition of struts on a used RX? Thanks, ---Duane

 

99 and 00 Rx300 is identically the same. you will only notice th difference between the two, here in ca where they made the newer spoiler and a roof rack STANDARD in the 00, and not in the 99.

 

I have 3 friends with 2000s who had the older style 45 degree angle spoilers when they bought the vehicles new not the flat, horizontal ones. However, my 99 has that cabin air filter.

 

A Lexus sales rep once told me that the first few '99 rx's had a single heated seat switch vs. the current 2 switch (driver & passenger).

Also the '99 rear tailgate spoiler is a different design. If you don't currently have one on the '99 the '00 spoiler will fit fine and (personally speaking) it looks much nicer..

Yes the '99 has the cabin air filter..

Some early build '99's experience premature strut support failure, and the tailgate struts don't have enough juice to lift the tailgate properly in cold weather... But I learned to live with it unil something is available in the aftermarket.

If your in the mood to do some research I suggest you check the archives for Technical service bulletins for the '99 vs '00. As for powertrain, there bulletproof (provided you change oil on time). These engines have been in the Toyota lineup for some time...

Cheers,

Fern

 

Thanks Gang-

Your feedback really helps! Did not know about the spoiler heated seat configuration. I have been reviewing the TSB's.

Do any of you know or is there a posting of the VIN breakdowns for 99/2000 Rx's? For example, from the VIN, how can I tell if it is FWD or AWD, and if the exterior body color is the dark red, gold, or white. Lastly, what exterior colors have the dark gray leather inside?

All the best,
---Duane

 

In '99, the gray interior was offered with Millenium Silver Metallic, Black Onyx, and Twilight Blue Pearl. Silver is the only color where gray interior was offered exclusively; Black and Blue could also have ivory interiors.

The only data you'll get from a VIN number is 2WD or AWD. The color and option packages aren't
encoded in it.

A quick VIN decode for the RX300:

First 3 digits: Country of manufacture / company / plant code
JT6 or JTJ = Toyota, made in Japan

Digits 4 - 8: Model and Powertrain Options
????? = RX300, 2WD (don't know! I'm guessing it's GF10U, if the pattern is like the 330)
HF10U = RX300, AWD

Digit 9: Check digit - computed based on all other digits

Digit 10: Model Year
X = 1999
Y = 2000
1 = 2001
2 = 2002
3 = 2003

Digits 11 - 17: Serial Number

 

ohhh, and the 99 had that one ugly color. the 00 had the Mineral Green Metallic!! did 00 have the red still? not sure with that.

 

O come on, its not that bad!

In fact it has grown on me..

 

Folks-
Your time and insight is MOST aapreciated. I am learnign a lot.
Has anyone determined if the dark red/maroon was available in 2000?
Thanks,
---Duane