99 and 2000 Model Differences
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
99 and 2000 Model Differences
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
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 542
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
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.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
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
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
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 2
From: California
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.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,329
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
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.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 573
Likes: 5
From: Vaughan, Canada
'99 vs '00 rx
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
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
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
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
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
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 776
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
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
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
davidyal
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
2
Jul 13, 2010 04:54 PM
