Just the battery? Never changed the oil, tranny fluid, headlight bulb, etc.? Excellent... gotta love these Lexus' )

 

haha that would be sweet, but i did the regular oil and transmission fluid changes. the stock bulbs still worked (slightly dim) but i upgraded to sylvania silverstars.

 

Z: did you put the sylvania silverstars in the nonHID high-beams - mine at least seem to be nonHID even though I ordered HID and assumed ALL my lights would be HID? Or did you replace the halogen HID oems that, on mine at least, seem to be just the low beams?

 

i have a 99 so its non hid bulbs.

 

Mine is 2000 RX300 AWD about 70,000 miles:
replaced battery
replaced tires and brake pads
replaced radio mast
replaced air feul sensor bank 1 sensor 1 (code 0171 - heater short)
cleaned MAF sensor twice and replaced its O-ring
replaced "D" light bulb
oil change, ATF change, anti-freeze change

I would say the quality and reliability is average

 

I have a newly acquired 98 Harrier import from Japan, Right hand drive converted to left hand drive. No problems so far at 68k. Tranny is ok too. Just fixed some noise on the front vertical stabilizer bar (thanks to lexmex for the tips). Aircon is very cool, interiors are quiet. Engine power, braking, electronics are all very good.

 

Undecided Other than an alternator going out at 98K it was trouble free. Now, I am dealing with the oil sludge issue and am having problems getting the dealership to step up and I am currrently waiting to hear back from Lexus Corp. No matter what the outcome, the RX was an awesome vehicle for the wife.

 

interesting. My RX has been great, too. I had the transmission issue, but Lexus took care of it. I had the original oil sludge letter, but no problems so I think it is interesting that it is coming into the picture after so many miles. I thought they had extended the warranty, but if it is only 8 years I'm out of luck, too.

 

It's 8 years plus 120 days according to the new settlement which should be finalized Feb. 7th, 2007.

 

Thanks, I thought they only gave you an extra 2 weeks. I'm just hopeful that all continues to go well. I usually feel confident that when I bring it in for its regular service that they check it over and let me know if there is something that really needs help. Their honesty keeps me going back.

 

as much as i hate the fact that the car has no power, a crappy turning radius, and terrible gas mileage.....besides the rear trunk supports and one seat belt that likes to lock really easily, the car has taken my abuse and is still running good at 91K.

 

Well said; although I see lots of RX 300s with 100,000+ miles, and a handful with over 200K miles that have been quite reliable. There's also a few that tend to have issues, and of course, we hear (and I definitely see) those sorts of problems all the time. However, like any used car, it's going to have its issues, especially at over 80,000 miles.

Many issues are nothing that affect the "drive-ability" of the car (A/C servo motors, strut mount bushings/isolators, flimsy cup holders, squeaky steering shafts, interior hatch panels); others do need transmissions, transmission pan gaskets, rear main crankshaft oil seals, Idle Air Control valves, mass air flow sensors, oxygen sensors, broken keys. But I'd doubt any one car is going to need all of those things...if this scares you!

Remember that that Lexus made about 200,000 units, most run quite well in their advanced age. Just change the oil every 5000 miles, and follow the maintenance book, and it will last long. Oh, and don't play the radio or CD player while in an automated car wash; for some reason, the antenna may still rise when playing a CD...food for thought!

 

My 2000 Rx300
November 2005. Purchased used in from Lexus of Wayzata with 103K as is no warranty. Came with all service records. Oil changed regularly. All required service done.
December 2006. Tranny failed at 120K. Replaced with certified rebuilt tranny directly from Lexus dealership. $4500.
January 2007. Cleaned MAF, installed new TPS. $260.
February 2007. Engine blew up. Rod let loose. Lexus denied oil gel/sludge problem. However, they took it in on trade at almost full trade-in value on the purchase of a CPO 2004 ES330.

I am happy with how Lexus handled the trade, just not happy with the reliability of the RX300, or the denial of sludge.
Wife is now driving the ES330, with the extended Lexus warranty (5 yrs/125K miles). You cannot beat that warranty. Only exclusions are belts, hoses, and a few other minor things. All major mechanicals are covered under this warranty. (cost of the extended wty was $2300 and it comes with free roadside assistance...well worth it because we have 2 little kids and I want peace of mind).
Matt

 

If you really think about it isn't the concept of the extended warranty something one would purchase for a vehicle with questionable reliability, ie: Chysler, Ford, etc...

It never stops amazing me how Lexus works so hard to build a name for themselves as one of the most reliable luxury car manufactures, yet still makes a profit in selling extended warranties.

I purchased a BMW with 108,000km without an extended warranty and it's been trouble free since (no need to knock on wood )and a Lexus Rx300 with 78,000 km with the extended warr and tranny rebuild already out of pocket and cracked manifold and tailgate struts that fail early in lifespan, etc... All of which were NOT covered under warranty.

Extended warranties are great for those selling them (they consider the sale pure profit) ie: interest on premium in the bank pays for the few losses they get...

The reality is that the vehicles are made to last (the life of the warranty), thats what you call ENGINEERING.

However, that said, for those that sleep easier at night with an extended warranty under their pillow, all the power to them!

 

what the hell r u guys doing to your cars. I drive my RX300 like i stole it. but if i hear a squeak it goes to dealer. i have it being serviced now. But i think a lot people that have issues b/c of lack maintenance and poor driving habbits. Its a lexus. IT doesnt mean its TOUGH. It means its luxurious. Just like a yatch u have to maintain it and treat it well. I dont understand how oil could gel if you change your oil every 3K.