Thinking about buying an RX300...Advice?
Thinking about buying an RX300...Advice?
So basically my wife likes the SUV, but I honestly don't know much about it. In other words, what are the common trouble spots and at what mileage. I don't want to buy a lemon, so if you have any good input on what to look for when buying the RX, please post your comments. I'm looking to buy a 2000 or 2001. Thanks!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
You might have already seen a few things through a search.
However, the two biggest things to check out are the transmission fluid changes and the oil changes. Tranny fluid changes should be at least one drain and fill at a maximum of 15K miles. Oil changes should be at the most 7k miles between changes (using synthetic), but I recommend 5k, also depends on type of synthetic used.
As for mileage, I think that the 90k mark is something to look at. That is probably the most major service the RX300 will see as it involves changing out the timing belt (water pump is also a possibility and it is a plus if this has also been done), and if spark plugs weren't changed out at 60K, they probably should have been changed out at 90K. In addition, the accessory belts should have also been changed out at this time.
I would carefully check out the maintenance records through Lexus if possible.
As far as year, I would probably go with the 2001 over the 2000. You had a among other things a wood interior and also the possibility of a navigation system.
However, the two biggest things to check out are the transmission fluid changes and the oil changes. Tranny fluid changes should be at least one drain and fill at a maximum of 15K miles. Oil changes should be at the most 7k miles between changes (using synthetic), but I recommend 5k, also depends on type of synthetic used.
As for mileage, I think that the 90k mark is something to look at. That is probably the most major service the RX300 will see as it involves changing out the timing belt (water pump is also a possibility and it is a plus if this has also been done), and if spark plugs weren't changed out at 60K, they probably should have been changed out at 90K. In addition, the accessory belts should have also been changed out at this time.
I would carefully check out the maintenance records through Lexus if possible.
As far as year, I would probably go with the 2001 over the 2000. You had a among other things a wood interior and also the possibility of a navigation system.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: WI
I just recently passed 250,000 miles on my 2000 RX300. It's the best vehicle I have ever owned. Very little in repair costs. I still have the original struts, tranmission, etc. The engine was replaced at 110,000 miles due to the sludge problems identified with these engines (car was still running well). I typically get 21-22 mpg in warmer months and drop to 20mpg typical and at worse 19mpg in the dead of winter.
I am shooting for 300,000 miles.
I am shooting for 300,000 miles.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
I just recently passed 250,000 miles on my 2000 RX300. It's the best vehicle I have ever owned. Very little in repair costs. I still have the original struts, tranmission, etc. The engine was replaced at 110,000 miles due to the sludge problems identified with these engines (car was still running well). I typically get 21-22 mpg in warmer months and drop to 20mpg typical and at worse 19mpg in the dead of winter.
I am shooting for 300,000 miles.
I am shooting for 300,000 miles.
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Barryst
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
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May 17, 2005 04:19 PM
