I purchase a 2000 Lexus Rx 300 for what I considered a good price. Long story short. After a couple of days driving a get a CEL. Code 0420 take it to a local mechanic he tells me that bank1 is bad and based on what he sees one (at the Y pipe) catalytic convert is bad. So he calls Toyota and preceeds to tell me that it will be $1100 to fix. My thoughts are I can buy a whole exhaust system cheaper, however when I google Lexus Rx exhaust system I am having trouble finding what I think I am looking for. I need some advice. Sorry so long and thanks in advance.

Brandon

 

You can purchase an aftermarket catalytic converter for much less.

As far as a whole system, I have never seen a bolt-on exhaust kit for the RX300. Most of us just purchase parts individually, and have them installed at a muffler shop.

 

Thanks, so what or who should I buy from?

 

It seems most people on the forum purchase magnaflow products. You can replace the cat, resonator, and muffler for less than $1100.

Do an advanced search in the RX300 first gen forum for the word "magnaflow"

 

Here's a bunch on ebay...

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=rx3...1&_from=&_ipg=

 

I also did a search and found a cat-back exhaust system by Blitz

Link

 

There are 4 cats in total.

2 up steam (near the engine outlet) called as WU 3 way cat.
2 down stream (near the Y).

Salim

 

First, clear the code and see if it comes back. Second, it could be lots of things other than a bad cat. Could be a bad sensor, crack or pin hole in the exhaust or even a tank of crappy gas. I would not cut a big check for anything just yet.

 

Actually there are only 3 cats. Two are the Warm Up cats like Salimshah stated, and the other is a regular cat located after the 'Y' pipe, just before the resonator.

DIAGRAM of 2000 RX300

 

I stand corrected.

Thanks ... one after the y.

Salim

 

I want to replace the cat after the Y and before the resonator. What is it called and what is the part number. I have studied the part number in the previous posted diagram, and looked at the Ebay link. I just can't seem to find what I am looking for. Again thanks for the help.

Brandon

 

How about Walker 93237 for about $118.00

Brandon

 

Here is an updated for you guys. One or both of the WU Cats basically disingrated and clogged the Cat located at the resonator. All three have been replaced and the PO0420 or PO0430 code (can't remember) is clear. However I still have the PO0171. I have cleaned the MAF sensor so I will see if it comes in again.

Brandon

 

I have the same problem - I have a '2000 RX300 with about 139K miles on it; changed the oxygen sensors on it a few months back; and the check engine light came on again a few weeks back. Thought it could be bad fuel etc. - so went thru a couple of tanks of super gas; but light is still there. So took it today to the mechanic - he got the same code 0420, and said I need to replace 2 converters - one of the left and rear. He gave me a total price of $760 ($680 for parts and $ 80 for labor); I too went online and found several listings for $150 to $250 for each of them. Of course, when I told him this, he said those parts online are junk etc. -and refused to use them and just charge for labor (this is to be expected - he makes money on the parts I am sure). Buying parts online and getting a local shop to put them in seems to be able to save you at least a few hundred dollars. Is this a good idea - has anyone had any luck purchasing these parts online and finding a local shop to put them in?

Thanks
Ron

 

I had mine put on at a local muffler shop but it appears I paid a little more in labor. The parts I purchased were from Advance Auto made by Walker (direct fit). Not exactly sure how long they will last. I replaced all three for about $900 total, and I think $120 of that was labor. So if figure I can go another 10-11 years and 120,000 to 140,000 miles. Probably won't still be driving the vehicle by then. Still seems kinda pricey though. That's like $90/ a year. I had mine put on at a local muffler shop but it appears I paid a little more in labor.

Brandon