I kind of like that. ^^ Simple but efficient.

 

But, it doesn't let you turn on only the right side seat heater. It's either only driver side, or both.

 

Thats true, But usually its just me or my wife with me. And she never wanted a seat heater on with out me wanting mine on (so far anyway)

 

I actually bought the RX today with the single switch today. 104k on it, very sweet ride. Drives like it's brand new. Everything works. I could actually swap the panel and dual switches in from my old RX w/o too much trouble but why bother?

I do have another question though. Would it be wise to swap to synthetic as opposed to conventional oil? I tried asking the previous owner who was a young oriental girl who was not exactly fluent in English what kind of oil she was using and she appeared to have no idea what I was talking about. A knowledgeable mechanic I know said I should definitely use synthetic 5w 30. Opinions?

 

I personally have had better luck with synthetic oil in the vehicles I've used it in as far as staying clean and not using any oil at all. I have not used it, but the consensus with those that have used it seems to be that Castrol GERMAN full synthetic is not only an excellent oil but does the job of cleaning (over time) the sludge deposits as well as other deposits left by conventional oil. You have to look for the GERMAN (not U.S.) refined version. If the prior owner didn't even seem to understand the question, I also question whether she understood the importance of using the proper oil, timely changes and GOOD filters. Good luck with your purchase. Take your mechanics advice.

 

As stated above, German Castrol 0W-30 is a great oil. I personally prefer Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 as it has a high TBN. I'm currently experimenting with QSUD 0W-20.

 

The switch in post # 15 above is what mine looks like. My RX is a March or April 1998 build date.

 

I had to have my engine rebuilt for my 2001 AWD. The engine had to be removed and sent off to be rebuilt because the AWD long block is different from all others. The engine was rebuilt by Sunwest Automotive Engines in the state of Washington. The engine has a 3 year warranty and my mechanic has bought over 20 engines from them without any problems.

My engine came back Tuesday but it will probably be 10 days before I get the car back. It looks brand-new but I know that doesn't mean anything. I bought the new re-engineered valve covers from parts.com also.

 

Thomas, I am about to embark on this adventure. Please share any info you can regarding best rebuild kit, issues encountered, etc. I have help but neither of us is a certified mechanic so we need all the help we can get. Grateful for any support you can give.
Thanks in advance

2001 RX300 leaking like a sieve from all gaskets and pounding like a drum from the valves.

 

I know this is old, but how did you like the 0W-20? Or should I say, how did the RX like it?

 

I loved it, and I'm sure the RX did too.

It was very quiet as usual, but even more so on cold starts in the winter. I had no oil consumption in the 5k miles I ran it.

I'm currently running Valvoline Synpower 0W-20 in my ES300. Will be switching my RX300 back to 0W-20 (likely QSUD or PP) in about 2 weeks when I change my oil.

I like to use 0W-20 during the winter, and will switch back to 5W-30 come March.