Hello everyone,

Just got a '99 RX 300 for $16300.00. It has 85K miles, and I need some help. For starters there is a small oil leak, probably the rear main seal? The reason I say this is I had the same issue with my LS400. Also, the front struts are squeaky in cold weather. I don't think the ride is bad at all, but is this indicative of worn out struts? What other problems should I be looking for in this vehicle? Lexus of Omaha has a very similar RX for 23900, which I think is high, but I feel I got a decent deal. Any ideas on how much to fix the oil leak, or are there other oil leaks that are known issues with the RX? I haven't noticed any other issues with this car, in fact I am pleased with it. We commute 65 miles a day each way and needed a dependable AWD vehicle, I hope it won't nickel and dime me to death as labor at the dealership is expensive. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you..

 

There is a TSB for the Automatic Transmission Fluid Leak that has been documented by Lexus.

Also try the thread on 99 Problems that has some good info on a rear main seal quote.

 

I have a 99 RX AWD with 56K. Just had a pre-emptive 60K, including fixing the front struts. I still hear squeaking on my side, and yes it is winter. However, I had not hear this in the summer months with the presumably bad strut. One of the things you may want to check is the lower rubber support on the struts. It is at the end of the spring, and very visible. Sometimes it has eroded or overlapped and you get a loud squeak. Personally, it is not something I worry about.

If your struts are indeed bad, you will hear a clanging sound coming from the upper wheel well whenever you go over a speedbump or uneven pavement at 20-30 mph. The squeakiness is nothing to worry about, unless it is very, very loud.

Labor usually accounts for more than half of the service cost.

 

I recently had work done on my '99 RX and had both the rear main seal and the front cam seals worked on for oil leakage. This was covered under warranty but also probably due to the TSB.

The struts are also a TSB issue and the dealership should take care of it under warranty.

Other issues I've ran across during my ownership is the "D" drive light in the display go out.

Can't think of any other right off, but if I do, I'll post 'em. Enjoy your ride!

 

Thanks for the replies. I have also had the "D" light go out on the dashboard display. I am concerned about not being the original owner and having warranty work done, is this something they are supposed to fix? I hate to take it to a non-dealer, but I can't afford 850.00 for a seal...

 

Jebeda, These suv's are great cars, just don't keep them over 50K as they will nickle dime you to death. My 99 has never had any problems of any kind, as I reached 45K the Da&$ thing started to rattle all over, clunks in the front end and rear, like all of a sudden all He&% broke loose. I now have 53K on it and my new GX470 will be here next week, thank the good Lord. After driving the new GX this RX is like Ford Escourt lol. I have owned many Lexus cars and never had this problem with any of them. Good luck!!