I am thinking of purchasing a used Rx300 AWD. My heart says a 2001, my wallet says 2000. Is the additional changes made in 2001 worth the cost (about $2,500) of a 2001. Is the reliability any different between years? I would apreciate owners opinions. Thanks.

Dave

 

I know 2001+ have VDC and clear lens.

If I were you, I will buy 2001 just because of VDC.

Sam

 

I just bought my 2000 RX300 and went through the same twisting debate 2000 or 2001, 2001 or 2000! I ended up with the 2000 because there isn't enough of a difference for the money in my mind. If I want the 2001 tail lights then I can buy them and still have lots of money left over. Now, if it's the Nav option that is important to you, then it's 2001.

Good luck.

JP

 

It cost me about 7k to trade in my 2000 for a new 2001. The main reasons I did it were the addition of vehicle skid control, HID headlights, and the availability of the SilverSport option. Some other additions for 2001 are: larger fuel tank, alloy wheel spare, brake assist, towing prep package became standard, NAV option added, water repellant glass and 2 level heated seats.
If the 2001 does have the SilverSport option that adds better handling suspension, custom 1 tone paint, perforated leather seats, painted cross bars. different grill, SS floormats and badging.

 

From Edmunds

What's New for 2001
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), traction control and BrakeAssist safety technologies are now standard, as is water-repellant front door and sideview mirror glass. Lights front and rear are revised, and the grille has been changed to a simpler design with chrome accents and a larger Lexus badge. HID headlights and chrome-plated wheels are optional for 2001, the full-size spare is newly mounted to a matching alloy wheel and a larger 19.8-gallon fuel tank increases driving range. Inside, new cloth upholstery debuts and an all-black leather option is available. Chrome door handles and scuff plates emblazoned with the Lexus logo class up the joint, while an additional cupholder is available to rear-seat occupants. Optional for 2001 are a wood-trimmed steering wheel and wood trimmed shift ****. Two-level seat heaters are also available. A DVD-based navigation system is optional, with the contiguous U.S. mapped onto a single disc. Child seat-tether anchors and ISO-FIX bars have been added this year. Models with 4WD get prewiring for towing and a standard rear bumper protector. Four new colors round out the list of changes for 2001.

What's New for 2000
The RX 300 remains mechanically unchanged. A Mineral Green Opalescent paint replaces Desert Bronze Metallic on the order sheet.

 

Sorry I means VSC. Toyota/Lexus call it VSC. Nissan/Infiniti call it VDC (or is it BMW?) All vechile control systems work the pretty much the same. I will strongly recommend to buy a car with VDC or VSC or DVC or whatever they called it.