Hey guys,

What are the common problems with this car I should look at when purchasing? thanks alot.

Bryan

 

Notice no responses to your post.

Hope that answers your question.

 

Early production models had some issues, which have were addressed by Lexus.
Head light dont come on at the right time when set at Auto.
Seat belt retraction.
Squealing brakes.
Hatch lock getting stuck.

Then we have couple of issues which have nagged some owners
Small gas tank
Wind noise from luggage-rack/deflector/side-view-mirrors
Engine sludge issue.
AWD design has a weakness .... when both wheels on one side loose traction, you go nowhere.

Over all, the best Lux SUV (imho) in '99.
Salim

 

Thank you guys for taking the time to write.

Bryan

 

LexusAristo, I had a '99. See my posts for details of most issues, others were mentioned by Salimshah. You might want to check TSBs at ALLDATA. Suggest buying from a dealer to get a warranty and ability to fix a lot of the issues on the first-year model.

Good luck, overall a very nice car - our '03 is a lot cleaner and has all the fixes.

 

(Wind noise from luggage-rack/deflector/side-view-mirrors
Engine sludge issue.)




When buying a 99 rx300, don't get one with the 99 spoiler. get a 00 spoiler which is like a sun visor spoiler. That doesn't make any wind noise. Also get the 00 roof rack because they lowered the height and that removed the wind noise also. Engine sludge, just change your oil regularly.

 

I have the 99 spoiler and actually heard more wind noise in a '03 loaner with the newer style than my own. Cannot figure what you are talking about.

 

LexM, nice to hear someone confirm my basic issue with noise on the '99 vs '03! I did not have the '99 spoiler but there sure seemed in my opinion to be more wind noise in the '03 than the '99. JMO from driving a '99 then '03 home from dealer we noticed it immediately.

IMO there was a lot more noise from the front windshield and maybe overhead on the'03. I am wondering if Lexus used thinner or different glass for the windshield on the '03?? As soon as we got the '03 up to speed we both looked at each other and said where did all that new noise come from, both on the windshield and overhead, arghh. Next time you get an '03, see if there is a lot of front windshield noise starting around 40 mph, on mine that is where/when the wind sound is.