DaveJ

We have a year 2000 RX300 that's been great. It has about 82K miles so it's soon due significant preventative maintenance, which my independent shop estimates at about $1000.

Rather than put the money in this RX, I'm thinking about replacing it with a new '05 RX330. What are people experiencing with high mileage RX300s? Are you having many maintenance issues at 100K+ miles?

Thanks.

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

i've owned my RX300 since 70,123 miles (easy to remember) (since oct 2003) and now I have 1106xx miles.

Other than the 90k mile service + normal maintenance like brake pads I had 0, as in nothing, not a single thing, nothing go wrong in the 40k+ miles.

Lexusfreak

It's the same old saying "if you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will take care of you". Mileage on a vehicle means nothing as long as it was looked after & driven normally. I say get the 90k service & keep it if it's been reliable for you.

DaveJ

Thanks. I'm inclined to wait a while before selling our RX300. I'm considering waiing 4-5 months until the '06 RX models are available, then reevaluate. I could probably put off some of my RX300s suggested maintenance until then. However, I'm concerned about putting off replacing the timing belt. If I wait till Oct-Nov and decide to keep the RX300, it will have roughly 92K miles. Anyone gone that long on the original timing belt? If the belt breaks, I believe it could cause significant damage.

Barryst

I have 131,000 miles on my 1999 RX, still with the origional timing belt.
I have changed my spark plugs, air filter, and transmission fluid.
-Also I had to change my starter at 90,000 miles.
It still runs great!
I love my RX!!!
Barryst

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

timing belt is listed as the 90k mile service item while the water pump is not.

I did drive my RX300 to 101k miles on the original timing belt. I have not heard or premature timing belt failure. It is however recommended that you change them at the right interval.

A off timed timing belt can cause poor gas mileage premature wear and more load on the engine.

DaveJ

Funny you should mention the water pump. My mechanic recommends replacing the water pump when I have the timing belt replaced. He said the pump cost only $50-60 and most of the cost to replace the water pump is just getting to it and having to remove the timing belt. And he also said water pumps typically begin to go around 110K miles. So I'm probably going to replace the water pump too.

parula

If I go 90k on the timing belt I'll change the water pump too.

Lexusfreak

You might as well do both at the same time.....it's good preventitive maintenance. And the mechanic only has to take things apart once.

miltonlin

Davej,

Its tricky to know when to get new ride.
I personally would not be compelled to upgrade simply to avoid the 90K service costs.
But if you tell me that you gotta have what the RX330 has over your RX300 - such as the extra horsepower, 5 speed transmission, adaptive headlights, backup camera, auto hatch door, larger wheels and tires, more interior room, etc. and a new warranty, that might be a good reason.

The 2000 RX300 is a good vehicle and a well maintened and cared for RX300 is what makes it even better . Some items to pay particular attention to are the engine (prone to sludging?, rear seal leak, O2 sesors), the exhaust (flexible accordian thingie), and transmission (manual says don't have to change unless heavy duty use - yeah right!). Needless to say if a major system goes out, it will hurt your wallet more than a grand, and you will really wish you had sold it. Keep up with the maintenance and with some luck, you will end up better off.

I see specials for timing belt for less than $200 all the time (local shop).
Good luck.