I want to buy a RX 300...any red flags i should know about?
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With me, I thought about at one time switching my 99 taillights out to the 01-03 chrome. However, on black, I am not convinced. I was thinking myself perhaps powercoating my rims black and also going to black tailights in the future as a few have then.
The only other things are to see if there is any creaking in the rear struts and also any play in the steering wheel at high speeds (symptom of bad bushings on the front suspension arms). In addition, seeing if there is any vibration when braking above 40 mph (symptom of warped rotors). I am not saying this vehicle is problem prone, it's just that that I went through a lot when I lived in Mexico City and know what can go wrong (it was far worse for expat friends of mine with other vehicles down there).
The only other things are to see if there is any creaking in the rear struts and also any play in the steering wheel at high speeds (symptom of bad bushings on the front suspension arms). In addition, seeing if there is any vibration when braking above 40 mph (symptom of warped rotors). I am not saying this vehicle is problem prone, it's just that that I went through a lot when I lived in Mexico City and know what can go wrong (it was far worse for expat friends of mine with other vehicles down there).
wow i had no idea that the newer tailights were in demand, i guess its the same the second gen GS, i swapped mine out on the GS for a newer pair, i might be open to looking for a newer RX and swapping out the tailights, since you guys said that Lexus improved on some stuff in the 2001 model, thanks.
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Take any likely candidates to a trusted mechanic. Have them put the car on a lifft and examine the catalytic converters, exhaust flex coupling and O2 sensors. Also the shocks and struts.
Around a 8 years or 100,000 miles they will also be recomminding a new timing belt.
The items mentioned can carry fairly hefty charges. if some or all have been recently been done thats to your advantage.
Around a 8 years or 100,000 miles they will also be recomminding a new timing belt.
The items mentioned can carry fairly hefty charges. if some or all have been recently been done thats to your advantage.
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I have a 2002. I like the car, but the turning radius is poor. Also, my tranny blew up. The cup holders are pretty marginal. And there seems to be an issue with the door actuators on these cars; this is an expensive repair ($400 - $500).
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saudiboy, your transmission failed on your 02 Rx300??
People have been debating whether or not lexus fixed the poor transmissions by the 02 model year- your info is very helpful!
People have been debating whether or not lexus fixed the poor transmissions by the 02 model year- your info is very helpful!
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I think 02 was the transitional year,meaning it depends on how late in the year it was built.
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If it were me I'd only buy an 02 or later. For those years at least I wouldn't worry about sludging and maybe(maybe not) whether the transmission was fixed. Other than those things and problems with a few failed coils and failed door actuators, they're fine vehicles.
#27
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Funny thing, the conventional thinking used to be that the trans changed for the 01 year, then a bunch of 01's began to fail and some thought it may have been a mid-year or 02 change. So far very few 02's have been reported as failed but , who knows, maybe they are all the same. Somebody will find out the truth eventually.
If it were me I'd only buy an 02 or later. For those years at least I wouldn't worry about sludging and maybe(maybe not) whether the transmission was fixed. Other than those things and problems with a few failed coils and failed door actuators, they're fine vehicles.
If it were me I'd only buy an 02 or later. For those years at least I wouldn't worry about sludging and maybe(maybe not) whether the transmission was fixed. Other than those things and problems with a few failed coils and failed door actuators, they're fine vehicles.
Other interesting points: Lexus uses the same part # trans for 99-03. Rebuilders ship the same rebuilt trans for 99-03. Rebuild kit part #s are the same for 99-03. Of course this could just indicate that an improvement in 02 was rolled into all the previous years but Lexus usually does a part # change for that. We really won't have anything conculsive until the 02s age for another year. But even then the 01s will only move to a higher failure rate to match the current 00 failure rate and so on.
Last edited by mikey00; 01-10-09 at 06:45 AM.
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lserlohn
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06-26-12 10:23 AM